DCLM Higher Everyday 22 November 2023 — Losing All To Gain Christ
Topic: Losing All To Gain Christ
Text: Philippians 3:2-8
2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
Key Verse: “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ” (Philippians 3:7).
Message
“You can think it costs a lot to be a Christian but it costs incredibly much more not to be a Christian! And neither you nor I will want to pay that price,” someone declared. Youths of this generation are busy seeking money, materials, fame, success, and power by all means and at all cost. While it is not sinful to be ambitious, whatever heights anyone attains in life without having Christ will amount to nothing at the end of the age. Any privilege, opportunity, and scholarship offered at the expense of our salvation must be rejected. All sins and ungodly associations must be renounced.
Whatever you give up to gain Christ will pay off at the end. David Livingstone and Mary Slessor gave up their home land and comfort of family life in Europe to serve Christ in Africa. We must be willing to part with everything that will hinder us from total surrender to Christ. Nothing must be too precious to give up in order to gain Christ, no matter how precious it may be.
Quote: Be willing to part with everything
Challenge: Earthly loss is eternal gain.
Prayer for today: My God, keep me from exchanging Christ with anything.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
