This Doesn't Make Sense — Until It Does | Rich Wilkerson Jr. | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

This Doesn't Make Sense — Until It Does

Rich Wilkerson Jr.

VOUS Church • Dec 7, 2025 • 57 min

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

Summary

In this message, Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr. explores how following God, stepping into love, and practicing radical generosity often seem logical only when looking back at God's faithfulness. Drawing from Israel's tabernacle construction in Exodus 36, he shows that true generosity flows from recognizing God's mercy, realizing that everything we possess belongs to Him, and prizing His presence above all else. Believers are encouraged to move beyond self-interest and yield their personal will, cultivating a submitted and willing heart that gladly builds God's kingdom for present and future generations.

Themes

Generosity and StewardshipMercy and GraceDivine PresenceFaith and ObedienceLegacy and VisionHeart Transformation

Pastor's Points

1.

1. I have been included by mercy.

2.

2. Nothing I have is mine.

3.

3. God's presence is priceless.

Key Points

1.
Number one, I have been included by mercy.
2.
Nothing I have is mine.
3.
God's presence is priceless.
4.
Following Jesus often requires stepping into uncomfortable situations that do not make logical sense in the moment.
5.
Life can only be understood looking backwards, but we are called to live it forward in faith.
6.
True gratitude begins with recognizing what God has already done rather than waiting to receive something new.
7.
Every resource, talent, and opportunity we possess is given by God to expand His kingdom rather than for personal gain.
8.
Recognizing God as the true owner transforms greed into generosity and reframes believers as faithful stewards.

Sermon Moments

“Life can only be understood looking backwards, but you've got to live it forwards.”

“You can complain or you can contribute. You can keep critiquing the coach and the team or you can help create something new.”

“Breakthrough feels really slow until all of a sudden it happens.”

“Gratitude never begins with what you receive; gratitude begins with what you recognize.”

“You won't give more later if you won't give a little now.”

“What's a promise without the promise giver? What's a place without You?”

“God doesn't just merely want your will. He wants you to submit your will. And a submitted will is one that's willing.”

“You can give without loving, but you really can't love without giving.”

This Week

Reflect on where God's mercy has saved and protected you in the past, cultivating deep gratitude before asking for new blessings.

Audit your talents, skills, drive, and resources, recognizing them as God's property to steward rather than your own achievement.

Practice immediate, cheerful generosity with what you currently have instead of waiting for future financial abundance.

Shift from complaining or critiquing a situation at home, work, or church to actively contributing and helping build something new.

Prioritize seeking God's presence above seeking His promises or material gifts in your personal prayer life.

Submit your personal will to God's will this week by choosing patience, forgiveness, or bold obedience where it feels uncomfortable.

Identify one practical way to invest your time, talent, or treasure into legacy work that will bless future generations.

Remember This

Radical generosity and submitted obedience don't make sense until we realize we are included by God's mercy, own nothing of ourselves, and prize His presence above all else.

A Challenge for You

Surrender your will to Jesus today, live with a submitted and willing spirit, and express your gratitude by using your God-given time, talents, and resources to build His kingdom for generations to come.

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