Sunday re-cap (24th September 2006)

In Spite Of…..Unconditional Devotion Part II
Pr. Vincent Liew

Introduction

The danger of backsliding in our devotion to God may not be present only in difficult times but also in the ‘good’ times when our lives are a ‘breeze’. This trend was very typical of the Israelites in OT times. When they were ‘high and dry’, they cried out to God for help, but when they were having a good life, they reverted back to their old rebellious ways, forgetting who their God was (Hosea 13:4-8).
However, Christians can model their lives after 3 persons in the OT whom, in spite of their success, continued to be unconditionally devoted to God. Their devotion to God was reflected in their;-

A. Fear of God – Gen. 39:1-10 (Joseph – Slave to Prince)

i. Joseph resisted Potiphar’s wife’s sexual advances because he had the fear of God. He had the revelation that whenever someone sin, first and foremost, he or she sins against God Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. In spite of being ‘the man’ now in Potiphar’s house, he did not compromise his devotion to God. Sin is not only about the physical realm, but more importantly; it has drastic implications in the spiritual realm too.
ii. Quote: “When we lose the fear of God, by default we will inherit a thousand lesser fears.

B. Faith in God – Esther 4:15-16 (Esther – Peasant to Queen)

i. Esther became queen of Persia almost overnight. The king was ‘head over heels’ in love with her. She could have asked and got anything she wanted. But when her people, the Jews, were in trouble, Esther turned to God for help. In spite of success in the Persian court, she knew her limitations and she chose to put her faith in God rather than in herself.
ii. The more gifted or talented we are, the stronger the temptation to rely on self rather than God. God becomes our plan B.

C. Fellowship with God – Daniel 6:1-10 (Exile to Governor)

i. Daniel was a VVIP in Babylonia. He was one of the busiest politicians. God had blessed him with favor and everybody wanted a share of him. Even the king maintained a personal relationship with him. However, in spite of his popularity with royalty, Daniel continued to keep his personal fellowship with God like he had always done. Although the situation was not favorable, yet he did not neglect his quiet time with the Lord.
ii. The key to a strong personal fellowship with God is consistency.

Conclusion – Read Ecclesiastes 12

We should strive to remain unconditionally devoted to God by fearing Him, having faith in Him, and fellowshipping with Him even when everything is well in our lives.