LIVING FOR CHRIST ALONE

LIVING FOR CHRIST ALONE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 5:15

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:15
“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

Supporting Texts: Galatians 2:20; Romans 14:7-8; Philippians 1:20-21; Colossians 3:1-4; Luke 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 12:1-2

Description: Because Christ died and rose again for us, our lives should no longer be centred on self but completely devoted to Him.

INTRODUCTION

The gospel changes the direction of a person's life. When Christ saves us, He does not merely forgive our past; He gives us a new reason to live. Paul declares that Christ died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again.

Living for Christ means that Jesus becomes the centre of our identity, decisions, ambitions and priorities. The believer is no longer the owner of his or her life. Christ has purchased us with His blood, and therefore our lives belong to Him.

Many people live primarily for personal success, wealth, recognition, comfort or pleasure. But the Christian has a higher calling. We have been redeemed for God's purpose. Our greatest ambition should therefore be to honour Christ, serve Him faithfully and make His name known wherever we go.

1. CHRIST DIED SO THAT WE COULD LIVE FOR HIM

The foundation of Christian devotion is the sacrifice of Christ. He gave Himself for us so that our lives could belong entirely to Him.

a. Christ Died for Us (2 Corinthians 5:15) — Jesus willingly gave His life for our redemption.

b. Christ Paid the Price for Us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) — We have been bought with a price and should therefore glorify God in our bodies.

c. Christ Rose Again for Us (Romans 4:25) — His resurrection confirms His victory and gives us new life.

d. Our Response Should Be Total Dedication (Romans 12:1) — In view of God's mercy, we should present ourselves to Him as living sacrifices.

Biblical Example: The apostle Paul, after encountering Christ, surrendered his life completely to the Lord and became a devoted servant of the gospel (Acts 9:3-6, 15-20).

2. STOP LIVING FOR SELF

Self-centred living is contrary to the purpose for which Christ redeemed us. The believer must surrender personal interests to God's greater purpose.

a. Deny Yourself (Luke 9:23) — Following Jesus requires putting aside selfish desires when they conflict with God's will.

b. Put Christ Above Personal Ambition (Philippians 3:7-8) — Paul regarded earthly achievements as secondary to knowing Christ.

c. Seek God's Kingdom First (Matthew 6:33) — God's kingdom should take priority over personal pursuits.

d. Surrender Your Plans to God (Proverbs 16:3) — We should commit our works and plans to the Lord.

Biblical Example: Matthew left his tax-collecting position when Jesus called him and followed Christ (Matthew 9:9).

3. MAKE CHRIST THE CENTRE OF YOUR IDENTITY

Living for Christ begins with understanding who we are in Him. Our identity must be rooted in Christ rather than in worldly achievements or human approval.

a. You Belong to Christ (Romans 14:8) — Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

b. You Are a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) — Christ gives us a new identity and a new beginning.

c. Christ Lives in You (Galatians 2:20) — The Christian life is no longer centred on the old self but on Christ living through us.

d. Your Life Is Hidden With Christ (Colossians 3:3) — Our true spiritual identity is connected to Christ.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus demonstrated a changed identity after encountering Jesus. His attitude towards possessions and others was transformed (Luke 19:1-10).

4. LIVE ACCORDING TO CHRIST'S WILL

If Christ is Lord, His will must influence our decisions. Living for Him requires submission rather than simply asking God to approve our plans.

a. Seek God's Will (Romans 12:2) — A renewed mind helps us discern what is good, acceptable and perfect according to God's will.

b. Follow Christ's Teaching (John 14:23) — Love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience to His Word.

c. Submit Your Decisions to God (James 4:13-15) — We should recognise God's sovereignty over our plans.

d. Walk in His Ways (Ephesians 5:1-2) — Believers are called to imitate God and walk in love.

Biblical Example: Jesus demonstrated complete submission to the Father's will, especially in Gethsemane (Luke 22:41-42).

5. USE YOUR LIFE TO GLORIFY CHRIST

Every area of life can become an instrument for God's glory. Our work, family, ministry, relationships and resources should all honour Christ.

a. Glorify God in Your Body (1 Corinthians 6:20) — Our physical lives belong to God.

b. Glorify God in Your Work (Colossians 3:23-24) — Whatever we do should be done wholeheartedly as unto the Lord.

c. Glorify God in Your Relationships (Colossians 3:12-14) — Our relationships should reflect Christ's character.

d. Glorify God in Everything (1 Corinthians 10:31) — Nothing is outside the scope of Christian devotion.

Biblical Example: Daniel honoured God through his conduct and faithfulness even while serving in a foreign government (Daniel 6:3-5, 10).

6. LIVE TO SERVE CHRIST AND OTHERS

Living for Christ is demonstrated through service. Jesus did not call us merely to receive from Him but also to become servants who bless others.

a. Serve the Lord Faithfully (Colossians 3:24) — Our ultimate Master is Christ.

b. Serve Others With Love (Galatians 5:13) — Christian freedom should produce loving service.

c. Use Your Gifts for Others (1 Peter 4:10) — Spiritual and natural abilities should be used to bless people.

d. Remain Faithful in Service (1 Corinthians 15:58) — Our labour for Christ is never wasted.

Biblical Example: Dorcas used her resources and abilities to serve widows and others in need (Acts 9:36-39).

7. BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE FOR CHRIST

Living for Christ sometimes requires sacrifice. We must be willing to surrender comfort, convenience and even personal interests for the sake of God's kingdom.

a. Take Up Your Cross (Luke 9:23) — Following Christ requires daily self-denial and commitment.

b. Count the Cost of Discipleship (Luke 14:26-27) — Christ must have supreme priority in our lives.

c. Value Christ Above Earthly Gain (Mark 8:36) — Nothing gained in this world can compensate for the loss of the soul.

d. Be Ready to Suffer for Christ (Philippians 1:29) — Faithfulness to Christ can involve suffering, but He remains worthy of our devotion.

Biblical Example: Moses chose identification with God's people rather than the temporary pleasures and treasures of Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-26).

8. LET CHRIST REMAIN YOUR ONLY SUPREME AMBITION

A life fully surrendered to Christ has one overriding purpose: to know Him, honour Him and fulfil His assignment.

a. Let Christ Be Magnified (Philippians 1:20-21) — Paul's greatest desire was that Christ would be magnified in his body.

b. Press Towards the Goal (Philippians 3:13-14) — We must keep moving towards the purpose Christ has set before us.

c. Finish the Assignment (Acts 20:24) — God's calling should remain more important than personal comfort.

d. Remain Faithful Until the End (2 Timothy 4:7) — The Christian journey requires perseverance until the race is finished.

Biblical Example: Paul remained completely committed to his calling and could finally declare that he had finished his course and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).

CONCLUSION

Christ died and rose again so that we would no longer live for ourselves. His sacrifice demands a response of complete surrender. Our lives, ambitions, possessions, relationships, gifts and future should all be placed under His Lordship. The question is not merely, “What do I want from Christ?” but, “What does Christ want from my life?”

Let us therefore make a fresh commitment to live for Christ alone. Let self decrease and let Christ increase. May our lives bring glory to His name, our service advance His kingdom, and our daily walk demonstrate that Jesus is truly Lord over every area of our lives.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for sending Christ to die and rise again for me, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from self-centred living and help me to live completely for You, in Jesus name.

3. Father, let Christ remain at the centre of my identity and purpose, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me grace to know and obey Your will in every area of my life, in Jesus name.

5. Father, let my words, actions and decisions glorify Christ, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, make me a faithful servant who blesses others for Your glory, in Jesus name.

7. Father, give me grace to make every necessary sacrifice for the sake of Christ, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to put Your kingdom above personal ambition and worldly gain, in Jesus name.

9. Father, keep me faithful to my divine assignment until the end, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let my entire life become a testimony that Jesus Christ is Lord, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall live for Christ and fulfil His purpose for your life.

2. You shall not be controlled by selfish ambition or worldly desires.

3. Christ shall remain at the centre of your identity and decisions.

4. You shall receive grace to know and obey the will of God.

5. Your life shall continually bring glory to the name of Jesus.

6. Your gifts and resources shall become instruments for advancing God's kingdom.

7. You shall receive strength to make every sacrifice required for your divine assignment.

8. You shall not exchange eternal purpose for temporary earthly gain.

9. You shall remain faithful to Christ through every season of life.

10. You shall finish your course with joy and fulfil the purpose for which Christ saved you.