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Relationship between Christ & Men

CLEAVING TO CHRIST.

Acts 11:23.

The following seven ways will indicate how we can cleave to Christ:--

Ⅰ. By prayerful dependence upon Him (Phil.4:6).

Ⅱ. By being taught by Him (Matt.11:29).

Ⅲ. By ready response to His word (John 14:21).

Ⅳ. By whole-hearted surrender to Him (Rom.12:1).

Ⅴ. By separation from the ungodly (2 Cor.6:17).

Ⅵ. By living a life of faith upon Him (Gal.2:20).

Ⅶ. By waiting for Him (1. Thess.1:10).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST ABOVE THE BELIEVER.

Ⅰ. As the Finisher of His work on our behalf. “ After He had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down” (Heb.10:12).

Ⅱ. As the Conqueror over His and our enemies. “ He might destroy him” ( Heb.2:14).

Ⅲ. As our High Priest , to represent. “ To appear in the presence of God for us” ( Heb.9:24).

Ⅳ. As our Advocate, to plead. “ We have an Advocate” ( 1.John 2:1).

Ⅴ. As the Firstfruits of the harvest. “ Christ the Firstfruits” (1. Cor.15:23).

Ⅵ. As the Sun to warm. “ The Lord God is a Sun” (Ps.84:11).

Ⅶ. As the Shield, to protect. “ I am thy Shield” (Gen.15:1).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST BEFORE THE BELIEVER.

Ⅰ. As the Object of faith. “ Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Heb.12:2).

Ⅱ. As the Light, to direct. “He that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness” ( John 8:12).

Ⅲ. As the Lord, to obey. “ If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14).

Ⅳ. As Shepherd, to follow,. “ My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow Me” ( John 10:27).

Ⅴ. As the Master, to serve. “ Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am” (John 13:13).

Ⅵ. As the Prize, to win. “ For whom I have suffered the loss of all things, ……that I may win Christ” (Phil.3:8-14).

Ⅶ. As the Goal, to reach. “ Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain” (1.Cor.9:24).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST BEHIND THE BELIEVER.

Ⅰ. As the Suffering One for us. “ Once……He appeared to put away sin” (Heb.9:26).

Ⅱ. As the Pillar of fire, for light and protection. “ It was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these” ( Ex.14:20).

Ⅲ. As the Voice, to direct. “ Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, this is the way” (Isaiah 30:21).

Ⅳ. As the Beloved, to encourage. “ He looketh forth at the windows, shewing Himself” (Solomon’s Song 2:9).

Ⅴ. As the Goodness and mercy, to follow. “ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” ( Psalm 23:6).

Ⅵ. As the Lord, to reveal. “ I heard a voice behind me” ( Rev.1:10).

Ⅶ. As our Rereward, for separation between us and the world. “ The God of Israel will be your Rereward” (Isaiah 53:12).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST BENEATH THE BELIEVER.

Ⅰ. As the Foundation on whom we are built. “ For other Foundation can no man lay” (1. Cor.3:11).

Ⅱ. As the Way to walk in. “ I am the Way” ( John 14:6).

Ⅲ. As the Shoes of Peace, to protect. “ Your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace” (Eph.6:15).

Ⅳ. As the Arms to carry. “ Underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut. 33:27).

Ⅴ. As the Shoulders to bear. “ Layeth it on His shoulders” (Luke 15:5).

Ⅵ. As the Bosom to rest in. “ Which also leaned on His breast” ( John 21:20).

Ⅶ. As the Staff to support. “ Thy rod and Thy staff” (Psalm 23:4).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST BESIDE THE BELIEVER.

Ⅰ. As the Strength, to uphold. “ I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness” ( Isaiah 41:10).

Ⅱ. As the Companion, for fellowship. “ Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way” ( Luke 24:32).

Ⅲ. As the Friend to counsel. “ The sweetness of Truth, is com, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

Ⅳ. As the Guide, to direct. “ When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

Ⅴ. As the High Priest, to succour. “ We have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15).

Ⅵ. As the Comforter, to cheer. “ He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16).

Ⅶ. As the Teacher, to teach. “ He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance” ( John 14:26).

CHRIST FOR US.

Different characters in which Christ appears for us in Heb. 9＆ 10

As the Propitiation, to atone (Heb.9:12).

As the Purifier, to cleanse (9:14).

As the Mediator, to act (9:15)

As the Priest, to represent (9:24).

As the Sin-Remover, to bless(9:26).

As the Substitute, to suffer (9:28).

As the Saviour, to deliver (9:28).

As the Willing One in obedience ( 10:5-9).

As the Sanctifier, to separate (10:10).

As the Sin-offering, to save (10:11,12).

As the Exalted Man in glory (10:12).

As the Expectant One, to triumph (10:13).

As the Perfecter of His people (10:14).

As the Fore-runner, to procure (10:19,20).

As the High Priest, to represent (10:21).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST NEEDS US.

Christ needs His people, now in this life, to accomplish His purposes.

He needs our lips to preach His Gospel, as He told His disciples (Matt.28:19).

He needs our hearts to perfume with His presence (Eph.3:17), as He needed the tabernacle of old (Ex.25:8).

He needs our company for fellowship. As may be gathered from His talk and walk with the two disciples who were journeying to Emmaus (Luke 24:15).

He needs our ear to reveal to us His secrets, as He did in the case of Abram regarding Sodom (Gen.18:17).

He needs hands to minister to the needs of others, as may be gathered from Matt.25:34-37.

He needs our love to gladden Him, as is illustrated in His regard and pleasure in Mary anointing Him with the precious ointment (John 12:3-7).

He needs our obedience to glorify Him, as is shown in His commendation of Job to the devil (Job 1:8).

He needs our wills, to mould them, as is plainly expressed in His invitation to take His yoke upon us (Matt.11:29).

He needs our talents to speak for Him, as is represented in His appreciation of the workmen of the tabernacle ( Ex.31:2,3).

He needs our life to reproduce His own, as it may be observed from the apostle’s words in Gal.2:20.

He needs our praise to honour Him, as He clearly states in His words to the thankful Samaritan leper (Luke 17:17).

He needs our whole being, spirit, soul, and body, to sanctify, that like the temple of old, “every whit may utter His glory” (Psalm 29:9,m.).

Our need is met, as we meet the need of Christ. The ass’s colt has been honoured for all time in carrying Christ into Jerusalem. In like manner, those who honour God are honoured by Him (Prov.4:8); those who give to God, receive from God (Luke 6:38); those who yield to God, He yields Himself to them (Rom.6:13,14); those who obey God , have the power of God (Acts 5:32); and those who endure for God have a crown of righteousness as a reward (2 Tim.4:7,8).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST OCCUPIED FOR US.

The activities of the Lord Jesus, as He is occupied in His present service, is a fruitful subject. Fruitful in more ways than one. It is fruitful because it reminds us of His love in His present ministry for us; and of our love to Him, which should be expressed in a similar way to His love to us.

Ⅰ. His heart is occupied in His loving sympathy for us, as our Faithful Friend. “ He groaned in spirit and was troubled……behold how He loved him” (John 11:33.36).

Ⅱ. His mind is occupied in His constant thought of us, as our Divine Lover. “ He thinketh upon me” (Psalm.40:17).

Ⅲ. His eyes are occupied in His watchful care over us, as our Vigilant Shepherd. “ Behold He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4).

Ⅳ. His hands are occupied in His untiring labour for us, as our Unfailing Strength, “ I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

Ⅴ. His ears are occupied in His unceasing attention to us, as our Gracious Lord. “ His ears are open unto their cry” (Ps.34:15).

Ⅵ. His lips are occupied in His earnest pleading for us, as our Great High Priest. “ He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Ⅶ. His feet are occupied in His ministry for us, as our Sustaining Companion (Luke 24:15).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST, OUR EXAMPLE.

“ Do likewise” (Judges 7:17).

Gideon bids his men to look to him and to act as he acts, so that there may be united action. When he blew his trumpet they were to blow theirs; when he brake his pitcher they were to break theirs; and when he shouted they were to shout too. The Lord Jesus also says to His followers, “ Look on Me and do likewise.”

Ⅰ. He bids us love as He loves (John 13:34).

Ⅱ. He calls us to suffer wrongfully as He suffered (1.Pet.2:20-23).

Ⅲ. He tells us to go out in service, as He went (John 20:21).

Ⅳ. He directs us to deny ourselves as He denied Himself (John 12:24,25).

Ⅴ. He commands us to minister to each other as He ministers to us (John 13:14,15).

Ⅵ. He calls us to be humble, as He was (Phil.2:5-8).

Ⅶ. He demands that we should walk as He walked (1.John 2:6).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST, OUR HIDING PLACE.

Ⅰ. He is a safe Hiding Place. “ A Covert from the tempest” (Isaiah 32:2). “ Thou shalt hide them in the secret of Thy presence from the pride of man; Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues” (Psalm 30:20).

Note the three “ froms” in the above verses as showing that from which the Lord saves.

Ⅱ. He is a Sure Hiding Place. “ In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret* of His tabernacle shall He hide me: (Psalm 27:5). Note the two “ Shalls.” There is no uncertainty.

Ⅲ. He is a Secret Hiding Place. “ Thou art my Hiding Place; Thou shalt preserve from trouble” (Psalm 32:7). The word “ Hiding” in the above is rendered “Secret” in some of the Scriptures before us, and is so given in 1. Samuel 19:2, which may be taken as an illustration.

Ⅳ. He is a Comfortable Hiding Place. “ I will abide in Thy tabernacle for ever; I will trust in the covert of Thy wings” (Psalm 61:4). The young birds find the covert of the mother bird’s wings a place of comfort.

Ⅴ. He is Strong Hiding Place. “ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). Note, it is the “Almighty” who is the Shelterer.

Ⅵ. He is a Secure Hiding Place. “ Thou art my Hiding Place and my Shield; I hope in Thy Word” (Psalm 119:114). He assures us in His Word what He is, hence our security.

Ⅶ. He is a Communing Hiding Place. “ O, my dove, thou art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice,” ＆c. (Cant.2:14). The Lord is not a cold hard rock in which we hide; He is a living Person, with whom we hold converse.

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST, OUR OBJECT.

Ⅰ. He is the Object of God’s Counsels. “ I was daily His delight” ( Prov.8:30).

Ⅱ. He is the Object of the Scriptures. “ Search the Scriptures……and they are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39).

Ⅲ. He is the Object of our Faith. “ Behold the Lamb of God” (John 9:38).

Ⅳ. He is The Object of our Worship. “ And he worshipped Him” (John 9:38).

Ⅴ He is the Object of our Life. “ Should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him” (2 Cor.5:15)..

Ⅵ. He is the Object of our Imitation. “ Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example” (1. Peter 2:21).

Ⅶ. He is the Object of our Hope. “ Lord Jesus Christ, which is our Hope” (1.Tim.1:1).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST, OUR SUBSTITUTE.

We must know Christ “ for us” as our Substitute, before we can know Christ “ in us” as our Strength, and before we can be with Him in the glory.

Ⅰ. Christ is the God-appointed Substitute (Romans 5:8).

Ⅱ. Christ is the God-approved Substitute (Eph.5:2).

Ⅲ. Christ is the God-satisfying Substitute (2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13).

Ⅳ. Christ is the Protecting Substitute from Divine wrath (1. Cor.5:7)

Ⅴ. Christ, as our Substitute, places us in an unparalleled position (1. Thessalonians 5:9,10).

Ⅵ. As our Substitute, Christ has procured for us unlimited blessings (Romans 8:32).

Ⅶ. Christ, in being our Substitute, had a practical end in view (Titus 2:14; 1.John 3:16; 1.Peter 2:20; 1.Peter 4:1).

In all the above Scriptures the words “ for us” will be found.

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

CHRIST, THE WAY.

Jacob’s ladder is a type of Christ (John 1:51), the only Way between God and man. Christ is—

Ⅰ. An Opportune Way, for the man in danger, even as the manslayer found the way to the city of refuge to be (Deut.19:3).

Ⅱ. An Open Way, for He has removed the barrier of sin away, by the sacrifice of Himself (Heb.9:26).

Ⅲ. An Original Way, for there never was such a way opened as Christ has made by His death (Heb.10:20).

Ⅳ. An Omnipotent Way, as they who walk in it find, for they are protected by the Saviour’s presence and power (Isa.35:8,9 margin).

Ⅴ. The Only Way to God (John 14:6), blessing, salvation, and usefulness (John 10:9).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

“COME.”

Note some of the “comes” of Christ as illustrating the fullness and freeness of His Gospel.

Ⅰ. Regard. “Come down” (Luke 19:5).

Ⅱ. Rest. “ Come unto Me , and I will give you rest” (Matt.11:28).

Ⅲ. Refreshment. “ Come and drink” (John 7:37). “Come and take” (Rev.22:17).

Ⅳ. Re-animation. “ Come forth” (John 11:43).

Ⅴ. Responsibility. “ Come after Me” (Mark 8:34).

Ⅵ. Reward. “ Cometh to Me shall never hunger” (John 6:35).

Ⅶ. Response. “ Come and see” (John 1:39).

Mr. Spurgeon says of the last come, this is a “loving invitation,” and says, “ At the beginning of the Gospel, Christ said, ‘ Come and see;’ at the close, ‘Come and dine.’ The first is for babes in Christ, the second for strong men,”

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

COMMANDS OF CHRIST.

There were many commands that the Lord Jesus gave His disciples. The following seven peaks are to be seen in the mountain range of His directions:--

Ⅰ. “ Repent” (Luke 13:3). Change of mind.

Ⅱ. “Believe” (John 3:16). Rest of soul.

Ⅲ. “Love” (John 13:34). Affection of heart.

Ⅳ. “Follow” (John 12:26). Walk of feet.

Ⅴ. “Abide” (John 15:4). Attitude of spirit.

Ⅵ. “ Tarry” (Luke 24:49). Pleading of faith.

Ⅶ. “Go” (Matt.28:19). Testimony of lips.

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

COMMITTAL.

“ Glass, with anxiety!” Strange expression this! What does it mean? These words accompanied a parcel sent from Norway to England, and they were intended to indicate that the sender feared, to indicate that the sender feared, from the fragile nature of its contents, that some mishap might befall it.

Is there not a lesson here for Christians? Might not some of us be rightly labeled—

“ Christians, with anxiety?”

In many instances there is no need for a label, as anxiety is only too plainly stamped upon the countenance, although the apostolic injunction is, “ in nothing be anxious” (Phil.4:6,R.V.). Some obey this command in certain circumstances only, while others reverse the reading, and live as though they were to be anxious for everything. The Lord wishes His children to carry their worries and anxieties to Him; and to leave them with Him. Here are seven things which He bids us cast upon Him, or commit unto Him.

Ⅰ. Commit yourself unto Him. “ He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Tim.1:12). Paul deposited himself in the hands of the Heavenly Banker; and, as the money in the Bank of England is kept safe in the strong rooms within and by the guard without, so was the apostle, for he was kept by the Holy Spirit within, and by the Lord who encamped round about him.

Ⅱ. Commit your soul unto Him. “ Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator” (1.Peter 4:19). Suffering we shall have, but if we commit the keeping of our souls unto the Lord in well doing, as the three Hebrew young men did, we shall, like them, but lose our bonds, and gain the company of Jesus.
Ⅲ. Commit your spirit unto Him. “Into Thine hand I commit my spirit” (Psalm 31:5). If the Lord has the control of our spirit, He will control us altogether.

Ⅳ. Commit your way unto Him. “ Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5). If we commit our way unto Him, we shall never stray from Him.

Ⅴ. Commit your works unto Him. “Commit thy works unto the Lord” (Proverbs 16:3). If the Lord controls the works and the workers, there will be no clashing in the working.

Ⅵ. Commit your burden unto Him. “ Cast thy burden upon the Lord” (Psalm 55:22). If the Lord is our Burden-bearer, we shall be free to bear one another’s burdens.

Ⅶ. Commit your care unto Him. “ Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you” (1.Peter 5:7). One John Careless, a martyr, in writing to a friend, said, “Now my soul is turned to her old rest again, and has taken a sweet nap in Christ’s lap. I have cast my care upon the Lord, who careth for me, and will be careless, according to my name.” If we cast all our care upon Him, He will take all care off us.

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

FOUND.

Found by Him a sinner (Matt. 13:44).

Found in Him a saint (Phil.3:9).

Found of Him a servant (11. Peter 3:14).

Ⅰ. Found by Him a sinner. This reminds us what we were, and what we are in ourselves. When He found us we were guilty (Lev.6:5, margin) because we had sinned; He found us as the woman did the piece of silver, dead and helpless (Luke 15:9); He found us as the shepherd did the sheep, far sway from God, and unable to get back (Luke 15:4-6); He found us in a desert place, that is, in the world (Deut. 32:10); He found us asleep, unconscious of the danger we were in ( Mattew 26:43); He found us like the fig tree, when He looked for fruit, nothing but leaves ( Matt. 21:19). But blessed be His name, He found us and brought us to Himself, and we are precious to Him, as the treasure was to the man who found it in the field.

Ⅱ. Found in Him a saint. This reminds us of what we are, that is being in Christ, we are sanctified, accepted, and complete in Him; but it also reminds us that being in Him, as a stone in the building, as a member of His body, as a branch in the vine, the outward fact of this will be seen by the very life of Christ being manifested in our life.

Ⅲ. Found of Him a servant. This reminds us of Him as the coming Lord (see Luke 19:13) when He returns to reward His servants for work done for Him. How careful we should be as to the material we are building upon the foundation, and see to it that we are not building the wood of man’s intellect, the hay of that which is pleasing to the imagination of the fleshly man, or the stubble of nothingness, giving no food to those to whom we go; but be careful that we are building on the foundation, the gold of divine righteousness, the silver of the atonement, and gold of divine righteousness, the silver of the atonement, and the precious stones of the glory, for our work will be tried as to its quality, not its quantity. If not successful, may we be faithful servants—faithful in walk and work—then we shall receive the Master’s “ Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

GRACIOUSNESS OF JESUS.

We do not wonder at the gracious words that fell from Christ’s lips, for grace was poured into them (Ps.45:2), the grace of God was upon Him (Luke 2:40); yea, He was full of grace and truth (John 1:14,16). “ His mouth is most sweet” (Song of Solomon 5:16). His mouth is sweet for many reasons.

Ⅰ. Sweet, because life-giving (John 6:63).

Ⅱ. Sweet, because supplying (Song of Solomon 1:2).

Ⅲ. Sweet, because assuring (Isaiah 58:14).

Ⅳ. Sweet, because sustaining (Deut.8:3).

Ⅴ. Sweet, because comforting (John 14:1).

Ⅵ. Sweet, because powerful (Heb.4:12).

Ⅶ. Sweet, because searching ( Rev.1:16).

The words of Christ are like oil upon the troubled waters, they bring calmness and comfort; they are like bread to the hungry man, they bring nourishment and nerve; they are like the warm spring, which causes nature to bud and blossom; they are like an unfailing spring, ever fresh and full; they are like a salve to a wound, healing and soothing; and they are like honey for sweetness and satisfaction.

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

“HIM.”

Ⅰ. Standing. “ In Him” (Ephesians 1:4).

Ⅱ. Trust. “ Upon Him” (1.Peter 5:7).

Ⅲ. Communion. “ With Him” (John 1:39).

Ⅳ. Safety. “ By Him” (Deut.33:12).

Ⅴ. Praise and Prayer. “ Through Him” (Heb.13:15, R.V.).

Ⅵ. Blessing. “ From Him” (Psalm 62:1).

Ⅶ. Service. “ For Him” (Luke 9:52).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

LIVING WATER.

Christ as the Living Water may be viewed in relation to other thing to which He is likened, as being its complement.

Ⅰ. The Son of the Living God is its personification (Matthew 16:16; John 6:69).

Ⅱ. The Living Bread is its nourishment (John 6:51).

Ⅲ. The Living Christ is its security ( John 14:19).

Ⅳ. The Living Word is its assurance (Heb.4:12; 1.Pet.1:23).

Ⅴ. The Living High Priest is its joy (Heb.7:25).

Ⅵ. The Living Stone is its foundation (1.Pet.2:4).

Ⅶ. The Living Way is its privilege (Heb.10:20).

Ⅷ. The Living Hope is its glory (1. Pet.1:3,R.V.).

── F.E. Marsh《Five Hundred Bible Readings》

《Jesus, My Lord》
 
INTRODUCTION
 
1. The expression "My Lord" is used but a few times in reference to
 Jesus...
 a. David wrote, "The LORD said to my Lord..." - Psa 110:1
 b. Mary said, "...they have taken away my Lord" - Jn 20:13
 c. Thomas said, "My Lord and my God!" - Jn 20:28
 d. Paul wrote, "...Christ Jesus my Lord" - Ph 3:8
 
2. Yet it is important that every Christian...
 a. Thinks of Jesus as "My Lord"
 b. Appreciates what it means to have Jesus as "My Lord"
 
[To help us better understand what it means to have Jesus as "My Lord",
let's the title of our study ("Jesus, My Lord") and focus our thoughts
on each word, beginning with "Lord"...]
 
I. JESUS, MY "LORD"
 
 A. THE WORD FOR LORD IS USUALLY "KURIOS"...
 1. Related to the word "kuros" meaning "power"
 2. Variously translated "master", "owner"
 3. Describes one having "power" or "authority"
 -- Certainly Jesus has such power or authority - cf. Mt 28:18
 
 B. ANOTHER WORD FOR LORD IS "DESPOTES"...
 1. From which we get the word "despot"
 a. Today it is often used in a bad sense
 b. E.g., "a person exercising power abusively, oppressively, or
 tyrannously"
 2. Its primary definition is "a ruler with absolute power or
 authority"
 a. Used in reference to God - Lk 2:29; Ac 4:24; Re 6:10
 b. Used in reference to Christ - 2 Ti 2:21 (Master); 2 Pe 2:1
 (Lord)
 -- Stronger than "kurios", for it speaks of having "absolute"
 power and authority
 
[Who has the power or authority to claim to be MY master, MY owner? The
Christian should answer...]
 
II. "JESUS," MY LORD
 
 A. JESUS IS TO BE MY LORD...
 1. As He Himself taught His disciples - Jn 13:13
 2. The apostle Peter also proclaimed Jesus as Lord
 a. To the Jews on Pentecost - Ac 2:36
 b. To the Gentiles at Cornelius' home - Ac 10:36
 3. The apostle Paul also proclaimed Jesus as Lord
 a. By virtue of His death and resurrection - Ro 14:9
 b. To Christians, Jesus is the only Lord - 1 Co 8:6; Ep 4:5
 -- Jesus is the one who is our "kurios", our "despotes" (our Lord
 and Master)
 
 B. THIS RULES OUT ANY OTHER "LORDS"...
 1. Such as my self
 a. I.e., my own will - cf. Ga 2:20
 b. No, we must deny self and follow Jesus as Lord - Lk 9:23-24
 2. Such as my flesh
 a. I.e., my own fleshly desires - cf. Ga 5:24
 b. No, we must crucify the flesh, and look to Jesus as our
 example - Co 3:1-11
 3. Such as the world
 a. I.e., anything outside my self which would lead me away from
 the Lord - Ga 6:14
 b. This would include such things as:
 1) Work and family - Lk 14:15-24,25-27
 2) Philosophy and traditions of men - Co 2:6-10
 4. Such as our brethren
  a. Certainly we are to submit to one another - cf. Ep 5:21
 b. But some seem to fear their brethren more than they fear the
 Lord!
 1) E.g., watch their language and conduct in the presence of
 brethren
  2) E.g., attend services only to please the brethren, or get
 them off their back
 -- While we may submit to those in authority (e.g., husbands,
 elders, government), it is because we have made Jesus our "one
 Lord" above all others!
 
[Many Christians live as though their self, their flesh, the world, or
their brethren were their "master" or "owner". It may help to avoid
this divided loyalty if we truly make...]
 
III. JESUS, "MY" LORD
 
 A. THINKING OF JESUS AS "MY" LORD...
 1. Thinking of Jesus, not simply as:
 a) "The" Lord, as easily professed by those who simply accept
 Jesus intellectually
 b) "Our" Lord, as often professed by those whose acceptance of
 Jesus is influenced primarily by one's environment (parents,
 spouses, brethren, etc.)
 2. Thinking of Jesus as "my" Lord"
 a) Making it a more personal commitment to His authority and
 power
 b) Making it more likely that as individuals we will heed what
 He says - Lk 6:46
 -- Jesus will not be our true master and Lord unless we view Him
 as "my" Lord!
 
 B. ATTITUDE OF JESUS AS "MY" LORD...
 1. Involves a disdain for the things of the world - cf. Ph 3:7-8
 a. Such as popularity, prestige, family
 b. Willing to suffer loss of these things if necessary
 c. Consider such things as rubbish in contrast to our Lord
 Jesus
 2. Involves a consuming desire to know Christ - cf. Ph 3:8-11
 a. To know Him personally
 b. To know His righteousness
 c. To know His power
 d. To know His sufferings
 3. Involves constantly pressing on toward perfection - cf. Ph 3:
 12-14
  a. Not complacent in one's service to Christ
 b. Not satisfied with one's level of spiritual growth
 c. Willing to leave the past behind
 1) Neither glorying in past accomplishments
 2) Nor wallowing in past failures
 d. Reaching forward, pressing toward the goal
 -- Paul's attitude demonstrates the attitude of one who has truly
 made Jesus "my" Lord, the attitude of maturity as a disciple of
 Jesus! - cf. Ph 3:15
 
CONCLUSION
 
1. Such is the attitude of one who really has made Jesus...
 a. "My" Lord!
 b. "My" Master!
 c. "My" Owner!
 
2. What is Jesus to you...?
 a. You might acknowledge Him as "the" Lord
 b. You might join others in praising Him as "our" Lord
 -- Have you submitted to Him such that you can rightly say, "Jesus,
 MY Lord"?
 
3. Jesus would have us accept Him as Lord...
 a. For He has all authority, and expects us to observe what He
 commands - cf. Mt 28:18-20
 b. Yet He warned of those who profess His Lordship, but fail to truly
 demonstrate it - cf. Mt 7:21-23
 
Are you doing the Father's will, and so demonstrating that Jesus is
truly "your" Lord?

──《Executable Outlines》