I. Matt. 19:16-22 Living the Christian life involves: Commitment and Sacrifice.
The word Commitment means to pledge, promise or to have an
obligation. To Sacrifice means to surrender something of value
for the sake of greater gain. So we, as Christians, must pledge
to surrender our will to Jesus Christ because of our obligation
to him incurred by his sacrifice. If we do this the greater gain
that we receive is an eternal home. The Rich Young Man was not
willing to sacrifice for the greater gain, being in harmony with
Jesus Christ. As we discuss this song we are going to talk about
our obligations that we have as Christians toward Jesus, Ourselves,
and Others!
James McGranahan (Composer 1840-1907) was a friend of Phillip
Bliss (see Lesson 3). He took over many of the things that Phillip
Bliss was working on at the time of Bliss' death.
II. Read verse 1. - "All of Self and none of Thee"
A. Prov. 17:24--The things of this world can never bring us the
understanding that we need to obtain wisdom. To think that this
world will bring us this wisdom is foolishness. I Cor. 10:12--"Wherefore
let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall."
B. Isaiah 2:12-This is a very sobering statement-"Everything
proud and lofty shall be brought low." James 4:6
C. I Tim. 6:3-5-He who is so proud as to lift himself above the
teaching of Jesus Christ knows nothing and we are to withdraw
ourselves from this type of person. This is because of the evil
influence that can be exerted upon us.
D. II Cor. 7:10-The point here is: What kind of sorrow do we possess?
The Godly sorrow that produces repentance or the sorrow of the
world that produces death.
Has there been a time in our lives that we regretted actions where
selfishness produced bitter pain and sorrow? Hopefully the result
was a turning away from sin and the wisdom to follow the Lord!
III. Read verse 2 - "Some of Self and Some of Thee"
A. If we can comprehend the pain and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ
and its significance to our souls' salvation, it can satisfy the
wistful (longing, yearning) heart. Man, in general, is looking
for relief from and salvation from the cares of this world. This
can only be found in belief and obedience to Jesus Christ! Rom.
1:16, Rom. 6:17,18
B. The purpose of the Lord's Supper is to turn our thoughts from
the cares and the love of this world to the sacrifice of Jesus
Christ and our need for it. As human beings we need this reminder
every week to combat the idea that we can find salvation in ourselves
or in this world.
IV. Read verse 3 - "His tender mercy-healing, helping
full and free"
A. Tender Mercy-Luke 1:77-79-Jesus gives us the knowledge of salvation,
remission of sin, and through the tender mercy of God (GIVING
HIS SON) we receive: light that saves us from darkness and the
shadow of sin, and a guide for our feet into the way of peace.
B. Luke 4:18,19, Belief in and obedience to Jesus Christ will
not only heal and help us physically, but more importantly, spiritually.
His example of humility, if accepted in our hearts, will cause
us to be humbled! Thus the result-Less of self and more of thee!
V. Read verse 4 - The love of God.
A. Rom. 8:38-The Love of God, which is in Jesus Christ, can overcome
any obstacle in our lives if we accept and obey him! I John 4:16
B. Titus 3:4-6-The Love of God was magnificently manifested through
Christ! I John 3:16, I John 4:9, I John 4:10.
C. I John 2:5-How do we know if we have the Love of God in us?
By keeping his word!
D. I John 3:1-When we have the Love of God within us we are called
the Sons of God!
E. I John 4:12-how do we perfect this love of God? By loving one
another! If we Love God by keeping his commandments, understanding
the need for the sacrifice of Christ, have a correct appreciation
for it, and love one another-love of self will be swallowed up
and we can obtain peace and salvation not only in this world but
more importantly in the world to come.
Do we, through our lives that we live every day, show that Jesus
has conquered Self? Does the Love of God exhibit itself in our
lives through prayer, obedience, concern for others, and a persistent
longing for the word of God? If not, then we truly cannot sing
one of the greatest proclamations of faith, "None of self
and all of Thee."