IT IS NOT MONEY THAT PAYS, BUT VALUE

Topic: IT IS NOT MONEY THAT PAYS, BUT VALUE

Text: 1 Samuel 16:17-18; Proverbs 22:29 

By Rev Samuel Arimoro 

INTRODUCTION:

In today's world, many equate success with money. However, the Bible teaches that it is not merely money that pays, but value—the skills, integrity, and virtues that a person possesses. The story of David's rise to prominence in Israel is a perfect illustration of how value, rather than money, brings lasting success and honor. In this sermon, we will explore the biblical perspective on the importance of value, using David and other biblical examples to show how our skills, character, and relationship with God bring true prosperity.

1.   DAVID'S SKILL AND THE VALUE OF EXCELLENCE (1 Samuel 16:17-18)

When King Saul was tormented by an evil spirit, he sought someone skilled in playing the harp. One of his servants mentioned David, saying, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him" (1 Samuel 16:18, NIV). David was chosen not because of his wealth but because of his skill, character, and the presence of God in his life.

Key Lesson:

David's skill as a musician, combined with his courage and good reputation, made him valuable in the eyes of Saul and his court. His value opened doors for him to be in the king's palace. Skill and character are essential for creating value. Proverbs 22:29 says, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men."

2.   JOSEPH: THE VALUE OF INTEGRITY AND WISDOM (Genesis 41:38-41)

Joseph, another great figure in the Bible, was elevated in Egypt not because of his wealth but because of his integrity, wisdom, and ability to interpret dreams. Even while in prison, Joseph's value shone through. When Pharaoh had troubling dreams, Joseph's God-given ability to interpret dreams led to his promotion to the second-highest position in Egypt (Genesis 41:38-41).

Key Lesson:

Joseph’s value was his wisdom, leadership, and divine insight, which brought him favor in the eyes of Pharaoh. Joseph's life demonstrates that value, shaped by God-given gifts and virtues, can lead to unimaginable heights, even from the lowest of circumstances.

3.  DANIEL: THE VALUE OF EXCELLENCE AND FAITHFULNESS (Daniel 6:3)

Daniel distinguished himself in Babylon because of his excellent spirit, knowledge, and wisdom. The Bible says, "Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom" (Daniel 6:3, NIV).

Key Lesson 

Daniel’s value was his exceptional qualities, rooted in his faithfulness to God and his commitment to excellence. His dedication to prayer, integrity, and wisdom set him apart from others and brought him before great men.

4.   BEZALEL AND OHOLIAB: THE VALUE OF SKILLFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP (Exodus 31:1-5)

God appointed Bezalel and Oholiab to build the tabernacle because they were filled with "the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills" (Exodus 31:3, NIV). These men were not chosen for their wealth or status but for their skill and God-given talents.

Key Lesson

Their craftsmanship and skill were valuable in fulfilling God’s purpose. This reminds us that our unique skills and talents, when dedicated to God, can bring great blessings and recognition.

5.   The Apostles: The Value of Boldness and Truth (Acts 4:13)

The apostles, though ordinary men, were recognized for their boldness and the power of their testimony. "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13, NIV).

Key Lesson: 

The apostles had no wealth, but they carried the value of boldness, truth, and the transformative power of having been with Jesus. Their value was seen in their ability to change lives through the gospel.

CONCLUSION

In the Kingdom of God, it is not money that determines a person's worth or success, but the value they bring through their skills, integrity, faithfulness, and the presence of God in their lives. David, Joseph, Daniel, Bezalel, Oholiab, and the apostles exemplify that when we cultivate our God-given gifts and live with integrity, we open doors to divine opportunities. Let us focus on building value in our lives through skill, wisdom, character, and a strong relationship with God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to develop the skills and talents You have given me.

2. Father, grant me the grace to walk in integrity and righteousness.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to excel in all that I do.

4. Lord, let my value open doors of opportunity for me.

5. Father, help me to stand out in my generation for Your glory.

6. Lord, give me the wisdom of Joseph to interpret dreams and solve problems.

7. Father, help me to be faithful like Daniel, even in challenging situations.

8. Lord, fill me with Your Spirit like Bezalel to do extraordinary things for Your kingdom.

9. Father, help me to be bold in proclaiming the truth like the apostles.

10. Lord, let Your presence in my life distinguish me and bring me favor.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that my skills and talents will make room for me before great men.

2. I decree that I will be recognized for excellence and integrity in all I do.

3. I prophesy that my value will speak for me where my name is mentioned.

4. I declare that I will rise to positions of influence and authority.

5. I prophesy that I will excel like Daniel and Joseph in every situation.

6. I declare that God's presence will be evident in my life and work.

7. I decree that I will fulfill my divine purpose through my unique gifts.

8. I prophesy that doors of favor and opportunity are opening for me now.

9. I declare that I will not be limited by money, but my value will bring provision.

10. I decree that I am a vessel of honor, set apart for great works in Jesus' name.

May God help us to recognize that true wealth lies in the value we create through our God-given abilities and the character we build through His grace.