FROM REVELATION TO RULERSHIP
May 9, 1999 AM
Sermon Outline
Mt 19:16-20
INTRO: Here is a young man who came to Jesus with a question on his mind and lips. The first part of his question may suggest that he had some idea of personal achievement as the key to ones relationship with God. The second part was most certainly needed. The entire incident suggests the young man knows the revelation of God ... but not the rulership of God. It is my hope in this very simple lesson to take us from revelation to rulership.
I. THOU SHALT ...
A. God has revealed his commandments
1. thou shalt is an expression representative of His doing so
2. not everything begins with that formula
3. clearly, though, God has definite things which He requires of people who would be His
B. The first covenant had its requirements
1. Ex 20 and the 10 commandments
2. Mt 22:37-40 and the great commandments
3. Deut 8:11 a passionate warning about the importance of the commandments - because relationship depended on keeping the commandments (Deut 8:12,17)
C. So, too, does the second covenant!
1. Acts 2:37,38 to enter the relationship
2. 1 Thes 4:1,2 to continue in the relationship
3. 1 Tim 4:1-3 a passionate warning about the importance of what is revealed (2 Tim 4:4)
II. I SHOULD - I OUGHT
A. Each has the freedom to choose to respond
1. so, Josh 24:15 choose you ...
2. there is only one way into and in the covenant relationship with God (Jno 14:6) ... but each has the God given privilege of choice
3. Rev 22:17 whosoever will ...
B. Here is the time for evaluating, soul searching
1. ones options? in Christ, or not; living by faith, or not; pleasing God, or not!
2. one must weigh choices and outcomes carefully
3. and in scripture there is ample information for enlightenment in the choosing
C. The issue? Will we have the rulership of Christ?
1. certainly, I should submit to His rulership
2. certainly, I ought to honor what He has revealed in His word
3. so, Col 1:10 unto all pleasing
III. I WILL!
A. Acts 2:41 is a happy passage
1. they heard the word; they confronted the choice; they evaluated the I should
2. they came to a proper conclusion based on their options and the consequences of them
3. it made sense to them to go from revelation to rulership - from thou shalt to I will!
B. Acts 2:42 is equally exciting
1. they chose to continue in their relationship with the Lord by abiding in His will
2. to fail to do so would be to break covenant
3. I will became their manner of life
C. Will you?
1. you have choices to make - you should - but will you?
2. Gods blessing to you depend on you !!!
3. choose this day Whom you will serve
CLOSE: Is Jesus Christ the undisputed Ruler in your life?
Cecil A. Hutson
09 May 1999