The Christians Obligations to Jesus Christ
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I. Introduction.
A. Last week we began a series of sermons on different obligations of Christians.
1. Talked about the Christians obligations to the local congregation.
2. Today continue w/series & talk about our obligations to Jesus.
3. Tonight = talk about Christian obligations to our fellow brethren.
B. Obligation defined: bind power of a vow, promise, or contract. A bond to which a penalty is fixed on failure of due performance.
C. We as children of God have definite commitments to keep in order to be acceptable to Almighty God.
D. Text: from 2 Tim. 2:9-15. Paul writing to Timothy perhaps for last time - encouraging young evangelist. Focus upon v. 10.
1. Paul knew well the obligations he had to the Lord.
2. Fulfilling those obligations meant much hardship while living upon earth.
a. writing this epistle from prison.
b. In just few short weeks/mths he would be put to death for preaching the gospel.
3. Do we feel such a deep sense of duty or obligation to the cause of Christ?
4. Ask yourself that question as we go throughout the lesson.
II. Why am I Obligated to Jesus Christ?
A. Because of salvation from past sins.
1. Before I was formed in the womb, Christ died for me.
a. 1 Jhn. 3:16; 4:9-10
b. He shed His blood for me - 1 Pet. 1:18-19. Now…I have opportunity to be washed in His blood and be forgiven of my sins.
2. this fact alone should prompt my obedience! I should be so thankful for what He did for me, I would want to please Him!
B. As Christians we are partakers of the heavenly calling. Heb. 3:1. We have become a part of the body of Jesus Christ!
1. Notice 2 Scriptures that prove this point: Gal. 3:26-27 - Those who have been baptized have put on Christ.
2. Rom. 6:3-7 - upon becoming a Christian, we put off the old man & made the commitment to a new life!
3. It is because of these things that we are entitled to:
a. Eph. 1:3 - all spiritual blessings. Paul talking to fellow Christians here.
b. 1 Jhn. 5:11 - eternal life. Christians and only Christians have this hope!
c. Col. 1:14 - forgiveness of sins - for the faithful Christian who wishes to be cleansed of sin.
d. Eph. 1:7 - redemption.
4.
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a. Heb. 6:4-12 - expected of Hebrew brethren.
b. 
2 Pet. 1:5-11 - expected of all FC Christians.
5. Do you take your spiritual blessing for granted by not meeting the obligation to be faithful?
a. if so - you may find your soul coming up short in the end!
C. Remember…we made a covenant w/the Lord!
1. Eph. 2:11-13 - once far off. Made near by Christ. Only hope = through Him! It is imperative that we realize this! Only way to heaven through Him!
2. Lord promises eternal salvation - we promise compliance w/His will! This is the bottom line!
III. How are we obligated to Jesus Christ?
A. Must recognize the supreme authority of Jesus Christ!
1. Mt. 28:18 - all authority given to Jesus by God!
a. H.S. Truman - the buck stops here. Clear that he was in charge.
b. Jesus Christ: the same principle. He is the one in charge. Man has the obligation to submit to Him! This is the bottom line!
2. Jesus gave us the Bible as a guide book to go by! Js. 1:25 calls Bible the perfect law of liberty! Doesn't speak directly to men to impart His authority - speaks to us via Scriptures.
a. 2 Pet. 1:3 - contains all essential religious teaching.
b. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 - furnishes to EVERY good work!
3. Therefore: all religious instruction is restricted to the word of God!
a. go outside? Go outside of authority of Christ & disobey Him.
b. 1 Pet. 4:11 - speak as oracles of God!
c. Gal. 1:8-9 - only one way to heaven - via instruction/gospel that is in the Bible.
4. We obligated by Jesus to recognize Him as the sole authority in religion. This means:
a. dropping creed books & opinions of men!
b. Following exactly - to best of our ability - the NT pattern!
c. Need to recognize Jesus as sole authority in my life! Go against His authority - condemned to Hell!
B. Obligated to abide by teachings of Christ.
1. Not only should I recognize the supreme authority of Jesus Christ - but I should demonstrate the fact by my adherence to His teachings! We focus today in on our religious activities.
2. Consider the worship service…
a. Jhn. 4:23-24 - must worship God in spirit & truth. In other words - His way!
1. have no right to amend worship b/c I think it boring/not relevant to today's world.
2. Have no right to install inventions of mankind in the worship & still claim it to be pleasing to God! Who is man to do this?
b. God presented man w/the kind of worship service He wants!
1. Acts 16:25 - singing - making music w/the heart.
2. Acts 2:42 - prayer
3. Acts 20:7 - partaking of the Lord's Supper
4. 2 Tim. 2:2 - teaching
5. 2 Cor. 9:7 - giving - supporting the work of the local church.
c. Can't change/delete these elements! Must be carried out.
3. other obligations we have in our worship & religious practices is to conduct the work of the church in a scriptural manner.
a. doing work of Christ encompasses two arenas:
1. congregational
2. the most part = individual responsibility.
b. concerning congregational work - must be done in word & deed. Must operate under example provided by FC church. Can't go wrong if we follow their pattern. Done in 3 areas - as a church.
1. evangelism - mission of church to get message out to a lost/dying world. Scriptural precedent found in Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 4:2; Col. 1:23-27
2. edification - local church has responsibility to edify/build up it's members in spiritual matters. - Eph. 4:16
a. must do all things to edify one another in the faith.
b. W/o edification the long term viability of the church is threatened.
3. Benevolence - to needy saints - Acts 11:27-30
c. all others matters must be carried out on an individual basis.
1.
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2. 
Gal. 6:9-10
4. If we go outside the limits of these areas/go against what Christ has taught in these areas - we are unpleasing Him!
5. We have a responsibility not only to fulfill congregational responsibilities but individual responsibilities as well.
C. We are under obligation to be an example for Jesus Christ!
1. 1 Pet. 2:21-22 - the standard that we must follow. Must look to Christ and His perfect example.
a. strive to be like Him & I can't go wrong.
b. Phil. 2:5 - we are to have the mind/attitude of Christ! We must be willing to serve!
2. Scriptures that stress influence!
a. Mt. 5:13-16 - we are light of the world! What kind of example are you setting?
b. Do those around you know that you are of Christ?
c. Phil. 2:15 - must be blameless!
d. 1 Thess. 1:7
e. 1 Pet. 2:11-12
3. Influence is one of the most important areas of concern for the Christian!
4. Easy to compromise & then realize it's too late & some damage been done!
a. easy for Satan to cause us to think that influence not a big deal!
b. Lack of influence for good - # 1 cause why people fail to respond to gospel. Some see those who claim to be Christian acting improperly.
5. Mal. 4:2 - Jesus called the Sun of Righteousness. Are you reflecting Him? Can others see that He plays substantial role in your life?
IV. Conclusion.
A. Today, we have talked about some of our obligations to Jesus Christ. We could have spent more time discussing other responsibilities but these will do for now.
B. Bottom line: can't fulfill my obligation to Christ if I am not follow His word!
1. His word teaches me that I must conduct myself in a pleasing manner unto the Lord!
a. in religious matters.
b. In all matters.
2. His word teaches me that I must be an example for others to follow!
C. These aren't optional things. These are obligations we have to Christ. Delinquency in these matters could result in a loss of salvation.
D. How are you doing?
E. Have you fulfilled your obligation to become a Christian?
F. I N V I T A T I O N
