Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionDevotedness to God is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing a life wholly dedicated to the service and worship of the Almighty. This devotion is not merely an obligation but a response to the profound mercies of God. The mercies of God, as revealed in Scripture, serve as the foundation and motivation for a believer's commitment to live a life pleasing to Him. Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, provides a compelling exhortation for believers to live a life of devotedness to God. Romans 12:1 states, "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." Here, Paul appeals to the mercies of God as the basis for offering oneself wholly to God. The mercies of God encompass His grace, forgiveness, and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Mercies of God 1. Salvation and Redemption: The ultimate expression of God's mercy is found in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:4-5 declares, "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved." This mercy, demonstrated through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ, calls believers to a life of gratitude and devotion. 2. Forgiveness of Sins: God's mercy is also evident in His willingness to forgive sins. Psalm 103:10-12 reminds us, "He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." This forgiveness inspires believers to live in a manner that honors God. 3. Sustaining Grace: God's mercies are new every morning, providing believers with the grace needed to live each day. Lamentations 3:22-23 affirms, "Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This sustaining grace encourages a continual reliance on God and a commitment to His purposes. Response to God's Mercies 1. Living Sacrifices: In response to God's mercies, believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices. This involves a daily commitment to holiness and obedience, setting oneself apart for God's service. The concept of a living sacrifice implies an ongoing, active dedication to God, contrasting with the one-time offerings of the Old Testament. 2. Transformation and Renewal: Romans 12:2 continues, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Devotedness to God requires a transformation that begins in the mind, aligning one's thoughts and actions with God's will. 3. Service and Worship: Devotion to God is expressed through service and worship. Hebrews 12:28 encourages believers, "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe." Worship is not limited to corporate gatherings but is a lifestyle of reverence and gratitude. Examples of Devotedness 1. Abraham: Known as the father of faith, Abraham's life exemplifies devotedness to God. His willingness to leave his homeland and offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22) demonstrates a profound trust and commitment to God's promises. 2. David: Despite his imperfections, King David's heart was devoted to God. His psalms reflect a deep longing for God's presence and a desire to live according to His statutes (Psalm 63:1). 3. Mary of Bethany: In the New Testament, Mary of Bethany's act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume (John 12:3) illustrates her devotedness. Her actions were a response to the mercy and love she had received from Christ. Conclusion Devotedness to God, grounded upon His mercies, is a call to live a life of worship, service, and transformation. It is a response to the immeasurable grace and love that God has shown through Jesus Christ, compelling believers to offer themselves wholly to Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ... 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 |