Things That Unite–One Lord

1. To acknowledge authority means to respect law.

1) When you observe the speed limit, you are acknowledging the law and respecting it’s authority.

2) So also, we acknowledge Jesus authority when we respect His law.

2. Does Jesus authority include law?

1) Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

2) James 1:25 “But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.”

3) Romans 8:2 “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.”

4) 1 Cor. 9:21 “to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law.”

3. We must acknowledge Jesus authority by respecting his law.

1) Jesus is the King (1 Tim. 6:15). How do we respect the authority of a king?

2) He has all authority (Matthew 28:18). What does it mean to acknowledge authority?

3) We must bow to His rule (Phil. 2:10). What does it mean to bow to a ruler?

4. If we don’t believe in the authority of Jesus, then we don’t believe in the Lordship of Jesus.

5. Unity in the Lordship of Jesus begins with acknowledging Jesus’ authority.

1. Where He goes, we will follow.

1) This goes beyond law into attitude.

2) Leadership is more than simply dictating law.

3) Leadership involves exemplifying what one believes is right.

4) Jesus is the King, but he is also the Good Shepherd.

2. When we acknowledge Jesus as leader, we willingly follow in his steps.

1) It means following in His steps: 1 Peter 2:21 “For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps….”

2) It means doing the things that He would do: John 13:15 “For I have given you an example, that ye also should do as I have done to you.”

3) It means walking as Jesus would walk: 1 John 2:6 “he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk even as he walked.”

4) Jesus isn’t merely an authoritarian, He is the Good Shepherd

a. Psalm 23:3 “he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”

b. John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep.”

5) He has lead and it is now our responsibility to follow: Hebrews 12:1-3 (read)

3. If we don’t believe in the leadership of Jesus, then we don’t believe in the Lordship of Jesus.

4. Unity in the Lordship of Jesus depends upon our willingness to follow His leadership.

1. None other can compare.

1) What does it mean to be “sovereign”?

2) There is no one else who may change, alter, or amend Jesus’ will.

3) No work of man can challenge Jesus sovereignty.

2. When we acknowledge the sovereignty of Jesus, we will respect the singular nature of that authority.

1) Acts 4:12 “And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved.”

2) John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

3) 1 Cor. 3:11 ” For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

4) 1 Timothy 2:5 ” For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus,”

5) John 8:24 “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”

3. If we don’t believe in the sovereignty of Jesus, then we don’t believe in His Lordship.

4. Unity in the Lordship of Jesus cannot exist without acknowledging Jesus sovereignty.