SELLING OUT FOR GOD: A CALL TO COMPLETE DEVOTION By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Matthew 6:24 – "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
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INTRODUCTION
The call to follow God is not one of half-hearted commitment or divided allegiance. It is a call to complete surrender—a total abandonment of the things of this world in order to gain the eternal riches found in Christ. Many believers struggle with letting go of material possessions, earthly ambitions, and worldly attachments, fearing that they will lose out. However, the truth is that those who fully commit to God's purpose are the ones who gain the greatest reward—both in this life and in eternity.
Jesus made it clear that no one can serve two masters. Either we will devote ourselves fully to God, or we will be consumed by the pursuit of worldly gain. The challenge before us is this: will we sell out for God, or will we hold onto the temporary things of this world and lose out on the eternal treasures of heaven?
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THE DANGER OF DIVIDED LOYALTY
James 4:4 – "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."
Many believers attempt to balance a love for God with a love for the world. They hold onto material wealth, personal ambitions, and worldly status while professing faith in Christ. However, scripture warns us that divided loyalty makes us enemies of God. The world is passing away, and everything in it will eventually be forgotten. To cling to it is to cling to vanity.
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GOD'S PROVISION FOR HIS PEOPLE
Philippians 4:19 – "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
When we choose to sell out for God, we do not need to fear lack or loss. God is our provider, and He knows exactly what we need. When we trust Him fully, He supplies both our spiritual and physical needs. The pursuit of worldly wealth and security is unnecessary when we have a heavenly Father who provides for His children.
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THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS
Luke 14:33 – "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."
True discipleship demands sacrifice. Jesus called His followers to forsake all that they had in order to follow Him. This does not mean that every believer must live in poverty, but it does mean that we must hold loosely to our possessions and be willing to give up anything that stands in the way of our devotion to God.
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THE PARABLE OF THE RICH YOUNG RULER
Mark 10:21-22 – "Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ At this, the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth."
This young man believed he was righteous because he had kept the commandments, but when Jesus challenged him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, he could not do it. His wealth had become his master. Like him, many people today find it difficult to surrender their earthly riches for the sake of the Kingdom.
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THE REWARD FOR THOSE WHO SELL OUT FOR GOD
Matthew 6:33 – "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Those who fully surrender to God do not lose out—they gain everything. Jesus promised that those who prioritize His Kingdom will have their needs met and will receive eternal rewards. The sacrifices made for Christ are insignificant compared to the glory that awaits.
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SUMMARY
Selling out for God is not a loss; it is the greatest gain. When we abandon our worldly attachments and commit ourselves entirely to God’s will, we experience true freedom, divine provision, and eternal security. Jesus Himself set the example by forsaking earthly glory to fulfill His divine mission. Likewise, we are called to forsake all and follow Him wholeheartedly.
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CONCLUSION
The challenge before every believer is clear—will we serve God with an undivided heart, or will we hold onto the fleeting things of this world? Those who attempt to serve two masters will ultimately fail. But those who fully commit to Christ will find life, purpose, and an eternal inheritance.
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CALL TO ACTION
Examine your heart today. Are there things you are unwilling to surrender for the sake of Christ? If so, now is the time to lay them down. Make the decision to sell out for God, knowing that what He has in store for you is far greater than anything this world can offer.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Do not fear letting go of the things of this world. God has something far greater prepared for you. Trust Him completely, and you will never be put to shame. As you remain steadfast in your commitment to Him, He will guide you, provide for you, and reward you abundantly in this life and in eternity.
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SALVATION PRAYER
If you have never given your life to Christ, or if you need to rededicate your heart to Him, pray this prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You today, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again on the third day. Today, I surrender my life to You completely. Forgive me of my sins, cleanse me, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. From this day forward, I choose to follow You with all my heart. Thank You for saving me and making me Your child. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
