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Scripture Reading: Hebrews 3:7-11

What Does Jesus Demand?

 

Intro.

1.  In the late 1990's "WWJD" was a campaign to help young people make moral decisions.

2.  Christians should ask similar question, Jno. 13:15; 1 Jno. 2:6; 1 Pet. 2:21.

    -The correct answer is not be based on speculation, feelings, emotions, but on letting the Bible teach us what Jesus would do.

3.  Self-examination based in truth, 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Ths. 5:21-22.

4.  More than just asking "what would Jesus do?", we must ask, "What does Jesus demand (command)?" and "Will I obey Him?"

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

I. WHEN FACED WITH MORAL DECISIONS?

  A.  Jesus was Fully Tempted like we are, Heb. 4:14-15.

    1.    Lust of the flesh, eye and pride of life.

    2.    Jesus resisted the devil:

      a.  By appealing to the word of God, Matt. 4:4.

      b.  By trusting in the purposes and will of God, Matt. 4:7.

      c.  By committing Himself to serve only God, Matt. 4:10.

  B.  What Does Jesus Demand? Will I Obey Him?

    1.  Profane speech, Matt. 12:36-37 (Eph. 4:29).

    2.  Unholy entertainment, 1 Pet. 4:1-3.

    3.  Gambling, Col. 3:5.

    4.  Alcohol and drugs, 1 Pet. 4:3 (Prov. 23:31-32; Jno. 2:9-10).

    5.  Smoking, 1 Cor. 6:19-20.

    6.  Sexual immorality, 1 Cor. 6:18.

 

II.  WHEN SOMEONE SINS AGAINST YOU?

  A.  Jesus was Often Sinned Against. (Enemies: falsely accused, lied about, hated and murdered; Friends: betrayed, denied, deserted, 1 Pet. 2:21-23)

    1.  He did not sin when sinned against, 2:22.

    2.  He did not give evil in return for evil, 2:23.

    3.  He committed Himself to the Father, 2:23.

    4.  He forgave those who sinned against Him, Lk. 23:34.

  B.  What Does Jesus Demand? Will I Obey Him?

    1.  A Christian sins against you, Matt. 18:15.

    2.  Discover someone has something against you, Matt. 5:21-25.

    3.  Forgive sinners against you, Matt. 18:21-22; Col. 3:12-13.

      a.  The world says, “get even” -- Jesus says, “turn the other cheek”, Matt. 5:39.

      b.  Commit yourself to God (to right the wrong), 1 Pet. 2:23.

      c.  Do not be ashamed to suffer with Christ, 1 Pet. 4:15-16.

    4.  If we sin against someone we must correct it immediately! Acts 8:22-23

 

III.  WHEN WE ENCOUNTER LOST SOULS?

  A.  Jesus Met Lost People Every Day, Matt. 9:35-38; Lk. 15:1.

    1.  Moved with compassion (pity over their distress), Matt. 9:36.

    2.  He taught His disciples to pray and work, Matt. 9:37-38.

    3.  He talked with the lost about their souls, Jno. 4:6ff.

    4.  He taught them the gospel, Mk. 2:1-2.

  B.   What Does Jesus Demand? Will I Obey Him?

     --We must always--

      -Have compassion on the lost.

      -Show our compassion by using appropriate speech, Col. 4:6.

      -Pray for opportunities to help save the lost, Matt. 9:38.

      -Be an unashamed worker, Matt. 9:38; Mk. 8:38.

    1.  When we visit our neighbors?

      a.  Talk to him about the Bible and his soul? (Acts 8:30)

      b.  Offer to have a Bible study?

      c.  Invite them to join us at services, gospel meeting, classes?

    2.  When on the job? cf. 1 Ths. 2:9

    3.  When faced with a sinning Christian? Gal. 6:1-2

      a.  Do not hide it, ignore it or refuse to get involved (Jas. 5:19-20)

      b.  Quickly address it is godly ways to try to save, Jude 22-23.   

    4.  When faced with a false teacher? Matt. 15:3; Jude 3-4

 

Conclusion

1.  "WWJD" was a catchy marketing technique.

2.  What did Jesus do and what does Jesus demand (command) is crucial to making the decision of faith: Will I obey Him?

3.  The Christian's motive and goal is to “walk as He walked” (1 Jno. 2:6).

4.  “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained (when he is perfected, ASV) will be like his teacher.” (Lk. 6:40)