Skin in the Game | Marcus Mecum | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Skin in the Game

7 Hills Church • May 18, 2025 • 99 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Pastor Marcus Mecum unpacks Old Testament priesthood laws in Leviticus to reveal how God puts 'skin in the game' for our redemption. While believers often find themselves chasing earthly expectations like racing dogs chasing a mechanical rabbit, God calls us back to the reality that He Himself is our ultimate portion and reward. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary, God provided the ultimate spiritual skin graft, covering our flaws and inviting us to live clothed in His presence.

Themes

The Sacrifice of Jesus ChristGod as Our Ultimate RewardPriesthood of the BelieverPurifying Our MotivesSpiritual Inheritance

Key Points

1.
Under Old Testament law in Leviticus 7, while shared portions of sacrifices were divided equally among priests, the skin of a burnt offering belonged exclusively to the priest who offered it.
2.
In the New Covenant, every believer is part of a priesthood unto God, making these ancient sanctuary practices deeply relevant for Christians today.
3.
Chasing external status, positions, or temporal outcomes is like racing dogs chasing a mechanical rabbit—it leads to spiritual exhaustion and deep disillusionment.
4.
Humanity is imperfect and blemished by sin, rendering us incapable of presenting a acceptable, flaw-free life to a holy God on our own merit.
5.
Calvary served as heaven's spiritual skin graft, where Jesus Christ's perfect, sinless life covers our spiritual wounds and restores us completely.
6.
God declared to Abraham and the tribe of Levi that He Himself was their inheritance and exceedingly great reward, teaching believers that knowing God is greater than any earthly gain.
7.
Living a life clothed in the presence and Spirit of Christ leaves a lasting legacy that blesses our children, homes, and friendships.

Sermon Moments

“The cross is heaven's skin graft where God took the perfect, sinless life of Christ to cover our burned and wounded areas.”

“Chasing earthly outcomes instead of God is like greyhounds chasing a mechanical rabbit they can never catch.”

“God told Abraham and the levitical priests, 'I am your exceedingly great reward.' If all you get is Him, He is more than enough.”

“We can try to put on a mask on Sundays, but God requires perfection—and Christ provides that covering for us.”

“When you wear Christ's presence at home, you pass down a living spiritual inheritance to your children and future generations.”

“God may not always give us what we think we want, but He does far more than we ever imagined because He Himself is the reward.”

“You wear who you run with; surround yourself with friends who run after God's presence and point you back to Him.”

This Week

Evaluate your personal motivations for serving God, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal and purify any heart motives that seek temporal rewards over God Himself.

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ daily by resting in His righteousness and spiritual "skin graft" of grace rather than trying to hide or paint over your imperfections.

Let go of past disillusionments and unmet expectations by surrendering your "mechanical rabbits" and refocusing on God as your ultimate prize.

Cultivate a worshipful atmosphere in your home so that your children and family experience the genuine, tangible presence of God in daily life.

Surround yourself with friends who love God's Word, seek His presence, and encourage you to stay focused on Christ when you get distracted.

Reframe past heartbreaks and difficult seasons with confidence, trusting that God wastes nothing and works all things together for your good.

Spend intentional time resting in God's presence this week to rediscover the simplicity and fulfillment of knowing Him as your exceeding great reward.

Remember This

God Himself is our exceedingly great reward, and through Christ's sacrifice on Calvary, we are covered in His righteousness and restored to live in His presence.

A Challenge for You

Surrender your life fully to Jesus Christ today, stop chasing temporary external outcomes, and declare that God Himself is your portion and exceedingly great reward.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.