What does the Bible teach about availability in the Christian life?
Availability is the voluntary decision to be used by God, as the issue in the Christian life is never our ability but our availability. We cannot prepare or sanctify ourselves; we can only choose to be available to God and humble ourselves through the simple confession of our sins. To be sanctified, useful, and prepared for God, we need only to be available. This availability involves presenting our physical bodies as a living sacrifice or offering (Romans 6:13), making them an instrument that God can use to accomplish His plan. As believers, we have the right to utilize the provisions of God's grace or to squander them, and what He asks is simply that we present ourselves and make ourselves available to Him. Biblical examples of availability include Moses, who accepted self-denial and hardship (Num. 12:3; Heb. 11:25–26), Elijah, who obeyed instructions without argument (1 Kings 17:2–3, 8–9), David, who stepped forward to fight Goliath (1 Sam. 16:13; 17:37, 45–47), and others like Isaiah, Esther, Mary, and Paul, who all demonstrated a willingness to be used by God. The goal is for every believer to be in full-time, 24-hour-a-day, Christian service, presenting their bodies as a living sacrifice unto the Lord.
Also asked, more loosely
Source: The Basics The Basics — Availability (canonical doctrine) · Read this lesson in the book →
What this answer is about
Related questions
- What is availability in the Christian life?Num. 12:3 · The Basics
- What is the service of spiritual power — identifying and developing our spiritual gift?Heb. 11:25–26 · The Basics
- What is the Age of Israel?1 Sam. 16:13 · The Basics
- What are the seven steps downward that lead to death and the seven steps that lead to recovery?Rom. 6:13 · The Basics · Lesson 3–2: The Danger—Spiritual Retreat/Reversion
- What is regeneration, according to the Bible?Rom. 6:13 · The Basics · Lesson 2–3: The Commission—Evangelism
- What is regeneration?Rom. 6:13 · The Basics · Lesson 2–3: The Commission—Evangelism
- What is the biblical nature of the person of Jesus Christ?1 Cor. 6:19 · The Basics · Lesson 3–5: The Goal—Spiritual Maturity
- What does the Bible teach about free will?Romans 6:13 · The Basics
See also
- What is the Bible's doctrine of inspiration, and how does it ensure the accuracy and authority of Scripture?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 2–1: The Manual—The Bible
- What is the goal of a Christian's life, and how can it be achieved?Same lesson · The Basics
- What is the Bible's role in training believers in righteousness?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 2–1: The Manual—The Bible
- What does the Bible teach about the righteousness of God?Same lesson · The Basics
- What is the Bible's teaching on hermeneutics, and how does it guide us in understanding Scripture?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 2–1: The Manual—The Bible
- What is the role of illumination in understanding Scripture?Same lesson · The Basics
Scripture this answer rests on
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Where this is taught in the book
Lesson 2–4: The Equipment—Spiritual Gifts
Lesson 3–1: The Race—The Christian Life
Lesson 2–5: The Supply Line—Prayer
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