2 Samuel 24:24
I. Introduction
A. The Setting of This Text
1. David's sin and the prophet's instruction (vs. 11-13)
2. David's offer to buy Araunah's threshingfloor (v. 21)
3. Araunah wants to give David the floor and oxen (verses 22-23)
B. David Insists on Paying (verse 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
II. Body
A. 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 returned?
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
B. 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. World rejected Christ & 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"
C. A Christ-Centered Life Will Cost Financially
1. David bought the threshingfloor and oxen
a. Now he was ready to make his sacrifice
b. His cost was fifty shekels of silver (verse 24)
2. Serving Christ cost 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?
D. 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)
II. Conclusion
A. Are You Offering Christ That Which Costs You Nothing?
B. Consider the Cross
C. Choose the Christ-Centered Life
