Deepening Our Devotion: A Commitment to God
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of devotion and what it means to be fully committed to God. As we embark on a new year, it's crucial to reassess our priorities and align our lives with God's will. This isn't just about attending church or participating in religious activities; it's about a deep, heartfelt commitment to God that permeates every aspect of our lives. We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and proper worship. This means dedicating all of ourselves—our thoughts, actions, and desires—to Him.
Devotion is not merely a feeling; it's a steadfast commitment to God, regardless of circumstances. It's about trusting in His plan and His love for us, even when things don't go as we expect. We looked at biblical examples like Daniel and the three Hebrew boys, who remained devoted to God despite facing severe trials. Their unwavering faith and trust in God were evident, and they serve as powerful examples for us today.
We also discussed the importance of identifying and overcoming obstacles that hinder our devotion, such as fear, pride, and distractions. These barriers can prevent us from fully committing to God, but by recognizing and relinquishing them, we can deepen our relationship with Him. As we prepare to enter a 15-day period of prayer and fasting, we are encouraged to focus on God, confront areas of our lives that need change, and seek a greater understanding of His love.
This time of fasting is not just about abstaining from certain foods or activities; it's about creating space in our hearts and minds to focus on God and strengthen our devotion to Him. As we do this together as a church, we anticipate experiencing God's presence in new and powerful ways.
Key Takeaways:
1. Devotion as a Living Sacrifice: True devotion involves presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, dedicating all aspects of our lives to God. This means aligning our thoughts, actions, and desires with His will, and setting ourselves apart as holy and pleasing to Him. [01:01:34]
2. Trust and Love as Foundations of Devotion: Our devotion to God is directly linked to our trust in Him and our understanding of His love for us. Reflecting on His faithfulness and goodness strengthens our trust and deepens our commitment. [01:18:51]
3. Overcoming Barriers to Devotion: Fear, pride, and distractions can hinder our devotion to God. By identifying and relinquishing these obstacles, we can fully commit to Him and experience the fullness of His presence in our lives. [01:21:47]
4. The Power of Fasting and Prayer: Fasting is a spiritual practice that helps us focus on God and confront areas of our lives that need change. It's a time to strip away distractions and deepen our commitment to Him, leading to a greater understanding of His love and purpose for us. [01:29:38]
5. Visible Difference in a Devoted Life: A life fully devoted to God is visibly different. When we are committed to Him, it is evident in our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. This devotion not only transforms our lives but also serves as a testimony to those around us. [01:17:13]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:41] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[43:27] - Visioneer of the Month
[47:34] - New Home Fund Announcement
[51:17] - Introduction to Devotion
[52:20] - Resetting Our Lives
[53:50] - Personal Story of Devotion
[56:54] - Examples of Devotion
[01:00:30] - What Are We Devoted To?
[01:01:34] - Romans 12:1 and Living Sacrifice
[01:03:32] - Devotion Beyond Circumstances
[01:04:52] - Matthew 22:37 and Loving God Fully
[01:06:39] - Biblical Examples of Devotion
[01:11:10] - Daniel's Devotion
[01:17:13] - Visible Difference in Devotion
[01:18:51] - Trust and Love as Foundations
[01:21:47] - Overcoming Barriers to Devotion
[01:29:38] - The Power of Fasting and Prayer
[01:34:24] - Offering and Devotion
[01:40:58] - Invitation to Salvation and Recommitment
[01:43:18] - Closing Prayer and Call to Devotion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 12:1
2. Matthew 22:37
3. Daniel 3:13-18
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 12:1, what does it mean to present our bodies as a living sacrifice? How does this relate to the concept of devotion discussed in the sermon? [01:01:34]
2. In the sermon, how did the pastor describe the devotion of Daniel and the three Hebrew boys? What specific actions did they take to demonstrate their commitment to God? [01:08:10]
3. What are some of the barriers to devotion mentioned in the sermon, and how can they affect our relationship with God? [01:21:47]
4. How does the pastor describe the purpose and power of fasting and prayer in strengthening our devotion to God? [01:29:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of being a "living sacrifice" challenge the way we typically think about worship and devotion? What might this look like in practical terms? [01:01:34]
2. The sermon highlights trust and love as foundations of devotion. How do these elements influence one's ability to remain devoted to God, especially in difficult times? [01:18:51]
3. Reflecting on the story of Daniel and the three Hebrew boys, what can we learn about the relationship between devotion and courage? How does their story inspire us to stand firm in our faith? [01:08:10]
4. The pastor mentioned that devotion is not just a feeling but a commitment. How does this understanding of devotion impact the way we approach our daily lives and decisions? [01:03:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices. What specific areas of your life do you find challenging to surrender to God, and how can you work towards dedicating them to Him? [01:01:34]
2. The sermon discussed overcoming barriers like fear, pride, and distractions. Identify one barrier that you struggle with and develop a plan to address it this week. [01:21:47]
3. As we enter a period of prayer and fasting, what specific intentions or areas of your life do you want to focus on? How can this practice help you deepen your devotion to God? [01:29:38]
4. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God despite uncertain circumstances. How did that experience shape your understanding of devotion and faith? [01:18:51]
5. The pastor emphasized the visible difference in a devoted life. What changes can you make in your daily routine to ensure that your devotion to God is evident to those around you? [01:17:13]
6. Consider the story of Daniel and the three Hebrew boys. How can their example of unwavering faith inspire you to remain devoted in the face of societal pressures or personal challenges? [01:08:10]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of reflecting on God's love and faithfulness into your daily routine to strengthen your trust and devotion to Him? [01:18:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Living Sacrifice as True Devotion
True devotion to God is not just about external religious practices but involves presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, dedicating every aspect of our lives to Him. This means aligning our thoughts, actions, and desires with God's will, setting ourselves apart as holy and pleasing to Him. It is a call to a deeper, more personal commitment that goes beyond mere attendance at church or participation in religious activities. This kind of devotion requires a conscious decision to offer all of ourselves to God, allowing His presence to permeate every part of our lives. By doing so, we engage in true and proper worship, which is a life lived in alignment with His purposes. [01:01:34]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What specific area of your life can you offer to God as a living sacrifice today, and how can you practically align it with His will?
Day 2: Trust and Love as Foundations of Devotion
Our devotion to God is deeply rooted in our trust in Him and our understanding of His love for us. Trusting in God's plan and His love, even when circumstances are challenging, is essential for a steadfast commitment. Reflecting on His faithfulness and goodness strengthens our trust and deepens our devotion. Biblical examples, such as Daniel and the three Hebrew boys, illustrate unwavering faith and trust in God despite severe trials. Their stories remind us that true devotion is not swayed by external circumstances but is anchored in the assurance of God's love and faithfulness. [01:18:51]
Psalm 37:5-6 (ESV): "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."
Reflection: In what current situation do you need to trust God's love and plan more fully, and how can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?
Day 3: Overcoming Barriers to Devotion
Fear, pride, and distractions are common barriers that can hinder our devotion to God. These obstacles can prevent us from fully committing to Him and experiencing the fullness of His presence in our lives. By identifying and relinquishing these barriers, we can deepen our relationship with God. It requires intentional effort to confront these hindrances and seek God's help in overcoming them. As we do so, we open ourselves to a more profound experience of His love and guidance, allowing our devotion to flourish. [01:21:47]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Identify one distraction or barrier in your life that hinders your devotion to God. What steps can you take today to overcome it?
Day 4: The Power of Fasting and Prayer
Fasting is a spiritual practice that helps us focus on God and confront areas of our lives that need change. It is not merely about abstaining from certain foods or activities but about creating space in our hearts and minds to focus on God and strengthen our devotion to Him. During a time of fasting and prayer, we are encouraged to strip away distractions and deepen our commitment to God, leading to a greater understanding of His love and purpose for us. This practice can lead to powerful experiences of God's presence and transformation in our lives. [01:29:38]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Reflection: As you consider a period of fasting, what specific area of your life do you need to focus on, and how can you use this time to seek God's guidance and transformation?
Day 5: Visible Difference in a Devoted Life
A life fully devoted to God is visibly different. When we are committed to Him, it is evident in our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. This devotion not only transforms our lives but also serves as a testimony to those around us. Our commitment to God should be reflected in the way we live, making a noticeable impact on our relationships and the world. As we live out our devotion, we become a living testimony of God's love and grace, drawing others to Him through our example. [01:17:13]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can your devotion to God be more visible in your daily life, and what specific actions can you take to be a light to those around you today?
Quotes
We said that when we reset, that we are realigning our life with God, that we're realigning those thoughts. We're realigning those actions. We're realigning those desires with the word of God and getting rid of those things that aren't like him. Starting over with a fresh perspective based on God's will and God's way. [00:52:29] (27 seconds)
Whatever it is you are devoted to, because we are all devoted to something, whatever it is that we are devoted to, it is apparent when people see us, they should see us devoted to Christ, to being the light of Christ and bringing people to the knowledge of Christ. When they see us, that is the devotion that they should see. [01:01:08] (32 seconds)
Devotion isn't just a feeling. It is a commitment to God amidst the circumstances, amidst the bombardment of this world. I am devoted to God. I am moving according to his word and his plan and not mine. According to his precepts, his way of thinking, his way of being, his way of doing and not mine. Why? Because I'm devoted. [01:03:10] (34 seconds)
I'm devoted when it's easy and I'm devoted when it's difficult. I'm devoted when I can see it and I'm devoted even if I can't see it. I'm devoted. Where is your devotion? Being fully committed. Being fully committed to him says, God, I give you everything. There is nothing that I have or that I am that is not yours. Everything. That's what devotion is. [01:03:49] (34 seconds)
Devotion says, even if I don't get the healing, I'm still going to serve you. Even if I don't get the breakthrough, I'm still going to serve you. Even if I don't get the job, I don't get the relationship. I don't get the finances. I am still going to worship you. I am still going to trust you. I'm still going to believe you. Why? Because I am devoted. [01:10:38] (22 seconds)
Daniel was devoted in a time where culture was against him, where the law was against him and people was against him. And still he chose to remain devoted. He didn't eat the food that was offered to the idols that would defile him. He prayed, even though the law was passed that said that he shouldn't. Even in the face of death, the three Hebrew boys and Daniel remained devoted. [01:17:21] (26 seconds)
What is the thing that's stopping you from being fully committed and fully devoted to God? Fear, pride, whatever it is, we have to relinquish that. We have to let that go and we have to be free from that. We want the fullness of God in our life, but we refuse. We refuse to give them the fullness of who we are in our life. It don't work like that. [01:25:06] (34 seconds)
We are about to embark on a 15 day prayer and fast. Okay. Now, for those of you who may be new, you may not know what a fast is, or you may not be familiar with it. It is a spiritual practice where we intentionally abstain from certain foods or activities. To focus our hearts and our minds on God. It's a time to strip away the distractions. [01:29:11] (31 seconds)
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