John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that our joy may be full … These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1Jo 1:3-4; 1Jo 5:13 (emphasis added)
This compilation of notes represents the truths found in the Epistle of First John.
Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000
Living Sacrifice 19
"Deny yourself" (Luke 15:9) means that we should not trust ourselves, but entrust ourselves to Christ and the cross. When we follow the cross we become the channel of God's provisions to others: (1) every believer is a priest to God (2) we are an ambassador (3) we are a minister to other believers (4) we are a disciple (Mat 28:19-20). Function of the priesthood: there's a task, an offering to bring, and an office to fulfill. "Present yourself" (Rom 12:1) -- He wants us to be at His disposal -- available completely (Isa 6:8). Our weakness in the sin nature is both legalistic and lascivious (Rom 2:1-29). Salvation breaks the power of the sin nature. The body is now a temple (1Co 3:16, 1Co 6:19). Jesus took on a physical body in the incarnation -- He sanctified the body because He had no earthly father. This shows God's purpose for the body (Rom 5:12, Col 3:17-23). "living and holy sacrifice" (Rom 12:1) means abundant and spiritual life. In order to sacrifice an animal, you took its life. Likewise, we as a living sacrifice mreans we must lose our life -- we no longer own it. Jesus Christ owns us (Mat 10:39, 2Co 5:15). "Holy" involves salvation , the filling of the Spirit, and obedience (Eph 5:2). Priesthood (1Pe 2:5-9, Heb 5:1-10). Jesus had 3 titles to royalty (1) Divine title: as "Son of God, (2) Messianic "Son of David"; (3) Priestly title: "after the order of Melchizedek". As a priest we need to minister in things pertaining to God, and lead men to God (Mat 5:16, 1Pe 3:15). As God dealt with man through the Mercy Seat so He wants to minister to men through our bodies -- where the Spirit of God dwells.
Scripture References: Matthew 5:16, Romans 2:1-29, Hebrews 5:1-10, Isaiah 6:8, Ephesians 5:2, Romans 12:1, Matthew 10:39, Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 12:1, Luke 15:9, Colossians 3:17-23, Romans 5:12
From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.