Topical Encyclopedia Devotedness to God is a central theme in the Christian faith, reflecting a believer's commitment and dedication to the divine will and purpose. This devotedness is not merely an emotional or intellectual assent but is deeply rooted in the call of God, which serves as both the foundation and impetus for a life wholly surrendered to Him.The Call of God: The call of God is a divine invitation extended to individuals, drawing them into a relationship with Him and commissioning them for His purposes. This call is both personal and communal, encompassing the call to salvation, sanctification, and service. 1. Call to Salvation: The call to salvation is the initial and most fundamental aspect of God's call. It is an invitation to enter into a covenant relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. As stated in Romans 8:30 , "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This call is a manifestation of God's grace, drawing individuals out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). 2. Call to Sanctification: Following the call to salvation, believers are called to sanctification—a process of being set apart for God's purposes and being conformed to the image of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 declares, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness." This call to holiness is a lifelong journey, requiring a continual yielding to the Holy Spirit and a commitment to living according to God's Word. 3. Call to Service: The call of God also includes a call to service, where believers are invited to participate in God's redemptive work in the world. Ephesians 2:10 affirms, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." This call to service is diverse, encompassing various gifts and ministries within the body of Christ, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12. Devotedness in Response to the Call: Devotedness to God is the appropriate response to His call. It involves a wholehearted commitment to love, obey, and serve God above all else. This devotedness is characterized by several key elements: 1. Love for God: The greatest commandment, as stated by Jesus in Matthew 22:37 , is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This love is the driving force behind a life devoted to God, compelling believers to prioritize their relationship with Him above all earthly attachments. 2. Obedience to God's Word: Devotedness to God is demonstrated through obedience to His Word. Jesus emphasized this in John 14:15 , "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Obedience is not a burdensome duty but a joyful expression of love and trust in God's perfect will. 3. Commitment to Prayer and Worship: A life devoted to God is marked by a commitment to prayer and worship. These spiritual disciplines are vital for maintaining intimacy with God and aligning one's heart with His purposes. Philippians 4:6 encourages believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." 4. Sacrificial Living: Devotedness to God often requires sacrificial living, where personal desires and ambitions are surrendered for the sake of God's kingdom. Romans 12:1 exhorts believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." 5. Perseverance in Faith: Finally, devotedness to God involves perseverance in faith, even amidst trials and challenges. Hebrews 10:36 reminds believers, "You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." This perseverance is fueled by the hope of eternal life and the assurance of God's faithfulness. In summary, devotedness to God, grounded upon His call, is a comprehensive and dynamic response that encompasses love, obedience, prayer, sacrifice, and perseverance. It is a life lived in alignment with God's will, for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Thessalonians 2:12That you would walk worthy of God, who has called you to his kingdom and glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Preface to the Present Edition. section second. An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ... Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the ... The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Resources What does it mean to be devout? | GotQuestions.orgDevotedness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Devotedness to God: A Characteristic of Saints Devotedness to God: Bearing the Cross Devotedness to God: Christ, an Example of Devotedness to God: Doing all to God's Glory Devotedness to God: Epaphroditus Devotedness to God: Giving up all for Christ Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: Our Creation Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: Our Preservation Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: Our Redemption Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: The Call of God Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: The Death of Christ Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: The Goodness of God Devotedness to God: Grounded Upon: The Mercies of God Devotedness to God: Living to Christ Devotedness to God: Loving God Devotedness to God: Peter, Andrew, James, John Devotedness to God: Self-Denial Devotedness to God: Serving God Devotedness to God: should be Abounding Devotedness to God: should be in Life and Death Devotedness to God: should be Persevering Devotedness to God: should be Unreserved Devotedness to God: should Be with Our Bodies Devotedness to God: should Be with Our Members Devotedness to God: should Be with Our Spirit Devotedness to God: should Be with Our Substance Devotedness to God: Walking Worthy of God Devotedness to God: Want of, Condemned Related Terms |