Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:25-30
When God Says "Come"
Intro.
1. The Bible contains God’s call to the world to come to Him and find forgiveness, peace, joy, and sure hope.
2. Explore a few of the times when God called people to do something to learn how to respond when God tells us to “come.”
I. COME INTO THE ARK, Gen. 7:1. (cf. heaven)
A. God’s Call to be Saved from Wrath, Gen. 6:13; 1 Pet. 3:20.
1. God desires all to be saved, 1 Tim. 2:3-4.
2. Few will be saved, Lk. 13:23-24. Why?
3. Most will choose not to “go into the ark.” Matt. 7:13-14
B. “Because I Have Seen You Righteous,” cf. 6:22; 7:5.
1. Does God see that you are righteous?
a. Faith that obeys, Heb. 11:7; Jas. 2:21-24.
b. Obey in faith (baptism) – saved, 1 Pet. 3:21.
2. Obedience leads to righteousness, Rom. 6:16.
3. Must choose to practice righteousness to be righteous, 1 Jno. 2:29; 3:7.
II. COME AND I WILL SEND YOU, Exo. 3:10.
A. God’s Call to Serve His People through Leadership.
1. God sends leaders, cf. Micah 6:3-4; Acts 20:28.
2. God’s leaders are servants:
a. Jesus, Matt. 20:28.
b. Disciples, Matt. 20:26-27 (Eph. 5:21).
c. Men, 1 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:8-14.
d. Husbands, Eph. 5:25-29.
e. Elders, 1 Pet. 5:2-3.
3. Leadership implies subjects willing to follow:
a. Jesus, Jno. 10:17-18.
b. Disciples, Lk. 14:33; Eph. 5:21.
c. Women, 1 Cor. 11:3; 14:33-34.
d. Wives, 1 Pet. 3:1-6.
e. Church, Heb. 13:17.
B. So You Want to Lead? Isa. 6:8
1. Requires a servant heart. cf. Moses, Num. 12:3
2. Requires love (best interest) for those you lead, Titus 2:14.
3. Requires being accountable, Jas. 3:1; Heb. 13:17.
4. Requires accepting being misunderstood and mistreated by those who should receive you (thick-skinned), Lk. 21:12-19.
5. Requires diligence, Rom. 12:8.
III. COME AND BE REVIVED, Isa. 55:1-4; Rev. 22:17.
A. God’s Call to Receive the Gift of Salvation, Spiritual Refreshing, Renewal, and Life Eternal, cf. Isa. 41:17-20; 12:2.
1. God’s gift is free (grace), Isa. 55:1 (Eph. 2:8-9).
2. God’s gift is living water, Jno. 4:10-14.
3. God’s gift is preferred over material provisions, Isa. 55:2.
4. God’s gift is obtained through the Messiah’s covenant, Isa. 55:3; Acts 13:34, 38; Heb. 10:15-18.
IV. COME FOLLOW ME, Lk. 5:27-28; Matt. 19:21.
A. Christ’s Call to Complete Surrender, Matt. 6:33.
1. The sacrifice, priority and devotion of being a Christian.
2. Lay up treasure in heaven, Matt. 6:19-21.
3. Crucify self, Gal. 2:20.
B. Faith Requires Us to Restructure Our Values, Goals and Conduct, Phil. 3:7-11.
Conclusion
1. Will you answer God’s call? Matt. 11:28-30; Acts 2:38-39
2. Will you bring someone with you? Isa. 2:2-3
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: August 23, 2018