Recognize God's Claim

	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.