"As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth." (John 17:18-19)
Consecration
The word consecrates first definition is to be set apart. Jesus set himself apart from the rest of humanity; he did what no other human throughout of all of history could do. He rejected the devil's temptations, lived a life free from sin, and offered himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.
The Reason
His reason for consecrating himself is that we his followers could be sanctified in truth. The word sanctified also has the meaning of being set apart but with the added connotation of being purified. Jesus did not need to be purified because he had no sin, but we all have need to be purified from our sin. We need to be set apart for God's work in the world ("so I have sent them" vs18) as Jesus was set apart. We also need to be purified from our sins and the effects of sin upon and within us.
Our Response
Thus, we start this year consecrating ourselves - reminding ourselves that we have been set apart and cleansed by Christ Jesus through the faith that we have in him as the truth.
Today at our service, we will be praying through several passages of scripture. Why not join us as you read the passages below (out loud!) and consecrate yourself to Lord as we start the New Year?
Psalm of Confession - Psalm 130
Reminder of Truth - Romans 8:33-39
Blessing for the Year - Numbers 6:24-26
The word consecrates first definition is to be set apart. Jesus set himself apart from the rest of humanity; he did what no other human throughout of all of history could do. He rejected the devil's temptations, lived a life free from sin, and offered himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.
The Reason
His reason for consecrating himself is that we his followers could be sanctified in truth. The word sanctified also has the meaning of being set apart but with the added connotation of being purified. Jesus did not need to be purified because he had no sin, but we all have need to be purified from our sin. We need to be set apart for God's work in the world ("so I have sent them" vs18) as Jesus was set apart. We also need to be purified from our sins and the effects of sin upon and within us.
Our Response
Thus, we start this year consecrating ourselves - reminding ourselves that we have been set apart and cleansed by Christ Jesus through the faith that we have in him as the truth.
Today at our service, we will be praying through several passages of scripture. Why not join us as you read the passages below (out loud!) and consecrate yourself to Lord as we start the New Year?
Psalm of Confession - Psalm 130
Reminder of Truth - Romans 8:33-39
Blessing for the Year - Numbers 6:24-26
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