CONSECRATION

 

Romans 12:1- 2

The word consecration is found mostly in the Old Testament in reference to items that are to be set apart as holy for the purposes of worshipping God. It is also used to describe the setting a part of the priests, who are to be consecrated to the Lord. Although the word is not used extensively in the New Testament, it occurs in reference to the consecrated bread, and is applied to individuals and the purposes of God. For the child of God, consecration is not optional, since we are all priests for God.

Consecration is the act of setting ourselves apart from the world to become dedicated as an instrument of righteousness for the purposes of God. True Christianity is a radical commitment to Jesus, not just going to church on Sundays. If you desire to become a man or woman of God, consecrating yourself to Him will reap the rewards of entering into His presence!

Consecration plays an important role in our growth toward God. True consecration has two parts; our part and God’s. Our part is the practical side of separating ourselves from sinful living. God’s part is to prepare us for His use by actually making us holy. In being prepared for holy use, God has to also prepare our body for being used in ministry.

As a believer, God has already cleansed us on the inside and made us holy. But consecration in the Old Testament was for cleansing the outside of vessels too. After salvation, God's part in consecrating us for His use is to wash our body with His presence.

The word "consecration" means to give, separate, dedicate or set apart for the service or glory of God. Consecration does not mean conversion or a state of sinless perfection. Consecration is not necessarily a sudden impulse or emotion developed in excitement. Consecration is simply trusting wholly in Jesus, spirit, soul and body, not holding back in reserve.

It is giving ourselves up to God forever as bought with a price, no longer my own. It is not necessarily volunteering for full time service, though that might develop (I Chr. 29:5).

Consecration is an act of the will. I must make a decision. Consecration is abdicating the rulership of our lives in favor of Jesus. The "I" yields to the authority of Christ as Master. Who is boss in your life?

WHAT IS CONSECRATION?

A.  Consecration involves two acts:

1. Yielding our will to God.

2. Consecration is the act of God when He accepts the sacrifice that we make. It involves giving ourselves to Him (Micah 4:13); it involves separation unto God (Num. 6:12); it involves being filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18); it involves being set apart for God's service (Ex.28:3).

WHO CAN BE CONSECRATED?

A. Those that have been saved and are members of God's family.    

B. Consecration is not exclusive to the great, mighty or talented, but available to every believer.

THE CALL TO CONSECRATION

A. We are not commanded to come by force or authority but by His mercies.

B. Our consecration is not prompted by fear, but by love and mercy.

C. Some of God's mercies are: justification, sanctification, indwelling of the Holy Spirit, daily help, heaven after death, health and the church.

THE ACT OF CONSECRATION

A. It is voluntary, personal and sacrificial.

B. It is putting our lives on the altar.  It is a supreme act of worship.

WHAT AM I TO CONSECRATE?

A. Your body must be given to Him to use as He desires, whereby He may get more glory. Our bodies are not our own. They have been redeemed by God with His blood.

B. Give Him your talents.

C. Give Him your time.

D. Give Him your possessions

E.  Give Him your heart. This is what He wants more than anything else. The heart is symbolical of the inner man, the real self. Consecration means giving everything that we have to God, but giving myself first.

THE RESULTS OF CONSECRATION  (Romans 12:2)

A. A life that is not conformed to this world. It is not a worldly selfish life.

B. A life that is transformed by the renewed mind. The renewed man thinks as God thinks.

C. A life lived harmoniously in the will of God, happily following His plan for your life.

D. A life that is acceptable both to God and by man.

E. A life that is good. It will be beneficial.

F. A life that is happy, joyous, victorious, because it is lived in the perfect will of God.

Consecration is a process. It is daily, and moment by moment yielding in the daily crises. The daily renewal of our consecration is not by the flesh but by the indwelling Spirit.