Following Christ ...It's Not For Everyone
That's a bold statement isn't it? Let me be perfectly clear; while Scripture is clear that "following" Christ apparently isn't for everyone ...Christ "IS" for everyone!
Just a few quick references regarding Christ' preaching, leading up to this bold statement.
BACKGROUND
7:1 judge not lest ye be judged
7:5 cast out the beam out of thine own eye...
7:7 ask and it shall be given to you, seek and ye shall find
7:13 enter ye into the strait gate
7:15 beware of false prophets
This completes the “Sermon on the Mount”
THAT BOLD STATEMENT I SPOKE OF....
7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. -Matt. 7:21-23
INTRODUCTION
Remember when mom and dad taught you “sometimes, just saying sorry isn't good enough”? Receiving the gift of salvation is more than just saying "I'm sorry". True repentance will result in true Lordship in Jesus Christ.
I. More than Words
7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
But doesn't scripture say...... 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. -Rom. 10:9
- More than Believing
19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. -James 2:19
- More than our own ideas
Following His will
9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. -2 Peter 3:9
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
II. More Than Works
- More Than Wisdom;
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. -Prov. 3:5
- More Than Wonders
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity
III. More Than The Sum of The Parts
He wants “everything” ….total, absolute SURRENDER to Him
It's not about giving the Lord MORE. It's about you and I becoming LESS
30He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30