The 4 Spiritual Laws
Matthew 28:18-20 (and various other scriptures)
Introduction
- This morning, we are going to take a short break to discuss 4 Spiritual Laws
- We’ve been studying Romans for several weeks now; living for Jesus
- Paul continues to exhort the church to follow Jesus; to live fully for Him
- Recently, we’ve seen the importance of living for Christ so we can witness
- When we witness, we are calling down all authority Jesus has given us
- If the Holy Spirit is in you, then you have the authority to witness
- This authority is NO different than what the Disciples were given
- It is no different than what Jesus promised, but how many of us use it
- In your bulletins you will see a handout which lays out The 4 Spiritual Laws
-- It is a perfect outline to use in witnessing for Christ; very simple to use
-- Tape it to your Bible if you need too; allow God to use it to guide you
- Stand and read Matthew 28:18-20 / Pray
Point 1 – God Loves You (John 3:16)
- John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
- Because of His own love for you He gave us life, despite our short comings
- It is because of this love that we have been given a Savior to depend on
- Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- God was never mad at you; never stood against you; never hated you
- In fact, from the very beginning He was on your side; cheering you on
-- Gen 1:27, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
- APP: God gave us life so that we would spend it worshiping and serving Him
- But you see, there is another side to this application, WE must be willing to tell!
- Example of 4 NGL guys standing around all talking to one another after parade
- TRANS: God was not surprised when we sinned, because He knew us …
Point 2 – You Have Sinned (Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23)
- There is not one of us sitting here today that has ZERO sin in their life
- Even in the inner most parts, there is sin that we hope no one knows about
- It is in this place where Christ came to deliver us into freedom; completely
- Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”
- Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- You and I are not perfect; nor will we ever be; and we must admit that
- It is when we are willing to admit that we are sinners that God can use us
- Our pride, our strength, our righteousness is “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6)
- There is nothing you or I could ever bring to God for sanctification
- And once we admit this, God is then able to transform our hearts
- Example of street march, young couple who were stunned at the witness
- TRANS: When we realize our sin, we then realize the need for a Savior
Point 3 – Jesus Died for You (Romans 5:8 and John 14:6)
- Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Explaining that Jesus died for you is often very difficult and scary to do
- Sometimes, it takes us WAY out of our comfort zone; but God is faithful
-- Psalm 86:15, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
- When we get a vision of the need for Jesus in others; we need to move
- It is not just the preacher’s job to witness; this is why we have Matt 28
- Example of men tracting – training to be bold in the Lord; to take a stand
- There is only one way to God, and we have to be able to explain this
- John 14:6, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- Whatever it takes, we must be available and faithful to follow His example
- TRANS: But the key to it all, which affects us, is WE must repent/receive
Point 4 – You Must Repent and Receive Him (John 1:12, Rom 10:9-10 and 2 Cor 7:10)
- Romans 10:9-10, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”
- IF … WILL BE – We have an action part to take care of first, then we’ll be saved
- It is not a matter of walking an aisle and having a religious moment
- But, it is surrendering yourself totally to the POWER of Christ in your life
- John 1:12, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”
- Being given the right to be children of God first requires you to surrender to Him
- It is not a matter of if, but it is a matter of when – and the when can be right now
- APP: Here’s the key (don’t miss this):
- 2 Cor 7:10, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
- Godly sorrow is not being sorry that you got caught, that is worldly sorrow
- Godly sorrow brings righteousness, not “good feelings” and “happiness”
-- It is not a feeling that we can just get, but it is given by God; and by God alone
-- Example of Godly sorrow: Psalm 51:4, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.”
- TRANS: David’s confession led him to walk closer to God, so what’s our story?
Conclusion
- Question: Where do you stand right now? Where is your witness for Jesus?
- Where are you in your ability to share Christ in everyday situations?
- Is your witness even effective or is there a weakness that needs exposing?
- Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
- When we are righteous and clean before a loving God, we will receive POWER
- But, God’s power does NOT come before we humble ourselves to Him
- Pray
