Free to Serve the King of Kings

   1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

I. Getting Free!

   A.   Don’t trade Joy for Fun.

      1.   Not that “fun” is always bad, but we often trade in joy for fun -- that’s what the temptation to sin is about.

      2.   To be “free” to play a musical instrument requires a great amount of self-discipline, study, practice. Short term pain for long-term gain.

      3.   But don’t get confused, the true joy isn’t all about the sweet by-and-by. It’s for NOW!

   B.   Tears in the eye of our Lord.

      1.   Our sin gives God pain. It hurts Him.

      2.   See from his head, his hands his feet. Sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did ever such love and sorrow meet? Or thorns compose so rich a crown? (GHoF 118)

      3.   Look at those tears in the eyes of God. He weeps because you have grieved Him with your sinning, you have neglected Him, you have forgotten Him, you rebel against Him (and He only seeks your good). You spit in His face and yawn about grace. Look at those tears!

   C.   Let it Go!

      1.   Is your sin really so important to you?

      2.   Are your subtle detours into momentary jollies, fulfilling enough to cost you your happiness, worth those tears in the eyes of your master and King?

      3.   Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles!

II.   It’s about Jesus!

   A.   Look Up!

      1.   You like to look down, to mope in self-pity, to wallow in the mire.

      2.   You like to look at what “everybody else is doing,” at what you can get away with. You like to reduce your denominator. You’ve made so many compromises there are few moral questions left - it’s all a matter of personal taste now.

      3.   Look up! Look to Jesus! Look at what you can be when you let go of all the garbage you’ve been collecting, saving, consuming.

   B.   He’s Paved the Way for us.

      1.   Jesus went on a harder path than you’ll ever go, but even that path was worth it!

      2.   Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. The things of this earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. (Red #204)

   C.   It’s not about Us. It’s about Him!

      1.   When we look at ourselves, our needs, our pain, we can rightly despair. We need help!

      2.   When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we forget - our pain, our needs, ourselves. All our needs get filled, all our pain gets soothed, we become complete.

III. He’s the King of Kings!

   A.   Is He Your King?

      1.   You might call Him King. Is He your King? You might call Him Lord. Is He your Lord? You might call Him Master. Is He your Master?

      2.   Do you live to serve Him? Do you long to obey Him?

      3.   Are you always loyal?

   B.   Renounce all other Loyalties.

      1.   No more dabbling with the toys of the other pretender to the throne:

          a.    Ouija boards? Psychic hotline? Tarot cards? Palm reading? Astral projection? Table lifting? Magic 8-ball? Seances? Spirit Guides? Fortune telling? Astrology? T.M.? Get rid of them!

          b.   Occult objects in your house? Throw them out!

      2.   Make no provision for the flesh; do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Rom 13:14 NIV).

          a.    Get rid of your stash of dirty magazines or books. Or your subscriptions.

          b.   Dump your plans, your “plan B just in case you can’t resist next time” plans.

      3.   Take the world but give me Jesus - All its joys are but a name; But His love abideth ever, through eternal years the same! (GHoF 385)

   C.   Make your Pledge of Fealty today.

      1.   Sign that blank check and hand it to God. Sign at the bottom line, and let him fill in the terms of the contract later.

      2.   Promise today to live always only for your King.

      3.   All Hail the power of Jesus name! Let angels prostrate fall. Hail Him who saves you by His grace and crown Him Lord of all! (GHoF 42)

The Bottom Line:

I’m going to give you an opportunity to do that right now. If you want to get down on your knees right where you are, do it. If you’ve got to run home and get rid of something, go! Don’t wait another minute. If you want to come forward, come now. This is between you and God. Make your pledge of fealty. Promise before God to live freely - free of sin.

Each of you take the crowns you wanted to put on your own head and: (GHoF 62)

   Crown Him with many crowns, The Lamb upon His throne; Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns All music but its own; Awake my soul, and sing Of Him who died for thee, And hail Him as thy matchless King Through all eternity.

[read the rest of the words]

Benediction Jude 24-25

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