Brief Summary
This video explores the concept of consecration in Christianity, defining it as a life of total devotion and commitment to Jesus. It outlines five levels of consecration, starting with the generic believer's consecration, which includes purity, service, integrity, devotion to God, and sacrifice. The video then moves through stewardship, priestly, Nazerite, and eunuch consecrations, each demanding a higher level of commitment and separation for God's service. It emphasises that true consecration is not legalistic but inspired and sustained by the Holy Spirit, the life of God, spiritual realms, and divine encounters.
- Consecration is total devotion and commitment to Jesus.
- There are five levels of consecration: believer's, stewardship, priestly, Nazerite, and eunuch.
- Believer's consecration includes purity, service, integrity, devotion, and sacrifice.
- Higher levels involve greater separation and commitment to God's agenda.
- True consecration is inspired by the Holy Spirit, life of God, realms, and encounters.
Introduction to Consecration
The speaker introduces the topic of consecration, defining it as a life of total devotion and commitment to Jesus as Lord. He explains that while God is a father who provides, he is also a king with an agenda, a Lord whom we serve, and a judge who will recompense based on service. Consecration, therefore, involves a dogged commitment to the Lord, encompassing various facets of devotion.
Believer's Consecration: Purity
The first level of consecration is the believer's consecration, expected of all Christians, and it begins with purity. This involves living a holy life, deleting anything not of God from one's life. The speaker stresses that true believers fight sin, using grace and the Holy Spirit, and that righteousness is not just a nature or a gift, but a lifestyle. He references biblical passages to support the idea that those who name the name of the Lord must depart from iniquity, and that believers must actively work to maintain purity.
Believer's Consecration: Service
The second aspect of believer's consecration is service, motivated by a desire to serve the Lord without expecting payment or reward. The speaker criticises the idea of charging money to preach the gospel, contrasting it with the sacrifices made by early Christians. He emphasises that serving God is an honour, even if it involves personal risk, and laments the current generation's lack of understanding of true Christian service.
Believer's Consecration: Integrity
Integrity is highlighted as the third element of believer's consecration, stressing the importance of honesty and truthfulness. The speaker contrasts this with the dishonesty prevalent in today's world, even within the church. He references Job as an example of a man of integrity, praised by God himself, and expresses concern over the lack of integrity among Christians in modern society.
Believer's Consecration: Devotion to God
The fourth dimension of believer's consecration is devotion to God, particularly through prayer and studying the word. The speaker questions why believers need motivation to pray, suggesting that a genuine believer should have a daily devotion to God. He references Samuel and the apostles as examples of those who gave themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word, and encourages believers to focus on the word of God day and night.
Believer's Consecration: Sacrifice
Sacrifice is presented as the fifth aspect of believer's consecration, essential for crossing certain levels in the kingdom of God. The speaker uses the examples of Abraham and Solomon to illustrate the importance of sacrifice in demonstrating one's commitment to God. He emphasises that Christians must live sacrificially, offering their bodies as living sacrifices and using their possessions for God's glory.
Stewardship Consecration: Managing Kingdom Resources
Moving beyond believer's consecration, the speaker introduces stewardship consecration, which involves demonstrating competence in managing kingdom realities and possessions. This includes managing time, one's body, finances, talents, mind, and influence. He stresses the importance of using these resources to glorify God and impact humanity, rather than for selfish gain.
Priestly Consecration: Serving and Pleasing God Only
Priestly consecration is described as a life sentenced to serving and pleasing God only, where one is no longer living for themselves but for God's agenda. The speaker explains that at this level, everything about a person carries symbolism, reflecting total separation and dedication to God's will.
Nazarite Consecration: Ordination Sensitivity
Nazarite consecration involves God earmarking individuals for specific ordinations, requiring a unique level of separation and commitment. The speaker notes three key characteristics of Nazarites: abstaining from alcohol (literal and figurative), not cutting their hair (symbolising unbroken connection to God), and absolute submission to God's will.
Eunuch Consecration: Total Submission and Faith
The highest level of consecration is eunuch consecration, characterised by sacrificing marriage and posterity to live solely for God. This represents a statement of brokenness, total submission, and absolute faith in God, where individuals commit to God's kingdom above all earthly ties.
Precursors of Consecration: Holy Spirit, Life of God, Realms, and Encounters
In closing, the speaker identifies the precursors of consecration as the Holy Spirit, the life of God, spiritual realms, and divine encounters. He emphasises that true consecration is not legalistic but inspired and sustained by these forces, urging listeners to seek these elements in their own lives.
