 
Illustration. The Carpenter's Son. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." Phil. 2:5. 1. What offering did King Hezekiah command to be made when he reestablished the worship of the temple? “And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord began also with the trumpets, and with the instruments ordained by David king of Israel.” 2 Chron. 29:27. 2. After the people had united in this service, how did Hezekiah interpret its meaning? “Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the Lord, come near and bring sacrifices and thank-offerings into the house of the Lord. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank-offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.” Verse 31. Note.—The morning and the evening burnt offering, or the continual offering (Ex. 29:42), symbolized the daily consecration of the people to the Lord. 3. How is this consecration urged upon all Christians? [pg 119]“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.” Rom. 12:1. 4. What is the continual sacrifice of praise declared to be? “Through Him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to His name.” Heb. 13:15, R. V. 5. How is the service of consecration to be carried forward by the Christian church? “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5. 6. Who has set the example of complete consecration? “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt. 20: 27, 28. 7. What position has Jesus taken among His brethren? “For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.” Luke 22:27. 8. In what does likeness to Christ consist? “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5. 9. What did Christ's spirit of meekness and consecration lead Him to do? “But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Verse 7. 10. To what extent did Christ humble Himself? “And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Verse 8. 11. How does He exhort us to the same consecration? “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:29. 12. What does He make the condition of discipleship? [pg 120]“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33. 13. What is proof that one does not belong to Christ? “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” Rom. 8:9. 14. How should he walk who professes to abide in Christ? “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6. 15. Do we belong to ourselves? “Know ye not that ... ye are not your own? for ye are bought with a price.” 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. 16. What are we therefore exhorted to do? “Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” Verse 20. Note.—Our time, strength, and means are God's, and should be given to His service. 17. Of what are the bodies of Christians the temple? “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God?” Verse 19. 18. When truly consecrated, for what is one ready? “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isa. 6:8. 19. How is this willingness for service otherwise expressed? “Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God.” Ps. 123:2. Take my life, and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee! Take my hands, and let them move At the impulse of Thy love. Take my feet, and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee; Take my voice, and let me sing Always, only, for my King. Take my will, and make it Thine: It shall be no longer mine! Take my heart,—it is Thine own,—It shall be Thy royal throne. Frances Ridley Havergal. |
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