By Garry Knighton
Church of Christ/North - Shreveport, La.
RECOGNIZE GOD'S CLAIM
INTRODUCTION:
God, because of Jesus Christ' death on the cross, has paved the way for us to eternal life.
We, as God's people, have been saved to serve - Eph. 2:10; Titus 3:1.
God has therefore, the right not only to claim us as His own, but the right to claim our lives.
Today, let's look at some of the claims that God has on us and recognize them.
GOD'S CLAIM ON OUR LIFE.
Because Jesus died for me.
2 Cor. 5:14-15.
Gal. 2:20; 6:14.
Isaiah 43:1.
Phil. 1:21...."For me to live..."
He purchased our TOTAL lives.
I Cor. 6:19-20 - claim on body.
We belong to God - no right to self.
Choice of job, mate, recreation, dress, conduct, etc. must be God centered.
GOD'S CLAIM ON OUR WORSHIP.
An eternal principle.
Exodus 34:14.
Matt. 4:10.
Mark 12:30.
To be slack is to say God has no claim.
Heb. 10:25 - if we miss the assembly for collective worship -- says God has no claim.
God wants PURE and HEART worship.
Psalm 50.
Parents must teach this to children.
Church can be lost of saved in one generation.
GOD'S CLAIM ON OUR POSSESSIONS.
God owns everything to begin with.
Psalm 24:1.
I Timothy 6:7.
We are stewards.
Luke 12:13-21 - left God out, condemned, not rich toward God.
Luke 12:42-48 - wise servant.
Much given - much required.
Giving should be in proportion to our goals, needs.
I Cor. 16:1-2.
II Cor. 9 - as purposed in heart.
If we have no vision, we will accomplish no work.
GOD'S CLAIM ON OUR SERVICE.
Serve God everyday.
Romans 12:1-2 .... serve as long as living.
John 13 - serve one another.
God has given us all talents; we must serve according to those abilities.
CONCLUSION:
If God has so much control over my life, who am I to try to direct my own footsteps?
For God to exercise His claim on you, you must first turn your life over to Him.
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