Consecration Life of Jesus (Mid-Week Bible Study)

Series: Becoming like Jesus

Introduction

  • Consecration is a term that is mostly used in the Old Testament.
  • But is inferred in many passages of the New Testament.
  • Consecration also carries the idea of sanctification, holiness, and separateness.
  • A Consecrated life is committed to God’s service, love for His people and the pursuit of His will.
  • “ALL” believers are called to a life of Consecration

Question – What is the difference between dedication, sanctification and consecration?

Consecration in the Bible (Old Testament and New Testament)

In the Old Testament, people consecrate (set apart) themselves and worship items often at God’s command.

People consecrate:

  • Themselves – Exodus 19:22, Leviticus 11:44, Joshua 3:5
  • Others – Exodus 19:10, Exodus 28:41, Leviticus 16:19, 8:12
  • The altar (Exodus 40:10), the mountain (Exodus 19:23 ) the middle of the court (Kings 9:3), the 50th year (Leviticus. 25:10)
  • God sometimes consecrate people and things (Exodus 29:44)
  • You can use your skill to make items for consecration (Exodus 28:3)
  • In the New Testament, other words are used to connote consecration (separation or setting apart, holy). However, sanctification is often depicted as the work of God (John 17:16-19, Hebrews 2:11).
  • Work out your salvation…it is God that works in us. Philippians 2:12-13
  • Consecration can be considered as the intentional effort of believers to set themselves apart for God and His use through their relationship with God.
  • Sanctification on the other hand is what God does in us when we consecrate ourselves. He makes us holy and sets us apart for Himself and His purpose.

Consecration Life of Christ

Jesus modeled the life of consecration even from childhood (Luke 2:41-52) His commitment to consecration is demonstrated in His:

  • Intimacy with God
  • Obedience and Submission to God’s Plan
  • Dedication to God’s service
  • Sacrifice and Suffering

Intimacy with God

  • Jesus was passionate about being in the presence of His Father. John 8:29; John 15:10
  • Jesus loved the Father and He understood His Father’s love. John 3:35; John 14:31
  • But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed – Luke 5:16

Application:

  • How often do you withdraw to spend time alone with God – Psalm 46:10
  • Commit to an intimate, passionate, and consistent relationship with God. Psalm 1:1-5, Joshua 1:8
  • Prioritize your relationship with God. (See the case of Joseph – Genesis 39:7-10, Philippians 3:10

Obedience and Submission to God’s Plans

  • The ultimate act of Jesus’ consecration was His death on the cross – Philippians 2:5-8
  • Jesus yielded to God’s plan and learned obedience by suffering – Hebrews 2:8-12; 5:8
  • Jesus was dependent on God – John 5:30; 6:38.

Application:

  • You are His workmanship. Ephesians 2:10, Luke 1:26-38.
  • Resist the temptation to think too highly of yourself. Philippians 2:3-4
  • Depend on Christ and Trust His plans. John 15:1-5, Isaiah 55:8-9.

Dedication to God’s service

  • Jesus was completely dedicated to God’s work – John 9:4
  • Jesus was motivated by God, not men – “My Father is working, and so am I” John. 5:17
  • Jesus left nothing undone – John 17:4

Application:

  • Have a “none of these things move me” attitude – Acts 20:24, 2 Tim. 4:7
  • Do God’s work with all your heart and strength. Col. 3:23, Ecc. 9:10
  • Make the most of every opportunity – Eph. 5:15-16, Gal. 6:10

Sacrifice and Suffering

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

  • Jesus suffered being misunderstood by people – Isaiah 53:4-5
  • He willingly sacrificed Himself for us – John 12:27, John 12:27
  • He served us and sacrificed His life for us – Mark 10:45, I Peter 2:24

Application:

  • Be a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1-3
  • Following Christ will cost you something. Luke 9:23-27, Matthew. 16:24, John 12:25-26
  • In this world we will have tribulation. John 16:1-4, 33; James 4:7.
  • They that will live godly will suffer persecution. 2 Tim. 3:12; 2 Cor . 4:16-18; 11:25-28

If you never bump into the devil, then you may be heading in the same direction

Conclusion:

  • Consecration is a process and not a one-time decision. It is the lifestyle of believers.
  • Your first step is to be born again.
  • You make a commitment to be set apart for the Lord and you continue to renew your commitment to God daily.
  • Consecration follows spiritual growth. It develops as we become more intimate with the Lord and mature in our faith.
  • If you are waiting until the time of temptation to begin to prepare to overcome you will fail every time. Consecration is your preparation today for the victory of tomorrow.

Thank you for reading!

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