Devotedness to God is a central theme in the Christian life, emphasizing a wholehearted commitment and dedication to the Lord. This devotion is not merely an external adherence to religious practices but involves the innermost being of a person—the spirit. The Bible underscores the importance of worshiping and serving God with our spirit, reflecting an authentic and profound relationship with Him.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently highlights the necessity of engaging our spirit in our devotion to God. In Romans 1:9, Paul declares, "God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you." Here, Paul illustrates that his service to God is not just a matter of physical action but is deeply rooted in his spirit. This service is characterized by sincerity and a genuine connection with God, transcending mere ritualistic observance.

Furthermore, in Philippians 3:3, Paul writes, "For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by His Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh." This passage emphasizes that true worship and service to God are conducted through the Spirit, indicating a spiritual devotion that surpasses physical or fleshly efforts. It is a call to rely on the Holy Spirit's empowerment rather than human strength.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to devote themselves to God with their spirit. In John 4:24, Jesus teaches, "God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." This statement underscores the necessity of spiritual worship, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers. The Spirit aids in aligning our spirit with God's will, fostering a deeper and more intimate devotion.

Heartfelt Devotion

Devotedness to God with our spirit involves a heartfelt commitment that permeates every aspect of our lives. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the command is given, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This comprehensive love for God encompasses the spirit, soul, and body, indicating that true devotion is all-encompassing and not compartmentalized.

The Psalms also reflect this deep spiritual devotion. In Psalm 51:10, David prays, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This plea for a renewed spirit highlights the importance of inner purity and sincerity in one's relationship with God. Devotion is not merely about external actions but involves an inner transformation and alignment with God's purposes.

Practical Implications

Devotedness to God with our spirit has practical implications for daily living. It calls for a life of prayer, where the spirit communes with God, seeking His guidance and strength. Romans 8:26-27 speaks of the Spirit interceding for us with groanings too deep for words, indicating the profound spiritual connection that undergirds our devotion.

Moreover, this devotedness manifests in obedience to God's commands, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel states, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." Obedience from the heart, motivated by love and reverence for God, is a true expression of spiritual devotion.

In summary, devotedness to God should be with our spirit, reflecting a sincere, heartfelt commitment that permeates every aspect of our lives. It is a devotion empowered by the Holy Spirit, characterized by love, obedience, and a deep, personal relationship with the Lord.1 Corinthians 6:20
For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 4:6
For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... that I know of has dared to charge Christ with unrighteousness to man, or with a
want of devotedness to God ... How should the righteous Father be God of an ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

The Spirit Christ's Witness.
... I. He should convict the world of sin. ... life, He by His integrity of purpose and
devotedness and love ... ye see Me no more." Without holiness no man shall see God. ...
/.../xiv the spirit christs witness.htm

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... was owing to an enlarged view of devotedness to God on ... all our hearts into the love
of God, and patient waiting for Christ, that if we should be alive ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

The God of the Aged
... If I had to live over again, I should only want to put myself into the ... to be saved
because of my long service, nor because of my devotedness to God's cause ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the god of the aged.htm

Jesus About his Father's Business
... intensity of love to Christ, what better men should we be ... You cry to God, "Arise!"
and yet you rise not ... to ask for singleness of soul, and devotedness of purpose ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/jesus about his fathers business.htm

The Christ of the Gospels.
... hypocrites, who should at this very hour be purifying ... No; but addressing God and
forgetting himself, he exclaims ... agony, and rail at your devotedness; to excuse ...
/.../the christ of the gospels 2.htm

The Father Seen in Christ.
... that the self-sacrifice and humility and devotedness of Jesus ... is in Him and He in
God"should not require ... of confidence in Christ is our individual acceptance ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/x the father seen in.htm

Christ About his Father's Business
... We have not enough of true devotedness to the cause ... sacrifice at first, ant then
afterwards there should be a ... my shop open," said one, "and earn money for God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/christ about his fathers business.htm

Footnotes:
Christian Devotedness. ... we were to analyze a little deeper our hearts, we should find
that ... clear, equally commands, or rather privileges, of the saints of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/groves/christian devotedness/footnotes .htm

Note C. --Chap. vii George Muller and his Second Conversion
... the Lord to lead me to see a higher standard of devotedness than I ... "2. He should
also have ... brings us into contact with God, comes to us as from God direct, and ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/note c chap vii george muller.htm

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

Devotedness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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