Sold Out

Rom 12:1 (NIV)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, 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.

What does God want? If He already has everything what does He want? He wants you.

In order for Him to have you voluntarily, He first had to save you from destruction. He did this by Jesus’ sacrifice. If that hasn’t happened yet, that is the first step. Here's a quick breakdown: Like everyone else, you've screwed up. (Romans 3:23) The penalty for being imperfect is permanent separation from God - the source of life and everything good. Separation from life is death, so we're talking about a permanent, spiritual death. (Romans 6:23) God loved you enough that He sent His son, Jesus to die in your place and take that penalty. (Romans 5:8) He offers this substitution as a completely free gift. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Secondly, He wants you to voluntarily sacrifice yourself. There’s that word again – sacrifice. Jesus set the example. You follow. He wants you – all of you - all your hopes, all your dreams, all your focus, energy, strength, thoughts, intentions. Romans 12:1 says to offer yourself – your entire being – as a living sacrifice. Often we hold something back. It’s time to sell out. You need to have nothing left. You need to go all in. You need to give Him a blank check. You need to give Him all of it. Use whatever analogy you want. You need to give it all. Even giving Him everything, you can’t outgive what He’s given you.

That sounds risky doesn’t it? Romans 8:32-33 says that He has our best interest in mind. He doesn’t treat you as a throw-away. He holds you as valuable. He treasures you. You can trust Him. He’s already sacrificed his Son. He doesn’t want that to be a waste.

Rom 8:32-33 (NIV)
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

According to Barna polls only 1 in 10 Christians live a fulfilled life. That’s because 90% stop after receiving salvation. They’ve never offered themselves. They made God savior, but never made Him Lord. They never put Him in charge. Until that happens, fulfillment is automatically limited. They try to follow Christ, but hold on to something else. Living with two masters can’t please either and makes the servant miserable. You will serve someone. Choosing a single, benevolent master with your best interest at heart just makes sense. Some translations say that this is your “reasonable” act of service.

Sell Out!