The Cost Of A Christ Centered Life

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The Cost of a Christ-Centered Life

2 Samuel 24:24

Introduction

Three lifelong friends all passed away within a short period of time and as they met together in heaven they were walking and marveling at the beauty.

“Can you believe that these streets are actually paved with gold?” one asked.

“And can you believe all the angels singing and the saints gathered around the throne?” another added.

The third replied, “Can you believe that if it wasn’t for all the oatmeal we ate we could have been here ten years sooner?”

What would happen if we could get a glimpse of heaven right now? How would you respond to the very presence of God?

A. The Setting of This Text

1. David’s sin and the prophet’s instruction (vv. 11-13)

2. David’s offer to buy Araunah’s threshing floor (v. 21)

3. Araunah wants to give David the floor and oxen (vv 22-23)

B. David Insists on Paying (v. 24)

1. He refuses to offer God something that costs him nothing

2. There is always a cost in full surrender

C. Consider the Cost of a Christ-Centered Life

I. A Christ-Centered Life Will Cost Your Favorite Sins

1. The sin that so easily besets us (Heb. 12:1)

2. What sins do you knowingly tolerate?

3. What sins keep you in bondage?

a. What grieves your Lord (Eph. 4:30)?

b. Of what would you be ashamed if Jesus re¬turned?

c. What do you keep secret from others?

d. What makes others wonder if you are genuine?

4. Full surrender demands dealing with favorite sins

II. A Christ-Centered Life Will Cost the Favor of the World

1. "Love not the world" (1 John 2:15-16)

2. The world loves darkness (3:19)

a. We are to let our light shine (Matt. 5:16)

b. This will bring rejection by the world

3. The world rejected Christ and His followers (John 15:19-20)

4. J. C. Ryle on the surrendered Christian: "He must be

content to be ill thought of by man if he pleases God"

III. A Christ-Centered Life Will Cost Financially

1. David bought the threshing floor and oxen

a. Now he was ready to make his sacrifice

b. His cost was fifty shekels of silver (v. 24)

2. Serving Christ costs financially

a. How boldly the Bible speaks of money!

b. From the King’s purchase to the widow’s mite

3. We know little of financial sacrifice for Christ

4. What would you give if Christ were really Lord of your life?

IV. A Christ-Centered Life Will Cost First Place in Your Heart

1. The difference between salvation and surrender

a. Salvation is a free gift (Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 6:23)

b. Salvation is by faith alone (John 3:15; Rom. 5:1)

c. Discipleship is costly (Luke 9:23-24; 14:27)

2. Seek first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33)

3. "Not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matt. 26:39)

Conclusion

A. Have You Been Offering Christ That Which Costs You Nothing?

B. Consider the Cross

C. Choose the Christ-Centered Life