How can we encourage others to give themselves fully to God? Setting the scene with 2 Corinthians 8:5 “And not only as we had expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to us, by the will of God.” What “gave themselves first to the Lord” looks like • Heart-level surrender before any outward service • A decisive act—then an ongoing lifestyle (Luke 9:23) • Letting God set the agenda for time, talents, and treasure (Romans 12:1) Why wholehearted devotion inspires others • Authentic passion is contagious (2 Corinthians 5:14-15) • People see that Jesus is worth more than convenience or comfort • It proves giving is a privilege, not pressure (2 Corinthians 8:3-4) Keys to encouraging wholehearted devotion • Celebrate grace, not guilt – Point friends to what God has already done for them (Ephesians 2:8-10). • Share real-life testimonies – Stories of answered prayer, sacrificial generosity, transformed habits. • Model visible sacrifice – Let others watch you serve when no spotlight is on. • Offer clear next steps – Identify specific ways to volunteer, give, or pray; remove guesswork. • Pray for spiritual revelation – Only the Spirit opens eyes to Christ’s worth (1 Corinthians 2:12). • Encourage progress, not perfection – God values direction over speed (Philippians 3:13-14). • Keep the cross at the center – Christ’s self-giving fuels ours (Philippians 2:5-8). Scriptures that reinforce the call • Romans 12:1—“offer your bodies as living sacrifices…” • Luke 9:23—“deny himself and take up his cross daily…” • Galatians 2:20—“I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…” • 1 Chronicles 29:5—“Who then will volunteer to consecrate himself to the LORD today?” • Hebrews 12:1-2—“let us run with endurance…fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Living it out together • Form small circles of accountability—share victories and setbacks weekly. • Memorize a surrender-themed verse each month. • Schedule regular service opportunities that stretch comfort zones. • Celebrate milestones: first mission trip, percentage-based giving, daily quiet-time streak. • Remind each other that giving ourselves fully is “by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:5)—He empowers what He commands. The Macedonians’ example shows full devotion is possible—and powerfully persuasive. Let’s lead others by experiencing and showcasing that same joyful surrender. |
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