The journey Of Worship (Part 2)
Sermon Notes
Welcome + Why We Give
We don’t talk about giving all the time, but this matters—especially at Christmas.
The Christmas offering isn’t “extra church money.” It’s practical help for families throughout the year (rent, food, cars, emergencies).
If this is your church home: give what you can—$10, $100, whatever—so we can serve people when life gets hard.
Anchor Prophecy
Isaiah 9:6–7
Jesus is the promised King: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The wise men weren’t guessing—they were responding to a promise God already spoke.
The Big Christmas Question
Why were the wise men so wise?
They were wise because they:
pursued God’s promise
gave sacrificially
responded with worship
Christmas Isn’t the Point—Jesus Is
It’s easy to get consumed by the season: parties, stress, money pressure, comparison.
The call is to shift from Christmas tradition → to worshiping the One who brought hope.
Your Life Is a Journey of Worship
Even the hard parts are part of the journey—and worship belongs in the middle of it, not just at the end.
The gospel gives hope: the journey won’t always be painful forever (God restores, heals, wipes tears away).
Sacrifice + Worship Are Connected
Matthew 2:11
The wise men bowed and worshiped—and then opened their treasures (gold, frankincense, myrrh).
Real question: does my stuff own me, or do I own it?
Stewardship Framework
Time
Wisdom shows up in how we use time.
We don’t own tomorrow—so we live with urgency and purpose today.
God may interrupt your schedule to bring hope to someone else.
Key Scriptures:
Ephesians 5:15–16 — live wisely, make the most of every opportunity
Psalm 90:12 — number our days, gain a heart of wisdom
James 4:14 — life is a mist
(also referenced: Psalm 119:105, Matthew 6:11, Mark 8:34)
Talent
Everyone has something God gave them to steward.
The danger is burying it because of fear.
When you offer your talent back to God, it becomes worship.
Key Scripture:
Matthew 25:14–30 — parable of the talents (“I was afraid…”)
Treasure
Giving isn’t just generosity—it’s worship and trust.
God owns it all; we steward what He gives.
Your heart and your money are connected.
Key Scriptures:
Proverbs 3:9 — honor the Lord with your wealth, first fruits
Matthew 6:21 — where your treasure is, your heart will be
Psalm 24:1 — the earth is the Lord’s
The Role of the Church
The church is meant to meet needs: widows, orphans, hungry, hurting.
That’s why we receive offerings—so we can be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Thank you for generosity—because it’s making real impact.
The Deeper Call
Romans 12:1
True worship is offering your whole life to God—not just money.
“Jesus, it’s all yours” includes time, talent, treasure, and the stuff you’ve been carrying.
Communion Response
Communion is a weekly reset: set your heart toward Jesus.
Listen for what the Holy Spirit is saying—and then walk it out in obedience.
Worship is daily, moment-by-moment surrender.
Closing Prayer Focus
That God would find us faithful with what we’ve been given.
That we’d become a people who worship through sacrifice—like the wise men.
That the joy of Christ would rule in our homes and lives.