Scripture References: Romans 5:12, 17; Proverbs 14:12; Luke 4:1-13; Hebrews 5:7-9; Matthew 28:18-20; James 1:22-25; Luke 18:18-30; Luke 19:1-10
Intro: Why does disobedience come so naturally? Why do we drift towards rebellion rather than stumbling into Christ-likeness? This sermon explores our innate tendency towards independence and God's call to counteract it through obedience to His Word, following Jesus not just as Savior, but as Lord.
Key Points:
- The Nature of Rebellion: Our struggle began with Adam's disobedience, bringing sin and death (Rom 5:12). We inherit this tendency and often choose it due to pride (thinking we know best), cultural influences (celebrating self-will), selfishness, and reacting negatively to past abuses of authority. Insisting on our own way ultimately leads to death (Prov 14:12).
- Jesus: The Obedient Model & Savior: Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father, succeeding where Adam and Israel failed (e.g., wilderness temptations, Lk 4). He lived in submission ("I do nothing of myself") and learned obedience through suffering (Heb 5:8). He is both our Savior, covering our failures, and our example.
- Lordship is Essential: Christianity demands acknowledging Jesus as Lord, not just Savior. Many want rescue without submission, but He calls us to follow Him as Master, obeying His commands.
- Obedience > Knowledge: Jesus commissioned disciples to teach others to obey His commands, not just know them (Mt 28:20). He rebukes inaction, not ignorance. We must be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (Jas 1:22), otherwise we deceive ourselves.
- No Christianity Without Discipleship: Scripture makes no distinction between being a "Christian" (accepting Savior) and a "disciple" (following Lord). Obedience isn't an optional "advanced track"; it's inherent to following Jesus.
- The Cost of Un-Discipleship: The Rich Young Ruler found the cost of obedience too high and left sad (Lk 18). Zacchaeus obeyed and found salvation (Lk 19). The lie is that discipleship costs too much. The truth is un-discipleship—hearing but not doing—costs far more: peace, relationships, abundant life, maybe even eternity.
Conclusion: Jesus calls us to follow Him as both Savior and Lord, which requires obedience to His Word. This isn't about earning salvation, but living out the transformation He offers. Don't settle for a "hearer only" faith. Embrace the call to discipleship; the cost of disobedience is far greater.
Call to Action:
- Identify the gap between hearing God's Word and doing it in your life.
- Repent of treating Jesus only as Savior; submit to Him fully as Lord.
- Determine the very next thing God is asking you to obey.
- Choose obedience. Do that next thing. Revival begins with simple steps of obedience.
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