A Call To Live For God

A CALL TO LIVE FOR GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 12:1-2 – "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 12:1, Galatians 2:20, Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Philippians 1:21

INTRODUCTION:

The call to live for God is a divine invitation to surrender our lives completely to Him, not just in words but in daily action. It is a call to make God the centre of our priorities, decisions, and desires. In a world that promotes self and ungodliness, living for God stands as a bold and counter-cultural declaration.

Many claim to believe in God but live without reflecting His character or purpose. To live for God means aligning your life with His will and making Him the Lord over every area of your existence. It is a daily commitment to walk in holiness, love, and obedience.

Living for God is not optional for the believer; it is the expected response to His mercy and grace. It shows gratitude for salvation and demonstrates the power of transformation. Every true Christian is called to live a life that glorifies God and points others to Him.

1. LIVING FOR GOD REQUIRES TOTAL SURRENDER

Surrendering to God means releasing your control and allowing Him to lead your life completely.

a) Presenting your body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)

A living sacrifice means continuous submission to God’s will even when it is uncomfortable.

b) Letting go of self-will and ambition (Matthew 26:39)

Just as Jesus yielded to the Father’s will, we are to submit fully to God's plan.

c) Abandoning worldly desires and distractions (1 John 2:15-17)

Living for God means detaching from the fleeting pleasures of this world.

d) Embracing God's purpose for your life (Jeremiah 29:11)

God has a plan for your life, and surrendering helps you walk in it.

Biblical Example: Abraham left all to follow God’s call, not knowing where he was going (Genesis 12:1-4).

2. LIVING FOR GOD DEMANDS DAILY TRANSFORMATION

Transformation is the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ through the renewing of the mind.

a) Renewing your mind with God's Word (Romans 12:2)

Constant intake of Scripture helps change how we think and live.

b) Refusing conformity to worldly standards (James 4:4)

The world’s standards are contrary to God’s—living for Him means being set apart.

c) Allowing the Holy Spirit to mould your character (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The Spirit transforms us into the image of Christ from glory to glory.

d) Seeking to do the will of God in all things (Ephesians 5:17)

Transformation helps us discern and obey God’s perfect will.

Biblical Example: Paul was transformed from a persecutor to a preacher after encountering Christ (Acts 9:1-22).

3. LIVING FOR GOD REFLECTS IN YOUR CONDUCT

Our actions must align with our confession of faith, showing Christ to the world.

a) Walking in holiness and purity (1 Peter 1:15-16)

Holiness is not legalism; it’s God's standard for His people.

b) Demonstrating love and compassion (John 13:34-35)

Love is the evidence that we belong to God.

c) Living in integrity and truthfulness (Proverbs 11:3)

God honours those who walk in truth and righteousness.

d) Being faithful in service and witness (Colossians 3:23-24)

Everything we do must be done as unto the Lord.

Biblical Example: Daniel lived for God with integrity, even in a pagan land (Daniel 6:1-10).

4. LIVING FOR GOD INVOLVES CARRYING YOUR CROSS

Living for God is not always easy; it comes with sacrifices and persecution.

a) Enduring trials for righteousness’ sake (2 Timothy 3:12)

Expect opposition when you live righteously.

b) Forsaking all for the sake of Christ (Luke 14:26-27)

Discipleship requires total loyalty to Christ above all else.

c) Maintaining your stand under pressure (1 Corinthians 15:58)

God calls us to remain steadfast and unmovable in our faith.

d) Trusting God's faithfulness during hardship (Isaiah 43:2)

He walks with us through every storm we face for His name.

Biblical Example: Stephen lived boldly for God, even unto death (Acts 7:54-60).

5. LIVING FOR GOD LEADS TO ETERNAL REWARD

Those who live faithfully for God have the hope of eternal life and a heavenly reward.

a) Assurance of God’s presence in this life (Hebrews 13:5)

He never leaves those who are truly His.

b) Inner peace and fulfilment (Philippians 4:7)

Living for God brings satisfaction the world cannot offer.

c) Eternal life and heavenly reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

There is a crown laid up for those who finish well.

d) Joy of hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21)