Christ must be central to our lives – Pastor Mensa Otabil

Introduction

Pastor Mensa Otabil, in his sermon Living for God: For His Name and Glory, concludes a transformative series by challenging believers to dedicate their lives wholly to Jesus Christ. 

The message, drawn from Colossians 3:16-17, emphasizes that Christians are called to live not for their own desires but for the will and glory of God. Pastor Otabil articulates that living for Christ means surrendering our wills, actions, and words entirely to Him. 

This article captures the key points of his sermon, focusing on living intentionally for the name and glory of Jesus.

Surrendering Our Will to God

“The greatest battle between God and human beings is a battle of wills,” Pastor Otabil states, comparing this struggle to what occurred in the Garden of Eden and the Garden of Gethsemane. 

He highlights that true Christian living requires surrendering our will to God, just as Jesus exemplified by praying, “Not my will, but your will be done.” This submission is a continuous act of faith and obedience, reflecting our commitment to Christ as both Savior and Lord.

Doing All Things in the Name of Jesus

Pastor Otabil emphasizes Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” He clarifies that doing things “in the name of Jesus” goes beyond merely invoking His name; it involves aligning our actions and words with His character and purpose. “Christ must be the center,” he asserts, encouraging believers to ensure that their private and public actions reflect the fullness of who Jesus is.

The practical application of this principle begins with letting “the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” For the word to dwell richly, believers must stop arguing with God’s commands and allow His truth to settle in their hearts. Pastor Otabil challenges Christians to evaluate areas in their lives where God’s Word is resisted, stating, “If the Word is not dwelling in you, you cannot live for Christ.”

The Power of Intentional Words

Words have power, and Pastor Otabil stresses that Christians must use their words intentionally to communicate Christ. Referencing Colossians 3:17, he notes, “Whatever you do in word…do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” 

He warns against careless words that harm others, sharing examples of insensitive comments that fail to reflect the love and compassion of Christ. “If you have nothing useful to say, shut up and pray,” he advises, underscoring the need for sensitivity and encouragement in Christian fellowship.

Integrating Christ into All Areas of Life

Living for God means rejecting compartmentalization of life into “sacred” and “secular.” Pastor Otabil urges believers to let Christ permeate every aspect of their lives, from their workplace to their relationships. “We don’t divide our lives into church and world,” he explains, calling for an integrated faith that honors God in all endeavors.

Conclusion

Pastor Mensa Otabil’s sermon is a profound reminder that living for God requires total surrender, intentionality, and integration. From our words to our deeds, we are called to reflect Christ’s character and glory. 

As Pastor Otabil states, “The Christian life is not lived as we want to live it; it is lived as Christ wants us to live it.” By embracing this truth, believers can truly live for His name and glory, transforming their lives and the world around them.