In this message titled “Not If It’s Free,” Pastor Ortiz draws from 2 Samuel 24:18–25 to preach a powerful sermon on true dedication to God. Using the story of King David at the threshing floor of Araunah, Pastor Ortiz explores how personal sacrifice and willing devotion are essential to authentic worship.

David, nearing the end of his life, had allowed pride to swell in his heart—disobeying God’s instruction by numbering the people. This prideful act brought judgment upon Israel, resulting in the death of 70,000 people. God then commanded David, through the prophet Gad, to build an altar at the threshing floor of Araunah to stay the plague.

When David approaches Araunah, the man humbly offers not only the threshing floor but also oxen and instruments for the sacrifice—freely and completely. Yet, David responds with one of the most iconic declarations of sacrificial faith: “Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.”

This becomes the sermon’s central theme: dedication to God must be willing, personal, and costly.

Pastor Ortiz unpacks what true dedication looks like:

True Dedication Is Not Built on Convenience

Dedication requires voluntary surrender—not passive or accidental commitment. Like devoted sports fans or sacrificial parents, true dedication involves sustained effort and willingness to give, even when it hurts.

Dedication Requires Cost

Referencing David’s refusal to offer God something that cost him nothing, Pastor Ortiz explains that sacrifice is meaningless if it is free. Using a class ring as an illustration, he describes giving up something precious, something irreplaceable, to demonstrate that real love and faith involve giving up—not gaining.

Modern Christianity’s Pseudo-Dedications

Pastor Ortiz warns of false forms of dedication we often mistake for genuine faith:

• Cheap Dedication – Giving God what we don’t need instead of our best (Malachi 1).
• Conditional Dedication – “If God blesses me, then I’ll serve Him.”
• Public Dedication – Serving or worshiping for appearance rather than sincerity.
• Borrowed Dedication – Relying on the passion or effort of others instead of our own.

Worship and Service Must Be Intentional

True worship isn’t always emotionally stirring or instantly rewarding. Sometimes we don’t “feel” like reading the Bible, serving, or giving, but discipline and obedience must come first. Joy and love for God grow from consistency. We move from “have to” to “get to.”

Examples of Quiet Dedication

The pastor honors behind-the-scenes laborers in the church—teachers, cleaners, bakers, and planners—whose work goes unseen but is deeply valued. These acts embody dedication that is personal, sacrificial, and directed to God alone.

Final Call: Personal and Directed Dedication

David insisted on paying for the altar because the offering was his to give. Pastor Ortiz emphasizes that each believer must take ownership of their walk with God. No one else—spouse, parent, or church—can dedicate your life for you.

We will each stand before God one day and give an account—not for our sins, which are forgiven, but for how we lived in light of the salvation we’ve received. Have we offered Him our best, or only what’s leftover?

“I will not offer unto the Lord my God that which costs me nothing.”

This message calls us to evaluate our service, our giving, and our worship. Are we truly dedicated? Or are we just doing what’s easy?