Giving up everything?

[newyears2005]

Since I accepted Jesus in my heart, do I have to do anything that I didn't do before? The guy at church also says I need to give up everything. Does that mean I can't have a computer? What about my wheelchair, I need that. I have been reading teh Bible, I have questiosn about that, I will do that next.

 

[Keys4Praise]

Since I accepted Jesus in my heart, do I have to do anything that I didn't do before?

Salvation in Jesus Christ is by faith alone, through God's grace. Look at You do not need to "do" anything else for your salvation. The one caveat is that almost all faiths state that you should be baptized, which is a public profession of your faith. Past that, our works do not save us. Read Romans 3:30, Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16, and Hebrews chapters 11 for more understanding of faith.

However, works ("doing") are a natural outgrowth of a vibrant faith (The whole book of James).

Even though we are commanded to love God, love our brothers, love others, take communion, etc., these are all a part of living a faithful life, rather than a "do these or else lose your salvation". Don't be discouraged by failures as a Christian, but repent daily of them, and be open to God changing your heart.

The guy at church also says I need to give up everything. Does that mean I can't have a computer? What about my wheelchair, I need that. I have been reading teh Bible, I have questiosn about that, I will do that next.

Read Luke 18:18-23 (don't go further just yet). I believe that this is what he is probably referring to. Jesus knew his heart, and asked for the very thing that tied him to this world. This ruler asked the questions in terms of the Jewish Law, but his faith was weak. His actions revealed his love for riches above his love for God, and he went away sad. Because Jesus was illustrating a point through a specific example (the ruler), this is not a commandment for all Christians.

Very few Christians that I know of actually believe that we are to physically give up everything to God. He has blessed us physically with many things, so that we can serve Him. But, we are not to love the things, but the God that made all things. I believe that is what Jesus' point was in this matter.

With spiritual matters, with sins in our life, with sinful thoughts and attitudes, we are to "give up everything" to God. We are called to be clay in a potter's hands. We are to submit to the Bible, and the Holy Spirit who lives inside all believers. Only when we give up these things do we grow as a Christian.

Also read Luke 14:26-33. This points to our love of God being greater than our love for anything or anyone else (family). Everything in our lives are to be held captive to what God wants us to do with them.

The last thing I want to do is to discourage you with a task that seems impossible. This does not happen overnight for most people. As we give our lives up to Him, we come closer to giving him everything, and withholding nothing.

Hope that wasn't too long...

 

[vinc]

Welcome to the body of Christ!

No, you don't have to give up everything or anything which you own based on any emotional decision or if some other christian says that you have to. God is here to provide and meet your basic needs in life. God would like you to get to know more and more about Him by spending quiet time with Him in personal devotion (praying, worshipping and reading Bible).

As a newborn person in Christ, one ought to drink the sincere milk of the Word, so that one grow spiritually thereby.

Just like a small baby grows from child to an adult, we also grow from a newborn babe-in-Christ to an adult-in-Christ.

We have to grow to Christlikeness i.e growing to spiritual perfection.

God Himself will speak to you through the Bible and teach you Spiritual Truths from the Bible. Fellowship with other born-again Christians also helps.

One has to make the decision of living a life pleasing to God. A man of God said "It is one thing to be accepted by God and it is another thing to be approved by God".

Christ had accepted us long ago and died for us so that we may be saved through Him. Once you have accepted Christ in your heart, then, you need to start developing your personal relationship with Him in your own whole-hearted way just like you develop relationship with a new friend.

 

[newyears2005]

Hi, I read 14 Luke 26-33. 33 says "in the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." Do I really have to hate my family? How do I carry a cross? Why do we have to hate ourselves? Also, I accidentally read 25. Why do large crowds follow Jesus? I think these are all the questions I have right now, I will ask more later, if that's okay.

 

[WashedClean]

Don't take everything so literally. Jesus spoke a lot in parables and metaphors. Carrying your cross means to deny yourself and live for Jesus and His will in your life. Sometimes we need to make sacrifices, or at least be willing to.

Of course you don't have to hate your family. But what Jesus is saying is that your love for your family should seem like hate compared to your love for God. He needs to be first place in our lives, otherwise we're guilty of having idols in our heart.

Large crowds followed Jesus because He was different, radical, and I believe people sensed that He was for real. Don't forget, though, that at the end of His life, He was practically deserted by His disciples, with the exception of John. So He's familiar with loneliness and rejection too.

Hope this helps a bit. Keep asking questions and don't get too overwhelmed. When you read the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to you and make it easier to understand.

God bless!!

 

[absolutely_lost_86]

i think what the bloke at ur church meant by give up everything, is that you have to give up things that will cause u to sin and get further away from Christ. we r not perfect, we never will be, but we must aim for perfection and try to be mor christlike every day.

 

[newyears2005]

I talked to the guy last night about it and he said I need to be willing to give up everything like Abraham, whoever he was. Then I asked him about the sentence I found yesterday and he said that Jesus was just saying we may have to go that far to follow Jesus. Why does Jesus want us to be that extreme? I also read more of Luke today and I saw where Jesus said that a shephard went to find one sheep where 99 were good. I am thinking that is Jesus and us, am I right? If not, it could be, because it says sinner and repenting at the end and it just seems like that. I also went to the Christian bookstore last night and I thought I would get some books and music. What are good books and music for me to listen to? There are so many and I don't know. Oh, yeah, on Monday I go back to work because I have been off because of sickness. I hope it goes well and I'm not fired when I get back like I keep thinking I will be.

 

[Christi]

I talked to the guy last night about it and he said I need to be willing to give up everything like Abraham, whoever he was. Then I asked him about the sentence I found yesterday and he said that Jesus was just saying we may have to go that far to follow Jesus. Why does Jesus want us to be that extreme?

Most of us will never be called to go that far, or be asked that much. You'll find the more you know Jesus, your love for Him will grow to the point that you will do what He asks of you, and it won't seem a sacrifice at all, but a privelege. It doesn't happen all at once, but gradually, in steps. You'll fall so deeply in love that you'll go as far as you can to follow Jesus. Many have gone to their death and gladly. He tends to ask the most of people of whom He has the greatest plans for, though, it seems.

I also read more of Luke today and I saw where Jesus said that a shephard went to find one sheep where 99 were good. I am thinking that is Jesus and us, am I right? If not, it could be, because it says sinner and repenting at the end and it just seems like that.

That's my favorite story, because it explains how we are individually so important to Him, even while lost. He will search us out when we stray away. He loves us THAT much. At times I've felt that He just loves the other Christians. The good ones. I always take comfort in that story, because He's proven throughout my life that He WILL search me out. I can run, but I can't hide.

Oh, yeah, on Monday I go back to work because I have been off because of sickness. I hope it goes well and I'm not fired when I get back like I keep thinking I will be.

You'll be in my prayers, but you are in God's hands. Whatever happens, it may be for something better ahead. Don't forget you are shielded with love and a higher purpose now.

 

[absolutely_lost_86]

ghet well, ill pray for u, a book u might wanna get, The Purpose Driven Life

 

[psalms 91]

the important thing is to develop a close relationship with jesus. the holy spirit will let you know what he would like you to giveup or not. never let man tell you what god wants, go to the source and finds out

 

[newyears2005]

Hi, I went back to work and now I'm sick again. What is wrong with me? I am afraid to see the doctor tomorrow. Also, will I still sin since I asked Jesus into my heart?

 

[Iron Lion]

I think when Jesus said give up everything. He ment it.

material possesions can really affect how close people get to God.

Its just that our western culture is so rich we can have so many nice things and we are not prepared to give them up and live simple and follow God.

People just want to dodge the bullet and make exsuses why they can keep all there riches and follow Jesus at the same time.

Im as guilty as anyone. i have a nice apartment with nice things that get in my way of worship of Jesus. for example TV, Computer, Computer games.

"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24).

i may be wrong, but its my opinion

 

[Iron Lion]

Hi, I went back to work and now I'm sick again. What is wrong with me? I am afraid to see the doctor tomorrow. Also, will I still sin since I asked Jesus into my heart?

I will put you in my prayers and hope that all goes well for you at the Doctors.

Yes you will still sin. All people sin.

Being a Christian doesnt make you perfect at all. But it offers you salvation and a way to beat sin.

 

[Silent Enigma]

My advice would be to read your Bible, mainly the New Testament for now as that's what applies to us Christians, and write down your questions on a piece of paper as you go along. Pace yourself and take it in stride, and you'll probably answer most of your own questions as you work your way thru the scriptures. If you post all of your questions on forums you'll get bombarded by a number of different interpretations.

And congratulations on your decision to follow Christ.

 

[growingupinhim]

I think when Jesus said give up everything. He ment it.

material possesions can really affect how close people get to God.

Its just that our western culture is so rich we can have so many nice things and we are not prepared to give them up and live simple and follow God.

People just want to dodge the bullet and make exsuses why they can keep all there riches and follow Jesus at the same time.

Im as guilty as anyone. i have a nice apartment with nice things that get in my way of worship of Jesus. for example TV, Computer, Computer games.

"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24).

i may be wrong, but its my opinion

your right..thats why paul tell us to let our moderation be known to all men..
meaning having self control over the flesh and its desires and comfort..and dying daily to self, as well as not loving this world or the things of this world..
as we become santicfied we do really change..and life gets more simplier, as we dont want very much but Gods love and to Love him back, with all our lives..it really is radical to fully live like Jesus!

 

[growingupinhim]

I will put you in my prayers and hope that all goes well for you at the Doctors.

Yes you will still sin. All people sin.

Being a Christian doesnt make you perfect at all. But it offers you salvation and a way to beat sin.

yes you will sin..but eventually less and les..thats why Jesus said be ye perfect Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

 

[Rafael]

Hi, I went back to work and now I'm sick again. What is wrong with me? I am afraid to see the doctor tomorrow. Also, will I still sin since I asked Jesus into my heart?

Even though we have asked to be born again and have invited the Holy Spirit to guide us in life, the old nature of the flesh still is where we live for now - the body of death. It has desires and old habits that have to be learned of and changed. It takes time and God's grace to grow in. He encourages us to come boldly before His throne of grace and ask of Him. Here is what the apostle Paul wrote about the old and new natures we have:

Galatians 5:16 So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
17 The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.

As long as we seek to please God instead of the desires of our flesh, that we still have to control, we are on the right track in life. Notice that self control is one of the things that grow in our life as we live according to the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22 But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control

We overcome sin in our lives by asking God to forgive us in Jesus name and then have as our testimony that we continue to try and grow in His grace towards the day when we meet the Lord and are changed to perfection. We change little by little everyday, just like as we grow older and leearn more wisdom from life's experience with God that He gives us.

Earlier, you posted questions about hating parents and giving up things. God would never ask you to hate parents and in fact tells us to honor them, but the context used is that of a comparison. Out love for God as our Creator should be first and foremost in life. I have also seen many situations where parent disapprove of their childrens walk with God and the child has to make a tough decision ofwhether to obey God or parents. This is a problem that happens many times.
Also, God never asks us to give up things foolishly, but wants us to realize that things are not as important as people. People are what we should reserve our love for and not the things of the world or money. The Bible says that the love of money and things is the root of all kinds of evil. Have you ever noticed people that love their things more than brother or sister, father or mother? I have seen this much, and mankind loves things more than people or thirty thousand children would not die in the world every day from hunger. Do you see that how we regard life and money can be important? God wants us to know the right order for our lives so we can learn what true love is in life.

1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

When He comes back, He asks very simple things associated to loving our neihbor, the second commandment that Jesus gave us. He ask if we fed Him when He was hungry or gave Him clothes when naked. He asks if we visited Him when He was sick or if we gave Him shelter even when He was a stranger to us. So you see we are challenged to know tur practical love that has actions instead of just words.
God bless...

MATT. 25:31-45 When the Son of Man comes in his glory....He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.....Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil & his angels. For I was hungry & YOU gave ME nothing to eat, I was thirsty & YOU gave ME nothing to drink, I was a stranger & YOU did not invite ME in, I needed clothes and YOU did not clothe ME, I was sick and in prison, and YOU did not look after ME.". "Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."

I JOHN 3:16-19 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with ACTIONS and TRUTH. This then is how we KNOW that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us.

 

[LittleBit2]

Hi, I believe that we are to give up all that is not of God, we are to be Christ like!! That means revoving anything that would cause temptation before you, if it is of God He will let you know and that goes the same in if anything is not of God He will show you that also by conviction by the Holy Spirit

 

[Antari]

Have an old sinful hobby? Maybe some bad shows you watch? Maybe some habits that wouldn't please God? Maybe a mindset? Give those things up. God wants us to be as much like Christ as we can. Giving things up results in a happier life, not a depressing or boring one as Satan may have you thinking. Just follow God's command without question. He never orders against anything out of personal preference, but instead that He knows it is harmful to you. It's like a pretty car with a bomb in it, or a tasty poison. Sin feels good, it's satisfying, and giving it up is a scary thought, but it will slowly kill you and destroy your soul if you don't. You may be satisfied in this world through sin alone, but in the next that poison will have taken effect. Know also that giving everything up for God is far more satisfying than sin if you completely give your sinful life up. If you aren't willing to give everything up, you'll still be sick from that poison, just less so, but if you give it all up, you will no longer be sick. No one can stop sinning completely, but feeling regret, being sorry, and being forgiven of it, that is what you must do. And you must try your, no your through God's strength, hardest not to sin again, and if you do sin again, repeat the process and be sincere when you ask for forgiveness, say you're sorry, and that you will try as hard as you can not to again. Know that He will always love you and forgive you, but He only forgives if you're sorry, so know what you do is wrong.

By "give everything up," he means that you should give up all sin in your life, and give up all personal desires in exchange for God's desires. It takes much sacrifice to follow God, but Satan will have you think that those sacrifices will hurt, and they will for a while, but after a while, they help. When you give something up, you not only stop doing it, but should try to lose your desire and need for it, and no longer will you care for it. Give up your life for God, give up all that you strive for selfishly, and instead have God be all you strive for.

This doesn't mean stop trying to get an education, nor to give up anything you may want to buy, but instead to give up sinful desires, and to know that whatever you gain is God's blessing, not a result of your own work, for even your own work was made possible through His blessing.

Giving up sin is hard, but in the end, you will be happier even here on this earth for doing it, even before you see Him in Heaven. I was seriously depressed, and suicidal, just half a year ago until I became close to God. Now, the contents of my life, what I have, who I have, have become worse, yet I'm no longer depressed, but filled with comfort. Giving up this life destroys the uncomfortableness of it, since you know that whatever happens when you have faith, is what is best for you.

 

[Leonhard]

I was also getting worried that I had to give up my material possesions. However I will try my hardest to cure myself of sins, through the love of Christ.