Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s sermons: Service to God

Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s sermons: Service to God

Posted on December 7, 2008 Updated on December 6, 2008

ANY LOSS FOR HIM

Memorise: “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward” (Hebrews 11:26)

Read: Luke 14:25-27  

It can be very expensive to know God. Paul had to give up all that ever meant anything to him.

I have discussed with God to the point where I offered to give up anything for Him. He asked me, ‘Supposing I ask you to resign as the G. O of the RCCG and handover to somebody else?’ I replied, ‘I won’t look back’. Then He said, ‘Supposing I ask that new G.O. to transfer you to a small parish in one remote part of Nigeria; And I ask you to pack one suitcase, and your wife two suitcases because she is a woman?’

I told Him, “I will only ask for a week to do a proper handing over to my successor after which I will head for my new posting. I know as I go there, you will meet me as you met John the Beloved on the Island of Patmos”. I will do just anything to remain His friend!

When I first read today’s passage I did not understand it. Later I understood that if I claim to love Him, my love must be so intense that compared to the love I have for my parents, it will appear like hatred. It will cost you to know Him.

Romans 8:16-17 clearly reveals that your readiness to suffer with Christ is proof of divine sonship. Only those who suffer with and for Him will be glorified with Him. There is no crown without a cross. If you love Him, you will demonstrate unquestionable obedience towards Him (John 14:15). If you love Him, your hands and heart must be clean.

 In Hebrews 11:24-27, Moses forsook his opportunities in Egypt and chose to suffer reproach with the people of God. His hands were clean, hence they could create a path in the Red Sea. How many princes can leave the comfort of their palaces, and prestige of their offices to identify with slaves and suffer with them? That was what Moses did. He paid the price of discipleship.

Have you paid the price? What is so costly that cannot be given out of love for Him? Remember, He owns you and gave you all you have. What is the Isaac that is standing between you and total obedience? What material blessing is so valuable that you cannot give up because of your love? Whatever you consider priceless, makes you unprepared for the level of service He expects from you.

He gave His life for you: Until you are ready to die for Him, you are not ready to love Him supremely. You can keep your life now but lose it in eternity. On the other hand, you can lose your life now but find it throughout eternity. One is far better than the other. Christian martyrs were ready to lose their lives for Him because they wanted a far better bargain. What can’t you give today?

 Pray for peace and progress in Israel and that their hearts be open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ask that every veil of religion be removed from their view

Source: E-Open Heavens