Scripture Reading: Hebrews 3:7-11

What Does Jesus Demand?

Intro.

1. In the late 1990's "WWJD" was a campaign to help young people make moral decisions.

2. Christians should ask similar question, Jno. 13:15; 1 Jno. 2:6; 1 Pet. 2:21.

-The correct answer is not be based on speculation, feelings, emotions, but on letting the Bible teach us what Jesus would do.

3. Self-examination based in truth, 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Ths. 5:21-22.

4. More than just asking "what would Jesus do?", we must ask, "What does Jesus demand (command)?" and "Will I obey Him?"

I. WHEN FACED WITH MORAL DECISIONS?

A. Jesus was Fully Tempted like we are, Heb. 4:14-15.

1. Lust of the flesh, eye and pride of life.

2. Jesus resisted the devil:

a. By appealing to the word of God, Matt. 4:4.

b. By trusting in the purposes and will of God, Matt. 4:7.

c. By committing Himself to serve only God, Matt. 4:10.

B. What Does Jesus Demand? Will I Obey Him?

1. Profane speech, Matt. 12:36-37 (Eph. 4:29).

2. Unholy entertainment, 1 Pet. 4:1-3.

3. Gambling, Col. 3:5.

4. Alcohol and drugs, 1 Pet. 4:3 (Prov. 23:31-32; Jno. 2:9-10).

5. Smoking, 1 Cor. 6:19-20.

6. Sexual immorality, 1 Cor. 6:18.

II. WHEN SOMEONE SINS AGAINST YOU?

A. Jesus was Often Sinned Against. (Enemies: falsely accused, lied about, hated and murdered; Friends: betrayed, denied, deserted, 1 Pet. 2:21-23)

1. He did not sin when sinned against, 2:22.

2. He did not give evil in return for evil, 2:23.

3. He committed Himself to the Father, 2:23.

4. He forgave those who sinned against Him, Lk. 23:34.

B. What Does Jesus Demand? Will I Obey Him?

1. A Christian sins against you, Matt. 18:15.

2. Discover someone has something against you, Matt. 5:21-25.

3. Forgive sinners against you, Matt. 18:21-22; Col. 3:12-13.

a. The world says, “get even” -- Jesus says, “turn the other cheek”, Matt. 5:39.

b. Commit yourself to God (to right the wrong), 1 Pet. 2:23.

c. Do not be ashamed to suffer with Christ, 1 Pet. 4:15-16.

4. If we sin against someone we must correct it immediately! Acts 8:22-23

III. WHEN WE ENCOUNTER LOST SOULS?

A. Jesus Met Lost People Every Day, Matt. 9:35-38; Lk. 15:1.

1. Moved with compassion (pity over their distress), Matt. 9:36.

2. He taught His disciples to pray and work, Matt. 9:37-38.

3. He talked with the lost about their souls, Jno. 4:6ff.

4. He taught them the gospel, Mk. 2:1-2.

B. What Does Jesus Demand? Will I Obey Him?

--We must always--

-Have compassion on the lost.

-Show our compassion by using appropriate speech, Col. 4:6.

-Pray for opportunities to help save the lost, Matt. 9:38.

-Be an unashamed worker, Matt. 9:38; Mk. 8:38.

1. When we visit our neighbors?

a. Talk to him about the Bible and his soul? (Acts 8:30)

b. Offer to have a Bible study?

c. Invite them to join us at services, gospel meeting, classes?

2. When on the job? cf. 1 Ths. 2:9

3. When faced with a sinning Christian? Gal. 6:1-2

a. Do not hide it, ignore it or refuse to get involved (Jas. 5:19-20)

b. Quickly address it is godly ways to try to save, Jude 22-23.

4. When faced with a false teacher? Matt. 15:3; Jude 3-4

Conclusion

1. "WWJD" was a catchy marketing technique.

2. What did Jesus do and what does Jesus demand (command) is crucial to making the decision of faith: Will I obey Him?

3. The Christian's motive and goal is to “walk as He walked” (1 Jno. 2:6).

4. “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained (when he is perfected, ASV) will be like his teacher.” (Lk. 6:40)