In what ways can you contribute to God's work, as David encouraged Solomon? A shared starting point—1 Chronicles 29:1 “Then King David said to the whole assembly, ‘My son Solomon—the one whom God has chosen—is young and inexperienced. The task is great, because this palace will not be for man but for the LORD God.’” David’s words set the tone. God’s work is bigger than any one person, yet everyone can take part. How? Recognize the greatness of God’s assignment • Remember whose project it is: “the palace will not be for man but for the LORD God.” • Let that truth shape priorities, schedules, and wallets. (cf. Colossians 3:23–24) Prepare personal resources for God’s use • David gathered gold, silver, iron, and stone before Solomon ever lifted a hammer (1 Chronicles 29:2–3). • Today: – Budget generously for kingdom work. – Lay aside tools, spaces, and tech that ministries can borrow. – Plan your estate so the gospel keeps spreading after you’re gone. (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7–8) Offer skilled service, not just stuff • Temple artisans gave talent as well as treasure (1 Chronicles 28:21). • God still “fills” His people “with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship” (Exodus 35:31). • List your abilities—teaching, coding, cooking, counseling, plumbing—and put them on call for church and community. (cf. 1 Peter 4:10–11) Encourage and equip the next generation • David publicly affirmed Solomon, then handed him clear plans (1 Chronicles 28:9–20). • Mentor teens, young adults, new believers: – Model faithfulness. – Invite them to serve beside you. – Speak courage into their calling. (cf. 2 Timothy 2:2) Give with wholehearted devotion • David exclaimed, “I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness” (1 Chronicles 29:17). • God weighs motives, not dollar amounts. Cheerful, willing giving delights Him. (cf. Romans 12:1) Stand together in worship and unity • The whole assembly “blessed the LORD” and “bowed low” (1 Chronicles 29:20). • Corporate praise fuels corporate mission. Make gathered worship non-negotiable; it re-centers everyone on God’s vision. (cf. Hebrews 10:24–25) Stay focused on eternal outcomes • “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Results may be unseen now, but nothing done for Christ is wasted. Living it out today Identify one resource, one skill, and one younger believer you can invest in this week. Place them at Christ’s disposal, confident that, just as in David’s day, God supplies everything needed when His people step forward together. |
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