July 17, 2005 Summit AM

Following Jesus’ Example In Obedience

Introduction

A. Text – 1 Jn.2:1-8

B. Background

            1. John wants his readers to live right before God

                        a. To be in fellowship – must walk in the light

                        b. Also must deal with sin – confess sinfulness & need spiritually

                        c. Appeal to our advocate – Jesus Christ

            2. John not want them taking this relationship with Jesus for granted

                        a. God has made provision for our sin through Jesus – His sacrifice

                        b. However, just saying one knows Him is not enough

                        c. To know Jesus means we obey Jesus

C. Discussion – following Jesus’ example in obedience

            1. What does it mean to obey?

                        a. Is it just actions? Going through the motions?

                        b. Is God concerned about motives? Attitudes?

            2. See Jesus’ example in obedience

D. Pray

 

I. Must Always Realize That Obedience Is Expected

            A. Some think obedience to God is just an option

                        1. Free to choose the degree of commitment = God pleased

                        2. Poem – I would like to buy $3 worth of God please!                                   

                        3. We often have the burger king philosophy

                                    a. Have it your way – you deserve a break today

                                    b. Live in a “Me” era – uncomfortable when God makes demands

            B. Listen to Jesus

                        1. Mt.7:21-23

                                    a. Must do more than declare Jesus Lord

                                    b. Must do more than diligent labor

                                    c. Trust can’t be in what doing or have done

                                    d. Focus in life must be God’s will

                        2. Jn.14:15-21

                                    a. If love Jesus = obedience is not optional

                                    b. When do = Jesus is manifested in our life (seen, evident)

                        3. Jn.15:14

                                    a. Friendship with Jesus is conditional - obedience

                                    b. Mt.12:50 – do will of Father = My brother

 

II. See The Consequences When Not Careful To Be Obedient

            A. Adam & Eve

                        1. Banished from garden – no fellowship with God

                        2. Death came upon all mankind

           

 

B. Nadab & Abihu – Lev.10:1,2

                        1. Offered strange fire = struck dead

                        2. God would not be treated improperly (Lev.6:12,13)

            C. Moses – Num.20:11,12

                        1. Told to speak to the rock giving glory to God

                        2. Struck the rock glorifying himself

                        3. Denied entry into the Promised Land

            D. King Saul – 1 Sam.15

                        1. Told completely destroy the Amalekites

                        2. Saved the best of the plunder – excuse to sacrifice them

                        3. Rejected as king

            E. King Uzziah – 2 Chron.26:16-19

                        1. Tried to offer incense in Holy Place (only priest enter)

                        2. Stricken with leprosy

            F. Gal.6:7,8 – God will not be mocked

 

III. Jesus’ Example In Obedience

            A. His ambition

                        1. Mt.3:13-15 – fulfill righteousness

                                    a. John tried to talk Him out of it = not needed

                                    b. Jesus goal – always do what is right

                        2. Jn.5:30 – I seek not to please Myself

                                    a. Jn.8:27-30 – do nothing on own – always please Father

                                    b. Jn.14:29-31 – love Father & do exactly what Father commands

            B. His attitude

                        1. Lk.2:41-51 – as a 12 year old boy

                                    a. 12 year olds are known for their obedient attitude

                                    b. Parents not understand – yet Jesus willingly obeyed

                                    c. No dragging of the feet – complaining, hesitation, etc

                        2. Jn.4:31-35 – after talking to Samaritan woman

                                    a. Urged to eat = food you know nothing about

                                    b. Ready & willing to begin harvest – eagerness to obey

                        3. Jn.10:14-18 – willingly laid down His life for His sheep

                                    a. No one had to force Him to obey

                                    b. He wanted to fully fulfill His Fathers will

            C. Faithfulness

                        1. Heb.5:7-10

                                    a. Struggled here on earth – cries & tears

                                    b. Learned obedience (understood struggle to obey)

                        2. Faithfulness in wilderness – struggled with Satan

                                    a. Live by every word proceeds from mouth of God

                                    b. Not tempt the Lord thy God

                        3. Faithfulness in the garden – struggled with flesh

                                    a. Let this cup pass from Me

                                    b. Not My will but thine

                        4. Phil.2:5-7 – emptied Himself & became a servant

IV. Application

            A. Obedience is more that action – merely going through the motions

                        1. More than just compliance with the rules

                        2. Involves attitude, motives, willingness of the spirit

            B. Also involves personal involvement

                        1. Jn.13:12-17 – Jesus washed disciples feet

                        2. His commands were not from afar – personally involved

                        3. Wants us to be personally involved in serving

 

 

 

 

 

“I would like to buy $3 worth of God please, not enough to

                        explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal

                        a warm cup of milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I don’t want

enough of Him to make me love a black man or pick beets with

a migrant. I want ecstasy, not transformation; I want the warmth

of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the Eternal in a

paper sack. I would like to buy $3 worth of God please.”