Devotedness to God, particularly in the context of giving up all for Christ, is a profound theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures. This concept is rooted in the call to discipleship and the willingness to forsake earthly attachments for the sake of following Jesus. It is a call to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else, reflecting a heart wholly surrendered to the Lord.

Biblical Foundation

The call to devotedness is vividly illustrated in the Gospels. In Matthew 16:24-25 , Jesus declares, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." This passage underscores the necessity of self-denial and the willingness to embrace sacrifice as integral to true discipleship.

Similarly, in Luke 14:33 , Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship: "In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple." Here, the relinquishment of possessions and personal ambitions is presented as a prerequisite for following Christ, highlighting the totality of commitment required.

Examples of Devotedness

The lives of the apostles and early Christians provide compelling examples of devotedness to God. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:7-8 , articulates his own experience: "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Paul's words reflect a radical reorientation of values, where knowing Christ surpasses all earthly gains.

The early church in Acts also exemplifies this devotedness. Acts 2:44-45 describes the believers as having "all things in common" and selling their possessions to meet the needs of others. This communal lifestyle demonstrates a collective commitment to living out the teachings of Christ, prioritizing spiritual unity and mutual support over individual wealth.

Theological Implications

Devotedness to God, as seen in the willingness to give up all for Christ, is not merely an external act but a reflection of an internal transformation. It signifies a heart that treasures Christ above all else, as expressed in Matthew 6:21 : "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This devotedness is a response to the love and grace of God, recognizing that true fulfillment and eternal reward are found in Him alone.

Furthermore, this call to devotedness challenges believers to examine their own lives and priorities. It invites a continual process of surrender, where believers are encouraged to lay aside anything that hinders their relationship with God. Hebrews 12:1 exhorts, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us."

Practical Application

In practical terms, devotedness to God involves a daily commitment to live according to His will. It requires discernment to identify and relinquish anything that competes with one's allegiance to Christ. This may include material possessions, personal ambitions, or relationships that distract from one's spiritual journey.

Believers are encouraged to cultivate spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and studying Scripture to deepen their relationship with God and align their hearts with His purposes. Through these practices, they can grow in their understanding of what it means to live a life fully devoted to Christ, continually seeking His kingdom and righteousness above all else.Matthew 19:21,28,29
Jesus said to him, If you will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... was owing to an enlarged view of devotedness to God on ... But thou, O man of God, flee
these things; and ... I be asked, what I understand by giving up all for Christ ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

Christ About his Father's Business
... We have not enough of true devotedness to the cause, or else God ... were right you would
understand it, for it is God's gospel"the giving up all to Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/christ about his fathers business.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... exquisite prudence, indefatigable industry; such devotedness to God ... Language fails
in giving but a faint description of ... of God as Mediator between God and man ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... Christ with unrighteousness to man, or with a want of devotedness to God. ... satisfaction
must be imputed to them, or else how is God just in giving to them ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

Note C. --Chap. vii George Muller and his Second Conversion
... me to see a higher standard of devotedness than I had ... not knowingly doing anything
against the will of God. In giving himself to the teaching of the Holy Spirit ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/note c chap vii george muller.htm

Appendix (Referred to in Note 1)
Christian Devotedness. ... that they should lay by every Lord's Day, as God had prospered
them ... object appears to be to decline their bounty without giving pain; for ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/appendix referred to in note.htm

The Attractive Force of the Cross.
... of tenderest and utterly self-sacrificing devotedness to us ... God, the central
intelligence and original moral Being ... within reach of His life-giving radiance all ...
/.../iv the attractive force of.htm

Its Nature
... peace-speaking Blood with the Life-giving righteousness"both ... Thus God dealt with
us as occupying Christ's place ... may move us unto fuller devotedness unto Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/5 its nature.htm

Are You Prepared to Die?
... in God, and lived a higher life of devotedness and love. ... Without giving an opinion
upon the merit of that system of ... and flesh fail you, you will have God to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/are you prepared to die.htm

The Anointing of Jesus.
... necessarily rejoices in every expression of true devotedness that is ... sum and substance
of it merely a giving way to ... and joy of the life that God Himself lives ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/i the anointing of jesus.htm

What does it mean to be devout? | GotQuestions.org

Devotedness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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