Who Do You Say That I Am?

Katie Fisher, 17, entered the Madison County Ohio Junior Livestock Sale hoping the lamb she had for sale would get a good price. For months Katie had been battling cancer. She had endured hospital stays and been through chemotherapy a number of times. Before the lamb went on the block, the auctioneer told the audience about Katie’s condition, hoping his introduction would push the price-per-pound above the average of two dollars. It did-and then some. The lamb sold for $11.50 per pound. Then the buyer gave it back, and suggested the auctioneer sell it again. That started a chain reaction. Families bought it and gave it back; businesses bought it and gave it back. Katie’s mother said, "The first sale is the only one I remember. After that, I was crying too hard." They ended up selling the lamb thirty-six times that day, raising more than $16,000 in the process.

It matters how one is spoken of by others.

Have you ever given thought to how you speak of Jesus in your everyday life? Not whether you try to convert everyone you meet but do you speak of Jesus, do you give the Lord the credit he deserves. Do you confess him before men on a daily basis?

It matters how one speaks of Jesus.

MAIN BODY

I. The World’s Testimony of Jesus

A. In Jesus’ day, the people had a false view of who Jesus was.

1. They thought he was John the Baptist or one of the Great Prophets

2. Some thought he was a blasphemer speaking from Satan. (Luke 11:15)

B. Things haven’t changed all that much today.

1. Some "religious" people do not speak of Jesus as the son of God but simply as a "good man" or as a "prophet from God" or one who "became God."

2. Some even claim that Jesus is a myth.

II. Confessing Christ is essential to Salvation

A. Jesus promises to remember those who confess him.

1. “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32—33

B. Confessing Christ is essential to salvation.

1. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:11—13

C. An example of confessing unto salvation.

1. Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:35—39

III. Lifelong Confession

A. There is Power in our witness of Christ.

1. “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.” Acts 1:8

2. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16—17

3. Romans 1:16—17

B. We are Persuaded to give our witness for Christ.

1. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15)

C. We should be Persistent in our witness for Christ.

1. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14—16

2. “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16