The Christian’s Devotion: A Fivefold Commitment
Introduction
Definition: The word devotion means dedication, sincere commitment, and deep surrender to something or someone.
The Christian life requires a complete devotion directed toward God and spiritual matters.
Character of Devotion: This devotion must spring from the heart—not out of mere obligation, but out of genuine love for the Lord.
Biblical Foundation: Any devotion that is not rooted in the Scripture is unauthorized and not accepted by God.
Essential Areas of Christian Devotion:
• To the Lord
• To His Word
• To His Will
• To Prayer
• To Brotherly Love
Purpose of the Message: To consider what our dedication to God must look like in order to live a firm, fruitful, and pleasing spiritual life before the Lord.
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I. Devotion to the Lord
A. A Heart Completely Surrendered (1 Kings 8:61)
The people of Israel were commanded to have their hearts “wholly true to the LORD our God.” Genuine devotion is reflected in our commitment to keeping and walking in His commandments.
B. The Example of King Asa (1 Kings 15:14)
The Scripture records that Asa’s “heart was wholly true to the LORD all his days.” A partial surrender leads to inconsistency and spiritual instability; a total surrender leads to unwavering faithfulness.
• Application: Is your heart divided, or is it completely surrendered to the Lord? True devotion demands our whole affection.
II. Devotion to the Lord's Word
A. The Word as Delight and Treasure (Psalm 119:11, 34, 92, 140)
The Psalmist declared the Word is pure and must be treasured “that I might not sin against you” (v. 11). David found comfort in the Word during his affliction (v. 92).
B. Constant Love and Meditation (Psalm 119:97, 162)
One only meditates constantly on that which one deeply loves (v. 97). David rejoiced in the Word “as one who finds great spoil” (v. 162).
C. Necessity of Studying the Word (1 Peter 2:2; 1 Timothy 4:13)
Spiritual growth depends on diligent Bible study ("as newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk"). Constant reading and teaching were apostolic commands.
D. Faith is Born from the Word (Romans 10:17)
Without devotion to Scripture, there is no firm faith or spiritual maturity. The Word is both the source and the sustenance of our faith.
• Application: How much time do you dedicate to the Word each day? Is it treated as a treasure or a task?
III. Devotion to the Will of God
A. God’s Will as Daily Priority
God’s will must be present in every decision and situation we face.
B. David’s Delight (Psalm 40:8; Colossians 3:16)
David’s delight in obedience was because God’s law was “within my heart.” Our obedience should be joyful, not grudging.
C. The Example of Jesus (John 4:34; 6:27; Matthew 6:33)
For Jesus, doing the Father’s will was more important than eating: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me.” The will of God must stand above all human priorities, including basic sustenance.
D. Lack of Devotion
When we habitually prefer other things—our comfort, our desires, our reputation—before the will of God, our professed devotion is false.
• Application: What place does God’s will truly occupy in your daily decision-making?
IV. Devotion to Prayer
A. Prayer, the Believer’s Mighty Weapon
Prayer must not be neglected at any moment, for it is our essential communication and source of spiritual strength.
B. The Example of the Early Church (Acts 1:14; 6:4)
They persevered with one accord in prayer. The apostles dedicated themselves completely “to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” They prioritized it.
C. Exhortation to the Church (Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2-3)
We must persevere in prayer, be watchful, and give thanks. Prayer is the means by which doors are opened in the Lord's work.
D. The Effective Prayer of the Righteous (James 5:16)
Devotion in prayer produces powerful spiritual results. The fervent prayer of a righteous person accomplishes much.
• Application: Are you dedicating daily time to prayer, or do you only pray when an urgent need arises?
V. Devotion to Brotherly Love
A. The Lack of Love in the Church
Sadly, envy, strife, and rivalry too often replace genuine Christian love in congregations.
B. The Lord’s Command (John 13:34-35; Romans 12:10)
Mutual love is the undeniable mark of a true disciple: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
C. Testimony of the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)
They visibly and consistently practiced brotherly love. Their devotion was active and growing.
D. Characteristics of Christian Love (Romans 12:9; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Romans 13:8)
• It must be without hypocrisy (Rom. 12:9).
• It is permanent ("Continue in brotherly love," Heb. 13:1).
• It is a continuous command and a debt we must pay every day (Rom. 13:8).
• Application: What do others see in us: sincere love or divisive attitudes?
Conclusion
We have seen five essential areas where the Christian must show devotion:
1. To the Lord: with a whole heart.
2. To His Word: with delight and study.
3. To His Will: with radical obedience.
4. To Prayer: with perseverance.
5. To Brotherly Love: with sincerity.
May the grace of God compel us to pursue this complete devotion, that our lives may be firm, fruitful, and pleasing to our King.
