Give Credit Where Credit Is Due

Title- Give Credit Where Credit Is Due

Passage- 1 Chronicles 29:10-20

Attention-

An amateur photographer was invited to dinner with friends and took along a few pictures to show the hostess. She looked at the photos and commented "These are very good! You must have a good camera."

He didn't make any comment, but, as he was leaving to go home he said,

"That was a really delicious meal! You must have some very good pots."

What is the main driving point (CPS)?

Friends, It is all too easy for thanksgiving to be a moment of self congratulation.

The moment we mistakenly believe that it is because of our own resourcefulness, hard work, or good fortune that we have what we do, we misunderstand ourselves, and our place in eternity.

Introduction

David has planned to build the Temple

Nathan goes back to David after hearing from God to tell David that God said no

David accepts the answer and begins to acquire the materials for Solomon to be able to build the Temple

David could have been upset

David could have done it anyway

David could have taken credit for the idea

But David humbles himself and gives credit where credit is due

Friends, It is all too easy for thanksgiving to be a moment of self congratulation.

The moment we mistakenly believe that it is because of our own resourcefulness, hard work, or good fortune that we have what we do, we misunderstand ourselves, and our place in eternity.

Transition

Transition

David begins by....

I. Proclaiming his thanksgiving (10-12)

Explain

David praised and adored God

Not just to God but before the people

It is one thing to thank God but it is just as important to give praise to God before others for what He has done

Bridge to today

Just like on November 3rd, when we gather for the church’s 25th anniversary

We weekly thank God for His love and provision

This will be a special time set aside for us to praise God in a public setting

In a different setting than we do on a weekly basis

Relevance

It is easy in the Christian context to give the praise to the Lord

It is when you are outside of these walls or outside your home that it becomes a challenge

David didn’t care that he didn’t get to be the one to build the Temple

That he would do much of the preparation and get none of the credit or glory

Because as he will petition the Lord later he didn’t want Solomon or the Israelites to seek out the glory for this either

He knew this was all because of the Lord therefore the Lord deserved all the glory

Why does this matter?

Transition

David continues by....

II. Praised God in in thanksgiving(13-17)

Explain

Somewhat similar to the first verse we looked at David praised God but although he was in front of a group of people He was still addressing God

He doesn’t tell the crowd, “Our God has done such and such”

tell the crowd, “Our God has done such and such”

Or, “Look how God has supplied this and that”

This praise and thanksgiving was done before the people but was addressed to the Lord

Bridge to today

So what is the difference between saying “Our God has done such and such”

Or, “Look how God has supplied this and that”

and “God thank you so much for doing such and such”

or “God we want to praise you for doing this or that?

Is there really a difference?

There is an immeasurable difference

The focus of the first, “Our God” or the second “Look how God has”

These have a focus that is more on us

The focus needs to be completely on the Lord

We are mere instruments in His hands

We are nothing we can add to any situation or problem to improve or enhance it

God is the source of all wisdom, power, and authority

It is He who gets the glory

Relevance

Why does this matter?

Transition

David concludes by...

III. Petitioning God(18-19)

Explain

As a result of his thanksgiving David petitioned God

After praising God and thanking God David ends with a petition

It was not what we would expect at a moment where David is telling the people that a Temple will be built but they have to wait for Solomon

You would expect to hear that the construction would go well

That God would supply the needs

That the workers would be safe

But this isn’t even close to what David prays

He gives three requests for Solomon and the people

1- verse 18 he prays that they would keep on the path of integrity

1 Chronicles 29:18 KJV 1900

O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee:

1 Chronicles 29:

2- verse 19 he prays that Solomon and the next generation would not only continue in righteousness but also that they would continue the work

3- David invited all of Israel to join him in blessing God

It is one thing to lead by example…and to declare the truth

There are times to ask people to put feet to their faith

David praised God and thanked God but also challenged those around him to do so as well

We can give testimonies and live out our faith but there comes a moment when we need to step out and challenge others in their faith

Do they have faith

Are they thankful

Are they God focused

Sometimes all that person needs is a caring friend to challenge them

Maybe they don’t even realize it…they need someone to point out a blind spot in their life

Bridge to today

Relevance

We are here to do more than praise God and give Him thanks…we are to challenge others to as well

Why does this matter?

Conclusion

Review of the Principles and the Sermon Proposition

In Davids worship to the Lord he showed the need to publicly praise God

And you are all here htis morning…but what about outside of this public worship?

What about at work

Or family get togethers

Or in your neighborhoods

Do you publicly praise God there

Do we give thanks to the Lord for all He is and does for us?

Again, does this happen outside this service?

What about at work

Or family get togethers

Or in your neighborhoods

Do you publicly thank God there

Do you challenge others in their faith, their worship, and their thanksgiving

Whether it is someone who is unsaved

Or if they are a Christian that needs encouragement

Are you that person?

Challenge to act now (your part)…immanence

These are areas for all of us to be fulfilling

Areas we all need to be developing for the glory of God

Visualize Audience Implementation

Don’t take credit for all God has done in your life

Final Statement

Give credit where credit is due

Would you bow your heads and close your eyes with me?

Closing Hymn

230 Glory to His Name