Lesson 1.

 What Doth the Lord require of Thee?

 In Reference to Dedication

 The Christian should be a dedicated person. The name Christian itself indicates as much. “Christian” means Christ-like and Christ was dedicated to God.

Read: Luke 2:49; John 17:4-6

 Paul speaks of dedication on the part of the Christian to God, by referring to “a living sacrifice” of one’s life unto God. The word “sacrifice” is synonymous with “dedication” in the sense Paul uses the former term in Romans 12:1. For comparative purposes, consider the following rending from other versions:

           Amplified Bible-Romans  12:1  “I appeal to you therefore, brethren and beg of you in view of (all) the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of you bodies-presenting all your members and faculties-as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.”

           New Testament in Language of the People-Romans  12:1  “I beg you, Therefore, brothers through these mercies God has shown you, to  make a decisive dedication of your bodies as a living sacrifice, devoted and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service.”

           New English Bible New Testament-Romans  12:1  “Therefore, my brothers, I implore you by God’s mercy to offer your very selves to Him: a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for his acceptance, the worship offered by mind and heart.”

I.            The Christian Dedication Produces a Living Sacrifice.

          A. God wants and demand the best from his creation.

                    1. Fact: He created so much for the good of man indicates such.

                       (Read: Genesis 1 & 2)

                    2. Jews were required to offer best, and were severely criticized 

                        for not doing so. (Read: Maliachi 1:6-8)

a.      Christ said our righteousness was to exceed that of the Jews (Read: Matthew 5:20)

II.               The Christian Dedication through a Living Sacrifice Will Include:

A.    Sacrifice of self. (Read: II Corinthians 8:5)

B.    Crucifying lust of flesh. (Read: Galatians 2:20; I Corinthians 9:2)

C.   Use of ability and talent. (Read: Matthew 25:14-40)

D.   Use of our time for God’s service

     (Read: Ephesians 5:15; John 9:4)

E.    Return of our material means.

      (Read: I Corinthians 16:1-2; II Corinthians 9:7)

III.     This Dedication through a Living Sacrifice Is Made Reasonable by:

          A.    God’s unspeakable gift.

      (Read: II Corinthians 9:15; John 3:16; I John 4:10)