What We Look Like When We Put Others First, Part 1

Photo by SandyK29

Scripture: Titus 3:1-2

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

Insights: Over the next two days we are going to examine what a life looks like when it puts other people first.  Please remember the point of this sermon series is to help promote unity.  One of our mission statement declaratives is we at FBC Bowling Green are joyfully unified.  When a persons is unified, then they are indeed putting other’s needs ahead of their own.  I would like to look at three of the six today.  The first is we are to be subject to rulers and authorities.  God is the One who established a hierarchal system.  I do not always understand it and I don’t always like to submit to those over me.  Yet, if I am going to be unified, then I must willfully surrender my will to the will of the ruler or authority over that area of my life.  This statement is true as long as the ruler and authority do not violate God’s commands.  If, however, they do violate God’s commands, then we are bound by a greater Ruler and Authority which demands obedience to Him.  Now in subjecting our selves to authority, then we understand there are consequences for our loyalty to the Lord God.  We accept that punishment well and honor the Lord in the midst of the pain and sorrow.  Tied closely to this idea of being subject to rulers and authorities is a word I have already used, and am incapable of communicating subjection without, and that word is obedience.  We are called to be obedient.  Specifically that obedience is in reference to the Lord God.  He is the sovereign Lord over all of creation and He demands obedience to His commands and wishes.  It is important for us to understand God’s ways are easy and light.  Now when I say they are easy and light, I am not telling you they are not painful. It was painful for Daniel to be thrown in the lion’s den.  It was painful for three Hebrew men to be thrown in the fiery furnace.  Their love for the Lord made obedience to Him in contrast to the wishes of a sinful world easy.  They knew they had to obey the Lord and not mere mortals.  This idea is why I say the decision is easy.  The follow-through to obedience is not always because it can be painful.  Beloved, subject to the rulers and authorities around you and obey the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Questions:

1. Are you subject and obedient to authorities, especially God’s rule?

2. How well do you serve other people?

Prayer: Father, help to never forget You are the One in control.  My responsibility is to surrender whole heartedly to You and Your will.  May my obedience point others to You.  Amen.

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