Devoted | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of devotion in our lives, encouraging us to move beyond mere attendance at church services and instead commit ourselves fully to the cause of Christ. We are reminded that true devotion involves dedication to the apostles' teaching, communal living, the breaking of bread, fellowship, and prayer. This is not just about showing up on Sundays, but about surrendering our lives to God's work.

Key Scripture References

• Acts 2:42-47 - The early church in Jerusalem devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This passage highlights the importance of communal living and shared devotion. As we see in verse 46, "day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart." The early church's commitment to these practices led to a remarkable outpouring of God's Spirit.
• Matthew 22:37-40

This passage records Jesus' response to the Pharisee's question about the greatest commandment. He replied, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This teaches us that devotion to God is not just an emotional experience, but also involves our minds and actions.

• 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

In this passage, Paul exhorts the Corinthian church to stand firm in their faith. He writes, "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." This encourages us to be vigilant and steadfast in our devotion, just as a soldier is committed to his duty.

• 2 Corinthians 9:7

This verse reminds us that true generosity and devotion are not about giving what we don't have, but about trusting God to provide. Paul writes, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This challenges us to examine our motivations and ensure that our devotion is rooted in faith rather than obligation.

• Galatians 2:20

In this passage, Paul writes about the transformation that occurs when we devote ourselves to Christ. He says, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." This reminds us that true devotion involves surrendering our old selves and living for God's purposes.

• Philippians 3:7-8

Paul writes about the futility of trying to earn salvation through human effort. He says, "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." This passage encourages us to reevaluate our priorities and devote ourselves fully to Christ.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

This passage reminds us that God desires our wholeness, not just our spiritual well-being. Paul writes, "May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." This challenges us to devote ourselves to a holistic approach to living for God.