I Surrender...even If It Is Reluctantly

Matthew 21:28 (NLT)

"But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ’Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’

Simple Instructions

 God has given us simple instructions

– The expectation is obedience

• 1 Samuel 15:22

• Colossians 2:6

1 Samuel 15:22 (NLT)

But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. Listening to him is much better than offering the fat of rams.

Colossians 2:6 (NLT)

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him.

Simple Instructions

 God has given us simple instructions

– The expectation is obedience

• 1 Samuel 15:22

• Colossians 2:6

– The desired outcome is fruitfulness

• Our fruitfulness honors God

– Luke 13:6-7

Luke 13:6-7 (NLT)

Then Jesus used this illustration: "A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. [7] Finally, he said to his gardener, ’I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s taking up space we can use for something else.’

Matthew 21:29 (NLT)

The son answered, ’No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway.

Delayed Obedience

 There are many excuses for not being obedient

– Time

– Money

– Family

– Laziness

• Luke 9:59-61

Luke 9:59-61 (NLT)

He said to another person, "Come, be my disciple.“ The man agreed, but he said, "Lord, first let me return home and bury my father."

[60] Jesus replied, "Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead. Your duty is to go and preach the coming of the Kingdom of God."

[61] Another said, "Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family."

Delayed Obedience

 There are many excuses for not being obedient

– Time

– Money

– Family

– Laziness

• Luke 9:59-61

 A true devotion to Christ will override any excuse

Matthew 21:30 (NLT)

Then the father told the other son, ’You go,’ and he said, ’Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go.

Some Just Give Lip Service

 Many say yes with their mouths, but say no with their actions

– James 2:14

James 2:14 (NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, what’s the use of saying you have faith if you don’t prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can’t save anyone.

Some Just Give Lip Service

 Many say yes with their mouths, but say no with their actions

– James 2:14

 Talk is cheap...actions carry weight

– Hypocrisy – when your tongue and your shoes are going opposite directions

Matthew 21:31 (NLT)

Which of the two was obeying his father?"

They replied, "The first, of course."

Then Jesus explained his meaning: "I assure you, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.

The Issue is Surrender

 The first son submitted to the will of the father...even if it was delayed

 Surrender shows respect

 Surrender shows obedience

 No one is a lost cause...in time, many will surrender their will to God’s will

Matthew 21:32 (NLT)

For John the Baptist came and showed you the way to life, and you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to turn from your sins and believe him.

Surrender is a Choice

 Many hear, but refuse to obey

 Appearance is no substitute for obedience

 Do your actions reflect a life surrendered to God’s call?

**Powerpoint available upon request