Dedication as a Christian
Notes
Transcript
IT’S NEW YEARS RESOLUTION TIME RIGHT CHURCH?
IT’S NEW YEARS RESOLUTION TIME RIGHT CHURCH?
So are we ready Church to begin our New Year being dedicated to Jesus? Let’s see how this can begin.
So are we ready Church to begin our New Year being dedicated to Jesus? Let’s see how this can begin.
Joshua 14:7–9 “7 I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of the Lord, sent me from Kadesh-barnea to explore the land of Canaan. I returned and gave an honest report, 8 but my brothers who went with me frightened the people from entering the Promised Land. For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God. 9 So that day Moses solemnly promised me, ‘The land of Canaan on which you were just walking will be your grant of land and that of your descendants forever, because you wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God.”
Joshua 14:7–9 “7 I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of the Lord, sent me from Kadesh-barnea to explore the land of Canaan. I returned and gave an honest report, 8 but my brothers who went with me frightened the people from entering the Promised Land. For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God. 9 So that day Moses solemnly promised me, ‘The land of Canaan on which you were just walking will be your grant of land and that of your descendants forever, because you wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God.”
I would say that Joshua was a dedicated follower of God wouldn’t you all? He was all in for our Father. This next week brings us to a new year, we like to make new commitments, new choices, consider new opportunities at least I do.
I would say that Joshua was a dedicated follower of God wouldn’t you all? He was all in for our Father. This next week brings us to a new year, we like to make new commitments, new choices, consider new opportunities at least I do.
This new year coming up, 2022 why not make new commitments to not only believe in Jesus but pursue Him, seek Him out, study about Him, pray to him? What a wonderful way to begin our New Year.
This new year coming up, 2022 why not make new commitments to not only believe in Jesus but pursue Him, seek Him out, study about Him, pray to him? What a wonderful way to begin our New Year.
Let’s see how to go about this.
Let’s see how to go about this.
COMPLETE SPIRITUAL DEDICATION
COMPLETE SPIRITUAL DEDICATION
A. Love. To love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
A. Love. To love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Mark 12:29–31 “29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Mark 12:29–31 “29 Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
When we love Him as we should, we will then keep all His commandments.
When we love Him as we should, we will then keep all His commandments.
John 14:14–15 tells us: “14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! 15 “If you love me, obey my commandments."
John 14:14–15 tells us: “14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! 15 “If you love me, obey my commandments."
B. What about in our DAILY Living? Not once a week, not just at Easter and Christmas but DAILY?
B. What about in our DAILY Living? Not once a week, not just at Easter and Christmas but DAILY?
1. Daily living—Luke 9:23–24 “23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Taking up our cross daily! More than accepting Christ—living for Him daily!
1. Daily living—Luke 9:23–24 “23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” Taking up our cross daily! More than accepting Christ—living for Him daily!
2. Anyone heard of Denial living?
2. Anyone heard of Denial living?
Galatians 2:20–21 “20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.”
Galatians 2:20–21 “20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.”
3. Determined living, living with willpower. I told you all I stopped eating sweets the day after Thanksgiving. As of today, -0- sweets. This was not a “moderation” decision. I stopped eating all sweets. I feel better, I know that I am dedicating myself to healthier living. What about dedication to Holier or Godlier living?
3. Determined living, living with willpower. I told you all I stopped eating sweets the day after Thanksgiving. As of today, -0- sweets. This was not a “moderation” decision. I stopped eating all sweets. I feel better, I know that I am dedicating myself to healthier living. What about dedication to Holier or Godlier living?
Daniel 1:7–9 “7 The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach. Azariah was called Abednego. 8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. 9 Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel.”
Daniel 1:7–9 “7 The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach. Azariah was called Abednego. 8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. 9 Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel.”
So Daniel knew what would make him feel better, feel stronger, be more alert just like I have. What about having the same dedication to God? DAILY?
So Daniel knew what would make him feel better, feel stronger, be more alert just like I have. What about having the same dedication to God? DAILY?
What about increasing your dedication to Learning more about Jesus?
What about increasing your dedication to Learning more about Jesus?
Matthew 11:28–30 “28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28–30 “28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
COMPLETE PHYSICAL DEDICATION-SO ARE WE TO BE JOINING A GYM?
COMPLETE PHYSICAL DEDICATION-SO ARE WE TO BE JOINING A GYM?
That’s a popular New Year’s Resolution right? So what do we do if we want to be working on our heart?
That’s a popular New Year’s Resolution right? So what do we do if we want to be working on our heart?
A. Let’s take a look at The heart.
A. Let’s take a look at The heart.
Matthew 22:36–38 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
Matthew 22:36–38 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
Loving Him completely. Let’s Compare Psalm 19:14 and Matthew 15:19.
Loving Him completely. Let’s Compare Psalm 19:14 and Matthew 15:19.
Psalm 19:14 “14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 “14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Then we read in Matthew 15:19 “19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.”
Then we read in Matthew 15:19 “19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.”
So the Psalmist is wanting to say good things, pleasing things to our Father where in Matthew we read that the heart is full of EVIL, VILE, DISHONEST THINGS.
So the Psalmist is wanting to say good things, pleasing things to our Father where in Matthew we read that the heart is full of EVIL, VILE, DISHONEST THINGS.
So exactly what do you want to be doing for God?
So exactly what do you want to be doing for God?
B. How are we using our hands?
B. How are we using our hands?
Ecclesiastes 9:10 “10 Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 “10 Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.”
Psalm 24:3-5 tells us:
Psalm 24:3-5 tells us:
Psalm 24:3–5 “3 Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. 5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior.”
Psalm 24:3–5 “3 Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. 5 They will receive the Lord’s blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior.”
C. The feet, Anyone know someone’s Feet running to make trouble?
C. The feet, Anyone know someone’s Feet running to make trouble?
Proverbs 6:17–19 “17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, 18 a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, 19 a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” “… Eagerness to do wrong.…” Romans 10:14-16 tells us of those with beautiful feet, loving feet, dedicated feet—those who spread the gospel.
Proverbs 6:17–19 “17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, 18 a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, 19 a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.” “… Eagerness to do wrong.…” Romans 10:14-16 tells us of those with beautiful feet, loving feet, dedicated feet—those who spread the gospel.
Romans 10:14–16 “14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” 16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
Romans 10:14–16 “14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” 16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
D. It’s time to be using our minds. The mind of Christ being in us daily.
D. It’s time to be using our minds. The mind of Christ being in us daily.
Philippians 2:4–6 “4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.”
Philippians 2:4–6 “4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.”
E. Our ears, “… Swift to hear, slow to speak.…” Never listen to gossip nor gossip yourself.
E. Our ears, “… Swift to hear, slow to speak.…” Never listen to gossip nor gossip yourself.
James 1:19 “19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
James 1:19 “19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
One thing I want to point out here this morning church, our spiritual lives needs to be a full body workout, just like in the gym. We work our our arms, our legs, our back and shoulders. We need to be working out all parts if we are going to be all in for Jesus.
One thing I want to point out here this morning church, our spiritual lives needs to be a full body workout, just like in the gym. We work our our arms, our legs, our back and shoulders. We need to be working out all parts if we are going to be all in for Jesus.
F. Our eyes—James tells us in:
F. Our eyes—James tells us in:
James 1:14–15 “14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. The sin of lust.”
James 1:14–15 “14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. The sin of lust.”
Do we see road rage with our eyes? Well, I used to!
Do we see road rage with our eyes? Well, I used to!
G. OK, let’s focus on Our noses, I love this one. LOL Sorry...
G. OK, let’s focus on Our noses, I love this one. LOL Sorry...
Matthew 7:1–5 1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. 3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”
Matthew 7:1–5 1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. 3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”
Moral of the story, Keep your nose out of other people’s business.
Moral of the story, Keep your nose out of other people’s business.
H. I have preached on our tongue, our tone, our words. The mouth. Proverbs 21:22–24 “22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust. 23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. 24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance. Let us keep our smart, sarcastic, evil mouth shut!
H. I have preached on our tongue, our tone, our words. The mouth. Proverbs 21:22–24 “22 The wise conquer the city of the strong and level the fortress in which they trust. 23 Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. 24 Mockers are proud and haughty; they act with boundless arrogance. Let us keep our smart, sarcastic, evil mouth shut!
III. COMPLETE MATERIAL DEDICATION
III. COMPLETE MATERIAL DEDICATION
This message today is a QUICK message on ways to begin 2020 with a new focus on our spiritual life. This last section might be something you have been thinking about for years.
This message today is a QUICK message on ways to begin 2020 with a new focus on our spiritual life. This last section might be something you have been thinking about for years.
Are we focusing our money and our possessions for the Lord?
Are we focusing our money and our possessions for the Lord?
A. How deep is our personal Sacrifice? We are to be giving God our BEST:
A. How deep is our personal Sacrifice? We are to be giving God our BEST:
2 Samuel 24:24 “24 But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me nothing.” So David paid him fifty pieces of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen.” “… Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.”
2 Samuel 24:24 “24 But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the Lord my God that have cost me nothing.” So David paid him fifty pieces of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen.” “… Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.”
B. Stewards—1 Cor. 4:2. We are God’s caretakers, we are to be taking great care of God’s blessings, money, material things, property.
B. Stewards—1 Cor. 4:2. We are God’s caretakers, we are to be taking great care of God’s blessings, money, material things, property.
“2 Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.”
“2 Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.”
SO WE HAVE READ AND STUDIED TODAY HOW TO GO ABOUT BEING TOTALLY DEDICATED TO GOD THIS NEXT YEAR. OF COURSE WE CANNOT MASTER THESE THINGS WITHOUT A HEART FOR JESUS. WE MUST BE IN PRAYER, READING GOD’S HOLY WORD TO START THIS PROCESS. ONE THING I CAN PROMISE YOU ALL, GOD WILL BLESS YOU WITH GUIDANCE, WISDOM AND STRENGTH IF YOU ONLY SEEK AND ASK HIM.
SO WE HAVE READ AND STUDIED TODAY HOW TO GO ABOUT BEING TOTALLY DEDICATED TO GOD THIS NEXT YEAR. OF COURSE WE CANNOT MASTER THESE THINGS WITHOUT A HEART FOR JESUS. WE MUST BE IN PRAYER, READING GOD’S HOLY WORD TO START THIS PROCESS. ONE THING I CAN PROMISE YOU ALL, GOD WILL BLESS YOU WITH GUIDANCE, WISDOM AND STRENGTH IF YOU ONLY SEEK AND ASK HIM.
AMEN
AMEN