Completely Dedicated to Christ: Are We?
Complete devotion to Christ is necessary for true fulfillment and avoiding a life of futility and loss.
In this sermon on Envy, the preacher delves into the destructive nature of envy, describing it as a feeling of discontent and resentment towards others' possessions or qualities. Envy leads to division, strife, and even murder, making it one of the most odious vices. The sermon emphasizes that envy is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments, warning believers of its corrupting influence on the soul. Envy is contrasted with jealousy, with envy focusing on begrudging others' possessions while jealousy fears losing what one has. The preacher highlights the importance of walking by the Spirit to overcome envy and rejoice in others' blessings.
Text
The truth is, dedication of the life to any thing or anyone short of God Himself, is a prostitution of noble powers and must bring a harvest of grief and disappointment at last. Only God is worthy of the soul He has made in His own image. To devote our lives to any cause, however worthy, is to sell ourselves short. Not money, position, fame, can justly claim our devotion. Art, literature, music also fall short. And, if God is forgotten, even the loftiest and most unselfish task is unworthy of the souls full surrender.
Complete dedication unto death in the cause of freedom, for instance, is a touching thing and has given to history many of her greatest heroes, but only the God of freedom should have our last full measure of devotion.
These are strenuous times and men are being recruited everywhere to devote themselves to one or another master. Let us be careful. No one has any true right to claim my life except the One who gave His own life for my redemption. If He gets my full dedication then I may engage in any good and worthy cause under His Spirit's guidance. But anything short of complete devotion to Christ is inadequate and must end in futility and loss.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Inadequate Dedication points: - Dedication to anything short of God is a prostitution of noble powers - Must bring a harvest of grief and disappointment
- The Worthiness of God points: - Only God is worthy of the soul He has made in His own image - No one else can justly claim our devotion
- The Consequences of Incomplete Dedication points: - Even the loftiest and most unselfish task is unworthy of the soul's full surrender - Must end in futility and loss
- The Call to Complete Dedication points: - No one has any true right to claim my life except the One who gave His own life for my redemption - Complete devotion to Christ is necessary for true fulfillment
Key Quotes
“Only God is worthy of the soul He has made in His own image.” — A.W. Tozer
“Complete dedication unto death in the cause of freedom, for instance, is a touching thing and has given to history many of her greatest heroes, but only the God of freedom should have our last full measure of devotion.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must be careful not to devote ourselves to anything short of God, as it can lead to a life of futility and loss.
- Only God has the right to claim our life, and we must give Him our full dedication.
- Complete devotion to Christ is necessary for true fulfillment and a life of purpose.