We, as Christians, are of the most privileged people on the planet, because the blood of Christ has been applied to our transgressions and we have been drawn to God through love. The problem is that even though this is true, we sometimes don’t live as though it is true. Rather than living as those who have been purchased by God, we often desire to continue living for ourselves. We will be “sold out” to God in most areas of our life, but not in all areas. Paul’s admonition to the church is that in light of God’s saving grace, we ought to no longer live for ourselves, but rather learn to live for God alone.
2 Corinthians 5:15 (NIV)
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
It isn’t professional “ministers” who are called to be sold out to God, but rather all of us who are called to be those sort of ministers. A minister is one who is a servant of God, someone who because of God’s love for them, lives their life no longer for themselves, but rather for God.
Philippians 1:19-26 (NIV)
for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courageso that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
#1 – To live for Christ takes COURAGE
#2 – To live for Christ is NECESSARY
#3 – To live for Christ holds the church’s progress and joy as our goal
How would you answer this question. My entire life belongs to Christ except ___________?
Be careful claiming that there are no areas of our life left for God to own. Even Peter claimed that if all others abandon you, he would not – yet he did. Let our confidence fall upon the grace of God in Christ and let our lives be lived for Him alone.
This week ask the Spirit of God to show you where you need to yet yield to Him, for since He died for you, you ought to live for Him.