Developing A Generous Spirit

DEVELOPING A GENEROUS SPIRIT: SOMETHING FOR NOTHING

2 SAMUEL 24: 11-25

SEPTEMBER 21, 2003

INTRODUCTION: Graduation Service of companies L and N of the United States Marines and PFC Timothy Lee Shires. 12 week, 3 months of intense training for one goal, to earn the title MARINE! One who will stand between harms way and for our freedom to ensure our safety!

Boarding the SS Dorchester on a dreary winter day in 1943 were 903 troops and four chaplains, including Moody alumnus Lt. George Fox. World War II was in full swing, and the ship was headed across the icy North Atlantic where German U-boats lurked. At 12:00 on the morning of February 3, a German torpedo ripped into the ship. "She’s going down!" the men cried, scrambling for lifeboats.

A young GI crept up to one of the chaplains. "I’ve lost my life jacket," he said. "Take this," the chaplain said, handing the soldier his jacket. Before the ship sank, each chaplain gave his life jacket to another man. The heroic chaplains then linked arms and lifted their voices in prayer as the Dorchester went down. Lt. Fox and his fellow pastors were awarded posthumously the Distinguished Service Cross.

Today in the Word, April 1, 1992.

Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty.

At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Cornwallis had taken over Thomas Nelson’s home for his headquarters. Nelson quietly ordered General George Washington to open fire on the Nelson home. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt. John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed. For over a year, he lived in forest and caves, returning home only to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion.

Kenneth L. Dodge, Resource, Sept./ Oct., 1992, p. 5.

TRANSITION THOUGHT: Our text for today speaks of the right mindset concerning our affection for our Lord. Our text is a story of repentance and the power of a right heart before the Lord. Nothing worth having comes without cost. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Our salvation did not come without price; it cost Jesus His life and that upon the cruel cross of Calvary. As we begin a month long journey looking at A GENEROUS HEART, I want us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for our Lord. What is the cost of discipleship and how are you willing to live to honor God our Father?

THESIS SENTENCE: A SACRIFICE PLEASING TO THE LORD IS ONE THAT COST US SOMETHING!

I. FOR DAVID SACRIFICE IS AN ALTAR BUILT

A. AN ALTAR IS A PLACE OF OBEDIENCE

1. Our text begins with the punishment of David!

2. David responds to the Prophet Gad, not Mimi Gadd, but to the prophet by setting in motion what must take place to end the Plague brought about by his sin. 3. This act of obedience is truly an example of repentance!

4. David is no longer turning from God but to God.

B. AN ALTAR IS A PLACE OF SACRIFICE

1. 70, 000 people are dead, but God stays his hand.

2. When the Lord saw the angel coming against Jerusalem, He had seen enough. David too had seen the Angel striking down the people and cried out to God. In response to David’s prayer, God spoke to the Prophet Gad and once again sent instructions through him.

3. The instructions were to build an altar.

4. The altar in the Old Testament had one use, do you know what that use was? 5. Something had to be placed on the Altar of Sacrifice. Something had to be offered up on the altar and it would be a sacrifice!

C. AN ALTAR IS A PLACE OF WORSHIP

1. The whole goal of offering sacrifices on the altar was to worship God. 2. God was stopping the plague prematurely and was worthy of being worshiped! 3. God was showing Grace and no longer justice! He was staying HIS hand when He could have destroyed the kingdom of David and of Israel!

4. Our God insists on being worshiped.

ILLUSTRATION: LUKE 14:28: “Suppose one of you wants so build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” This is the cost of discipleship Jesus is referring to. If one is a disciple, he must be ready to build an altar!