LIVING A CHRIST-CENTRED LIFE

LIVING A CHRIST-CENTRED LIFE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 10:31; 16:13-14

Key Verse: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:1-4, 17; Matthew 6:33; John 15:4-5; Philippians 1:21; Hebrews 12:1-2

Description: A Christ-centred life is one in which Jesus occupies the highest place in our hearts, decisions, relationships, priorities, and service. Such a life remains watchful, steadfast in faith, spiritually strong, and governed by love while seeking to glorify God in everything.

INTRODUCTION

The Christian life is not simply about believing in Christ; it is about allowing Christ to become the centre of everything we are and do. Many believers acknowledge Jesus as Saviour but struggle to make Him Lord over their ambitions, relationships, finances, decisions, emotions, and daily conduct. A Christ-centred life begins when we surrender every area of our lives to His authority.

Paul's instruction in 1 Corinthians 10:31 is comprehensive: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” In 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, he gives practical instructions for believers to watch, stand firm in faith, be strong, and let everything be done with love. These principles describe what a Christ-centred life should look like.

When Christ is at the centre, our lives become stable even when circumstances change. We do not allow temptation to control us, pressure to move us, or disappointment to destroy us. Instead, we remain anchored in Christ, guided by His Word, strengthened by His Spirit, and motivated by love.

1. MAKE CHRIST THE CENTRE OF YOUR LIFE

Everything begins with surrender.

a) Christ Lives In You (Galatians 2:20)
The Christian life is no longer centred on self but on Christ.

b) Seek God's Kingdom First (Matthew 6:33)
God's kingdom must take priority over personal ambitions.

c) Set Your Affection On Christ (Colossians 3:1-2)
Our thoughts and desires should be directed towards heavenly things.

d) Live For Christ (Philippians 1:21)
Christ should become the purpose and meaning of our lives.

Biblical Example: Paul considered his life valuable because it was dedicated to Christ and His Gospel (Philippians 1:20-21).

2. GLORIFY GOD IN EVERYTHING

A Christ-centred life is God-centred.

a) Glorify God In Everything (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Every legitimate activity can honour God.

b) Do Everything In Christ's Name (Colossians 3:17)
Our actions should reflect our identity as Christ's followers.

c) Let Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:16)
Our lives should lead others towards God.

d) Live For God's Glory (1 Peter 4:11)
God deserves the glory for everything accomplished through us.

Biblical Example: Joseph's conduct in slavery and prison brought God's favour and demonstrated that his life was still under God's direction (Genesis 39:2-3, 21-23).

3. WATCH YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

Paul begins his practical instructions with a command to watch.

a) Be Spiritually Alert (1 Corinthians 16:13)
A Christ-centred believer does not live carelessly.

b) Watch And Pray (Matthew 26:41)
Prayer keeps us spiritually awake.

c) Guard Your Heart (Proverbs 4:23)
The condition of the heart influences the direction of life.

d) Resist Spiritual Complacency (1 Peter 5:8)
The enemy seeks opportunities to weaken careless believers.

Biblical Example: Daniel maintained his spiritual discipline through regular prayer even when it became dangerous (Daniel 6:10).

4. STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH

A Christ-centred life requires spiritual stability.

a) Stand Fast In The Faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Do not abandon biblical convictions under pressure.

b) Be Rooted In Christ (Colossians 2:6-7)
Deep spiritual roots produce stability.

c) Resist Doubt (James 1:6)
Faith requires confidence in God's character and promises.

d) Hold Fast Your Confession (Hebrews 10:23)
Remain committed to the hope you profess.

Biblical Example: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remained firm in their faith when commanded to worship Nebuchadnezzar's image (Daniel 3:16-18).

5. BE STRONG IN THE LORD

Spiritual strength comes from God.

a) Be Strong In The Lord (Ephesians 6:10)
Our strength comes from God's power rather than human ability.

b) Put On The Armour Of God (Ephesians 6:11)
God provides spiritual protection for His people.

c) Draw Strength From God's Grace (2 Timothy 2:1)
Grace enables us to remain faithful.

d) Depend On Christ (John 15:5)
Apart from Christ, we cannot produce lasting spiritual fruit.

Biblical Example: Paul endured tremendous hardship because he learned to depend upon Christ's strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

6. LET LOVE GOVERN YOUR LIFE

Spiritual strength must be accompanied by love.

a) Let Everything Be Done With Love (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Love should govern our conduct.

b) Love One Another (John 13:34-35)
Christ's followers are recognised by their love.

c) Forgive Others (Colossians 3:13)
Christ-centred people extend the forgiveness they have received.

d) Serve Others In Love (Galatians 5:13)
Christian freedom should produce loving service rather than selfishness.

Biblical Example: Jesus demonstrated servant-hearted love by washing His disciples' feet (John 13:1-15).

7. LET CHRIST CONTROL YOUR DECISIONS

Christ-centred living affects every choice.

a) Acknowledge God In Your Ways (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Invite God into every significant decision.

b) Follow God's Word (Psalm 119:105)
Scripture provides direction for daily choices.

c) Seek God's Will (Ephesians 5:17)
Do not live carelessly or according to personal desires alone.

d) Count The Cost (Luke 14:28-30)
Following Christ requires deliberate choices and commitment.

Biblical Example: Abraham obeyed God's call even when he did not initially know where the journey would lead (Hebrews 11:8).

8. KEEP CHRIST AT THE CENTRE UNTIL THE END

Christ-centred living is a lifelong commitment.

a) Keep Your Eyes On Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)
Jesus must remain the focus of our faith.

b) Continue In The Faith (Colossians 1:23)
Do not abandon the foundation upon which you began.

c) Finish Your Race (2 Timothy 4:7)
Our goal is to finish faithfully.

d) Remain Faithful Unto Death (Revelation 2:10)
Christ calls His people to lifelong faithfulness.

Biblical Example: Paul remained committed to Christ until the end and could confidently declare, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

CONCLUSION

A Christ-centred life is one in which Jesus is not merely part of our lives but the centre of our lives. He becomes the foundation of our decisions, the focus of our worship, the source of our strength, the model for our relationships, and the reason for our service. When Christ is at the centre, we can remain watchful, stand firm in faith, be strong in the Lord, and walk in love.

Make Christ the centre today. Let Him govern your thoughts, desires, relationships, finances, ministry, work, and future. Whatever you do, do it for God's glory. Remain steadfast when pressure comes, remain loving when people disappoint you, and remain faithful when the journey becomes difficult. A life centred on Christ will ultimately become a life that glorifies God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, take complete control of my life and make Jesus the centre of everything I am and do, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to glorify You in every area of my life, including my work, relationships, decisions, and service, in Jesus name.

3. Father, make me spiritually watchful and deliver me from every form of carelessness and complacency, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, strengthen my faith and help me to stand firmly on Your Word regardless of pressure or opposition, in Jesus name.

5. Father, strengthen me with Your power and grace whenever my human strength is insufficient, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, fill my heart with genuine Christ-like love and help me to treat others with grace, patience, and kindness, in Jesus name.

7. Father, guide my decisions and let Your Word direct every step of my life, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, deliver me from every distraction that seeks to take my eyes away from Christ, in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to remain steadfast, fruitful, and faithful throughout every season of my Christian journey, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to keep Christ at the centre until the end, finish my race faithfully, and bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Christ shall remain at the centre of your life.

2. Your thoughts, desires, decisions, and priorities shall be governed by Christ.

3. You shall live a life that continually glorifies God.

4. You shall remain spiritually watchful and alert.

5. Your faith shall remain firm regardless of pressure or opposition.

6. The strength of the Lord shall sustain you in every difficult season.

7. The love of Christ shall govern your relationships and interactions.

8. Your decisions shall be directed by God's Word and wisdom.

9. You shall remain steadfast and fruitful throughout your Christian journey.

10. You shall keep your eyes on Jesus, finish your race well, keep the faith, and receive your eternal reward, in Jesus name.