The Ladder of God, VIII
TOPIC: Obedience and Consecration
TEXT: Romans 12:1, 2.
Introduction: What is obedience? Those in the military have to obey their commanders. Well, the Commander of the believer is the Lord Jesus Christ.
But what is consecration? Is to provide our lives complete the Lord to do His perfect will. The consecration is to grow in the grace of God, desire to be number one in the believer, Jn 8:31, 32.
The Apostle Paul spoke of a "living sacrifice" in our text. Let's consider this:
I. In the pages of O.T.
1. It had to be without blemish, or be perfect, holy, know ¬ purple.
2. Had to be offered by the will of the sinner. Nobody could make that decision for him.
3. Had to be offered to the Lord, Leviticus 1:9. Not a meeting, or a denomination, nor a man.
4. The whole animal had to be offered, v. 9. "Everything." Brethren, if we offer ourselves to God, we must reserve anything.
II. Lets make a comparison between the offerings of A. T. and the gift that God requires today ... our body, see Romans 12:1, 2.
1. In both cases, the offering must be "alive." Herma ¬ no, do not wait until old age to surrender to God.
2. In both cases, the offering must be "holy." God can not use dirty people in His service.
3. In both cases, the gift should be pleasing to God, see 1 Corinthians 6:19, 1 Peter 1:18, 19.
III. What should be our motive to offer our bodies as living sacrifices "as 2 Cor. 5:14, 15?
1. The believer should not live for himself but should glorify God in your body, 1 Corinthians 6:20.
2. In Hebrews 13:20, 21 there is an explanation that is a living sacrifice:
(1) Be perfect in every good.
(2) Doing the will of God.
IV. There are rewards given to the believer when he gives his life in the service of God, Matthew 25:21.
1. The promise to be responsible "... a few things."
2. The promise to have eternal joy, "... Enter into the joy of the Lord ...".
V. There are three promises made to the believer who gave his life to serve God, John 15:7-9.
1. The promise that when we ask, we receive contes ¬ tion.
2. The promise to produce much fruit.
3. The promise of the Lord's love.
VI. Remember that our source of power does not come from our skills, talents, education, Acts 1:8 a.
1. If we are to have joy and victory in our lives, we must not allow sin to continue. We must confess and forsake them.
2. There is good advice. Col. 3:1, 4, 17.
(1) Find the things above.
(2) Occupy the mind on the things of God.
(3) Do all in the name of Jesus Christ.
VII. Five questions for yourself:
1. "I do everything for the glory of God? 1 st Co ¬ Rinti 10:31.
2. Domino "illegal things in my life? 1 Cor. 6:12
3. Am I an obstacle for others? 1 Corinthians 8:9, 13.
4. Am I walking well against the unbelievers? Colossians 4:5 a.
5. I have my eyes on Jesus Christ? Hebrews 12:1, 2. (Continued)