Keeping the Christ in Christian: Submission and Obedience (AM)

Matthew 26:36-46

Introduction:

1. Our last discussion addressed the disposition of Jesus’ heart (meekness); this discussion focuses on the practical outworking of that disposition in daily life.

2. Everything Jesus came to do depended on His obedience to the Father, and everything He made available to us depends on our obedience to Him.

Discussion:

I. The Scope of Jesus’ Obedience

A. Jesus displayed His submission to authority from childhood (Luke 2:48-52).

B. He did so because He understood the reason for His incarnation:

1. At age 12 He knew He had to be about the things of His Father (Luke 2:49).

2. He repeatedly argued that He came to do the will of the Father, not His own (John 4:31-34; 5:30; 6:38; 7:16-18; 8:50; Hebrews 10:7-9; cf. Psalms 40:6-8).

C. He obeyed boundlessly (Matthew 26:36-46; John 10:17-18; Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 10:8-10).

II. The Result of Jesus’ Obedience

A. Disobedience necessitated the sacrifice of Christ (Genesis 2:17; 3:15; Romans 6:23).

B. The obedience of Christ reversed the tragic result of Adam’s disobedience (Romans 5:12-21; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:1-10; Hebrews 2:14-15; 5:7-9).

C. It granted us access to God (Ephesians 2:11-22; 3:12; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:19; 10:19-20).

III. The Necessity of Emulating His Obedience

A. The New Testament links obedience and salvation inextricably:

1. He authored eternal salvation for all who obey (Hebrews 5:9; cf. Ephesians 5:6).

2. Jesus rejected the idea of calling Him Lord apart from obedience (Luke 6:46).

3. Only the obedient will enter the heavenly kingdom (Matthew 7:21ff).

4. Love and friendship with the Lord demand obedience (John 14:15, 23; 15:14).

B. This is nothing more than taking on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5ff).

Conclusion:

1. For sure, talks of obedience get little play in our lawless society.

2. Though we will sometimes stumble, to be “little Christs” we must embrace an attitude of submissive obedience in the likeness of our Lord.

Further Food for Thought

1. Does life in a lawless culture create difficulties for your submission and obedience?

2. How would you answer the false claim that teaching obedience is Pharisaic legalism?

3. What are some passages of Scripture that might uphold your rebuttal of the claim?

4. Tactically, what is the best way to confront these adversaries?