Big Idea: Worship without cost is not worthy of the God who gave everything for us.
I. Worship Costs Something – It’s Never Cheap
Text: 2 Samuel 24:24
David insists on paying full price for the land to build an altar.
Principle: Worship that doesn’t cost anything is ultimately self-serving.
Application: We must challenge the tendency to offer God what is convenient rather than costly.
Key Truth: Cheap worship leads to shallow faith.
II. Worship Costs Us in Everyday Life
Text: Romans 12:1 – “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice...” Practical Areas Where Worship Costs Us:
- Time – Prioritizing time in God’s presence, prayer, and His Word.
- Comfort – Serving others even when it's inconvenient or sacrificial.
- Reputation – Standing for Christ in a world that often misunderstands devotion.
- Obedience – Following God even when it means denying ourselves.
Challenge Question: What is your worship costing you daily?
III. Worship Costs Us Financially – Honoring God with Our Resources Text: Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits...”
Optional Text: Malachi 1:6–10 – God rebukes half-hearted giving.
Text: Luke 7:36–50 – The sinful woman pours out her alabaster jar at Jesus’ feet.
The woman’s gift was:
- Valuable (likely worth a year’s wages)
- Poured out without reserve
- Criticized by others
- Honored by Jesus
Key Point: True financial worship is intentional, sacrificial, and joyful.
Quote: “You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving.”
IV. Worship That Costs Leads to Deeper Relationship
David’s sacrifice averted judgment and led to blessing.
The woman’s sacrifice was met with Jesus’ affirmation: “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Application: When we give God our best, we open the door to deeper intimacy with Him. Costly worship brings transformation—in us and through us.
Giving Declaration:
“Today, I give not out of pressure, but out of worship. I honor the Lord with my best, not my leftovers. I give with faith, with joy, and with purpose— because He is worthy of my sacrifice. My giving is worship. My obedience is worship. I give to love, to serve, and to build the Kingdom of God.”
Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, You gave Your best when You gave me Jesus. Help me give You my best—not what’s easy, but what’s worthy. May my life, my time, and my finances reflect my love for You. Receive my worship, my obedience, and my gifts today. Use them for Your glory and to bring others to life in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
