This Cost Me Everything | Stephen Chandler | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

This Cost Me Everything

Stephen Chandler

Union Church • May 26, 2025 • 45 min

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

Summary

In this message, Pastor Stephen Chandler challenges believers to examine what they are actively constructing in their personal character, relationships, and devotion to God. Drawing from Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 3 and Solomon's humble dedication of the temple on a bronze platform, he reminds us that everything we build will eventually be tested by fire. True spiritual success is not about maintaining an impressive outward facade, but building internal integrity, living with everyday excellence, and using our lives as a platform to give God all the glory.

Themes

Intentional BuildingRefining FireKingdom PurposeIntegrity and ExcellenceGenuine WorshipRelational Discernment

Pastor's Points

1.

What have I built for myself?

2.

Who did I build with?

3.

What have I built for God?

Key Points

1.
Believers must take careful heed to how they build their lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ, knowing that shortcut construction will be tested by fire.
2.
A life focused solely on outward facade without internal spiritual substance is like a beautiful skyscraper lacking plumbing and power that ultimately must be torn down.
3.
Christians should stop surrounding themselves only with people who share a common past or shared trauma, and intentionally build relationships with those who share a common future.
4.
God does not deliver or rescue believers merely for personal comfort, but so they can press forward to fulfill the specific kingdom purpose for which Christ took hold of them.
5.
Solomon specifically chose a bronze platform rather than gold or silver because bronze must pass through fire to shine, symbolizing a life refined by God’s grace through trials.
6.
The power of our worship in church on Sunday depends directly on the integrity, peace, excellence, and godliness of the life we build Monday through Saturday.
7.
Believers ought to strive for total excellence and hidden integrity in all work, working as Michelangelo did on the Sistine Chapel corners—knowing that God sees every detail even when man does not.

Sermon Moments

“Building a great life isn't that great if you've got nobody to build with.”

“Stop building with people that you have a common past with, and start building with people that you have a common future with.”

“Bronze only shines when it has been passed through fire.”

“God did not deliver you from that addiction or pull you out of that ditch just for you; He rescued you for a divine purpose.”

“It is the life that you build outside of this place that makes people care about what is happening on the platform.”

“Michelangelo gave detail to hidden corners of the Sistine Chapel that no human would see because he knew God sees.”

“Solomon built a bronze platform not to impress people with his kingly stature, but to give everyone a clear view of what genuine gratitude looks like.”

“When you build a life dedicated to God's glory rather than your own, God responds by sending His fire and presence upon it.”

This Week

Evaluate your weekly routine to ensure you are actively constructing internal character, spiritual depth, and family health rather than focusing merely on outward appearances or social media image.

Examine your core relationships and transition from bonding over past shared traumas to building with people who share your God-given vision and future.

Identify the specific reason and kingdom purpose for which Christ rescued you, making intentional progress this week toward fulfilling that calling.

Commit to exceptional quality and attention to detail in your workplace or daily tasks this week as a direct expression of worship to God.

Maintain uncompromising integrity in hidden or unnoticed moments, performing your duties for God’s eyes rather than human applause.

Align your daily lifestyle from Monday through Saturday with your Sunday worship, ensuring your daily testimony lends power to your praise.

Establish a daily habit of adding at least one intentional "brick" of love, spiritual growth, or service to your life, family, or God's kingdom.

Remember This

God calls us to intentionally build our lives with spiritual substance, intentional relationships, and daily excellence so that everything we construct points back to His grace and glory.

A Challenge for You

Holy Spirit, what are you saying to me? Take a step back from survival mode and drama, ask God for clarity to see what He has called you to build, and place Jesus back at the absolute center of your life so everything you construct brings Him glory.

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