THE MARKS OF A CONSECRATED PERSON
TEXT: I Chronicles 28: 3, 9, 10; 29: 1-17 W. Max Alderman
INTRODUCTION: This study will emphasize the importance of having a willing spirit and heart in ones giving. The word “willing” appears over and over again in these chapters as David prepares for the building of the “Lord’s house”. David could not build the temple because he was a man of war, but he did inspire those who could build and provide materials by his good spirit and good example. He gave of his own and challenged those who had a willing spirit to consecrate themselves in making offerings to build the temple. (29:5).
The word consecrate is used here by David and has an interesting meaning: “to be full; to fill the hand; to be satisfied” The idea of this word as it is being used here speaks of quantity. The way that it is used in the New Testament speaks of quality. The word sanctify is the New Testament word for consecrate. Employing the Old Testament and the New Testament word for consecration, it gives the idea that our giving and worship should be both generous and good… our very best.
I. A CONSECRATED PERSON WILL OFFER WILLING TO THE LORD. (Vv. 5,6,9,14,17; 28:9)
When the Lord gave of Himself, He did so “counting it all joy”. This certainly should mark our giving. Every time we do anything for the Lord it should be done willingly.
II. A CONSECRATED PERSON WILL OFFER WITH A PERFECT HEART TO THE LORD. (V. 9)
Giving and worshiping the Lord in sincerity and in Truth is pleasing to the Lord. God hates hypocrisy. Every time that we worship the Lord we should examine our hearts and give with a “perfect” heart.
III. A CONSECRATED PERSON WILL OFFER WITH THANKSGIVING TO THE LORD. (V. 13).
The Christian believer should never find it difficult to be thankful to the Lord… Every good thing that we have comes from the Lord. The mark of a Spirit filled life is “being thankful”. (Ephesians 5: 18-20).
IV. A CONSECRATED PERSON WILL OFFER WITH PRAISE TO THE LORD. (V. 13b.)
It should be very obvious that a Spirit filled believer who is thankful will sing praises unto the Lord. God does not want us to give “madly but gladly”.
V. A CONSECRATED GIVER WILL OFFER KNOWING THAT HE RECEIVES EVERYTHING FROM THE LORD. (V. 14).
We need to remind ourselves that 1. God owns everything. 2. God has endowed you with something. 3. That makes you a steward. 4. You are accountable for your stewardship. These four truths have helped me tremendously to have the proper concept of what our attitude should be towards possessions.
VI. A CONSECRATED PERSON WILL OFFER KNOWING THAT HIS TIME ON THE EARTH IS VERY SHORT. (V. 15).
When we compare our time on earth to our time in eternity, our time here is minuscule… We are here for just a little while to accomplish God’s biddings.
VII. A CONSECRATED PERSON WILL OFFER KNOWING THAT THERE IS ONE WHO KNOWS HIS TRUE MOTIVE FOR GIVING. (V. 17).
God certainly knows the heart. Everything that you do, you should do with unselfish motives. The “love of Christ should constrain you”. What greater motive than doing what you do for Christ’s sake.
Conclusion: This is one of the great chapters in the Bible that deals with the correct manner of worship as it involves giving. May we all be helped as we serve Him who gave us His all!
