Living For God
Living for God in the Bible encompasses a holistic commitment to aligning one's life with God's will, commandments, and character. It involves recognizing God as the sovereign authority in all aspects of life, including personal conduct, relationships, and moral decisions. Scriptures such as Romans 12:1-2 urge believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is described as their spiritual worship. This passage highlights the idea that living for God is not merely about following rules but about a transformative relationship that leads to a renewed mind and discernment of His will.Additionally, living for God is reflected in the call to love and serve others, as emphasized in Matthew 22:37-39, where Jesus states that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love one's neighbor. This dual focus illustrates that living for God involves both devotion to Him and active engagement in loving acts towards others. The overarching theme is one of obedience, worship, and service, where believers are encouraged to embody Christ-like qualities in their daily lives, reflecting their commitment to God’s purpose and glory (Colossians 3:23-24).
Living For God7
Concerning the Nature and Extent of Christian Devotion
By William Law0MAT 6:31William Law emphasizes that true Christian devotion extends beyond mere prayer, advocating for a life wholly dedicated to God in every aspect. He argues that devotion should permeate all actions, aligning them with God's will and glory, rather than being confined to specific times of prayer. Law critiques those who appear devout in church but live like the world outside, highlighting the absurdity of pious prayers without a corresponding holy life. He calls for Christians to embody their faith in daily actions, demonstrating humility, self-denial, and love for others as integral parts of their devotion. Ultimately, Law insists that a genuine Christian life must reflect the principles of devotion in all areas, not just during prayer.
Repent From Living for Yourself
By Zac Poonen0MAT 6:24LUK 9:23JHN 15:5ROM 12:11CO 15:32CO 5:152CO 5:17GAL 2:201TH 1:9HEB 12:1Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of repentance from living for oneself, illustrating that true sin extends beyond obvious vices to the self-centeredness that permeates our lives. He explains that while many may acknowledge Christ's sacrifice for our sins, they often neglect the call to live for Him, which is essential for genuine faith. Poonen warns against the deception of believing one can be saved while still prioritizing personal desires over God's will. He encourages believers to identify and relinquish their idols, including the subtle ones that distract from a life devoted to God. Ultimately, he calls for a radical shift in focus from self to glorifying God, assuring that true freedom and purpose are found in this commitment.
Thou Man of God!
By F.B. Meyer02KI 1:9JHN 15:4ROM 12:11CO 15:9GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 2:31JN 4:16F.B. Meyer emphasizes the call to live as true 'men of God,' exemplified by Elijah, who was recognized for his holiness despite opposition. He highlights the humility required to bear such a title, noting that true goodness comes from God alone and that we should not boast of our own righteousness. Meyer encourages believers to focus on being for God, which alleviates self-consciousness and promotes a passion for Jesus' glory. He concludes with the idea that being in God and having God in us is achievable through perfect love, allowing us to be fully permeated by His presence.
Living Christ
By George Mueller0MAT 5:16JHN 15:8ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 5:22PHP 2:15COL 3:2JAS 4:41PE 2:91JN 1:9George Mueller emphasizes the importance of being a committed Christian from the very beginning of one's spiritual journey, urging believers to live distinctly for God and bear fruit for His glory. He encourages young Christians to strive for holiness and happiness, making it evident to the world that they belong to the kingdom of heaven. Mueller stresses that while one can glorify God in their earthly business, they must be willing to give up anything contrary to God's will. He acknowledges that all believers are prone to sin and must continually seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a life that reflects Christ, leading to increased joy and usefulness in God's service.
Learning to Live for God
By Billy Strachan1.0K54:17GEN 12:1MAT 6:33JAS 2:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a working faith that is developed through the challenges and trials of life. He uses the example of Abraham, who had to learn to walk by faith and obedience to God's commands. The preacher highlights the consequences of disobedience and the accumulation of unnecessary burdens in Abraham's life. He also discusses the concept of a talking faith, where people claim to have faith but do not demonstrate it through their actions. The sermon references the book of Genesis and the book of James to support these teachings.
1 Peter 4:2
By John Gill0MAT 6:33ROM 12:2GAL 5:16EPH 4:22PHP 1:271TH 4:3TIT 2:121PE 4:22PE 3:111JN 2:15John Gill emphasizes that believers, having the assurance of a sinless life after death, should no longer live their remaining time in the flesh to satisfy human lusts but instead dedicate themselves to the will of God. He explains that the phrase 'his time in the flesh' refers to the present life, which should be spent in holiness and righteousness rather than in sinful pleasures. Gill contrasts the desires of unregenerate men with the divine will, highlighting the necessity for Christians to live soberly and righteously, even in the face of suffering for the Gospel. The sermon calls for a transformation of life that reflects a commitment to God's purposes rather than worldly temptations.
For Thy Sake
By K.P. Yohannan0MAT 6:1JHN 4:34PHP 1:21K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the emptiness of living for oneself, illustrating how self-centeredness leads to unhappiness and spiritual decay. He warns against the false sense of fulfillment that comes from doing good deeds for personal glory rather than for God's sake. True joy and purpose are found when we prioritize God's will and live to please Him, as exemplified by Jesus' own mission. By shifting our focus from self to God, we can experience genuine happiness and fulfillment in our lives. The sermon challenges us to reflect on our motives and to commit to living for Christ's sake.