“Wrapped Up In Jesus” Matthew 23:1-12 Series: Keys to Christ-like Transformation Sunday, August 29, 2004 Larry Cantrell
Devotion to God’s Word Psalm 73:23-25 (NIV) 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
“Wrapped Up In Jesus” The seat of Moses … An Alert: The Teacher of the Law and Pharisees were in position to lead (obey spiritual authority).An Alert: The Teacher of the Law and Pharisees were in position to lead (obey spiritual authority). Watch: Do not follow behavior that contradicts truth (their practice is not what they preach).Watch: Do not follow behavior that contradicts truth (their practice is not what they preach). Warning: Their teachings bind and trap (their discipline did not transform the spirit).Warning: Their teachings bind and trap (their discipline did not transform the spirit).
“Wrapped Up In Jesus” Position before Service The religious leaders wanted others to see the following: 1.Phylacteries 2.Seats 3.Titles The purest form of spiritual leadership is when others see God in you.
“Wrapped Up In Jesus” Be careful of “leadership religion” RabbiRabbi FatherFather TeacherTeacher
“Wrapped Up In Jesus” Key principle of Christ-like transformation: Christ does the Transformation in You 1.The load of Christ is light. 2.Christ laid down his life for you to achieve transformation. 3.God has given Christians His spirit as a transformation agent.
“Wrapped Up In Jesus” Commands of God and Standards of Men We are to have a relationship with God.We are to have a relationship with God. It is impossible to have a relationship with rules. A relationship with God creates intimacy.A relationship with God creates intimacy. Rules measure performance. Rules measure performance. A relationship with God demands your best.A relationship with God demands your best. Rules demand a standard. Rules demand a standard.
Lord’s Invitation 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (NIV) 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.