A Life that Demands Choice

POWERFUL WORDS THAT DEMAND A CHOICE A Life that Demands Choice POWERFUL WORDS THAT DEMAND A CHOICE 13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13–14 (NASB95)

A Life that Demands Choice Not contrasting the New Law with the Old Showing faults in traditional teachings 17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Matthew 5:17–18 (NASB95)

A Life that Demands Choice Condemns: Their basic moral character Their concept of the Law Their application of concepts 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:3–7 (NASB95)

A Life that Demands Choice 21 “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ 22 “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Matthew 5:21–22 (NASB95) Condemns: Their basic moral character Their concept of the Law Their application of concepts 5:21-37, (emphasize vs. 21-22;27-30;33-37;) goes beyond the letter and to the heart

A Life that Demands Choice Condemns: Their basic moral character Their concept of the Law Their application of concepts 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. Matthew 5:38–39 (NASB95) 5:38-48 (emphasize38-39;43-47) correcting their ideas of love and mercy

A Life that Demands Choice Condemns: Their fulfillment of the Law Their motives Their judgments 2 “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. Matthew 6:2 (NASB95) Matt 6:1-18 – 1-6 even their obedience and religious activity was done in a self promoting manner Jesus calls this hypocrisy

A Life that Demands Choice Condemns: Their fulfillment of the Law Their motives Their judgments 24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:24 (NASB95) 6:19-34 – This self serving attitude was further demonstrated in their view of this worlds goods, the poor were considered unclean while the rich were afforded special favor

A Life that Demands Choice Condemns: Their fulfillment of the Law Their motives Their judgments 4 “…how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:4–5 (NASB95) 7:1-6 – all of this led to hypocritical judgments by those who were sinners yet sought to instruct others in righteousness, an absolute condemnation of their social order and abuses of the Law of Moses

A Life that Demands Choice NARROW OR STRAIGHT? We must be willing to take the minority position We must choose whom we will follow We must heed the power and authority of Jesus All of this leads us to a necessary decision point

POWERFUL ACTIONS THAT DEMAND A CHOICE A Life that Demands Choice POWERFUL ACTIONS THAT DEMAND A CHOICE 4 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” John 11:4 (NASB95)

POWERFUL ACTIONS THAT DEMAND A CHOICE A Life that Demands Choice 15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.” John 11:15 (NASB95) POWERFUL ACTIONS THAT DEMAND A CHOICE

POWERFUL ACTIONS THAT DEMAND A CHOICE A Life that Demands Choice POWERFUL ACTIONS THAT DEMAND A CHOICE Many believed Some spread the news Enemies were caused to fear All were called to action

POWERFUL ACTIONS THAT DEMAND A CHOICE A Life that Demands Choice POWERFUL ACTIONS THAT DEMAND A CHOICE Jesus offers authoritative teachings Confirmed by powerful actions Some still choose partial belief Partial belief seen in those that sought to kill Him – vs. 45-48

A Life that Demands Choice Message: You have been indecisive You have all, but need much Make a choice! 16 ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 17 ‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself… Revelation 3:16–18 (NASB95) The need to choose is not reserved for those who yet need to become Christians

A Life that Demands Choice Jesus demands we make our choice He demonstrates the need in both word and action We must choose! 19 ‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20 ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:19–20 (NASB95) The need to choose is not reserved for those who yet need to become Christians