2. Living for Jesus  Probably every husband or wife here today would be willing to die for their mates.  All would gladly give their lives to save that dear loved one. But know what?  Sometimes it’s much easier to die for someone than to live for them!

3. We “live for” (or claim to) a lot of different things….  Sticker said, “I’ve hunted almost every day of my life, the rest were wasted.” A lot of people live to hunt, fish, golf, shop, etc.  The popular ad campaign said, “I live for this!” about all kinds of different sports, and many do.  Others live for their children, and when they’re gone, there’s nothing left to live for.  Still others live for their work, or some hobby so that their lives are defined and consumed by it.

4. Their have been many who have died for Christ….  All but one of the Apostles died unnatural deaths.  John the Baptist, Stephen, and several in Hebrews 11:37 were also all martyred for Christ.  Again, no doubt many here today would gladly die for Him too….  But perhaps it would be easier to die for Him than to live for Him.  The former requires a one-time, grand commitment!  While the later requires a lifetime of daily, consuming service! (pig vs. hen commitment to the Cause)

5. Please do not misunderstand,  I’m sure that those who have been martyred for Christ were so because they were living for Him!  And we’re not going ask if you’d be willing to die for Jesus either. But we will consider whether or not we are really willing to live for Him.

6. What does it mean to live for Jesus? What do we mean when we say we live for some of these other things?  Wouldn’t we say that they define who we are? If we are that passionate about something, wouldn’t we define/describe ourselves by it?  Wouldn’t also say that if we live for something, it consumes us? Including our passion (heart), interest (mind), and energies & activity (body)? If we “live for Jesus,” wouldn’t the same be true? We sing it- do we live it, or is that just lip-service?

7. So, does Jesus define who we are? Not what name we wear, but who we are! Though we should be gladly proud to wear His name if we are married to Him, cf. Eph.5:23,  there’s much more to living for Jesus than wearing His name by calling yourself a “Christian”.  In “modern marriage,” one may wear their spouse’s name (or often not!), >but is unwilling to “give up my life!” >“You don’t own me!” is the refrain. Examine carefully 1Cor.6:19-20, Rom14:7-8. We confessed Jesus as “Lord” Rom.10:9! Jesus must define us if we “live for Him”! Col.1:10

8. So, does Jesus consume us? Our heart, mind, and body as do the other things we “live for”? Does He get “all” of us, or just some piece or portion that’s otherwise leftover ? cf. Mark 12:28-30  Do we really love Him above all others? Luke 14:26ff and John 14:15,21-23; 15:10  Have we “made captive” our thoughts to/for Him? 2Cor.10:5, Rom.12:1-2, and Phil.4:8  Do we utilize our strength in His service? Matt.6:33ff Galatians 2:20 Or, are our hearts, minds, and bodies dedicated to the things we’re really living for???

9. So, what about it? Are you ready to “live for Jesus”?  His disciple ever be?  To under Satan serve no more?  Morning, noon, and evening? It’s required, you know, to win the promised prize when life is o’er! Give Him all thou hast to give, and “live for Jesus,” won’t you?