Offering That Which Cost Me Nothing 1 Chronicles 21:24 In our culture, there is a strong prevailing attitude that expects “to get something for nothing”—something valuable for which we’ve spent as little as possible. We’re not talking about looking for a bargain, or being wise and good stewards of our money. Spiritually speaking—expending little effort, putting out nothing, but expecting something of great value. Sadly, this attitude has crept into the Lord’s church with regard to our work and worship in His kingdom. Using as a backdrop, an OT account of King David in 1 Chronicles 21, let us examine ’’OFFERING THAT WHICH COST US NOTHING.”

What Had David Done? David decided to take a census of the people —1 Chronicles 21:1-4 Satan had moved him to do so. Joab tried to discourage the action. Why was it sinful? It must have been David’s attitude. David desired to take a census of the people (Num.21:1-4). Satan had moved him to do so, so his motive had to be evil. His chief of staff, Joab, tried, to no avail, to dissuade him from taking the census. Why was it sinful? Earlier, Moses had taken two censuses (Numbers 1 & 26). So in and of itself, taking a census was not sinful. However, remember that God had instructed Moses to take those censuses. This leads us to feel that David’s attitude and reasoning must have been the problem. Knowing the size of David’s army, David could take pride in its strength (In 1 Chron. 27, David was planning a military campaign.) He had even numbered the Hivities and Canaanites (1 Sam.24:1-9). Could he be considering a draft?

What Was God’s Judgment? God was displeased (1 Chronicles 21:7) He struck Israel David acknowledged his sin —21:8 1 Samuel 24:10 Why was God so angry? What was God’s judgment on the matter? God was displeased with David’s actions (21:7). He was so angry He struck Israel with a plague. David realized he has sinned and confessed (21:8; 1 Sam.24:10). Why was God so angry with David? Could it be that he failed to ask for God’s help? What difference did it make how many people David had with him? David made a mistake Israel often made—forgetting their king and strength was with God!

David’s Punishment God gave three choices of punishment. 3 years of famine in the land. 3 months fleeing from the hands of his enemies. 3 days of pestilence from the Lord. 1 Chronicles 21:12 David’s actions brought God’s punishment. He gave David three choices of punishment: Three years of famine in the land. Three months fleeing from the hands of his enemies. Three days of pestilence from the Lord. (1 Chron.21:12) Sin always has consequences!

David’s Response David did not desire to fall into the hands of his enemies—men not as merciful as God! He chose option 3 (1 Chronicles 21:13-15). 70,000 men died Israel was reduced by a great number! God changed His mind about destroying Jerusalem. David did not desire to fall into the hands of his enemies; he knew God was more merciful than men (1 Chron.21:13,14). God sent the pestilence upon Israel, and 70,000 died. With one swoop of God’s mighty hand, David saw that great number in which he took pride reduced by 70,000. Man at his best is helpless against God’s power! God had intended to destroy Jerusalem, but He looked down and relented saying: ”it is enough.”

David Mourns for His Brethren He sought God’s mercy (1 Chronicles 21:17) Admitted his own guilt Noted the innocence of these “sheep” Failed as their leader Showed great intercessory concern for others David mourned the death of his brethren and asked God to be merciful. He took personal responsibility and pleaded on behalf of the people. He —not them--had failed them (1 Chron.21:17). He showed the same intercessory concerns for other great Bible leaders: Moses (Exo.32:32) Paul (Rom.9:3; 10:1-3).

David’s Altar Instructed by God to build an altar on the threshing floor of Ornan (21:18) Offered burnt and peace offerings (21:26) David bargained with Ornan (21:22) Oman offered to supply the materials (21:23) David refused Ornan’s offer (21:24) As the result of David’s intercession, God commanded him to go to Oman the Jebusite and build an altar on the threshing floor to offer burnt and peace offerings (21:18-26). David made Oman an offer for the site (21:22). Oman offered to give David all the materials at no charge (21:23). David refused the offer. Why? He would not offer to God ”a burnt offering which cost me nothing!” (1 Chron.21:24)

Applications… Theme of our lesson Why not accept Ornan’s offer? Acts 13:22 Following his sin, David needed to be reconciled back to God. He was willing to pay any cost. To be a sacrifice, it MUST cost him something In David’s final response, we see our lesson theme. David would not offer a sacrifice that cost him nothing. Why not accept Oman’s gift? “What a great opportunity. I won’t have spend anything, and it will still be considered a sacrifice!” This is why David was a man “after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). David was seeking reconciliation back to God. His sin nearly destroyed him; he was willing to do whatever was necessary. Understood the principle—to be a sacrifice, it MUST cost him something. Why did David have this attitude? He saw himself as a penitent sinner who was seeking God’s mercy. Rather than going through some formality of remorse and repentance, he chose to give himself (2 Cor.8:5). He offered a true expression of ”godly sorrow” (2 Cor.7:8-11). We need to cultivate this mindset in our lives—to offer living sacrifices (Rom.12:2). Instead of looking for a “blue light special,” or “doing the least we can,” we need to give SACRIFICES THAT COST US SOMETHING!...

Our Giving An obvious area of application Do we want to spread the gospel (Mark 16:15) Do you want benevolence to flourish? (1 Timothy 5:8-16) 2 Corinthians 9:6,7 Do we give God what is left over? How much do we love Him? What about our giving? Do we want the gospel to go into the whole world? Do we want to help support gospel preaching (Mark 16:15). Do we want to help saints who are in need (1 Tim.5:8-16) Do we give out of our blessings, or what we have left after taking what we want? (2 Cor.9:6,7) How much to we love Him and His work? Are you looking to gain heaven at the cheapest cost possible?

Working for the Lord Do we want the church to grow numerically and internally… Are we willing to give time and efforts? James 3:1 Hebrews 5:12-14 Do we look for “loopholes” in our schedules? Am I concerned about my personal sacrifices for the work of this church? Yes, we want the local church to grow numerically and internally—but not at our personal expense or on our time! Am I willing to prepare to teach classes at the church as well as personal studies? (Heb.5:12-14) Do I look for “loopholes” to get out of volunteering for things that need to be done in the kingdom? (1 Sam.3:10) How concerned am I about my personal sacrifices for the work and growth of this body? How about my attendance at the local worship services? Bible study? Gospel Meetings? Am I content to let other do the work and expect to “get something for nothing?”

Studying Our Bibles We want to have more knowledge and understanding…but… 2 Timothy 2:15 1 Peter 3:15 Acts 8:31 Are you looking for a shortcut to “divine wisdom”? Acts 17:11 Protection from drifting into apostasy! We want to have more knowledge and understanding of God’s word…but…”I would give anything to know the bible like brother or sister…” Do want that knowledge without hard work or study (2 Timothy 2:15—1 Pet.3:15; Acts 3:31). Are you looking for a shortcut to a better understanding and knowledge of God’s word? (There isn’t one) To gain knowledge in school without proper study and allowing others to do the studying is called CHEATING! Knowledge protects against drifting into apostasy (Heb.12:1,2). Are you looking for more knowledge without making any personal sacrifice?

Marriage Genesis 2:18-24 Ephesians 5:22-33 1 Peter 3:1-7 Are we looking to have stronger and better marriages without work? Do we think love will grow without working on it? Do we spend time with our mates? What about our marriages? Are we seeking stronger and better marriages? (Gen.2:18-24; Eph.5:22-33; 1 Pet.3:1-7) Do we understand the roles and duties we have in marriage? Do we spend time with our mates? Do we think we can have a good, strong, happy and loving relationship without hard work and effort on our part?

Concluding Thoughts This lesson is about true sacrifice to God. God should receive our—not leftovers. Are you happy giving God what costs you nothing? Do you understand true value. Could we be robbing God? Summary—Conclusion—Invitation…