· We are called to represent Christ and to advance His Kingdom.
· 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 - You are the temple – the house in which God dwells.
· Covenant language: I will be your God – You will be my people.
· We are called to be ambassadors for Christ – represent Him, speak for Him.
· We need to understand nature of covenant relationship or we scatter people.
· Example: 2 Chronicles 34 - Reformation of Josiah
“Josiah” (2977 Strongs) = Foundation of God Þ Picture of Jesus Christ.
2 Chronicles 34:30-33 - Word of God results in call for commitment.
· 2 Chronicles 34:30 “The king went up into the house of the Lord … and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant …”
· The Word of God is symbolised in many ways because of its impact. Example: sword; hammer; light; water; bread.
· The Bible is called the Book of Covenant – how we walk in partnership with God.
· The Word of God represents:
(i) The person of Christ – John 1:14
(ii) The authority of Christ – Luke 6:46
· Your response to the Word of God = Your response to person and authority of Christ.
· John 14:21-24
· He that has My commands and keeps them – he it is that loves Me. (vs21)
· If a man loves Me, he will keep My words. (vs23)
· If a man does not love Me, he does not keep My sayings. (vs24)
· Love for Christ is outworked by receiving and acting upon His Word.
(i) Reject God’s Word and authority
· God’s Word reveals and exposes your true condition and calls for change.
· Rejection can be:
a) Active:
Luke 4:18 - People were offended and rose up to kill Jesus.
Mark 10:12-22 - Young man was offended and walked away
b) Passive:
James 1:22 - When hear and do not act upon Word of God – deception.
Matthew 7:21 - Lawlessness – becoming law to self.
· People choose how they want to live and form world view to suit lifestyle.
· Society, culture all geared to serve self – goal = my happiness.
· In kingdom of God – personal happiness is not goal, it is a by-product.
· Kingdom of God – goal is to obey Jesus and promote and expand His kingdom.
Matthew 6:33 - Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things added.
Joy, happiness, fulfilment is the by-product of serving God.
· Note: If say, “I serve Jesus” but embrace the values, standards and lifestyle of society then have in reality chosen against Jesus and His kingdom.
(ii) Receive and embrace God’s Word and authority
2 Chronicles 34:31-32 “The king … made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and keep His commandments …”
a) What is a covenant?
· Covenant is most binding agreement – mare valuable than own life.
· “All I have is yours, all I am is yours, your enemies are my enemies, I am willing to lay down my life for you”. Example = Jesus
· East: Men would rather die than break covenant. Example – Islam.
· “Covenant” = unilateral commitment before God – not dependant on the performance of the other person.
· “Contract” = bilateral agreement – depends totally on performance of other person.
· I’ll keep my end of the bargain if you keep yours.
· If you don’t make me happy, do what you said, I’ll find someone else.
· Example: Marriage
· First image child sees of God is the parent!
· If picture seen is contract then there is fear, insecurity.
b) What is the key issue?
· Key issue: Who are you living for? Christ? His name? His cause? Or are you living for self – what’s in this for me?
· Matthew 16:21-23 - Peter living for self – an offence.
· Matthew 16:24-27:
· Key to living life pleasing to God.
· Love of God Þ living for His sake.
· Results = Find true lasting fulfilness. Receive eternal reward.
· Paradox: Very thing you lay down, you gain back.
· Clinging on to own interests steal God’s great blessings.
· Living for Christ:
Þ Listening to and obeying His Word.
Þ Honouring His authority.
Þ Advancing His cause – soul winning.
· What commitment do you have to the Word of God?