Bought with a Price

Greetings in the strong name of Jesus.

In the opening verse of the book of Revelation, Christians are referred to as “servants” of Jesus.

Too often we use God as a means to our own ends, whether that be as a means for health, wealth, or prosperity. Our hope is that if we follow God, he will make us happy (which he does do, but by way of making us holy).

John reminds us in Revelation that we are to be used by God as we have been bought by him. These verses speak directly to that:

• Revelation 5:9 — They sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood youransomed [i.e., “purchased”] people for God from every tribe, and language, and people and nation.”

• Titus 2:14 — …who gave himself for us to redeem [i.e., “purchase”] us from all lawlessness ant to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works”

• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 — Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

• 1 Corinthians 7:23 — You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.

Christians are not their own. We belong to Jesus. He has purchased our lives. He has exchanged his life for ours. This means that Jesus is not just savior, but also Lord.

Have you made him the Lord of every area of your life? Your relationships, your finances, your emotions, your thoughts, your time, your gifts? This is the call of us all. We cannot just give Jesus some of our lives, he’s purchased all of it, and whatever we withhold will remain unredeemed (i.e., cursed).

We announced on Sunday that this Thursday night we will begin our study on the book of Revelation. Please explore the resources below in preparation!