Literature Ministries International


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August 31, 2018

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THEREFORE...HOW SHOULD WE THEN LIVE?

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

"THEREFORE"...(the pivotal point for affirmative action)...honor God with your body." From the degradation of our "self-life," to the blessedness of full surrender of body, soul, and spirit of the Christ-life...live to the glory of God! Only God can effect that in our life. Only HE can transform our hearts, minds, attitude, and the whole of our life, to focus and be consumed with being filled to overflowing with the love of God.

What do others see when they look at your life? What is the supreme purpose of your life? Why am I here? For what am I living? Is my life counting for anything, or anybody, outside of myself? Paul answers these questions for himself. He declares his freedom in Christ, his rights and privileges as an apostle, then reveals the intensity of his perseverance.

"Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone...I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some"(1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Was this the work of Paul? No, this was the work of God's grace that changed the complete direction of Paul's life! His life was now devoted to GOD, then OTHERS that he might be used of God to impact them with God's love. When I thought through this, I had to ask myself, "Is my life like that?" Oh God, make it so! Glorify YOURSELF through me! Take ALL of me--body, soul, and spirit--and use it ALL to glorify YOU! Is this your quest?

"THEREFORE"...(the pivotal point of purpose)... "I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" (1 Corinthians 9:26-27). Paul moves from a passive believer to a determined disciple who perseveres with purpose! He brings his body, soul, and spirit under the lordship of Christ. All of the accolades of man he counted "a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him" (Philippians 3:7-10).

"THEREFORE"...(the pivotal point of ultimate challenge)..."I urge you brethren, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God...this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is...his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1-2).

Considering all the mercies God has manifested to us that the only reasonable, wise, and acceptable thing we can do is to present the whole of our being as a "living sacrifice" to God. This will be our dedicated means of worshiping Him in our daily life.

LIVE THE BLESSING! That is our privilege, our opportunity, our responsibility. Bring your ALL...and offer it to God as a "living sacrifice," so He may live HIS LIFE through you.


© 2007 by Ed Powell. Used by permission.


This page was reprinted by permission from: http://litmin.org/dare.php?date=2018-08-31


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