I am Yours…Lord

Genesis 12:4-9

SUBJECT: ABRAHAM/ FIRST STEPS OF DEVOTION

THEME: God will greatly use us to touch the world as we respond to Him in faith. Truly, God deserves a people who completely embrace His excellent plans. We must; therefore, dedicate ourselves to His wonderful will.

INTRODUCTION:

Abraham’s arrival in Canaan was not a complete fulfillment of God’s promises immediately. God wanted to teach him patience, submission, and build his faith. Such experiences are not unique to Abraham; they are common to all who seek to follow God’s will. The promises often seem long delayed, and we must simply continue following day by day, trusting God and knowing that His timing is always right. In the meantime, until the opening of a larger door and the accomplishment of His specific and ultimate will in our lives, there are daily opportunities for service and witness where we are, and in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves. There is still a testing time though, even in the will of God, when God must teach us patience and submission. Such training often is long and slow, but worth it. Dr. Luke says in chapter 16 and verse 10, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”

Out of a sinful and pagan world, God calls Abraham to leave everything and everyone he knows and travel to a land he has never seen. Abraham boldly steps out in faith, yet he hesitates and delays at times. It was only when Abraham fully yielded to God’s plan for his life, that God began to fulfill His plans in and through his life. Like Abraham, every one of us faces trials, frustrations and failures, but if we would be inspired to believe God as he did, we too could achieve great spiritual goals.

Today we see Abraham faithfully living in God’s will and walking according to God’s plan for his life. He is in Canaan enjoying the blessings of God and being a witness to the Canaanite in the Land. The ONLY way Abraham could arrive in Canaan and walk with God by faith is by first dedicating himself to God. It was not by accident nor by the process of time, but by a deliberate act of committing himself to live according to God’s plan.

MESSAGE:

ABRAHAM JOURNEYS ON TO CANAAN: DISCOVER THE DRIVE TO COMPLETE CONSECRATION

Gen 12:4-5, So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. 5, And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

Abraham is stepping out with confidence in God following His great plan for his life. He makes his way some 400 miles to Canaan across the hot desert to arrive in the Promised Land. This decision reveals great focus, determination, and dedication to the Lord!

THE MEANING OF CONSECRATION

             1.  CONSECRATION:  The act of setting apart, or dedicating, something or someone for God's use; the act of dedicating oneself to the worship and service of God. By leaving Haran, Abraham was dedicating himself to God’s plan which could only be fulfilled in Canaan.

As an Evangelist, I am set apart for the ministry of Preaching, Teaching, Soul Winning, Discipleship etc.  Another example would be our Church’s Piano is consecrated to the Worship and Service of God exclusively; we do not rent it out to rock groups nor do we use it for any other purpose. Our church Buildings are dedicated to the Lord’s service and worship, this is why we don’t use it for a dance hall or sex trafficking. These have been devoted to the Lord's purposes, plans, and pleasure.

            2.  In the Old Testament, the Temple and its Trappings were the Most Important Objects Consecrated to God (2 Chr. 7:5-9; Ezra 6:16-17); and Aaron and his sons were consecrated to the priesthood (Exodus 29; Leviticus 8). But even such items as the spoils of battle (Josh. 6:19; Mic. 4:13) and cattle could be consecrated (Lev. 27:28). Before the beginning of the priesthood in Israel's history, the first-born of men and beasts alike were consecrated (Ex. 13:2). But after the priesthood began, the tribe of Levi served as a substitute in this consecration (Num. 3:12).

           

Medical doctors must spend years in college preparing to practice medicine, exploring science, learning procedures, and studying the human body. All of their energies, nearly every waking hour is given to preparing for that profession. He or she could never be a good doctor except they dedicate them self to that profession. The same is true for a committed Christian. We will live by faith in the most serious sense and live deeply Christian as people dedicated to God. Abraham dedicates himself to God’s plans; he refuses to remain in Haran any longer. To do so places him out of the will of God wasting his potential and life.

God is still looking for such dedicated Christians through whom He can touch the world! Our heavenly Father desires dependence, trust, and faith in Him—not faith in our ability to please Him. You see, God’s plan from the very beginning has been to make Himself known to all people. Is it you He is challenging to surrender to a devoted life of service? Do you know God’s great plan for your life? It is the same for every Christian; He wants us to dedicate ourselves to Him and His great plan for us (Eph. 2:10).

My mind returns to one evening in October 1991, where I struggled for a period at the altar during the invitation in Grace Independent Baptist Church. That tour in Germany was marked by many punctuated spirituals decision that literally shaped our lives in ways we never dreamed. This was my time and place to dedicate my entire life to God. All of my weaknesses and strengths...all of my inadequacies and needs...all of my failures and victories...all of my dreams and potential were given over to my great God. I took my hands off my life deciding to go all the way with God in His plan for me. I did not fully understand all the ramifications of that single decision at the time, but I have no regrets to date! 

Many of the decisions in my Christian growth and progress were made automatically because I had made that one decision to live for God's glory. When I began to understand the importance of learning God’s Word in Sunday School, I devoted time to faithfully study God’s Word. Through preaching and teaching we learned about the incredible importance of sharing our Faith with the lost; since I had dedicated my life, I became far more serious and faithful to this privilege. Then I heard about tithing through my local church, so I stopped giving to TV Evangelists and began giving the tenth to my home church. My wife and I embraced the all-important world-wide Mission program, so we started supporting missions. After all we had dedicated our lives to Almighty God. I discovered through preaching and Bible study the importance of holiness and a separated lifestyle. As I yield to the Lord, He cleaned up my language, ambitions, goals, dreams, and personal appearance. The Lord also cleansed my life of poor habits, changed my haunts, and even my closest friends. On the list goes concerning my personal experience of consecrating my life to the Lord’s worship and service.  It did not happen automatically nor over night, but God showed me first the need to dedicate my entire life to Him and His service! Everything else began to make sense concerning Christian living! My life became far more simple with one primary motivation--honoring my Lord.

THE MOTIVATION FOR CONSECRATION

When we talk about consecration and devotion to the Lord, we soon find ourselves in need of encouragements to take that step.  After all it sounds very committed, and some are not sure they want any more commitments. Why bother running from God when we really can't do that? Why frustrate ourselves with fighting God when we understand we will never ever ever win? What is the point of taking charge of our own lives when they really do not belong to us anymore? 

Also remember Abraham had a death in his life, Terah had died. This was the one obstacle or hindrance that God removed from Abraham’s life allowing him to progress in God’s plan. Likewise, there must be a death in each of our experiences.... The application for us is to die to SELF AND OUR OWN PLANS FOR OUR LIVES.

            1.  What Would Drive Abraham to Go Through So Much Trouble to Obey God?

Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran... and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came (Gen. 12, 4, 5).

How would you like to make a major move at age 75? Traveling was not especially brief nor even remotely convenient for anyone in those days. But, watch Abraham insist on continuing with the Lord anew!

                 a.  Abraham Was Leaving the Security of Haran to Cross a Burning Desert to Go to a Strange Land called Canaan. The comforts and conveniences of city life no doubt were powerful temptations to stay there and ignore God’s plan for him. I am certain he was no different than we are. If there is discomfort, difficulty, discouragements, possible disaster and doubt involved then we usually shy away from it. If we feel like we must give up something to do it then we really rather not. If it will cause any kind of discomfort at all, then in many cases we would forget it all together. We value convenience too much and obedience too little.

                 b.  Abraham No Doubt Was Ridiculed by the Friends He Had Made in Haran When He Decided to Leave. Remember he was in Haran for about 15 years. Can’t you hear what they may have said to God’s servant, “You’re crazy, Abraham!” “You, your wife, and your servants will die out there in that desert wasteland!” “Abraham, you must give up on this silly dream you had from some strange God. Don’t waste your life, stay here in Haran!”

I really don’t know but maybe even Sarah asked him a time or two if he was sure he knew what he was doing.  “Are you sure you understood God correctly, it was 15 years ago when He appeared to you…. Why are you bringing this up again anyway? What do you have to prove?”

                   c.  No Doubt, after All this, Abraham Should Be Ready to Give up on this Idea and Rationalize His Partial Obedience to Remain in Haran.  But he didn’t!  He chose the life of Faith and Consecration anyway!  He committed himself to see God’s plan through! Note what the New Testament says:

Heb 11:10, For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Heb 11:13-16, These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14, For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15, And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16, But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Yes, Abraham must begin his journey to another land, but what drove him to do it? Yes, God had promised to guide and protect him (Gen. 12:2-3), and to lead him to another land. The promise of God’s guidance, leadership, blessings, and protection should be enough to encourage any of us to journey on with God. Remember Hebrews 11 tells us he went out looking for a material city, but ultimately God had some greater spiritual realities in mind for Abraham. God over the course of time, lifted his servant's eyes heavenward and his hope and faith led him to Heaven to dwell with Jehovah God. His pilgrimage began where ours begins, with a promise from God, a vision of Heaven, another country, a better country, a home forever blessed as the dwelling place of God. You see, God has spoken in His Word, we have believed Him, and now our Faith draws us to know Him even now. As a result, life not only begins but flourishes as we journey through this world by faith! Abraham was a man driven by a wonderful faith!

           2.  What Should Motivate Us to Consecrate Ourselves to God?

Rom 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice [consecration], holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

As with Abraham, real faith…dynamic faith lays at the foundation of our motivations…our consecration. Remember, faith is always based on something God said, prescribed, commanded or promised. Romans 12, verses 1 and 2 are an excellent point of meditation to stir our hearts of devotion to our awesome God. Consider the following observations:

                a.  The Lordship of Christ—He is our Master, Owner, Redeemer, and Lord

                b.  The mercies of God—the salvation we have in Christ

                c.  The desire to please Our Lord

                d.  The believer’s reasonable service—it is reasonable to live devoted to my Lord

                e.  The goal of proving the Will of God

                f.  To glorify God—my consecration testifies to God’s grace and blessings on my life

                g.  My love and appreciation for God’s multiplied goodness (Jn. 14:15, If ye love me, keep my commandments)

                h.  The promises of God—the life of Faith (our eternal home in Heaven—Jn. 14: 1-6)

                i.  A healthy desire to finish God’s plan for our lives

Acts 20:24, But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

“TAKE ALL THE KEYS, LORD”

Dr. F. B. Meyer came to a critical, transitional time in his ministry.  He sat dejectedly in his study. “My ministry is unfruitful, and I lack spiritual power,” he said to himself.

Suddenly Christ seem to stand beside him.  “Let me have the keys to your life,” Christ said.  The experience was so realistic that he reached into his pocket and took out a bunch of keys!  “Are all the keys here?”  “Yes, Lord, all except the key to one small room in my life.”  Christ said: “If you cannot trust me in all rooms of your life, I cannot accept any of the keys.”

Dr. Meyer was so overwhelmed with the feeling that Christ was moving out of his life because he was excluding Him from one interest in his life that he cried out, “Come back, Lord, and take the keys to all the rooms of my life!” --W. B. Knight

Certainly, consecration is when we give the Lord every key to every room in our life. We withhold nothing from our Lord. 

                j.  The Lord Jesus calls us to dedicate our lives to Him, He promises to reward those who obey Him!

Matt 16:24-27, Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25, For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27, For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Certainly, God is serious about overcoming our reluctance to trust Him fully! Remember there is no point in running from the Almighty. He desires to take you to new places in Christ Jesus.

“IF GOD COULD”

“If God can hang the stars on high, Can paint the clouds that drift on by; Can send the sun across the sky, What could He do through you?

If He can send a storm through space, and dot with trees the mountain’s face; if He, the sparrow’s way can trace, What could He do through you?

If God can do such little things As count our hairs, or birds that sing, Control the universe that swings, What could He do through you?”—GE Wagoner

YOU WILL KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION ONCE YOU MAKE UP YOUR MIND TO DEVOTE YOUR SELF TO GOD!

CONCLUSION:

God will greatly use Christians to touch our world as we respond to Him in faith while completely embracing His plans. We must; therefore, dedicate ourselves to his wonderful plan for our lives. So, what is keeping you from complete devotion to God? Does holding on to the controls of your life make you feel more secure? Beloved, fighting God is never a winning proposition…. When will you finally say, “I am yours…Lord.”

Real Evidence of Salvation

1THESS. 1:3-4

Theme: The Church of the Thessalonians is a positive example because the members gave evidence of real spiritual life and salvation. As such they provide us with a wonderful model to follow.

Introduction:  

1Thes 1:3, Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4, Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

Why did Paul claim he knew their “election of God”? How could he confidently state he ‘knew’ someone else is actually saved? Today we commonly hear believers say, “I cannot see another person’s heart…if they profess to be saved then I am inclined to believe them.” Others have said it differently, “The only person I know for certain is saved is me.”  In contrast, Paul knew that these Thessalonians were saved! What did he know that we have perhaps overlooked?

The simple answer is Paul saw how much the Gospel of Jesus Christ had impacted their daily lives! A changed life is still a powerful argument for the reality of salvation. Just take a look at 1 Thessalonians 1:9, where Paul testifies to how significantly different their lives were in Christ saying, “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thes 1:9). 

Literally, they were not who they use to be, and they did not live the way they once did! You see, the person who claims to be one of God’s people, but whose life has not changed, is only fooling himself. Beloved, God changes every person He chooses! Paul could see the difference Jesus makes in a life. Now, I must hasten to say, that all of this does not suggest believers are perfect or sinless, but this truth asserts that God’s life in real believers will show up! In great darkness, light will be more than evident, and in corrupt cultures, integrity is certain to stand out.

So what specifically did Paul witness in the lives of these believers at Thessalonica? Actually, faith, hope, and love are the three prime qualities of the Christian life; they are real evidences of salvation. Evidence is “the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.” Consider then how these three characteristics stood out among these believers.

Message:

Paul Remembers Their Work of Faith (Vs. 3)

Yes, an important evidence of real salvation is faith in action and service to Christ Jesus.

A. Their Conversion Was By Faith (Acts 17:1-4; 2Thess 2:13-14; Jn. 6:28, 29).

          1. “In this sense, faith is an act or deed. But it is not toil by which a man earns merit or in which he can boast. In fact, it is the only work that man can perform without robbing Christ of His glory as Savior and without denying his own status as a helpless sinner. Faith is a non-meritorious work by which the creature acknowledges his Creator and the sinner acknowledges his Savior.” –MacDonald, William

           2.    1Thess 1:9, mentions that they had turned to the true God from idols.

a.      Faith in Christ had produced true repentance.

b.      “Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one’s own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God’s mercy in Christ; (3) an actual hatred of sin (Ps. 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2 Cor. 7:10) and turning from it to God; and (4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in walking with God in the way of his commandments.” –Easton, M.G.: Easton's Bible Dictionary

c.      If the Thessalonians had continued to worship their dead idols while professing faith in the living God, it would have been proof positive that they were not among God’s people.

B.  They Also Lived and Worked By Faith.

         1.      They were performing important works produced by faith in Christ.

a.      Faith must always lead to works of service (James 2:14–26).

b.      It has been said, “We are not saved by faith plus works, but by a faith that works.”

c.      Though believers are saved through faith alone (Eph 2:9) that faith should produce good works in each of us. We work not to be saved but because we are saved.

         2.     The work is through our churches and for the kingdom of God. The character of that work will be different for every believer, but the motivation (faith) and the desire (to bring more people to saving faith) are the same.

a.      When we give to missions to start new churches, it is a work of faith.  When we share the Gospel and distribute tracts, it is a work of faith.  When we teach, preach, parent, and serve these are works of faith.  When we bring people to church it’s a work of faith.

b.      To do work produced by faith does not mean that new believers have to leave their jobs and become full-time Christian workers. Believers can work for the kingdom in almost any vocation, for as we rub shoulders with nonbelievers, we can have a positive impact for Christ. Our faith in him prompts our work for him in our present vocations.

c.      Remember, we may not see the results or the immediate fruit of all our work, but we are to continue to work in faith without becoming discouraged.

i.      Isa 55:11, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

ii.      Isa 46:10,  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

iii.      This is a tremendous trait in a strong church!

Anyone may claim to have faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, but what about us? Are we motivated to promote his kingdom, advance God’s will, or spread Christ’s gospel?  

Paul Remembers Their Labor of Love (Vs 3)

Another viable evidence of authentic salvation is laboring motivated by godly love.

A.      Love Is an Evidence of Salvation: “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Rom. 5:5). We are “taught of God to love one another” (1 Thes. 4:9).

1.      2 Cor 5:14-15, For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15, And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (See Rom 5:8)

2.      Christ-like love presses and compels us to serve (Acts 18:5).

B.      Love Is A Motive For Service. They were motivated to serve God because they love the Lord Jesus. We serve Christ because we love Him; this is a “labor of love.” “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

1.      They performed labor prompted by love for Christ. This consisted in their serving the true and living God (v. 9) in the midst of persecution (v. 6).

2.      Heb 6:10, For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

3.      Why is it that Missionaries say good-bye to their parents, Pastor, Church, Family and Friends and go half way around the world to reach a people that really don’t want them there?  How is it that they stay in the work for years, and decades without complaining.  Because it’s a labor of love!

C.       Love Also Motivates Believers To Work Hard.

1.      Note the contrast between work and labor. Whereas work may be pleasant and stimulating, labor often involves strenuous effort to the point of fatigue and even exhaustion.

2.      Labor is toil, or wearisome effort, generally. Labor denotes not so much the actual exertion which a man makes, but the weariness which he experiences from that exertion. Labor speaks of what Christians ought to render to the Lord as labor in the Christian ministry (John 4:38; 1Cor 3:8; 15:58; 2Cor 6:5; 10:15; 11:23, 27).

3.      Unsaved people live for themselves (Eph. 2:1–2), but as true believers we are willing to toil because of love. We have a new motive for living; we love Christ and love others (Heb. 10:24–25).

D.      Love Should Compel Us to Serve; not cheap motives for profit (money, fame, self-glory, prestige, or personal honor ect.)

1.      MISSIONARIES TO JAPAN—BRO. & SIS. FENCH (71 yrs old)

2.      MISSIONARIES TO ZIARE, AFRICA—BRO. & SIS. DEAL (72 yrs old).  No doubt these missionaries were driven by the love of Christ!

A person may claim to love Jesus Christ, but what about us? When serving in Christ’s church becomes labor—real work, do we begin to back off or conveniently shifts our priorities?

Paul Remembers Their Patience of Hope Vs 3

The final evidence of real salvation in this passage is hope that sustains patience.

A.       They Steadfastly Waited For the Lord Jesus to Return

1.      “This speaks of their steadfast waiting for Jesus. They had been undergoing persecution as a result of their valiant stand for Christ. But no cracks had appeared in what Phillips calls their “sheer dogged endurance.” –MacDonald, William

2.      The believers at Thessalonica fixed their hope solidly on the return of Jesus Christ (v. 10).  –Nelson Study Bible

B.      This Is the True Hope of Believers—the Coming of Christ in the Rapture. This is mentioned at the closing of each chapter of this book.

1.      “To wait for His Son from Heaven” (1:10)

2.      “in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming” (2:19)

3.      “at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints” (3:13)

4.      “caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (4:17)

5.      “I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blamless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:23)

C.       This Hope Is The Third Evidence Of Salvation, Waiting For Jesus Christ To Return (1 Thes. 1:10).

1.      The return of Jesus Christ is the dominant theme of both of both Thessalonian letters. Unsaved people are not eagerly awaiting the Lord’s return. In fact, when our Lord catches His saints up into the air, unsaved people will be totally surprised (1 Thes. 5:1–11). Let us be watchful for our Lord’s coming in the rapture for we know not when He will return for us.

2.      Faith, hope, and love are evidences of genuine salvation. These spiritual qualities are bound together and can come only from God (1 Cor 13:13; Rom 5:1–5; Gal 5:5–6; Col 1:4–5; Heb 6:10–12; 10:22–24; 1 Pet 1:21–22).

D.      They Could Patiently Endure the Suffering and Persecution in Light of the Lord’s Return

1.      “Patience” or endurance is “a bearing up continually and cheerfully under a heavy load” (2 Thes. 1:4).

2.      Such patience is inspired by hope in Christ. Specifically waiting for God’s Son from heaven (1 Thes. 1:10). This is why Paul kept this encouraging theme before them—he knew it would help them endure the pains they were facing.

3.      The lost have no hope. Believers have endurance in life’s trials because we know Christ is coming again. We need not give up in times of trial because we know the Savior is coming to deliver us (1 Pet 1:1–9; 4:12–16).

An individual may claim to hope in Jesus Christ as the one in control of his or her life, but what about us? When faced with difficulty or disappointment, do you endure in the faith or basically turns away in frustration?

Beloved, these three fundamental virtues should mark every genuine child of God—faith, love, and hope (1 Cor. 13:13). They testify to the reality that these Thessalonian were truly saved people. Paul knew they were saved because of the changes in their lives. God’s life was demonstratively evident in these Thessalonian believers. Faith, hope, and love must result in work, labor, and patience that will motivate us throughout life—signifying that we really “got the goods” when we trusted the Savior. How are faith, hope, and love evident in you?

Saved to Serve

Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10, Is A Fascinating Passage on Christian Service!

Salvation is not from man or by our efforts. Why? The answer is, because salvation is God’s “workmanship;” It is not our performance that will earn us salvation as a reward. Furthermore, the word “workmanship” refers to a work of art or a masterpiece. Believers are God’s masterpieces because we have been created in Christ Jesus for the purpose of doing good works. God’s workmanship is not achieved by our good works, but it is to result in good works (Titus 2:14; 3:8).

Also notice that God prepared beforehand certain works for each of us to “walk in them.” The purpose of these prepared-in-advance works is not “to work in them” but “to walk in them.” In other words, God has prepared a path of beneficial services for believers which He will perform in and through us as we walk by faith. This is not referring to doing a work for God; instead, it is God performing His work in and through believers (Phil. 2:13). This path of good works is detailed in the practical part of Ephesians (chapters 4-6).

So, Why did God Save Us?

God Saves Us To Become Servants Like Jesus 

Ephes. 2:10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The foremost characteristic of the life of Jesus Christ was and is service. We are most like Him when we are truly servants at heart. The Lord Jesus in John 15:16, said, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

A.     GOD SAVED EACH OF US TO SERVE HIM IN SOME SPECIFIC CAPACITY! (Eph. 2:10)

1. One Reason God Saved Us Is For “Good Works.”

While it is true that we are not saved by good works, it is equally true that we are saved for good works. Good works are not the root but the fruit. We do not work in order to be saved, but because we are saved (James 2:14–26). We are not saved by faith plus works, but by the kind of faith that results in a life of good works. Works prove the reality of our faith. Good works are not incidental to God’s plan; they are instead an essential part of His redemptive plan for every believer without a single exception. Good works are demonstrated in gratitude, character, and actions.

We are “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”

God’s order then is this: Faith—Salvation—Good Works—Rewards

 Faith leads to salvation. Salvation results in good works. Good works will be rewarded by Him.

2. But The Question Arises: What Kind Of Good Works Am I Expected To Do?

The answer is those good works God prepared beforehand for us to walk in (Eph. 10b). In other words, God has a blueprint for your life as with every Christian’s life. Before our conversion He mapped out a spiritual career for us. Our responsibility is to find His will for us and then obey it. We do not have to work out a plan for our lives, but only accept the plan which He has drawn up for us. This delivers us from fret and frenzy, and insures that our lives will be of maximum glory to Him, of most blessing to others, and of greatest reward to ourselves.

The following are some considerations:

            a. Sharing the gospel regularly and consistently

            b. Serving through your church  

            c. Feeding a homeless person

            d. Fighting pornography

            e. Tutoring a child

            f. Fighting human trafficking

3. In Order To Find Out The Good Works God Has Planned For Each of Our Lives, We Should:

            a. Confess and forsake sin as soon as we are conscious of it in our lives;

            b. Be continually and unconditionally yielded to Him;

            c. Study the Word of God to discern His will, and then do whatever He tells us to do;

            d. Spend time in prayer each day;

            e. Seize opportunities of service as they arise;

            f. Cultivate the fellowship and counsel of other Christians.

“God prepares us for good works. He prepares good works for us to perform. Then He rewards us when we perform them. Such is His grace!” –MacDonald, William: Believer’s Bible Commentary 

B.     WE ARE NOT LIKE THE LORD JESUS MERELY BECAUSE WE SERVE.

    1.  Many Seem to Think That a Person Is Most like Jesus When He Preaches like Jesus Preached, and Teaches like Jesus Taught.  

         a. Jesus Does Not Require That We Preach or Teach Exactly As He Did—His Style.  

         b. In Christian Service, Be the Unique Vessel That God is Building for a Special Purpose and Ministry.   

     2.  Some Think That They Are Most like the Lord Jesus When they Heal like Jesus Healed, or Performs Miracles like Jesus Performed Miracles. There are no promises in the Scriptures that performing miracles by individuals would be the norm throughout the Christian age!

     3.  Some Look Primarily at the Outward Manifestations of a Person’s Witness and Ministry as Key Indicators of Effectiveness.  They are careful to count the number of souls saved, baptized, church’s numerical growth, number in the Sunday school, number of Bible study units/groups ect.  Many feel that these outward “signs” indicate spiritual maturity, godliness, and acceptable service to God. While measurable numerical growth is a metric in the book of Acts, it is the same bragging point of secular and religious organizations alike. You do not need God or His blessings on a ministry to have great attendance or numerical growth! I know this may sound uncomfortable and maybe even counter intuitive, but I ask you to remember the Mormons, Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims, Atheist, and Jehovah’s Witnesses have results and impressive size followings. So, the question is does numerical growth necessarily mean the evangelist, church or pastor is a good servant in God’s eyes?

C.     WE ARE TO BE MOST LIKE THE LORD JESUS IN THE MOTIVES OF OUR SERVICE.

Mark 10:44-45, And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. [45] For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Philip. 2:5-7, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

These incredible passages place tremendous value on possessing the heart and spirit of a genuine servant of God! Jesus was and is a Servant of the highest order!

     1.  We Need to Look Beyond the Outer Manifestation to the Motivation for Jesus’ Life (Mark 10:44-45). That motivation was always service. Christ was essentially a “minister” and “servant” of God! As such he gave voluntary and sacrificial service to the glory of God!

        a. Jesus Preached, Taught, Healed, and Performed Miracles in Order to Help Others, Never to Call Attention to Himself. Time and again, Jesus said to those He had healed or helped, “Don't tell anyone what has happened.” The reason for this was that Jesus didn’t want others to respond to Him as an earthly political savior. He didn’t want them to focus on His potential to rule over them, but, rather, to focus on our loving heavenly Father and on Jesus’ role to serve humanity as Savior, Deliverer, and Redeemer.

        b. He Poured out His Very Life So That Others Might Be Saved, Never Thinking for a Moment to Save Himself. For Jesus service involved selfless, sacrificial, sustained, voluntary efforts to improve the welfare and wellbeing of others (Mark 10:44-45).

    2.  The Critical Point for Us to Recognize is: God Has Called You to Serve Him and Others Just as Jesus Served God and Others. He didn’t save you or call you to service so that you might be exalted, praised, glorified, or put on a pedestal. He saved you so that you might serve others and in so doing, bring praise and honor to God’s holy name (2Cor. 1:2-10; 4:5-16).  

  

    3.  The Good News Is That Any Person Who Is Saved Can Serve God and Bring Glory to Him. The nature of the ministry task or calling is not the only important factor; what is also important is the motivation behind our service. God loved us so that we might love others. That’s what the Christian life is all about.

Conclusion:

Philip. 2:5-7, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God … took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

God wants us to have a heart for service like the Lord Jesus. Adopt this attitude of Christ; become a genuine Servant of God with a Heart to serve voluntarily and sacrificially. Let this mind be in you! Live like our Savior motivated by voluntary and sacrificial service to God’s glory. God was motivated to save us because He loves us and as we develop into faithful servants we will glorify Him. Oh God, give us a servant’s heart!

Why not ask God today for a servant’s heart? God, please give me a heart to love others voluntarily and sacrificially as Jesus did. Father, give me an inner yearning to see you glorified by your work in and through me. God I realize this is why you saved me—this is my purpose and the meaning of my life—to glorify you.

Because He Loves Us

Ephesians 2:4-5,  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)            

Theme: God’s Motivation for Saving Us is Love. He loves us so that we might love others with a genuine servant’s heart and thus bring glory to Him! 

Introduction:

Have you thought much on the reason God saves us? Some might suggest God saves us primarily to take us to Heaven. Another might offer the idea that God saves us to keep us out of Hell. Many have concluded that God is concerned about humanity and therefore, He devised a plan to save us. Yet, others may have concluded that God saves us because He saw something special in us and deemed salvation a fitting reward.

Actually the Word of God addresses this great question with brilliant clarity. As usual it would be wise to look there before drawing any conclusions about God’s actions and motives. As we discover God’s motivations for saving us, we will also be challenged to adopt those same motives for our treatment of others. As a result, we will not only treat people as God does, but we will do so for the same reasons.

So, Why did God Save Us?

God luxuriously exhibits undeserved kindness to sinners because of “His great love wherewith he loved us.” This type of love seeks our highest good. Since we sinners are spiritually dead toward God, we have no means of proving ourselves worthy to Him. This is what makes God’s love so “great.” (Bible Knowledge Commentary)

Beloved, this is the reason He had compassion upon us. It is not that we had any claims on His favor; the reason God saves is found in Him and not in us! Eternal love led to the gift of our Savior.

Lesson:

God Saves Us Because He Loves Us

1 John 3:16, Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

  

One primary reason that God sent His Son, Jesus, to this world to die for our sins was because He loves us. God forgives us, grants us eternal life, and gives us the gift of His Holy Spirit out of His immeasurable love and grace. This is one of His primary reasons.

1 John 4:9-11, In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. [10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. [11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Indeed Christ can to die for our sins. This was a deep and profound expression of giant size love for us. God is motivated by an out-of-this-world kind of love to save sinners like us. There is no room at all for us to brag about our performance to earn salvation; we owe it all to the love and grace of God.

A.     GOD DOES NOT SAVE BY HIS LOVE FOR US.

 Dr. J. Vernon McGee related this following account:

One young fellow who had been attending came up to me. He had on a funny hat with “Love, love, love” written all over it. He had on a funny coat with “Love, love, love” written all over it. He had “Love, love” on his trousers and even on his shoes. I asked, “Why in the world do you have “love” written all over you?” “Man,” he said, “God is love.” “Well,” I said, “I agree with you. Nothing could be truer than that.”
Then he added, “God saves us by His love.” I answered. “I don’t agree with that. God doesn’t save us by His love. Can you give me a verse that says He does?” He scratched his head and thought a while and then admitted he couldn’t think of one. “Well,” he said, “if God doesn’t save us by love, then how does He save us?” I answered, “Very frankly, I’m glad you asked me that question because the Bible says, ‘By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.’ God saves us by His grace.”
Then the boy wanted to know the difference. This is how I explained it to him: “God does love you. Don’t lose sight of that. God loves all of us. But God cannot, on the basis of His love, open the back door of heaven and slip us in under cover of darkness. He can’t let down the bars of heaven at the front door and bring us in because of His love. God is also light. God is the moral ruler of this universe. God is righteousness. He is holy and He is good. That adds up to one thing: God cannot do things that are wrong—that is, wrong according to His own standard. So God couldn’t save us by love. Love had God strapped—we could say it put Him in a bind. He could love without being able to save.
I thought you would quote John 3:16 to me. Let’s look at what that verse says: ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ Does it say God so loved the world that He saved the world? No, that’s exactly what it doesn’t say. God so loved this world that He gave His only begotten Son. You see, God couldn’t save the world by love because He goes on to say, ‘that whosoever believeth in him should not perish.’ You and I are going to perish. We’re lost sinners, and God still loves us, but the love of God can’t bring us into heaven. God had to provide a salvation, and He paid the penalty for our sins. Now a God of love can reach out His hands to a lost world and say, ‘If you will believe in My Son, because He died for you—if you will come on that basis—I can save you.’ God doesn’t save us by His love. God saves us by His grace.” –McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary

B.     GOD DOES NOT SAVE BECAUSE OF OUR EFFORTS. (Ephes. 2:8-9)  

Eph 2:8-9, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9, Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Rom. 3:20, Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

Many believe they can earn salvation by their efforts; they fail to understand that “grace” is God’s free favor towards ill deserving people. Grace involves God reconciling repentant sinners to Him even though we clearly do not deserve such treatment!

   1.  Countless People Seem to Believe That God Saves a Man or Woman Because of the Person’s Good Works, Performance or Service.  There are many serving God so that they will not have to go to Hell.  They are attempting earn an eternal home with God by being religious, attending church, obeying the commandments, or treating others kindly. The truth is nothing could be farther from what God actually said.

         a. There Is No Amount or Any Type of Service That Can Earn Salvation.  Ephes. 2:8-9

         b. How Many Good Works Will Help Us Earn Salvation? The Answer is NONE! We could not even do a “good work” until after we are saved and God begin to work through us!  (See Eph. 2:1 & 10)

  2.  The Gospel is the Message of the Undeserved Goodness and Grace of God.

Jesus Christ shed His blood on the cross of Calvary to purchase salvation for you and for me. He did so voluntarily and willingly in obedience to His heavenly Father, who was completely and totally motivated by love when He sought our redemption (See John 3:16; 1Cor. 15:1-4).

C.     GOD DOES NOT SAVE BECAUSE OF OUR POTENTIAL.

Just as a person is not saved because of his past good works, neither is a person saved because he has potential for future good works. Some feel they were saved because of their potential.

      1. God Does Not Save Selectively Based On Our Capacity For Christian Service.

God does not look at one person and say, “You have the potential to be a preacher, so I am going to save you” and then look at another and say, “You aren't worth much, so I won't save you.” No, God is not especially attracted to a certain lady because she has a beautiful singing voice or to a gentleman because he has great mental recall or management skills. 

             a. God’s Gift of Salvation Is Offered Freely to All Who Will Receive It.

Isaiah 55:1, Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.  

Rev. 22:17, And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Beloved, receive that Gift today! Take it, it is FREE to you, but it cost God the blood of His only Son. Receive the Gift of eternal life! Again Romans 6:23, says “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” This awesome gift becomes yours when you receive it by faith.

             b. God Created Each One of Us with a Unique Set of Talents and Traits That Can Be Employed for His Service as He Wills. But, no person is so good, incredibly special, or talented that God will favor them in salvation over another. 

     2.  Every Person Has Equal Merit in God’s Eyes—NONE; We All Are Unworthy of Salvation.   There is no inherent “goodness” in any person that warrants his or her salvation. No person has the prerogative to stand before God Almighty and say, “I deserve to be saved.”

Rather, we each must confess, “I need to be saved.” Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” All means all. Romans 3:12, They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.   (Also see Matt.  19:17; Mk. 10:18)

Dr. McGee shared the following account,

 A poor woman from the slums of London was invited to go with a group of people for a holiday at the ocean. She had never seen the ocean before, and when she saw it, she burst into tears. Those around her thought it was strange that she should cry when such a lovely holiday had been given her. They asked her, “Why in the world are you crying?” Pointing to the ocean she answered, “This is the only thing I have ever seen that there was enough of.” My friend, God has oceans of love, mercy, and grace. There is enough for you. He saves us by His grace because of His love. –McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary

Beloved, God has enough grace to save you and me! This is precisely what Paul taught in Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God”. This gift becomes yours when you receive it by faith. Note what Paul says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Salvation is offered by God as a gift…a gracious gift. You do not pay for your own salvation no more than you pay for your own gift. A gift is given out of love, and it must be received through trust. Beloved, Jesus is not a gag gift!

The same is true with God. He is motivated by His “great love wherewith He loved us” to make available salvation as a free gift to us. In order to receive this gift you simply accept it. The gift is not ours automatically…God does not force this gift on us. You must exercise your faith to accept it. That is you accept the fact that you personally are a sinner, that your sin places you in danger of God’s eternal wrath in hell, and that you can do nothing to rescue yourself. You accept that Jesus Christ is God who became a man to die for our sins as our Deliverer. He was indeed buried and He arose the third day triumphant over death, hell, sin, and the grave. You must accept this risen Savior as your own by faith. Once you do, “the gift of God”—eternal life, forgiveness of sins, a relationship to God, and a home in heaven—becomes yours. Why not receive God’s incredible gift right now?