Obedience: Putting The D-I-E In Obedience Series

Is There A H.E.R.O. In The House? Series 4 of 4

Obedience: Putting the D-I-E In Obedience

February 22, 2009 Chester FBC, Chester, IL Dr. Mike Fogerson

Introduction:

A In the 11th Century, King Henry III of Bavaria was fed up the set up of being King.

1 He applied to be a contemplative at the local monastery, via Prior Richard.

a The King told the Prior of his struggle, personal battles.

b The Prior said, “My King, do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be difficult for you because you have been a King.

c King Henry respond, “Yes, I understand. I will live the rest of my life being obedient to you as Christ leads you.”

aa Then I’ll tell you what to do. Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place God has placed you.”

bb When the King died, it was written of him, “The King learned to rule by being obedient.”

2 When you grow weary of your roles/responsibilities, remember God has planted you in a certain place.

a Accountant, prison guard, mom, dad, STA, teacher, line worker, clerk, student, small business owner, retired . . .God expects you be faithful where He has put you.

b Today, let’s learn how to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives by being obedient.

3 Over the last three weeks we have learned about . . .

a Humility: Everything you have in the natural/spiritual is from God. God sees you as a child in need.

b Endurance: Length and Lesson of our days. Time is our friend.

c Repentance: Not just for Sundays (life style/attitude), not just for other people. Also how by repenting, you can turn a generational curse into a generational blessing.

B I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 1 Cor 15:31

1 You can’t spell the “Obedience” without putting d-i-e right in the middle of it.

a Like the Apostle Paul, we must “die daily.”

b Today, we’ll learn exactly what it means to put the DIE in obedience.

2 I believe Satan cannot break down the heart that has an undivided, loving commitment to God.

a I believe the devil knows that when a heart that obedient to God, he’s going to be frustrated/tormented in his efforts to conquer our lives.

b Why? Because we’re already dead!

T.S.: Let’s look at how we can put the d-i-e in obedience.

I We must have the right size of obedience. (Believe it or not, it’s child size.)

A Christians are called “children of obedience.”

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children (Lit. Children of obedience), do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." 1 Peter 1:13-16

1 In life we typically come under 5 principle authorities:

a Kids: Parents (Col. 3.20: Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.)

b Students: Teachers (Prov. 5.12,13)

c Workers: Boss (Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable . 1 Peter 2:18 (NASB)

d Citizens: Government (Rom. 13.1,2: 1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. Romans 13:1-2 (NASB)

e Principally to God 22 Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 1 Sam 15:22 (NASB)

2 We must become like obedient children.

a The greatest example of obedience is Jesus, the Son of God, Himself.

aa 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped , 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Phil 2:5-8 (NASB)

bb 41 And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, 42 saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." Luke 22:41-42 (NASB)