October 5. Not Your Own
J.R. Miller teaches that all we possess is ultimately owned by the Lord, who has divine authority to use our lives and belongings for His purposes.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller explores the profound truth that all we have is ultimately owned by God. He emphasizes that our possessions, relationships, and blessings are lent to us by the Lord, who has the divine authority to use them as He wills. Miller encourages believers to adopt a spirit of stewardship and trust in God's providence, especially in times of loss or hardship. This message challenges listeners to surrender their lives and belongings fully to God's purposes.
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"The Lord has need of it." Mark 11:3
There seems to have been no formal request of the owner for the use of the colt. Jesus sent His disciples to take it by Divine authority. So then — the Lord has a right to anything we have. No property right that we can get, takes the title out of His hands. We talk about our possessions as if they were ours indeed. Nothing is really ours — but as lent to us by the Lord, to be used for Him.
There are practical inferences here which we must not overlook. Christ has a right to call for anything we have — whenever He wants to use it. He has a right to ask for money, for it is His far more than ours. When our property is swept away by some providential act, we should not murmur — but should remember that the Lord has a right to do as He will with His own. The same principle applies to the loss of friends by death. The Lord has a right to take them, for He only lends them to us; and when He wants them with Himself — He has a right to call them home.
Another thought here, is that Christ may sometimes have special use for even the humblest of our possessions. The Lord had need of the good Samaritan\
Sermon Outline
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I. Divine Ownership
- All possessions belong to the Lord
- No property right removes God’s title
- Our belongings are lent to us for His use
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II. Christ’s Right to Call
- Jesus can ask for anything at any time
- We should not murmur when we lose possessions
- Loss of friends is also under God’s authority
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III. Special Use of Humble Possessions
- Even the smallest things can serve God’s purpose
- God’s use is not limited by the value of what is offered
- Our willingness to yield is what matters
Key Quotes
“No property right that we can get, takes the title out of His hands.” — J.R. Miller
“Nothing is really ours — but as lent to us by the Lord, to be used for Him.” — J.R. Miller
“Christ has a right to call for anything we have — whenever He wants to use it.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Recognize that everything you have is ultimately God’s and be willing to surrender it to His use.
- Trust God’s providence when facing loss or hardship, knowing He has a right to take back what He has lent.
- Offer even your smallest possessions or resources to God, believing He can use them for His purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the Lord has need of our possessions?
It means God has divine authority to use anything we have for His purposes, as all things ultimately belong to Him.
How should we respond to loss or hardship according to the sermon?
We should trust God’s providence and not murmur, recognizing that He has the right to take back what He has lent us.
Does this teaching apply only to material possessions?
No, it also applies to relationships and other blessings, which are lent to us by God and subject to His will.
What practical attitude does the sermon encourage toward our belongings?
It encourages a mindset of stewardship and readiness to yield our possessions to God’s use at any time.