This morning we continue our series entitled, “Refined Focus”, by continuing with our mini-series entitled, “Focusing on Dying To Self”. I introduced you to this passage yesterday and we began to walk our way through it. Let’s get back to it today and continue.
The Apostle Paul said, “The love of Christ controls us, because we know that one person died for everyone. So all have died. He died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from death so that they would live for him. From this time on we don’t think of anyone as the world thinks of people. It is true that in the past we thought of Christ as the world thinks. But we don’t think that way now. When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new!” (2 Cor 5:14-17 ERV).
Today we will focus in on the words, “He died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves.”
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. Selfishness is natural to this world.
a. Before being Born-Again you were living for yourself. You knew it and God knew it, and it was understandable, because you were natural to this world. In this world people pursue their own desires.
b. In this world people are told that they can be whatever they want to be and do whatever they want to do .
c. The world has been programmed, for millennia, to focus on human desires. But in today’s society it is going to an extreme. The focus on self expression, self liberty, and living however you want to live — regardless of morality, standards, or time valued traditions — is at a fever-pitch. And anyone who questions an individual’s personal expression is labeled a “bigot”.
*** The problem with all of this is what the Bible teaches. The Bible tells us that Jesus died for us. Jesus’ death was also our death. He died, the Bible says, so we would NOT continue to live for ourselves.
2. Selflessness is natural to God’s Kingdom.
a. When you embrace Jesus’ death you must also embrace your own.
b. You don’t own yourself. Your life is not your own. You were bought with a price. That price was the Blood of Jesus. You are now the temple of God. Your body houses the Holy Spirit. Your pursuits are supposed to be Godly pursuits. Your desires should line up with the plans God made for you before the world began (see 2 Cor 6:19,20).
c. The Bible says, “We don’t live or die just for ourselves. If we live, we are living for the Lord. And if we die, we are dying for the Lord. So living or dying, we belong to the Lord.” (Rom 14:7,8)
d. The closer you get to God, the less you focus on yourself, and the more you desire to become the man/woman God called you to be.
e. The more you die, the more God can and will live through you.
f. Don’t be afraid of giving up control, of changing the direction of your life, or of giving up personal desires. I’m a witness. If you willingly give up your life and you truly give yourself completely over to God, you will get to experience an amazing life; it will be the life God planned for you before the world began. It will be greater than anything you ever imagined.
*** The more selfless you are, the more God will flow through you, and the more of an impact you will make in this world. Because at that point it won’t be you doing the work. It will be God, flowing through you, leaving a mark that will not easily be erased!
Closing Confession: Father, this is a season of refined focus for me. I bring my life into focus in 2016 by dying to self. Jesus died for me and He now expects me to live for Him. I declare that I do. I spent years living for myself, pursuing my own desires, and ruling my own life. I was on the throne and Jesus was on the cross… dead to me. But now Jesus is the Lord of my life. That means Jesus is on the throne and I am on the one on the cross… dying daily. You are my Lord, You are my King, You are my God, and I do what You say. As You lead, I follow. As You correct, I obey. As you release, I receive. My life is no longer about me. I was bought with a price. That price was the Blood of Jesus. I am now free, but not free to do whatever I want. I am free to be BOUND to You and to the purpose You planned for me from the foundations of the world. So I bind my feet to path to my destiny and I never look back! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
1 comment
totally revived, please do send me everyday.. thank you