Wednesday 16 October 2024

MY LIFE IS NOT FOR SALE

SERMON: MY LIFE IS NOT FOR SALE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1-2, 1 Peter 1:18-19, John 10:10

INTRODUCTION:
As believers, we must understand that our lives are valuable, not just to us but to God, who purchased us with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Our life is not for sale because it has already been bought at a high price. We are God's possession, called to live a life of holiness, purpose, and integrity. The world may try to lure us with offers of temporary pleasures, fame, or wealth, but we must stand firm in our faith, knowing that our life belongs to God. In this message, we will explore the truth that our lives are not for sale and how we can live in alignment with God's purpose.

1. THE PRICE PAID FOR YOUR LIFE

a) Bought with the Blood of Jesus:
Our lives have been purchased with the blood of Christ. 1 Peter 1:18-19 reminds us that we were redeemed, not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Jesus. This makes our lives priceless and not for sale to the world’s temptations.

b) You Are God’s Possession:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us that we are not our own because we were bought at a price. We are now God’s possession, and as such, our lives should reflect His ownership.

c) Your Life Has Purpose:
God's purchase of your life gives it purpose. You are not just existing; you are created to fulfil a divine purpose. Ephesians 2:10 says that we are God's workmanship, created for good works.

Biblical Example: Joseph in Genesis 39 refused to sell his integrity when tempted by Potiphar’s wife. He understood that his life belonged to God and that it was not for sale.

2. REFUSING TO SELL YOUR LIFE TO THE WORLD

a) The World’s Offer of Temporary Pleasures:
The world offers temporary pleasures in exchange for eternal value. Romans 12:2 warns us not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

b) The Temptation of Fame, Wealth, and Power:
Many are tempted to sell their lives for fame, wealth, or power, but Jesus asked in Mark 8:36, "What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?"

c) Standing Firm in Faith:
Ephesians 6:13 instructs us to put on the whole armour of God, so that we can stand firm in the face of worldly temptations. Your life is not for sale because it belongs to God.

Biblical Example: Daniel refused to defile himself with the king’s delicacies in Daniel 1. He understood that his life was dedicated to God and not for sale to the world's pleasures.

3. THE ENEMY WANTS TO BUY YOUR DESTINY

a) The Devil’s Agenda to Steal, Kill, and Destroy:
John 10:10 reveals that the enemy’s plan is to steal, kill, and destroy. The devil offers temporary rewards to take away your eternal inheritance.

b) Don't Sell Your Birthright:
In Genesis 25, Esau sold his birthright for a single meal, trading something eternal for something temporary. We must be careful not to make the same mistake by selling our destiny to the enemy.

c) Be Aware of Deceptive Offers:
The enemy often comes with subtle offers that seem harmless but can lead to spiritual compromise. We must stay vigilant and discern the enemy’s tactics.

Biblical Example: Jesus was tempted by the devil in Matthew 4:1-11, where Satan offered Him all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. Jesus responded by declaring His allegiance to God alone, refusing to sell out.

4. LIVING A LIFE THAT IS NOT FOR SALE

a) Dedicate Your Life to God’s Service:
Romans 12:1 urges us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. A life that is not for sale is a life that is fully dedicated to serving God.

b) Guard Your Heart:
Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts, for everything we do flows from it. We must protect our hearts from the temptations of the world and remain committed to God.

c) Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel:
Proverbs 13:20 says that those who walk with the wise become wise. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to stay true to your faith and purpose.

Biblical Example: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to the golden image in Daniel 3, even when faced with death. They declared that their lives were not for sale to idolatry.

5. THE REWARD OF A LIFE THAT IS NOT FOR SALE

a) Eternal Life in Christ:
The ultimate reward for living a life that is not for sale is eternal life in Christ. John 3:16 assures us that those who believe in Him will have everlasting life.

b) Fulfilling Your Divine Purpose:
A life that is not for sale fulfils the purpose for which it was created. God has good plans for you, plans to prosper you and give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

c) Divine Protection and Provision:
Psalm 91 promises that God will protect and provide for those who dwell in His presence. When you live a life that is fully committed to God, He takes care of your every need.

Biblical Example: Job’s life was tested, but he refused to curse God or sell his integrity. In the end, God restored Job’s fortunes and blessed him more than before (Job 42:10).

CONCLUSION:

Your life is not for sale because it has already been bought at a great price—the blood of Jesus Christ. The world may offer you fame, riches, or temporary pleasures, but none of these can compare to the eternal value of a life lived for God. Stand firm in your faith, refuse to compromise, and live a life that honours the One who purchased you with His blood.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for purchasing my life with the blood of Jesus. Help me to live for You alone.

2. Lord, give me the strength to resist every temptation to sell my life to the world.

3. Father, open my eyes to see the enemy’s deceptive offers and give me wisdom to reject them.

4. Lord, help me to guard my heart against the temptations of fame, wealth, and power.

5. Father, I dedicate my life to Your service. Use me for Your glory.

6. Lord, surround me with godly counsel that will help me stay true to my faith.

7. Father, give me the grace to fulfil the purpose for which You created me.

8. Lord, protect me from every plan of the enemy to steal, kill, or destroy my life.

9. Father, help me to stand firm in my faith, even when faced with trials and temptations.

10. Lord, I declare that my life is not for sale. I belong to You, and I will live for Your glory.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that your life is not for sale to the world’s temptations in Jesus’ name.

2. Every plan of the enemy to steal your destiny is cancelled in Jesus’ name.

3. You will fulfil your God-given purpose, and no weapon formed against you shall prosper.

4. The enemy’s offers of fame, wealth, and power will not entice you, for you are rooted in Christ.

5. I declare that you will stand firm in your faith, and God will reward your faithfulness.

6. Every deception of the enemy is exposed and defeated in your life in Jesus’ name.

7. You will live a life of holiness, dedicated to God’s service, and bring glory to His name.

8. Your heart will be guarded against the lies and temptations of the world.

9. The grace to resist every compromise is upon you in Jesus’ name.

10. I declare that you will walk in divine purpose and fulfil your destiny in Christ.

This sermon calls believers to reaffirm their commitment to God, understanding that their lives are already bought with a price and are not for sale to the world’s temptations.

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