Faith Is Spelled R-I-S-K

Sunday, July 19

Romans 12:1 (NIV)

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Devotion

If we obey this verse and offer our bodies as living sacrifices and say, “Here am I, send me!” (Isaiah 6:8), Scripture and the Holy Spirit will compel us to do things, by faith, that seem risky to our natural selves and our aspirations to avoid difficulty and trouble. The church of Jesus in Rome, to whom Paul wrote, would face increasing trouble and persecutions in the years following his letter. The prophet Isaiah, who said to God, “Here am I, send me!” was sent to proclaim a difficult message: “Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.” Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes.” (Isaiah 6:9-10) 

Isaiah’s assignment is ours also. Isaiah 6:9 is quoted five times in the New Testament, once in each of the four Gospels and once by Paul in Acts. When we say, “Here am I, send me!” This is what we are signing up for. We need to die to ourselves and become living sacrifices in a deep and meaningful way. 

Carrying the message of coming judgment that brings conviction and repentance requires that we become living sacrifices, more concerned with pleasing God than receiving positive feedback from men. When we obey Jesus and carry the gospel message, we are the fragrance of life to the few who are being saved and the stench of death to the many who are perishing (2 Corinthians 2:16). Remember that “wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)  Who is up to such a task?

We are! At least we are if we obey and offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. However, if we say, “Here am I, send me,” but only have in mind pleasant tasks with no risk of negative feedback, persecution, or rejection, we are not behaving like living sacrifices, since our service seems conditional on only being the “fragrance of life” and not the “stench of death.” We don’t get to censor the uncomfortable parts of Scripture or the uncomfortable messages the Holy Spirit brings as we confront the sin around us and point people to Jesus. We don’t get to go only to people who present little risk of trouble, hardship, or persecution. Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I surrender my plans, my comfort, and my desire for approval to You. Make me a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing in Your sight. Give me the courage to say, “Here am I, send me,” and the faith to obey even when the path is difficult. Help me boldly carry Your truth with love, trusting that You are with me in every season. May my life be a vessel that brings glory to Your name and points others to Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Following Jesus means valuing His approval above the approval of others. Identify one area where fear of rejection, criticism, or discomfort has held you back from obeying God. Surrender that fear to Him and choose to be a bold witness, trusting that God can use your obedience to bring hope and transformation to others.

Resources

• Join us this morning at 9 & 11 AM (ET) for Week 3 of At The Movies with Pastor Jentezen Franklin! Experience powerful worship and an inspiring message designed to encourage and challenge your faith. Join us in person at a Free Chapel campus near you or watch exclusively online at freechapel.org/movies. We can’t wait to worship with you!

• Are you ready to say “yes” to God? Listen to “Here I Am” by Free Chapel Music and be encouraged to offer your life as a willing vessel for His purpose and glory.