Text: First
Timothy 6:15-16.
Purpose: Emphasize that, in order to be pleasing to God, one must respect
the authority of Christ.
Introduction.
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.
Body.
I. Must first acknowledge His Kingship.
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 (Mt. 3:2).
c. Jesus and His disciples preached that the kingdom of heaven was
at hand (Mt. 4:17; Lk. 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
(Dan. 7:13-14).
f. The kingdom is always spoken of in the past tense after the day of
Pentecost.
(1) 1 Thess. 2:12.
(2) Col. 1:13.
(3) Rev. 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 (Mt. 28:18).
3. We must do only those things which He has authorized us to do (Col.
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 (Heb. 1:5,13).
II. We must realize that the Kingdom of Christ does have a law.
A. The kingdom DOES have a law.
1. Gal. 6:2.
2. James 1:25.
3. James 2:8.
4. The Law of Christ is the New Testament.
5. Not the Old Testament (Col. 2:14; Heb. 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 (Mt. 15:9).
III. Examples of God's demand for strict obedience.
A. Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1-2). B. Moses (Num. 20:8-12). C. Uzzah (2 Sam. 6:3-7). D. We serve the same God today! E. He is not unloving but fair.
IV. Examples of the abuse of authority today.
A. Instrumental music (Eph. 5:19). B. Women in leadership roles (1 Tim. 2:12). C. The Lord's Supper (Ac. 20:7).
Conclusion.
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 (Rom.
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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