Dedication: Committing Our Lives to God's Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. As we embrace the beauty of fall, let's take a moment to appreciate God's creation and the memories it evokes. Today, I want to talk about the concept of dedication. Dedication is a powerful word that encompasses commitment, hard work, devotion, loyalty, and faithfulness. The only opposite of dedication is laziness. In Hebrew, dedication means "to give over to," and in Greek, it translates to "devoted."
We dedicate our time to various aspects of our lives, such as work, family, and hobbies. However, as Christians, we must also dedicate ourselves to the Lord. Proverbs 16:3 tells us to commit our works to the Lord, and He will establish our plans. This means dedicating everything we do to God, not just what we consider holy.
One of the key areas we need to dedicate to the Lord is our talent. Each of us has unique gifts and abilities given by God, and we must use them for His glory. Ephesians 2:10 and 1 Corinthians 12:5-6 remind us that we are God's workmanship, created for good works, and that there are different kinds of service but the same Lord.
Another important dedication is our children. Dedicating our children to the Lord means committing to raise them in a godly manner, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:27-28 and Luke 2:22. This dedication is more about the parent's commitment to guide their child in the ways of the Lord.
Worship is another area where we must dedicate ourselves to God. Psalm 71:23 emphasizes the importance of joyful praise and worship. It's not about the music we prefer but about dedicating our worship to the Lord.
We must also dedicate our finances to God. Matthew 6:21 reminds us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. It's essential to give our first fruits to the Lord and trust Him with our finances.
Time is another precious resource we must dedicate to God. Ephesians 5:15-16 and Colossians 4:5 encourage us to use our time wisely and make the best use of it. This includes dedicating time for prayer and reading scripture, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Psalm 119:105.
In conclusion, we must prioritize our dedication to God above all else. By putting God first, everything else will fall into place. Joshua 24:14-15 challenges us to choose whom we will serve, and as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.
### Key Takeaways
1. Dedication to Talent: Each of us has unique talents given by God, and we must seek to discover and use these talents for His glory. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship, created for good works. By dedicating our talents to the Lord, we fulfill our purpose and contribute to His kingdom. [42:58]
2. Dedication of Children: Dedicating our children to the Lord is a commitment to raise them in a godly manner. This dedication is more about the parent's responsibility to guide their child in the ways of the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:27-28. It's a lifelong commitment to nurture their spiritual growth. [44:47]
3. Dedication in Worship: Worship is not about our preferences but about dedicating our praise to God. Psalm 71:23 emphasizes the importance of joyful worship. It's our responsibility to immerse ourselves in worship, regardless of the music style, and dedicate our praise to the Lord. [47:41]
4. Dedication of Finances: Matthew 6:21 teaches us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Dedicating our finances to God means giving our first fruits and trusting Him with our resources. It's a reflection of our faith and commitment to God's provision. [49:59]
5. Dedication of Time: Time is a precious resource that we must use wisely. Ephesians 5:15-16 and Colossians 4:5 encourage us to make the best use of our time. This includes setting aside time for prayer and reading scripture, which strengthens our relationship with God and guides our daily walk. [52:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:35] - Embracing Fall and God's Creation
[37:10] - Prayer and Introduction to Dedication
[38:41] - Understanding Dedication
[39:23] - Hebrew and Greek Meanings of Dedication
[40:20] - Dedication in Daily Life
[41:12] - Proverbs 16:3 - Committing to the Lord
[42:06] - Dedicating Our Talents
[43:56] - Ephesians 2:10 and 1 Corinthians 12:5-6
[44:47] - Dedicating Our Children
[46:00] - Dedication in Worship
[47:41] - Psalm 71:23 - Joyful Praise
[48:36] - Dedicating Our Finances
[49:59] - Matthew 6:21 - Where Your Treasure Is
[51:16] - Dedicating Our Time
[52:17] - Ephesians 5:15-16 and Colossians 4:5
[53:11] - Importance of Prayer
[54:21] - Reading Scripture
[55:05] - Illustration of Prioritizing Dedication
[58:15] - Joshua 24:14-15 - Choosing Whom to Serve
[01:00:14] - Commitment to Serve the Lord
[01:01:13] - Child Dedication Ceremony
[01:04:23] - Call to Dedicate Your Life to Jesus
[01:07:05] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 16:3: "Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
2. Ephesians 2:10: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
3. Matthew 6:21: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Proverbs 16:3 say will happen when we commit our works to the Lord? [41:12]
2. According to Ephesians 2:10, for what purpose were we created in Christ Jesus? [43:56]
3. In Matthew 6:21, what is the relationship between our treasure and our heart? [49:59]
4. What are some areas of life mentioned in the sermon that we should dedicate to the Lord? [40:20]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does dedicating our works to the Lord influence the establishment of our plans, according to Proverbs 16:3? [41:12]
2. What does it mean to be God's workmanship, and how should this understanding affect the way we use our talents? [43:56]
3. How can the principle in Matthew 6:21 about treasure and heart be applied to our financial decisions and priorities? [49:59]
4. Why is it important to dedicate our time to prayer and reading scripture, as mentioned in the sermon? [52:17]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your unique talents. How can you dedicate these talents to the Lord in your daily life? [42:06]
2. If you are a parent, what steps can you take to ensure you are raising your children in a godly manner? How can the church community support you in this? [44:47]
3. Think about your worship habits. How can you immerse yourself more fully in worship, regardless of the music style? [47:41]
4. Evaluate your financial priorities. Are you giving your first fruits to the Lord? What changes can you make to better align your finances with your faith? [49:59]
5. How can you better manage your time to include dedicated moments for prayer and scripture reading? What specific changes can you make to your daily routine? [52:17]
6. Joshua 24:14-15 challenges us to choose whom we will serve. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you and your family are serving the Lord wholeheartedly? [58:15]
7. Reflect on the illustration of the tennis balls and sand. How can you prioritize your commitments to God to ensure your life remains manageable and focused on Him? [55:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Using Our Talents for God's Glory
Each of us has unique talents given by God, and we must seek to discover and use these talents for His glory. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God's workmanship, created for good works. By dedicating our talents to the Lord, we fulfill our purpose and contribute to His kingdom. This means recognizing the gifts God has given us and actively seeking ways to use them in service to Him and others. Whether it's through our professional skills, artistic abilities, or interpersonal talents, every gift can be a means to glorify God.
In 1 Corinthians 12:5-6, we are reminded that there are different kinds of service but the same Lord. This diversity in talents and gifts is a beautiful reflection of God's creativity and purpose. When we dedicate our talents to God, we are not only fulfilling our individual purpose but also contributing to the collective mission of the Church. It's essential to remember that no talent is too small or insignificant in God's eyes. Every act of service, when done for His glory, has eternal value. [42:58]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: What unique talent or skill has God given you, and how can you use it to serve Him and others this week?
Day 2: Raising Children in a Godly Manner
Dedicating our children to the Lord is a commitment to raise them in a godly manner. This dedication is more about the parent's responsibility to guide their child in the ways of the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:27-28. It's a lifelong commitment to nurture their spiritual growth. As parents, we are entrusted with the sacred duty of shaping the hearts and minds of our children, teaching them to love and follow God.
This commitment involves more than just bringing children to church; it requires intentional discipleship at home. Parents are called to model a Christ-centered life, teaching their children to pray, read the Bible, and live out their faith in everyday situations. Luke 2:22 shows us the example of Mary and Joseph dedicating Jesus at the temple, emphasizing the importance of starting this journey from a young age. [44:47]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you create more opportunities to teach and model godly behavior to your children in your daily routine?
Day 3: Joyful Worship Beyond Preferences
Worship is not about our preferences but about dedicating our praise to God. Psalm 71:23 emphasizes the importance of joyful worship. It's our responsibility to immerse ourselves in worship, regardless of the music style, and dedicate our praise to the Lord. True worship is about the posture of our hearts rather than the style of music or the environment. It's about coming before God with a spirit of gratitude and reverence, offering Him our best praise.
In our modern context, it's easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of worship—whether the music is contemporary or traditional, whether the setting is elaborate or simple. However, the essence of worship is about connecting with God and expressing our love and adoration for Him. Psalm 71:23 reminds us that our lips should shout for joy and our soul should be filled with praise. This kind of worship transcends personal preferences and focuses solely on glorifying God. [47:41]
Psalm 71:23 (ESV): "My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed."
Reflection: What steps can you take to focus more on the heart of worship rather than the external aspects during your next worship experience?
Day 4: Trusting God with Our Finances
Matthew 6:21 teaches us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Dedicating our finances to God means giving our first fruits and trusting Him with our resources. It's a reflection of our faith and commitment to God's provision. When we prioritize God in our finances, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him and that we trust Him to meet our needs.
This act of dedication involves more than just tithing; it encompasses our entire approach to money. Are we using our resources to further God's kingdom? Are we generous with what we have, helping those in need? Trusting God with our finances means we are willing to let go of control and believe that He will provide for us, even when it doesn't make sense from a worldly perspective. [49:59]
Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV): "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."
Reflection: In what ways can you honor God with your finances this week, and how can you practice generosity in your community?
Day 5: Making the Best Use of Our Time
Time is a precious resource that we must use wisely. Ephesians 5:15-16 and Colossians 4:5 encourage us to make the best use of our time. This includes setting aside time for prayer and reading scripture, which strengthens our relationship with God and guides our daily walk. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect our spiritual disciplines.
Making the best use of our time means being intentional about how we spend each moment. Are we prioritizing activities that draw us closer to God and align with His will? Ephesians 5:15-16 reminds us to walk wisely, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. This calls for a disciplined approach to our daily schedule, ensuring that we carve out time for spiritual growth and service to others. [52:17]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: How can you reorganize your daily schedule to ensure that you are dedicating sufficient time to prayer, Bible study, and serving others?
Quotes
1. "So what Proverbs is saying is that if we commit or dedicate to the Lord, whatever we do, He will establish our plans. What I like about this is He doesn't say dedicate, commit to the Lord. Whatever is holy to the Lord, and He will establish all of those plans. Could have very easily said that, right? But what He's saying is everything that we do, we should dedicate it to the Lord, and He will establish our plans." [41:12] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We all have talent. God has gifted each and every one of us a natural ability to have some talent. may say, well, I don't have talent. Well, we have different talents. If you were to ask me to stand up here and sing and play an instrument and lead you guys in worship, the church would have emptied out the first five seconds, right? That's not my talent. If you ask me to come over and build you a house to live in long term, you will never ask me to come build you another house to live long term. It may last until the first snow comes, but that's not my talent. But we all have talent. We all have talents, and we all have gifts that the Lord has given us." [42:06] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We come in this morning and we need to realize that we need to immerse ourselves in the worship music, sing along, stand, dance, or just listen or just sit down, however you want to. But we need to make a decision to dedicate ourselves to the Lord as a godly child. And that's the our worship to the Lord. Psalm 71, 23 says, my lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you, my soul also, which you have redeemed, and my tongue will talk of your righteousness, health all the day long." [46:00] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We must dedicate our money to the Lord. Yeah, I get some cringes. People don't like that. Like, ah. Right? We don't like to hear that because it's our money. I work for that money. I went out. I was the one that went and made that paycheck. That's my money. And I get it. But we must take that time. And we must. This isn't something you just all of a sudden think of. This is something that you should take time. And dedicate your gifts to the Lord. Now, the Old Testament was clear that 10%. The New Testament was not really clear on 10%. But I think what it is is that we need to be clear that God wants us to dedicate a certain amount of our finances to him." [48:36] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We must take time and set that time aside and say, I'm going to take 15 minutes and I'm going to dedicate this 15 minutes to the Lord. Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5.16 and 18 that we should rejoice always and pray without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Paul says that we should never stop praying. And we should always live that life, right? That every situation we stop and give thanks for. But I want to up that to that we need to set that time of, I'm taking the first 15 minutes of the, every morning to talk to the Lord." [52:17] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Joshua, towards the end of his life, calls all of the leaders of Israel, the elders and the leaders, and he brings them to him and he's about ready to tell them that he's about, he's about ready to tell them that he's about, he's about ready to die. And he starts to share with them history. He starts to give them a history lesson going all the way back to Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. He gets into the, he gets into Egypt and how God had delivered them from the 10 plagues and how God had split the Red Sea from them, for them. And they'd walk through and he'd got rid of the Egyptian army. Talked about the bread coming from the, from the heaven and the quail. All of these miracles, Joshua was calling them and he's reminded him and he's given them this lesson." [58:45] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "But today, if you want to choose the Lord and follow his commands and make a commitment to the Lord, then you must make that decision today. And he says, but here's what we would say today. But for me and my family, we will serve Jesus Christ. That's our commitment. We must dedicate ourselves to Jesus to do the things that he asks us to do. And Jesus says, if you love me, you will follow my commands." [01:00:43] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you've never dedicated your life to Jesus Christ, I ask that you make that decision today. That's the greatest dedication that you can make is first and foremost, you have to make a commitment and a dedication to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Once you do that, then the rest of it, we can work on that dedication with that. But if you have any kind of prayer and you just need somebody to stand with you and pray with you, I ask that you come forward this morning as well." [01:04:23] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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