Be Ready to Be Offered: Choosing God for Eternity By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." Romans 12:1
Introduction
The call to "be ready to be offered" is a profound and urgent exhortation for believers to live in constant readiness to meet their Creator. In a world consumed by the pursuits of the present life, many neglect the reality of the afterlife, chasing after vanity and fleeting pleasures that lead to spiritual ruin. This lesson, drawn from a powerful divine message, emphasizes the importance of living with eternity in view, choosing God over the temptations of this world, and aligning one’s life with His divine purpose. The message warns against the folly of prioritizing temporal desires over eternal salvation, highlighting the consequences of rebellion and the deceptive allure of idolatry. It also underscores the guidance of the Holy Spirit in leading believers toward eternal life and the importance of surrounding oneself with godly company. Through scriptural insights and practical applications, this article aims to inspire believers to make deliberate choices for God, reject the lies of the enemy, and prepare their hearts for eternity. By living as living sacrifices, believers can avoid the fate of the foolish and walk in the wisdom that leads to eternal fellowship with God.
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The Urgency of Being Ready
The command to "be ready to be offered" calls believers to live in a state of spiritual preparedness, aware that they could stand before God at any moment. Countless souls perish because they are unprepared, consumed by the cares of this world and neglecting the condition of their hearts. The Bible emphasizes the brevity of life and the certainty of judgment, urging believers to live with eternity in mind.
*"Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." Hebrews 9:27*
Living for the present life alone is a dangerous choice, as it leads to spiritual blindness and eternal consequences. Believers must prioritize their relationship with God, ensuring their lives reflect holiness and obedience. By offering themselves as living sacrifices, they demonstrate their readiness to meet God and be found acceptable in His sight.
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The Folly of Chasing Vanity
The pursuit of vanity and worldly pleasures is a trap that leads many to spiritual desolation. The message warns that those who expend themselves chasing after fleeting desires end up empty and condemned. The Bible likens such pursuits to chasing the wind, a futile endeavor that offers no lasting satisfaction and leads to damnation.
*"What does a person gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever." Ecclesiastes 1:3-4*
The example of Adam and Eve illustrates the consequences of choosing against God’s will. By partaking of the forbidden fruit, they sought to become like gods, only to face banishment and spiritual death. Similarly, those who prioritize worldly gain over God’s purpose lose their way, ending in desolation. Believers must reject the allure of vanity and choose to serve God with gladness and purpose.
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The Deception of Idolatry
Idolatry is a pervasive sin that blinds multitudes to the truth of God’s sovereignty. The message highlights that many worship dumb idols, attributing power to lifeless objects or ideals, only to find themselves deceived by demonic forces. These idols, whether material possessions, status, or self-worship, cannot respond to petitions or provide salvation.
*"They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths." Psalm 135:16-17*
The deception of idolatry stems from the lie that humans can be their own gods, a temptation as old as the fall of Eve. This prideful mindset, fueled by the enemy, leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God. Believers must recognize the futility of idolatry and worship the One True God, who alone is worthy of glory and praise.
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The Guidance of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the believer’s guide in navigating the path to eternal life. The message emphasizes the importance of heeding the Spirit’s direction to avoid the pitfalls of rebellion and disobedience. By listening to the Holy Spirit, believers can make wise choices that align with God’s purpose and prepare them for eternity.
*"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’" Isaiah 30:21*
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to discern the lies of the enemy and reject the temptations of the world. By following His guidance, believers can live in obedience and righteousness, ensuring their hearts are ready to meet God. The Spirit’s presence is a constant reminder of God’s love and the promise of eternal life for those who choose Him.
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The Danger of Bad Company
The company one keeps significantly influences their spiritual journey. The message warns against associating with those who rebel against God or live in hypocrisy, as their habits can lead believers astray. Surrounding oneself with righteous companions strengthens faith and encourages obedience to God’s will.
*"Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’" 1 Corinthians 15:33*
Hypocrites and pretenders, who put on religious displays while living in disobedience, pose a danger to believers. Their influence can lead to spiritual delusion and compromise. Believers must seek fellowship with those who are truly committed to God, fostering an environment of mutual encouragement and accountability.
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The Consequences of Rebellion
Rebellion against God is a choice that leads to eternal damnation. The message warns that those who willfully oppose God’s purposes, choosing their own ways over His, enlarge the borders of hell by their actions. Their stubbornness and pride blind them to the truth, causing them to perish in their sin.
*"But the rebellious will be punished; those who reject God’s law will be destroyed." Proverbs 1:31*
The example of those who deny God’s existence, only to strive against Him, illustrates the futility of rebellion. By rejecting God’s authority, they align themselves with the enemy and face eternal consequences. Believers must choose obedience over rebellion, aligning their lives with God’s eternal purpose.
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Summary
The call to "be ready to be offered" urges believers to live with eternity in view, prioritizing their relationship with God over the fleeting pleasures of this world. Chasing vanity and succumbing to idolatry lead to spiritual ruin, while following the guidance of the Holy Spirit ensures a life of obedience and readiness. The company one keeps plays a critical role in spiritual growth, as bad company can corrupt good character. Rebellion against God results in eternal damnation, but choosing to serve Him with gladness leads to eternal life. By living as living sacrifices, believers can prepare their hearts to meet God and avoid the fate of the foolish.
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Conclusion
Living with eternity in mind is a deliberate choice that requires wisdom, obedience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. The message challenges believers to reject the lies of the enemy, avoid the trap of idolatry, and surround themselves with godly company. By offering themselves as living sacrifices, believers can ensure they are ready to meet God and be found acceptable. The pursuit of God’s purpose leads to eternal life, while rebellion and folly lead to destruction. Choose today to live for God and prepare for eternity.
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The Call to Action
Believers are called to examine their lives and ensure they are ready to meet God. Reject the pursuits of vanity and idolatry, and instead, pursue God’s purpose with gladness and obedience. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit daily, and surround yourself with righteous companions who encourage your faith. Make a deliberate choice to live as a living sacrifice, fully surrendered to God’s will.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Do not be swayed by the temptations of this world or the rebellion of the foolish. Your life is a gift from God, created for His purpose. Stand firm in your faith, follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and live with eternity in view. By choosing God, you secure a future filled with His presence and the joy of eternal life.
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A Prayer for Salvation
Heavenly Father, I come before You, recognizing my need for Your mercy and grace. I confess that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior and Lord. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in Your truth. Thank You for Your love and the promise of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
