The 'Go' of Preparation
True preparation in the Christian life means ongoing effort and maintenance, and requires giving up our right to ourselves for true discipleship.
Oswald Chambers emphasizes the continuous process of preparation in the Christian life, warning against settling and becoming complacent. He challenges believers to allow the Word of God to closely examine them, revealing any hidden sins or areas of disobedience. Chambers highlights the importance of obeying God, even in the smallest details, as these often reveal deeper issues of obstinacy and self-righteousness that need to be surrendered to truly follow Jesus.
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It is easy for us to imagine that we will suddenly come to a point in our lives where we are fully prepared, but preparation is not suddenly accomplished. In fact, it is a process that must be steadily maintained. It is dangerous to become settled and complacent in our present level of experience. The Christian life requires preparation and more preparation.
The sense of sacrifice in the Christian life is readily appealing to a new Christian. From a human standpoint, the one thing that attracts us to Jesus Christ is our sense of the heroic, and a close examination of us by our Lord's words suddenly puts this tide of enthusiasm to the test. "...go your way. First be reconciled to your brother...." The "go" of preparation is to allow the Word of God to examine you closely. Your sense of heroic sacrifice is not good enough. The thing the Holy Spirit will detect in you is your nature that can never work in His service. And no one but God can detect that nature in you. Do you have anything to hide from God? If you do, then let God search you with His light. If there is sin in your life, don't just admit it-- confess it. Are you willing to obey your Lord and Master, whatever the humiliation to your right to yourself may be?
Never disregard a conviction that the Holy Spirit brings to you. If it is important enough for the Spirit of God to bring it to your mind, it is the very thing He is detecting in you. You were looking for some big thing to give up, while God is telling you of some tiny thing that must go. But behind that tiny thing lies the stronghold of obstinacy, and you say, "I will not give up my right to myself"-- the very thing that God intends you to give up if you are to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Preparation is a process, not an event
- The Christian life requires ongoing preparation
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II
- The sense of heroic sacrifice is not enough
- The Holy Spirit detects our true nature
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III
- Don't disregard convictions from the Holy Spirit
- Give up your right to yourself for true discipleship
Key Quotes
“...go your way. First be reconciled to your brother...” — Oswald Chambers
“The thing the Holy Spirit will detect in you is your nature that can never work in His service.” — Oswald Chambers
“Do you have anything to hide from God?” — Oswald Chambers
Application Points
- Be willing to examine your heart and obey God's will, even when it's difficult.
- Give up your right to yourself and be willing to sacrifice for the sake of your faith.
- Don't disregard convictions from the Holy Spirit, but rather use them as opportunities for growth and obedience.