Total Commitment: Embracing God's Call in Our Lives
Summary
In my sermon, I emphasized the importance of total commitment to God, using the biblical story of Elisha as an example. I highlighted how Elisha, when called by God, made a public declaration of his commitment by slaughtering his oxen and burning his plowing equipment, symbolizing the end of his old life and the beginning of his new life in service to God. I stressed that serving God requires sacrifices and a long-term commitment, not just a short-term emotional response. I also pointed out that following Jesus involves denying oneself, taking up one's cross, and being ready to die to certain things in life. I concluded by encouraging the congregation to say 'yes' to God's plan for their lives, to let go of anything that holds them captive, and to turn towards God.
Key Takeaways:
- Serving God requires total commitment and the willingness to make sacrifices. [ 16:12]
- Following Jesus involves denying oneself and being ready to die to certain things in life. [ 13:58]
- In order to start a new chapter in life, one must be willing to end the old one. [ 17:33]
- Saying 'yes' to God means being sold out to what God has called us to. [ 02:03]
- We should focus on the long game in our spiritual journey, not just the short-term gains. [ 15:20]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Kings 19:19-21 #!!15:20!!#
2. Matthew 16:24-26 #!!14:38!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Elisha slaughtering his oxen and burning his plowing equipment in 1 Kings 19:21?
2. In Matthew 16:24-26, what does Jesus mean by "deny himself and take up his cross"?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Elisha's response to Elijah's call in 1 Kings 19:21 reflect the concept of "no turning back"?
2. What does it mean to "deny oneself and take up one's cross" in the context of following Jesus as described in Matthew 16:24-26?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a moment in your life where you had to make a decision that signified "no turning back", similar to Elisha's decision to follow Elijah?
2. What are some specific ways you can "deny yourself and take up your cross" in your daily life as a follower of Jesus?
3. How can you demonstrate your commitment to following Jesus in a way that is visible to others, similar to how Elisha made his decision public?
4. What are some "oxen" or comforts in your life that you may need to let go of in order to fully commit to following Jesus?
5. How can you ensure that your commitment to following Jesus is more than just an emotional response, but a disciplined decision?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace God's Obedience
God's blessings are not a one-way street. They require us to live under His obedience, not just expect Him to change our circumstances while we continue living our lives our way. We must commit to living the life God has planned for us, trusting Him wholeheartedly and seeking His guidance in all we do. [22:54]
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: What areas of your life are you still trying to control instead of surrendering to God's obedience?
Day 2: Burn Your Ships
There may be things in our lives that hold us captive and prevent us from fully saying yes to God. These could be addictions, unhealthy relationships, or grudges. We need to identify these "ships" and burn them, freeing ourselves to fully embrace the life God has for us. [24:40]
Hebrews 12:1 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Reflection: What "ships" are holding you captive and preventing you from fully saying yes to God?
Day 3: Start a Relationship with God
The first step to saying yes to God is starting a relationship with Him. This involves turning our lives towards Him, acknowledging our sins, and expressing our desire to live the life He has planned for us. [25:15]
Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: If you haven't already, are you ready to start a relationship with God? If you have, how can you deepen this relationship?
Day 4: Say Yes to God's Plan
God has a plan for our lives, and He gives us the strength to say yes to it. We need to let go of everything that's holding us captive and turn towards God, trusting Him to guide us. [29:25]
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Reflection: What fears or doubts are preventing you from saying yes to God's plan for your life?
Day 5: Commit to a New Life
To fully commit to God, we need to make certain sacrifices and let go of our old life. This means burning our bridges and not looking back, even when the new path seems challenging or uncertain. [16:53]
Luke 9:62 - "Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'"
Reflection: What aspects of your old life are you still holding onto that are preventing you from fully committing to God?
Quotes
1. "Too many Christians live their life like they want God to bless without living under God's obedience. If you want God to change the circumstances in your life, you can't keep living your life your way. You need to commit and turn to living the life God has for you." - 22:54
2. "What ships are in your life that need to be burned so that you can say yes to God? Maybe there's something that you just keep going back to, it's got you held captive from living the life God has for you. What do you need to put away so that you can say yes to God?" - 24:40
3. "Lord, today I am turning the direction of my life from one way and I'm turning to follow you. I know that I am a sinner, God. I know that you have a life that is so planned out for me and you have a plan for me. Today I want to start living that life now. I want to say yes to you in Jesus name." - 25:56
4. "The greatest blessings that can happen in your life are on the other side of your yes. So if you are having trouble just giving it all and saying yes to Jesus, I encourage you, give it all to God. Let him do what he wants to do in your life and say yes." - 28:40
5. "You've got to start with denying yourself, which means you've got to take up your cross, which is a picture of death. You've got to be willing to die to certain things in your life. Only then will you be ready to follow me to where I actually want to take you." - 13:58
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