A Life that Honours God

26/07/2009 by John Marsden.

Proclaiming Jesus

1. Savior of the World

“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom…” – Colossians 1:28a

• We need the energy of Jesus working in us if we’re going to follow after Him and preach the word of God.  We also need His help to proclaim who He is.
• The Bible talks a lot about proclaiming who Jesus is.  If you were introducing Jesus at a boxing match, what would you say about Him?  Italian Stallion?  Beast from the East?
• When we proclaim Jesus, one thing we proclaim is that He is the Savior of the world.  See John 3:16 or 1 Timothy 1:15 if you’re not convinced of that.
• Jesus came to earth and died on the cross to save the world!
• He came to save us from the consequences of sin and guarantee us a place in Heaven.
• He came to save us from sickness and disease and bring healing.
• He came to save us from loneliness, depression, and emotional turmoil.
• If we don’t proclaim that Jesus is the Savior, the world will never receive Him and no one will be healed.
• It’s imperative to proclaim that Jesus has come to rescue the world, but at the same time, we need to be careful we don’t stop there.

2. King of Kings

“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” – Revelation 19:16

• Jesus isn’t just the Saviour of the world – He’s also the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He has all authority in heaven and on earth and is the ultimate master over everything, including each one of us.
• If Jesus is in charge of everything, who should we obey – Him or ourselves?
• We need to proclaim that Jesus is the King of everything.  He’s not just the gentle lamb who died for us, but He’s also the conquering Lion of Judah who needs to be obeyed.
• Jesus didn’t come just to rescue us.  He’s establishing His Kingdom on the earth.  Paul said, “For the kingdom of
  God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Corinthians 4:20).  God’s government is not a democracy but a kingdom under His direct authority.
• When we proclaim Jesus, we need to proclaim Him as the Savior, but also as the Lord who demands our obedience.

3. Returning Judge

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead…” – 2 Timothy 4:1a

• Besides proclaiming that Jesus came to rescue the world and to be our King, we also need to proclaim that Jesus is going to return to judge us for our deeds.
• One day, Jesus is returning to judge the world (Hebrews 12:23).  If we’ve obeyed and served Him and lived in righteousness, we’ll receive a reward (2 Timothy 4:8).
• If we’ve disobeyed God, followed ourselves, and lived ungodly, we’ll be punished (James 5:9).
• Ultimately, whether life is great for you or awful, God will judge your actions and you’ll receive a just reward or punishment.
• We need the energy and power of Jesus in us if we’re going to proclaim Him as the returning Judge.

Persuading Righteousness

1. God Desires Godliness

“Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness.” – Romans 6:19b

• Part of our calling as Christians is to, like Paul, persuade men and women to live righteous lives devoted to God.
• We do this not with our own energy and wisdom, but with the power of Jesus in us.
• God expects righteousness out of His followers.  If we call ourselves Christians, we must live like it.  See 1 Peter 1:15.
• God also expects us to persuade others to live righteous lives.  As ambassadors of Christ, it’s our job to show both the world and the church a clear line between right and wrong. 
• Don’t be afraid to talk about the standards God has – it’s the only way people will know what God expects of them.
• Does this sound like legalism?  Raise your hand if this sounds like being too legalistic.
• We’re not talking about legalism, where you follow a code of conduct because you think it will make you righteous.  We’re talking about living a holy life through the power of Jesus because you’ve been changed by God (Ephesians 4:24).
• By faith, God makes us righteous, and we live it out to prove what he’s done (James 2:18).
• It’s only in the energy and power of Jesus that we can be made righteous and persuade others to live the same.

Have a great day.

John

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