First: They Gave Their Own Selves to the Lord
Name of Assembly: United Apostolic Church
Type of service: Bible Study
Date: April 26th & May 3rd, 2022
Series: SCRIPTURAL PRIORITIES
Lesson 3: “FIRST- THEY GAVE THEIR OWN SELVES TO THE LORD”
Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
“1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” – 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 “
1-4 Now, friends, I want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which God is working in the churches in Macedonia province. Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could—far more than they could afford!—pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians. 5-7 This was totally spontaneous, entirely their own idea, and caught us completely off guard. What explains it was that they had first given themselves unreservedly to God and to us. The other giving simply flowed out of the purposes of God working in their lives. That’s what prompted us to ask Titus to bring the relief offering to your attention, so that what was so well begun could be finished up. You do so well in so many things—you trust God, you’re articulate, you’re insightful, you’re passionate, you love us—now, do your best in this, too. 8-9 I’m not trying to order you around against your will. But by bringing in the Macedonians’ enthusiasm as a stimulus to your love, I am hoping to bring the best out of you. You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us—in one stroke he became poor and we became rich” - 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 (MSG).
INTRODUCTION
Being the fourth lesson of this series is not an indication that giving ourselves to God is a fourth step in Christian living. This lesson is closely aligned to our first study in which the Lord enjoins us to seek first the kingdom of God. Any person who seeks God first will of necessity give himself to God. However, after this initial step of putting God's kingdom first, we automatically face the ongoing challenge of keeping ourselves dedicated to God.
Involvement in personal pursuits, along with the availability of means and methods to do so, produces an environment conducive to our being lukewarm. In such setting it becomes easy for us to give of our means rather than of ourselves. As we identify scriptural priorities, it becomes evident that God wants people first, their means (resources, property, riches, etc.) second.
Causes, even God's, can be so projected until people will support them without ever being committed to them. While some projects only require support without involvement, this is not true of God's kingdom. Personal involvement and surrender to God is a priority, established by the Scripture, that by far exceeds one's gifts. Contributions and even spiritual gifts offered and exercised without a deep love and loyalty to God and His cause have the emptiness of sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing” - 1 Corinthians 13:13. While gifts of time, talent, and money are needed and beneficial, God's ultimate and highest expectation is that we simply give ourselves—first.
Resources, wealth, and power are all at God's disposal. “7 Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God. 8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me. 9 I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. 11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof” - Psalm 50:7-12.
God exercises the right of eminent domain over all His creation except humanity. Eminent domain is the right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation. In the United States, one of the most common examples of eminent domain is when the government is trying to build a road and the road's path is obstructed by private property. Under this legal clause the government can cease the private property providing that they can established that this is for the good of the public but just compensation must be paid for the property.
God's kingdom has need of consecrated men and women who have first given themselves to God. He then will supply all our needs when we supply His kingdom with ourselves. God can give humans anything, but only humans can give themselves to God. He never forces our personal or individual loyalty; He only requests it.
Is this sufficient motivation for you to give yourself to Him?
The Macedonia Experience
In a vision God directed Paul, during his second missionary journey, to go to the province of Macedonia. “6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them” - Acts 16:6-10.
In due time he established churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. He made many converts in these cities who immediately dedicated themselves to God. Paul and his helpers also evangelized Achaia, a neighboring province, with great success. From these and other parts of the then-known world, Christians arose who not only gave themselves to God but also gave of their meager means. In writing his epistles, Paul set forth these saints as examples to others. Their deeds establish an example for the church today.
1. Paul in his second epistle to Corinth, set forth the Macedonia brethren as an example to them in personal devotion. In this passage (2 Corinthians 8) he showed how that, even in deep poverty, they gave of their meager means to the work of God. He emphasized an overlooked element that produced such willing sacrifice: "They . . . first gave their own selves to the Lord" (II Corinthians 8:5).
2. After completely giving themselves to God, the Macedonian saints dedicated their meager means to helping other, less fortunate saints and ministers.
a) The churches of Macedonia, joined by those of Achaia, made a contribution to the poor saints in Jerusalem. “25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain” - Romans 15:25-28.
b) The church at Philippi, a city in Macedonia, sent help to Paul even after he had left their city. “ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. 22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” - Philippians 4:13-23.
These verses contain an expression of appreciation from Paul for their assistance. Paul was aware that only dedicated people would give to him when they were in need themselves (Philippians 4:19).
3. Epaphroditus, who was apparently a resident of Philippi in Macedonia, was a dedicated servant to the kingdom of God. His devotion ran so deep until Paul wrote to his home church that "for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death" (Philippians 2:30). What a Christian! Not only did he give of his means, along with that of the Philippian church, but he first gave himself. “24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me” – Philippians 2:24-30.
Christ’s Example
In citing the Macedonian brethren to the Corinthians as an example of self-sacrifice, Paul injected this powerful example: "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" (II Corinthians 8:9).
This verse does not merely describe someone giving all his substance but an actual emptying of self. Christ gave Himself for us that we might be rich—not in money or material things but in spiritual wealth. The Bible repeatedly expresses this truth: Christ gave Himself for us.
1) “3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” - Galatians 1:4.
2) “5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” - 1 Timothy 2:6.
3) “13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” - Titus 2:14.
The greatest offering given, and the highest contribution made is that of oneself. Christ set forth this principle and example in His death at Calvary.
God’s Laws of Firsts
Even in the Old Testament under the first covenant, God established His principle of priorities. By giving instructions to Israel, He set forth what He considers to be vital and foremost. “1And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. 2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 The Lord made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day. 4 The Lord talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, 5 (I stood between the Lord and you at that time, to shew you the word of the Lord: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying, 6 I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me” – Deuteronomy 5:1-7.
God has always established His requirements and expectations for His people.
1. Requirements and expectations given to Adam: “7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. 8 And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. 15 And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” – Genesis 2:7-8; 15-16.
2. Requirements and expectations given to Israel: “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: 2 That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. 3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. 4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: 5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; 15 (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth” – Deuteronomy 6:1-7; 14-15.
3. God established an order of dedication that remains in effect to this present time. “Requirements and expectations of would-be-disciples: “24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” – St. Matthew 16:24-25. First, He wants the individual and then a willing presentation of each individual's means.
After God had slain the firstborn of Egypt, He set Israel free and established the Passover feast among them. As soon as Israel set forth on their journey, God sanctified (set apart, separated, made holy) to Himself the firstborn of Israel. “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,2 Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine” - Exodus 13:1-2. Israel was supposed to adhere to this law throughout the Old Testament.
Today, under grace, we are "a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (James 1:18). God's people, the church, those who are born again, are in His sight the "firstborn." We are to be set apart unto Him solely, entirely, and completely. No longer are we our own; we have been bought with a price. “19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. “18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” - 1 Peter 1:18-19.
After Israel had given themselves and their firstborn to God, He wanted them to willingly offer the firstfruits of their labors to Him. “16 And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. 17 Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord God. 18 Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the fat of my sacrifice remain until the morning. 19 The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God. …” - Exodus 23:16-19. This was to be a life-long consecration for each Israelite. Even the offerings from their flocks were to be of the firstborn. Simply put, God wanted what was first in every aspect of their lives—themselves, then their substance.
The church today should take note of God's requirement of man, coupled with an all-encompassing promise that endures to all generations: "Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine" (Proverbs 3:9-10).
Firstborn then firstfruits, the man then the means, the servant then the service is God's established priority for His people. The challenge to all of us here at United Apostolic Church, is to give ourselves to God first!
SCRIPTURAL GUIDELINES AND ADMONITIONS
Born-again Christians who withhold tithes and offerings from the church falls into the same position that Israel did when they rob God. “9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts” - Malachi 3:8-12.
Those who refuse to use their talents will stand in judgment condemned to outer darkness. “14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” - Matthew 25:14-30.
Those who love wealth, possessions, and things more than they love God face eternal separation from Him. “15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” - Luke 12:15-21.
“18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26 And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? 27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” – Luke 18:18-27.
The evidence is in: God wants and expects of us a dedication of time, talent, money, and service. His kingdom depends upon our substance for its propagation and continuity. Withholding our means only brings the curse of God upon us. Never should we develop a stingy, selfish, cheap, tightfisted, spirit toward the work of God. God has given so much to us; how can we withhold our substance from Him? When we begin to feel self-sufficient and self-made, thinking we have the privilege of withholding our substance, we should ask ourselves this scriptural question: "What hast thou that thou didst not receive?" (I Corinthians 4:7).
Nevertheless, this fact remains, first we must give ourselves to the Lord. Too many professing saints want to live prayerless and undedicated lives and compensate for their lukewarmness with large contributions to the church. While the money is a blessing, the principle is wrong and will be the cause of their being lost. Substitution of money and talent for consecration is the curse of many Christians today. As sure as day follows night, a person who gives himself will give of his means, but, sad to say, many give of their means but never surrender themselves.
The problem with the rich young ruler was not the amount of money he had; it was his lack of dedication. Peter, witnessing this scene, received a lesson from Jesus Christ in Luke 18:28-30, “28 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. 29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, 30 Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.”
Those who leave all, who give of themselves, receive both here and hereafter. People who stumble overpaying tithes or giving offerings do not have a problem with money; they have a problem with themselves. Ananias and Sapphira had this problem.
In our American culture where affluence abounds, we are witnessing a sad, unscriptural, morally corrupting practice. Because of abundance, people are giving of their means without any noticeable discomfort or sacrifice, while they themselves abandon the work of God. Many local churches and some denominations drown in a surplus of money and donations while sitting nearly empty on church nights. Church work that once drew men and women with enthusiasm now go begging for lack of manpower. Hands and hearts once dedicated to God now languish in worldly pleasures pacified by a generous donation to the cause. “Let someone else make the sacrifice, sweat, and toil—I will give my means but not myself” is their attitude.
May God trouble every member of United Apostolic Church until we return to a personal, all-out dedication of ourselves to God!
We must never forget that our money cannot praise God. Wealth cannot sing songs of worship or witness to a lost soul. Gifts can help a missionary, but they cannot be a missionary—only men and women can fill such lofty roles. Gold and silver have never taught a Home Bible study class, led a Home Prayer meeting, or taught one Sunday school classs. People alone have such distinction and honor. How foolish to curse ourselves and miss out on one of life's greatest areas of fulfillment, satisfaction, achievement, and reward by simply being uninvolved!
Members of United Apostolic Church, I call you to renewal, a sacrifice of yourself, a restoration of faithfulness to the house of God, a revival of a lost prayer life, and a recommitment to worship, altar work, and the choir, along with physical involvement in church work.
Let us consider the following scriptural examples as a guideline for the restoration of scriptural priorities in our lives:
1. One of the earliest examples of a man confusing God's priorities is found in Genesis 4:1-7. “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. 2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.”
Cain disobeyed God. However, the problem goes deeper in that "unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect" (Genesis 4:5). Admittedly, the offering was not what God wanted, but the root of the problem was with Cain himself. God's principle works; when the person is right (he gives himself first), the offering that follows will also be right and sufficient.
2. Saul violated God's command regarding the Amalekites, falling back on the premise that God would overlook his rebellion and stubbornness if he saved and gave a big offering or sacrifice to God. “13 And Samuel came to Saul: and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the Lord. 14 And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear? 15 And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed” …21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in Gilgal. 22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king” - 1 Samuel 15:13-15, 21-23.
He was wrong. Substance alone is not sufficient; the offerer must have first offered himself before he offers his gift.
3. Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice is God's first priority for us. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” - Romans 12:1-2. Only yielded people can live a completely yielded life.
4. Submitting ourselves to God—first—is the prerequisite for victory over the devil. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” - James 4:7. Unsubmitted lives are open to satanic control, or at least oppression and depression by him. Submission to God within itself is the only spiritually enabling element by which we can successfully resist the devil.
5. Stephanas, one of the few converts whom Paul baptized (I Corinthians 1:16), along with his house, "addicted," or devoted, themselves to the ministry of the saints. “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. 17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such” - I Corinthians 16:15-18.
This man and his family in the province of Achaia were converted under the ministry of Paul. They became so dedicated to helping others until Paul said they were "addicted." Apparently, devotion to God can be a spiritually addictive element in one's life. Replicating this in our lives should be our goal.
CONCLUSION
First our names must be written in heaven and kept there by a life of faithfulness and dedication. Heaven's record of our treasure sent there will be unquestionably accurate.
The one who has so “little” but gives himself totally to God will find that he has built upon the foundation with gold, sliver, and precious stones. God's search is an old, established one—He looks for a person. He never looks at our means as a reason to save or reject us. Those who come to Him, He will in no wise cast out. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” - John 6:37. A poor widow with a mite holds the attention of God because of her dedication, not the size of her gift. “41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury” - Mark 12:41-43.
You are so important to God. Why not surrender yourself to Him as you are right now? If God can have you, He has yours. First you must give yourself!