Sermon Tone Analysis

This passage is both sobering and frightening at the same time.

One could surely ask, if Jesus is the Prince of Peace, then why is He not bringing it into the world?

Why does He say that He is bringing a sword, the implement that severs?

Although the passage is what theologians call hyperbolic, that is exaggeration, there is a true principle here that we just can’t ignore!

The first part of the passage shows that as we consider Christ’s gospel, and the invitation into a relationship with Him, we must know that it’s not all peaches and cream at the end.

Some, and that would be those of our own families, will not receive His message.

The result is sometimes great conflict and even persecution for the very ones we love!

The second part of the passage shows that if we are not willing to enter into these conflicts, and would rather not chance offending and severing some of our relationships with family, then we are not worthy of being His disciple.

I.

We must come to Christ in Surrender.

Over and over again the scriptures make it crystal clear that,

we are God’s Servants or bondslaves of Christ.

We are not our own, because we have been bought that is purchased with a price.

That this world is not our home, for we look for another country.

Relinquishing our own comfort.

Jesus says in our passage that we must take up our cross.

In our Thursday night Life Group, we were discussing the passage from

“Carrying about in our own bodies the dying of the Lord Jesus”?

Jesus took His cross and carried it for three and a half years inching His way toward Calvary.

We in the same way are to take up our cross inching our way to our own Calvary, which is dying to self that others might believe.

It’s a daily crucifixion of the flesh that the power and glory of Jesus would be revealed in us!

It’s a process of

Truly, isn’t this what the Bible clearly spells out for us?

B. Resisting the urge to compromise.

Here we enter Satan’s domain!

This is where the god of this world

II.

When we find ourselves at a crossroads.

Family can be difficult to negotiate around, when it comes to the gospel.

But I do want you to notice the relational aspect of the gospel message, which is not coincidental here.

the strain and contention comes in family relationships, not strangers, because our primary influence will be with those we are closest to.

Once we understand this responsibility, we will find ourselves in situations where we must make some decisions.

We find ourselves at these times at a crossroads!

Will I live the abundant Christian life despite their disapproval?

Will I continue to live under the direction of the Holy Spirit regardless of their mockery?

Will I serve Christ and not them?

These are all questions we should consider as we move on as disciples of the Lord Jesus.

Let me tell you, it will never be easy!

Michelle and I have experienced this first hand!

A. Do not take up the sword intentionally.

Jesus is not saying that you should cause division and stress because you are a disciple of His.

No, He is saying that there are those of our family that will not understand what we are trying to say.

As Paul says ...

2 Cor. 3

The same message with two different reactions!

We are called to be wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.

But at the crossroads, we must decide, if we are going to live in obedience to God, or pacify man.

Which brings me to this:

B. Do take up your own cross.

This is what Jesus says to us.

If we are not willing to carry our cross, we are not worthy of Him!

Some think this to be optional!

wwwwwwwwwww

The modern day evangelical believes that salvation is a state of being in and of itself that requires nothing.

But does the scripture say that?

Absolutely not!

And more importantly, Jesus never did!

I’ll say it so we can understand clearly!

If you do not take up your cross, you are not His disciple.

If you are not His disciple, you are not regenerate (born again, converted, saved).

If you believe there is a Biblical provision for one without the other, than you have erroneously interpreted the Bible!

When we look at the great faith passages of the New Testament we find that in context one cannot separate faith and obedience, or faith and works.

Salvation is not the end result but a means to the end which is reconciliation.

And reconciliation is the act of being made right with God.

And reconciliation is the act of being made right with God.

Right in spirit.

Right in heart.

Right in heart.

Right in purpose.

Right in obedience.

Conclusion:

I will close with this:

Have you received the grace of God in salvation?

Have you come to God through Jesus, the only intercessor?

Has He paid the sacrifice required for your sin, and are you trusting Him alone for that?

Are you ready to take up your cross, the cross that has been prepared for you in the grace of salvation?

If your answers are yes, then give yourself to God!