Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
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
Topical Sermons 208