Giving Our All

Introduction

In Mark Chapter 3 Jesus is accused by the teachers of the law of being from Satan. They say he is the prince of demons and he is using that power to drive out demons. Jesus then make one of his most famous statements to them. He ask how can Satan be against himself? He says a house divided against itself cannot stand.

This phrase was utilized again by Abraham Lincoln in a campaign speech in 1858. In this instance he was referring to slavery and that if America wanted to continue as one nation slavery must be abolished.

In Winston Churchill’s famous “we will defend our island” speech before the house of commons after the British evacuation of Dunkirk, he says “I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home.”

And during his inaugural address in 1961, president John F. Kennedy states “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” attempting to rally the people of the US who were deeply divided at that time.

Throughout history great leaders have always known that in order for a group to thrive there must be unity. All must work together. God’s church is no different. If God’s kingdom here on earth is to thrive we who profess faith must be willing to give out all.

Giving Our All Means Commitment

Not just commitment but total commitment

It means placing God above all else

Jesus says in Matthew 6:21

Matthew 6:21 NIV

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Our treasure is what we hold dear

Our money, our time, our talents

We are all part of one body so we must all commit to the body

Could you imagine if a foot decided it didn’t want to be your foot anymore?

Or an ear, or an eye?

We must make that total commitment to the church

Attending service

Coming to work days

Attending small groups

Giving Our All Means Sacrifice

Jesus said that to follow him means to sacrifice

Matthew 16:24 NIV

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Luke 9:60 NIV

Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 19:21 NIV

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

It means giving up ourselves and our desires and following the will of God

Being a part of the body means we have to do what’s best for the body

The soul of the foot has to tread on dirty ground

The nose has to smell unpleasant smells

The mouth has to taste unpleasant tastes

All for the good of the body

There are many times when we must sacrifice for the kingdom of God

Going without Dunkin so I can give to the poor

Missing the start of the football game so I can help a brother or sister in needs

Losing the extra hour of sleep so I can worship in community.

or better yet going to bed an hour earlier

We must all be willing to sacrifice for the good of the body of Christ.

How is our family sacrificing......