Pastor Dan Southern 4/24/05

Centreville Community Church

Title: Devoted to Jesus Christ

Text: Acts 6:

The word “devoted” is only used eight times in the Holy Scriptures. It is used primarily in Leviticus 27:21, 28 (3x), 29 (2x); Numbers 18:14; Psalms 119:38 and describes how something which has been given to God (or devoted to God cannot be withdrawn by the giver). Once it has been devoted (given) to God, it is forever His to do with as he desires.

A. IT IS EXEMPLIFIED IN THE LIVES OF THE SAINTS.

Joshua 24:15 Matthew 4:20-22

Philippians 1:21 Colossians 3:4

B. IT IS EXHIBITED IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS.

1. Selfless love for God (Deuteronomy 6:5; Luke 10:27)

2. Serving God (1 Samuel 12:24; Romans 12:11)

3. Striving to walk worthy of God (1 Timothy 2:12)

4. Seeking to do all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)

5. Self-denial (Mark 8:34)

6. Surrendering all for Christ (Matthew 19:21,28,29)

C. THE GREATEST EXAMPLE IS CHRIST.

Philippians 2:5- 8 Matthew 26:39

What does it mean to be devoted to God?

He is the reason we give of our substance (Proverbs 3:9)

He is the reason we give our selves (Romans 12:1)

He is the reason we give our spirit/soul (1 Corinthians 6:20)

Why do we devote ourselves to God?

Because of His goodness (1 Samuel 12:24)

Because of His grace of redemption (1 Corinthians 6:20)

Because of His victory over the grave (2 Corinthians 5:15)

Philippians 1:20 Acts 6

l. IT WAS A LIFE OF CONSECRATION.

A. He was of honest report. (Acts 6:3)

B. He was Holy Spirit filled. (Acts 6:5)

C. He was a man in which housed a full faith. (Acts 6:8)

Romans 12:3 Mark 4:40

Matthew 6:30 Matthew 17:20

Matthew 8:10

ll. HE HAD A DEEP LEVEL OF COMMITTMENT.

A. He was committed enough to serve tables. Acts 6:2

B. His commitment gave him spiritual empowerment. Acts 6:3, 8

C. His commitment enabled him to strive with a stiff necked people. Acts 7:51

D. His commitment won him a standing ovation from Christ. Acts 7:55

lll. HE HAD A LOVE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH.

A. He receives the assignment to serve widows. Acts 6:

B. He recounts God’s working. Acts 7:1-50

lV. THE LOST RECEIVES COMPASSION.

A. He prays for those stoning him. (Acts 7:60)

B. Paul is convicted by this act and later converted. (Acts 7:60; 22:20)

How devoted are you to God?