Purpose: Emphasize that, in order to be pleasing to God, one must respect the authority of Christ.
1. During our last sermon we saw WHY we should be committed to Jesus Christ.
2. This evening I want to focus on HOW we should direct that motivation to serve Christ.
3. Many will say that it doesn't matter HOW on tries to serve Christ. That it is the thought that counts.
4. However, Jesus clearly teaches that sincerity is not enough (Matthew 7:21-24).
5. In order to correctly direct our zeal toward God, we must be Committed to the King.
A. We must acknowledge that He has a kingdom.
1. What kind of kingdom does Christ have?
a. The Jews expected the Messiah to establish an earthly kingdom (Acts 1:6).
b. However, Jesus never intended to set up an earthly kingdom but rather a spiritual.(1) John 6:15 - He had the perfect chance to set up an earthly kingdom but did not.
(2) John 18:36.2. When did this kingdom start?
a. Daniel prophesied that it would be during the days of the Roman kings (Daniel 2:44).
b. John the baptist preached that the kingdom was at hand (Matthew 3:2).
c. Jesus and His disciples preached the kingdom of heaven was at hand (Matthew 4:17; Luke 10:9).
d. Matthew 16:18-19.(1) The kingdom is still in the future at the time this was spoken.
(2) The kingdom and the church are the same institution.e. These passages help to pinpoint when the kingdom started.
(1) Mark 9:1. Within their lifetimes and that it would come with power.
(2) Luke 24:49. The power would come in Jerusalem.
(3) Acts 1:8. The power would come when the Holy Spirit came upon them.
(4) Acts 2:1-4. These events are fulfilled.
(5) Daniel gives a picture of Christ being given His kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14).f. The kingdom is always spoken of in the past tense after the day of Pentecost.
(1) 1 Thessalonians 2:12.
(2) Colossians 1:13.
(3) Revelation 1:9.B. We must acknowledge that He has authority.
1. Jesus Christ was either a Lord, Liar, or a Lunatic!
2. Since He is our Lord (literally "master") we must recognize His authority over our lives (Matthew 28:18).
3. We must do only those things which He has authorized us to do (Colossians 3:17).a. Example - Ordering food at a fast food restaurant.
b. Example - Getting a prescription filled.
c. Example - Speed limit signs.4. We must respect the silence of the Scriptures (Hebrews 1:5,13).
A. The kingdom DOES have a law.
1. Galatians 6:2.
2. James 1:25.
3. James 2:8.
4. The Law of Christ is the New Testament.
5. Not the Old Testament (Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 10:1-4).B. Our King demands strict obedience to that Law.
1. Don't forget that Christians are in a spiritual kingdom and therefore, must obey their King.
2. Obeying anything other than that law is misguided and vain (Matthew 15:9).
A. Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2).
B. Moses (Numbers 20:8-12).
C. Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:3-7).
D. We serve the same God today!
E. He is not unloving but fair.
A. Instrumental music (Ephesians 5:19).
B. Women in leadership roles (1 Timothy 2:12).
C. The Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7).
1. It is wonderful to be full of zeal and love toward God!
2. However, if we do not act on that zeal in the correct manner; it is all for nought (Romans 10:2).
3. If you want to be committed to Christ, you must accept Him as your King with all which that implies.
4. Please see Plan of Salvation.
-- Ralph Price, 2000 --
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