Journey of Consecration: Deepening Our Commitment to God
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to this morning's service. We are delighted to have you here, both in person and online. Today, we read from Psalm 51:10-12, seeking God's mercy and renewal. We praised God for His greatness and faithfulness, and we prayed for one another, sharing our needs and testimonies. We also prayed for those who couldn't join us due to ill health, asking for God's healing touch.
Today's focus is on consecration. We often think God is weak or absent when we face challenges, but the real issue is our lack of consecration. Consecration is a deliberate, intentional act of setting ourselves apart for God. It involves recognizing God's sovereignty and yielding our lives to Him. We explored the story of Joshua, who was instructed to consecrate the people before God could do amazing things among them.
We also delved into Ezekiel 47, which describes different levels of consecration using the metaphor of a river. The journey starts with ankle-deep water, representing the initial step of accepting Jesus. It progresses to knee-deep, waist-deep, and finally, waters deep enough to swim in, symbolizing deeper levels of intimacy and commitment to God. Each level requires a higher degree of separation from worldly things and a greater dedication to God.
Consecration is not just for new believers but for everyone, including those who consider themselves mature in faith. It involves setting apart our entire being—our bodies, minds, and spirits—for God's service. This includes our actions, thoughts, and even our relationships. We must be willing to give up anything that hinders our walk with God, whether it's sin, distractions, or even good things that take precedence over our relationship with Him.
As we conclude, let's remember that consecration is a continuous journey. It's about going deeper with God, moving from one level of intimacy to the next. Let's commit to setting ourselves apart for His purposes, trusting that He will do amazing things in our lives and through us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Consecration Begins with Recognition: Consecration starts with recognizing God's sovereignty and our need for Him. It's an intentional act of setting ourselves apart for His purposes. This involves acknowledging our sins and shortcomings and seeking His forgiveness and guidance. True consecration requires a heart that is fully surrendered to God. [54:12]
2. Levels of Consecration: Using the metaphor of a river in Ezekiel 47, we see different levels of consecration—ankle-deep, knee-deep, waist-deep, and waters deep enough to swim in. Each level represents a deeper commitment and intimacy with God. Moving from one level to the next requires greater separation from worldly things and a stronger dedication to God. [01:05:50]
3. Consecration is for Everyone: Consecration is not just for new believers but for everyone, including those who consider themselves mature in faith. It involves setting apart our entire being—our bodies, minds, and spirits—for God's service. This includes our actions, thoughts, and even our relationships. We must be willing to give up anything that hinders our walk with God. [01:12:09]
4. The Cost of Consecration: Consecration often comes with a cost. It may require giving up things we hold dear, whether it's sin, distractions, or even good things that take precedence over our relationship with God. The deeper our consecration, the more we must be willing to sacrifice. However, the rewards of a consecrated life far outweigh the costs. [01:32:53]
5. Consecration Leads to Greater Works: Just as Joshua was instructed to consecrate the people before God could do amazing things among them, our consecration prepares us for greater works. When we set ourselves apart for God, we become vessels through which He can work powerfully. Our consecration not only impacts our lives but also the lives of those around us. [01:45:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:43] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[36:38] - Praising God's Attributes
[38:10] - Silent Worship and Reflection
[39:59] - Praying for One Another
[41:21] - Praying for Absent Members
[42:09] - Announcements
[45:53] - Small Group Sign-Up
[47:06] - Offering and Worship
[52:55] - Introduction to Consecration
[54:12] - The Call to Consecration
[55:39] - Joshua's Example
[56:21] - Understanding Consecration
[58:17] - Personal Consecration
[01:05:50] - Ezekiel's Vision of the River
[01:12:09] - Consecration for All Believers
[01:32:53] - The Cost of Consecration
[01:45:11] - Consecration Leads to Greater Works
[01:51:25] - Closing Prayer and Worship
[01:52:01] - Final Announcements and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 51:10-12: "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
2. Joshua 3:5: "Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'"
3. Ezekiel 47:3-5: "As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 51:10-12 ask God to create and renew within us?
2. According to Joshua 3:5, what were the people instructed to do before God could do amazing things among them?
3. In Ezekiel 47:3-5, what are the different levels of water that Ezekiel experiences, and what do they symbolize in terms of consecration? [01:05:50]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does recognizing God's sovereignty and our need for Him serve as the foundation for consecration? [54:12]
2. What might be some modern-day examples of "ankle-deep," "knee-deep," "waist-deep," and "waters deep enough to swim in" levels of consecration in a believer's life? [01:05:50]
3. Why is consecration important for both new believers and those who consider themselves mature in faith? [01:12:09]
4. What are some potential costs of consecration, and why might these sacrifices be worth it? [01:32:53]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current level of consecration. Are you at the "ankle-deep," "knee-deep," "waist-deep," or "waters deep enough to swim in" stage? What steps can you take to go deeper? [01:05:50]
2. What are some specific worldly distractions or sins that you need to give up to deepen your consecration to God? How can you start addressing these this week? [01:12:09]
3. Consecration involves setting apart our entire being for God's service. How can you consecrate your actions, thoughts, and relationships more fully to God? [01:12:09]
4. Think about a time when you felt God was absent or weak in your life. How might a lack of consecration have contributed to that feeling? What can you do to change that perspective? [52:55]
5. Consecration often comes with a cost. What is something you hold dear that might be hindering your walk with God? Are you willing to give it up? Why or why not? [01:32:53]
6. How can you encourage and support others in your small group to pursue deeper levels of consecration? What practical steps can you take together? [01:12:09]
7. Reflect on the story of Joshua and the Israelites. How can you prepare yourself for the "amazing things" God wants to do in your life and through you? [56:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God's Sovereignty and Our Need for Him
Consecration begins with the recognition of God's sovereignty and our need for Him. It is an intentional act of setting ourselves apart for His purposes. This involves acknowledging our sins and shortcomings and seeking His forgiveness and guidance. True consecration requires a heart that is fully surrendered to God. When we recognize God's greatness and our dependence on Him, we open ourselves to His transformative power. This recognition is the foundation upon which deeper levels of consecration are built. It is a continuous journey of surrender and renewal, where we constantly seek to align our lives with God's will. [54:12]
Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."
Reflection: What specific areas of your life do you need to surrender to God today? How can you intentionally seek His guidance and forgiveness in these areas?
Day 2: Journeying Through Levels of Consecration
Using the metaphor of a river in Ezekiel 47, we see different levels of consecration—ankle-deep, knee-deep, waist-deep, and waters deep enough to swim in. Each level represents a deeper commitment and intimacy with God. Moving from one level to the next requires greater separation from worldly things and a stronger dedication to God. As we progress through these levels, we experience a more profound relationship with God, marked by increased faith and trust. This journey is not a one-time event but a continuous process of growth and transformation. Each step deeper into the river symbolizes a greater willingness to let go of worldly attachments and embrace God's presence fully. [01:05:50]
Ezekiel 47:3-5 (ESV): "Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through."
Reflection: Which level of consecration do you find yourself in currently? What steps can you take to move deeper into your relationship with God?
Day 3: Consecration for All Believers
Consecration is not just for new believers but for everyone, including those who consider themselves mature in faith. It involves setting apart our entire being—our bodies, minds, and spirits—for God's service. This includes our actions, thoughts, and even our relationships. We must be willing to give up anything that hinders our walk with God. Whether it's sin, distractions, or even good things that take precedence over our relationship with Him, true consecration requires a holistic approach. It calls for a daily commitment to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love and grace to others. [01:12:09]
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 are some specific actions, thoughts, or relationships that you need to consecrate to God today? How can you make this a daily practice?
Day 4: The Cost of Consecration
Consecration often comes with a cost. It may require giving up things we hold dear, whether it's sin, distractions, or even good things that take precedence over our relationship with God. The deeper our consecration, the more we must be willing to sacrifice. However, the rewards of a consecrated life far outweigh the costs. When we set ourselves apart for God, we experience His presence and power in ways that transform our lives and the lives of those around us. The journey of consecration is marked by both challenges and blessings, as we learn to trust God more fully and rely on His strength. [01:32:53]
Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"
Reflection: What is one thing you hold dear that might be hindering your consecration to God? Are you willing to give it up for a deeper relationship with Him?
Day 5: Consecration Leads to Greater Works
Just as Joshua was instructed to consecrate the people before God could do amazing things among them, our consecration prepares us for greater works. When we set ourselves apart for God, we become vessels through which He can work powerfully. Our consecration not only impacts our lives but also the lives of those around us. By dedicating ourselves to God's purposes, we open the door for Him to use us in ways that bring glory to His name and advance His kingdom. This commitment to consecration is a continuous journey that leads to greater intimacy with God and a more significant impact on the world. [01:45:11]
Joshua 3:5 (ESV): "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'"
Reflection: How can you consecrate yourself today to prepare for the greater works God wants to do through you? What specific steps can you take to set yourself apart for His purposes?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we think of the challenges and the burdens. When we build up of the challenges we have as individuals, as well as corporately, often we think that God is weak, or God is asleep, or it seems the enemy or our enemy is having a field day, upper hand, and seems to be winning. But we forget often that... But God by nature cannot be defeated. God by nature is not weak. His hands are never coming short to rescue you." [52:55] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Consecration is an intentional, deliberate decision to hand over, set apart, sanctify. Yourself and all that pertains to you, unto God. Consecration by this, we are talking about, don't forget we are using intentionality because there is no caution, no manipulation, no cajole, nobody is coming to bribe you to consecrate. You got to come to the point that you realize where I am, I am not satisfied. What I want to do, I cannot do it. Where I am. Where I am going, I don't have the capacity to get there." [01:00:30] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The deeper your roots go, the higher you are. Tree, we can see. Deep, your songs. When you are singing here, why do you want to come to church and lead in worship? Is it for you to be noticed? No. Go deep. Humble yourself. Why do you want to be in all those sessions? If you are not leading, you can't be in that meeting. If you are not speaking, you can't be in that meeting. If it's not that, you cannot be. Why?" [01:42:55] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Consecrate yourself beyond the ankle deep commitment. Go further beyond the ankle deep intimacy. Go beyond the ankle deep Bible study. Go beyond the ankle deep of fellowshipping with one another to the point that you go to knee deep. That you can connect with brethren with confidence, with joy. And you are not afraid to go deeper on issues with one another. Knee deep. Put your knees on the ground and pray and pray." [01:20:42] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Consecrate yourself because I'm coming to do great work in your midst. I'm part of it. Consecrate yourself beyond the ankle deep commitment. Go further beyond the ankle deep intimacy. Go beyond the ankle deep Bible study. Go beyond the ankle deep of fellowshipping with one another to the point that you go to knee deep. That you can connect with brethren with confidence, with joy. And you are not afraid to go deeper on issues with one another." [01:20:42] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The call to consecration, we need to understand it's a very confusing one. Today, I would have loved to use PowerPoint, but no. It is confusing because for some, they don't know the difference between consecration and sanctification and holiness and all those kinds of confusion. Then some people will say, it is dedication. Then they will step into the field of dedication and they realize there is no difference between this thing called dedication and devotion and designation and all those." [54:12] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Consecration is an intentional, deliberate decision to hand over, set apart, sanctify. Yourself and all that pertains to you, unto God. Consecration by this, we are talking about, don't forget we are using intentionality because there is no caution, no manipulation, no cajole, nobody is coming to bribe you to consecrate. You got to come to the point that you realize where I am, I am not satisfied. What I want to do, I cannot do it. Where I am. Where I am going, I don't have the capacity to get there." [01:00:30] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The deeper your roots go, the higher you are. Tree, we can see. Deep, your songs. When you are singing here, why do you want to come to church and lead in worship? Is it for you to be noticed? No. Go deep. Humble yourself. Why do you want to be in all those sessions? If you are not leading, you can't be in that meeting. If you are not speaking, you can't be in that meeting. If it's not that, you cannot be. Why?" [01:42:55] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Consecrate yourself beyond the ankle deep commitment. Go further beyond the ankle deep intimacy. Go beyond the ankle deep Bible study. Go beyond the ankle deep of fellowshipping with one another to the point that you go to knee deep. That you can connect with brethren with confidence, with joy. And you are not afraid to go deeper on issues with one another. Knee deep. Put your knees on the ground and pray and pray." [01:20:42] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Consecrate yourself because I'm coming to do great work in your midst. I'm part of it. Consecrate yourself beyond the ankle deep commitment. Go further beyond the ankle deep intimacy. Go beyond the ankle deep Bible study. Go beyond the ankle deep of fellowshipping with one another to the point that you go to knee deep. That you can connect with brethren with confidence, with joy. And you are not afraid to go deeper on issues with one another." [01:20:42] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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