How can we apply David's example of sacrifice in our daily worship? Setting the Scene “Then David built an altar to the LORD there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. He called on the LORD, and He answered him with fire from heaven on the altar of burnt offering.” (1 Chronicles 21:26) Key Observations from David’s Sacrifice • Immediate obedience—David acted as soon as God directed (21:18–19). • Personal cost—he refused a free threshing floor, insisting, “I will not take for the LORD what belongs to you, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (v. 24). • God-centered focus—burnt and peace offerings pointed entirely to the LORD’s worth, not David’s convenience. • Divine response—fire from heaven affirmed God’s pleasure with wholehearted sacrifice. Principles for Our Worship Today • Worship involves action, not sentiment alone (James 1:22). • Sacrifice remains central—“present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). • True sacrifice costs us something: time, resources, pride, comfort (2 Samuel 24:24 parallel). • God responds to sincere, costly worship with manifest presence and blessing (John 14:21). Practical Ways to Live Out Sacrificial Worship Daily schedule – Give God the first portion of the day for Scripture and prayer, even if sleep or other tasks must be surrendered. Finances – Set aside the tithe and freewill offerings before any other expense (Proverbs 3:9). – Give generously to those in need; “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Relationships – Offer forgiveness and patience, letting go of rights for Christ’s sake (Ephesians 4:32). Talents and service – Use skills in the local church without seeking recognition (1 Peter 4:10–11). Praise and testimony – “Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15), even when circumstances are hard. Repentance – Bring brokenness, not excuses: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit” (Psalm 51:17). Encouragement from Scripture • God notes every labor of love (Hebrews 6:10). • He supplies what He asks: “My God will supply every need” (Philippians 4:19). • Sacrificial worship bears fruit that lasts (John 15:8). |
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