Untying for God's Purpose: A Call to Consecration
Summary
### Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound concept of consecration, drawing from the story in Luke 19:31 where Jesus instructs his disciples to untie a colt with the simple explanation, "The Lord needs it." This act of untying symbolizes our own need to be freed from the things that hinder us—sin, shame, fear, and more—so that we can be set apart for God's purposes. Consecration is not just about being sanctified; it is about being prepared and ready for the Master's use.
We delved into Paul's final letters to Timothy, written from a place of vulnerability and isolation, where he emphasizes the importance of turning away from wickedness to become vessels fit for God's work. This dual aspect of consecration—turning away from sin and turning towards God—was likened to a centripetal force drawing us into readiness and a centrifugal force pushing us away from sin.
The beauty of consecration lies in its partnership with God. We are called to be holy vessels, carrying His treasure within us, and this requires a deep, intentional love for God that surpasses any worldly attachment. This love, as Thomas Chalmers described, has the "expulsive power" to drive out lesser loves and sins.
We are invited into a season of deeper consecration, a call to greater holiness, and a more intentional pursuit of God's purposes. This involves repentance and confession—not merely as acts of turning away from sin but as turning towards God's greater plans for us. Our consecration is both individual and communal, impacting our churches and our movement as a whole. It is a demonstration of our faith and our readiness to step into God's revival and awakening purposes.
### Key Takeaways
1. Consecration as Untying: Just as the colt was untied for Jesus' use, we must be untied from sin, shame, fear, and other hindrances to be ready for God's purposes. This untying is not an end in itself but a preparation for a greater calling. [02:46]
2. Paul's Call to Holiness: In his letters to Timothy, Paul emphasizes the need to turn away from wickedness to become vessels fit for God's work. This dual call to flee sin and pursue holiness is essential for effective ministry and partnership with God. [05:18]
3. Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces of Consecration: Consecration draws us into readiness and effectiveness for Jesus (centripetal) while pushing us away from sin (centrifugal). This dynamic process prepares us for the tasks of the kingdom and aligns us with God's purposes. [07:02]
4. The Expulsive Power of a New Affection: Thomas Chalmers' concept teaches that only a greater love for God can drive out lesser loves and sins. This deeper love for Jesus captivates our hearts and imaginations, enabling us to run towards Him and away from worldly attachments. [08:48]
5. Repentance and Confession: True repentance involves a turning towards God's greater plans, not just a turning away from sin. Confession means agreeing with what God says about us and living accordingly. This dual act of repentance and confession is crucial for a consecrated life. [11:59]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to Consecration
[02:46] - The Untying of the Colt
[03:53] - Paul's Final Letters to Timothy
[05:18] - Turning Away from Wickedness
[07:02] - Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces
[08:48] - The Expulsive Power of a New Affection
[10:31] - A Call to Deeper Love
[11:59] - Repentance and Confession
[13:23] - Creedal, Consecrated, Repentant, and Confessional
[14:30] - Stepping into God's Purposes
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 19:31-34
2. 2 Timothy 2:19-21
3. 1 John 2:15-17
#### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 19:31-34, what specific instruction does Jesus give to his disciples regarding the colt? How do the disciples respond to the owners' question? [02:46]
2. According to 2 Timothy 2:19, what is the dual call that Paul gives to those who call on the name of the Lord? [05:18]
3. What does Thomas Chalmers mean by the "expulsive power of a new affection," and how does it relate to our love for God? [08:48]
4. How does the sermon describe the dual forces of consecration as centripetal and centrifugal? What do these terms mean in the context of our spiritual lives? [07:02]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the act of untying the colt symbolize in our own lives, according to the sermon? How does this relate to the concept of consecration? [02:46]
2. In 2 Timothy 2:21, Paul talks about becoming "special utensils" for God's work. What does this metaphor suggest about our readiness and usefulness in God's kingdom? [05:18]
3. How does the concept of "expulsive power" challenge our understanding of overcoming sin and worldly attachments? What does it suggest about the role of love in our spiritual growth? [08:48]
4. The sermon mentions that consecration involves both individual and communal aspects. How do these two dimensions interact and support each other in the context of a church community? [11:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: What are some "colts" that you need to untie—sins, fears, or other hindrances—that are preventing you from being fully available for God's purposes? How can you begin this process? [02:46]
2. Paul emphasizes turning away from wickedness to become vessels fit for God's work. What specific steps can you take this week to turn away from behaviors or attitudes that are not aligned with God's will? [05:18]
3. Thomas Chalmers speaks of a greater love for God driving out lesser loves and sins. Identify one area in your life where a deeper love for God could help you overcome a particular sin or attachment. How can you cultivate this love? [08:48]
4. The sermon describes consecration as both centripetal (drawing us into readiness) and centrifugal (pushing us away from sin). How can you balance these forces in your daily walk with God? What practical steps can you take to stay focused on both aspects? [07:02]
5. Repentance and confession are described as turning towards God's greater plans. Think of a recent situation where you needed to repent. How can you not only turn away from the sin but also turn towards a greater purpose that God has for you? [11:59]
6. The sermon calls us to a deeper and more intentional love for God. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God? Consider setting aside dedicated time for prayer, Bible study, or worship. [10:31]
7. How can you encourage and support your church community in pursuing a collective consecration? What role can you play in fostering an environment of holiness and readiness for God's purposes? [11:59]
Devotional
### Day 1: Untying for God's Purpose
Description: In Luke 19:31, Jesus instructs His disciples to untie a colt with the simple explanation, "The Lord needs it." This act of untying symbolizes our own need to be freed from the things that hinder us—sin, shame, fear, and more—so that we can be set apart for God's purposes. Just as the colt was untied for Jesus' use, we must be untied from sin, shame, fear, and other hindrances to be ready for God's purposes. This untying is not an end in itself but a preparation for a greater calling. [02:46]
Bible Passage: "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21, ESV)
Reflection: What are the specific things in your life that you need to be untied from to be fully available for God's purposes? How can you begin to address these hindrances today?
### Day 2: Turning Away from Wickedness
Description: In his letters to Timothy, Paul emphasizes the need to turn away from wickedness to become vessels fit for God's work. This dual call to flee sin and pursue holiness is essential for effective ministry and partnership with God. Paul’s message is clear: turning away from sin is not just about avoiding wrongdoing but about becoming a vessel that God can use for His divine purposes. This involves a conscious decision to reject sin and embrace a life of holiness. [05:18]
Bible Passage: "But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." (1 Timothy 6:11, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to turn away from a particular sin and pursue holiness? How can you make this a daily practice?
### Day 3: The Dynamics of Consecration
Description: Consecration draws us into readiness and effectiveness for Jesus (centripetal) while pushing us away from sin (centrifugal). This dynamic process prepares us for the tasks of the kingdom and aligns us with God's purposes. The beauty of consecration lies in its partnership with God. We are called to be holy vessels, carrying His treasure within us, and this requires a deep, intentional love for God that surpasses any worldly attachment. [07:02]
Bible Passage: "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13, ESV)
Reflection: How do you experience the centripetal and centrifugal forces of consecration in your life? What practical steps can you take to align more closely with God's purposes?
### Day 4: The Expulsive Power of a New Affection
Description: Thomas Chalmers' concept teaches that only a greater love for God can drive out lesser loves and sins. This deeper love for Jesus captivates our hearts and imaginations, enabling us to run towards Him and away from worldly attachments. The expulsive power of a new affection means that our love for God must be so strong that it naturally displaces any lesser loves or sinful desires. This requires cultivating a deep, intentional relationship with God. [08:48]
Bible Passage: "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)
Reflection: What are the "lesser loves" in your life that compete with your love for God? How can you cultivate a deeper affection for Jesus that expels these lesser loves?
### Day 5: Repentance and Confession
Description: True repentance involves a turning towards God's greater plans, not just a turning away from sin. Confession means agreeing with what God says about us and living accordingly. This dual act of repentance and confession is crucial for a consecrated life. Repentance and confession are not merely about feeling sorry for our sins but about realigning our lives with God's greater purposes and living in accordance with His truth. [11:59]
Bible Passage: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice repentance and confession today? How can you turn towards God's greater plans for you in these areas?
Quotes
1. "Sisters and brothers, today we are being called to be set apart for the master's use. To be ready to do what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants. Just as the colt was untied, so we need to be untied from those things that can so often hinder us in our service of Jesus. Sin, shame, fear, competitiveness, jostling, sloth, wrong words spoken over us, wrong understandings of ourselves, and misguided assumptions." [02:46] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Consecration is both centripetal and centrifugal. It is centripetal because it calls us toward our destiny. It pulls us into a place of readiness and effectiveness for Jesus. A moment pregnant with possibility. A summons to be battle ready. A royal decree commanding that we pay attention to God, his word and his ways. The conductor raising his baton, ready to lead the orchestra with each of us poised and ready to play our parts." [05:18] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul makes clear that in the tasks of the kingdom we work together with God. We are partners with the temple builder. His spirit indwells us, making us the holy of holies here on earth, individually and as congregations. We carry his glorious life-giving treasure in our earthen vessels so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power does not belong to or come from us, but comes from God." [07:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We fall in love with Jesus. We're drawn into deeper love with Jesus. His love pulsates in our souls and in our hearts and in our imaginations. We run toward him and run from anything that will get in the way. Sisters and brothers, fellow laborers, we are hearing today of a call towards the season of consecration. It is a call to a deeper and more intentional love of God. It is a running into that involves a running away from." [10:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our consecration is a demonstration of our faith posture. We believe that God is working amongst us. We believe that God is working amongst us. We believe that God is working amongst us and is calling us into a higher purpose, moving us closer and drawing us more fully into God's revival and awakening purposes for the movement we love and the communities in the world that we long to reach." [11:59] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "A repentant life sees as God sees, thinks as God thinks, and yes, seeks to live as God would have us live by the power of the Holy Spirit. And confession is not simply naming our sins. It is also an agreement with what God says about us. The word confession literally means to say the same thing. A confessional life is one that agrees with what God says and acts accordingly." [13:23] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We begin a journey today of untying, of refocusing, of stepping into all that God has for us. Not because we have not done this before, not because we haven't done it in previous years, not because we are better than those who went before us, but because the love of Christ constrains us. And we will follow where he leads. And be ready for his purposes. May we step through the breathtaking empty space of consecration's open door into the next season of our life together." [13:23] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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