THE TWO MASTERS
December 1, 2002 AM
Sermon Outline
Mt 6:24
INTRO: Loyalty is a problematic subject. It is not problematic in that we do not believe in it. It is not problematic because we do not know what it means. It is problematic because so many demand our loyalty. Our lesson text acknowledges a very basic problem of competing loyalties. Nothing can be more frustrating than dealing with competing loyalties. From time to time even friendships become very complicated when loyalty is challenged by competition. Consider, then, the two masters.
I. WHAT GOD DESIRES?
A. Ex 20:3 Here is the basic fact of our relationship
1. Mt 4:10 the Lord renews this emphasis
2. continue in Ex 20:4,5 I ... am a jealous God ...
B. Josh 24:14,15 Is His desire always honored?
1. no, its not - indeed, the idea of mixed affections has been a reality among Gods people for many years
2. Joshua set a great example for all!
C. Col 3:1-3 Placement of affections?
1. the first concern of our lives must be spiritual
2. set - the mind must be settled on heavenly things
D. Mt 12:30 No room for other loyalties!
1. discipleship is made impossible with divided, competing loyalties
2. early in His ministry, then, Jesus defines discipleship as being one eyed where God is concerned
II. WHO MIGHT COMPETITORS BE?
A. First, note the word serve
1. it is the word of a slaves service
2. so, the question is one of ownership - if God owns us, everything must be in keeping with His will
3. but does He really own us?
B. Self may be a competitor
1. service to God is given until His will and selfs conflict
2. I believe this may be the real culprit!
3. Lk 9:23 my will must, in every compartment of life, yield to the will of Him Who owns me
C. Family may be a competitor
1. either pressure to abandon the Lord - or the devotion given to ones family
2. to some extent this may seem very natural
3. but Mt 10:35-37 and Mt 8:21,22 there will be times when affections will be challenged .. when Gods will must come first
D. Jobs, occupations may be competitors
1. no question, demands are great ... and needs of a family are great ... jobs are necessary (balance?)
2. but have our jobs become our idols?
3. Col 3:5 is covetousness the real problem?
E. Entertainment, recreation may be competitors
1. do either ever take precedence over worship, service?
2. to recreate in necessary - entertainment no an evil (depending on content) in itself ... yet, more and more this takes greater time/emphasis from our lives
3. 2 Tim 3:4,5 religious? yes - true commitment to God? no
F. Pursuit of material things (mammon) may be a competitor
1. I fear this is a respectable pursuit for Christians in a society of ease
2. we can do all of our faith things ... and be materialistic!
3. I recall Mt 19:16-22 ... religious? yes ... but when the great choice situation came, possessions were the obvious master
CLOSE: The verse of our text calls us to honest, truthful evaluation. The question is simple. Whose slave are you? Remember: you cannot serve two masters!
Cecil A. Hutson
01 December 2002