July 25, 2024 

 
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,

but first gave their own selves to the Lord

The Bible, in St. Matthew chapter 6 and verse thirty-three, says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." 

This commandment into this grace, for a Christian, could be much more easily accomplished by first giving of oneself to the Lord.

Understanding all belongs to Him and we become good stewards, doing all and using all for His Glory.

The Will of God

"Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have."  (II Corinthians 8:4-11)

The Grace of Giving

I.  Giving of oneself and all thine increase.

    1.  It is a "grace" given by the Holy Spirit.

    2.  Christian giving is a test of sincerity and love.

    3.  It brings joy to the giver.

    4.  Fruitful increased ability to give more. (God loves a cheerful giver)

    5.  It results in increased thankfulness to God.

    6.  It will bring glory to God and His Word.

II. Giving of oneself "first" to the Lord.

    1.  Every Christian should give themselves to the Lord.

         a. Because the Lord gave Himself for us.

         b. Because we are not our own, we belong to Him.

         c. Because we will never fully enjoy the Christian life until we do.

         d. It proves submissiveness and obedience to Him.

    2. Every Christian should give themselves submissively.

         a. Give themselves to the Lord willingly.

         b. Give themselves to the Lord unconditionally.

         c. Give themselves to the Lord trustingly.

III. Giving of oneself will enjoy blessings from the Lord.

   1.  Enjoy peace and joy from doing what is right.

   2.  Enjoy the blessing of the fullness of God's presence.

   3.  Enjoy fulfilling God's purpose and will in helping others.

but gave their own selves to the Lord


Are we, as a submissive, surrendered, born-again Christian, partaking and enjoying this "Grace"?

Pastor Birch

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9)