Confession+Commitment+Conduct=Witness

Authentic Preaching: The man of God opening the Word of God and expounding its truths so that the voice of God may be heard, the glory of God seen, and the will of God obeyed.” Steven J. Lawson, Famine in the Land: A Passionate Call for Expository Preaching.

Be faithful to the text and functional for today. – Morris Proctor

Explain the text; expound the truth(s); encourage action(s).

Does this sermon humble the sinner? Does this sermon exalt the Savior? Does this sermon promote holiness?

How does this text & sermon encourage love for God and/or my neighbor?

How does this text & sermon add to understanding that all of life is to be lived in the presence of God?

How does this text & sermon promote Christlikeness in the listeners?

Text: ; (16-21)

Sermon Purpose: to have congregants confess Jesus and live a life consistent with that confession

Need: Congregants need to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior and live a life consistent with that confession as a witness for Jesus.

Homiletical Proposition: Communicate your confession in Jesus by your conduct (attitudes, speech, and actions).

Series: New Year 2019

Title: Confession + Commitment + Conduct = Witness

INTRODUCTION

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When I meet in certain settings, I take notes. I gather information and I create action items. In a recent meeting, someone commented, “You’ve written four pages of notes.” They weren’t far off; I’d written 2 ½ pages, including two specific actions, a big picture action plan to be developed, and other information and insights.

The comment caught my attention because it made me realize that I’m being watched. My conduct (attitudes, speech, body language, actions) in that meeting, in every meeting, conveys a message. Your conduct, too, conveys a message.

When we confess Jesus, there is/ought to be life change (life transformation – the Goal of all we do (are to do) around here at BBC.

INTEGRATING THOUGHTS

Life change starts with confession.

1. Confession –

1.) Who do others say Jesus is?

(1.) Text – he’s a prophet

(2.) Culture – he’s a teacher; he’s a prophet; he’s a good (moral) man;

2.) Who do you say Jesus is?

(1.) Text – “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”

i.e., you are the anointed one, the messiah, the human/divine son of the one and only living God

(2.) Who do you say Jesus is?

Everlasting life hangs in the balance with your answer!

Life change continues with commitment.

2. Commitment – ,

With confession comes commitment (I know it’s not mentioned in the title, but it’s a part of the message)

1.) Jesus’ commitment – 16:21-23

(1.) Suffering – ridicule, mockery, lack of sleep, scourging (whipping with Roman whip), hunger, thirst

(2.) Death – on the cross; Burial – in a borrowed tomb

(3.) Resurrection from the borrowed tomb! Jesus was raised from the dead!

2.) Disciple’s commitment – 16:24-28

(1.) Deny self – set aside your will, your dreams, etc., for the kingdom of God (cf. )

(2.) Die to self – endure suffering

(3.) Follow Jesus – imitate Jesus; act like Jesus; speak like Jesus; show love like Jesus; forgive like Jesus;

Have you considered, contemplated, thought deeply about Jesus’ commitment to you so that you may have everlasting life?

Have you committed yourself to following Jesus? Do you realize what the cost is? Will you follow Jesus on His terms?

Life change is shown by conduct.

3. Conduct –

In , the Lord makes knows to Abraham what he is going to do to Sodom and Gomorrah. In 18:19, the Lord says,

“For I have chosen him, Heb. Yada – to know; DBL Heb = to select for special favor; to know that

that he may command his children and his household after him

to keep the way of the Lord

by doing (i.e., practicing, living out)

righteousness and (blameless behavior; living to the standard; moral living)

justice, (conduct (choices) that align with God’s morals; administering what is right & fair)

so that the Lord may bring to Abraham

what he has promised him.”” (, ESV)

So, from and (vs. 19), here’s the

Truth:

WE COMMUNICATE OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CONFESSION BY OUR CONDUCT.

CONFESSION + COMMITMENT + CONDUCT = WITNESS.

Question(s):

Have you confessed Christ?

Is your confession supported by commitment and conduct?

Does our confession communicate being a new creation in Christ ()?

“Therefore, if anyone in Christ, new creation; the old things past away, pay attention! New things have come into existence.” CTH Personal translation

Do you command others to observe the teachings of the Lord by our conduct, by practicing moral, blameless living and interactions?

Action(s):

Will you confess Christ?

Will you commit yourself to following Christ?

Will you communicate Christ through your confession, commitment, and conduct?

INVITATION

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