{"id":115,"date":"2000-08-05T09:46:36","date_gmt":"2000-08-05T16:46:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/?p=115"},"modified":"2014-02-09T10:46:00","modified_gmt":"2014-02-09T18:46:00","slug":"what-would-jesus-want-you-to-do-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/what-would-jesus-want-you-to-do-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"What would Jesus Want You to Do (part 1)?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n
<\/a>What would Jesus Want You to Do (part 1)?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
August 05, 2000<\/a><\/td>\nSermon by DRW<\/a><\/td>\nPassage Ephesians<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Question<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Maybe(only 2)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0hang out with people who treat others badly<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0hug a stranger who has AIDS<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0cheat on a test to get a passing grade<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0help a relative die who has a terminal illness<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0stay at a party where people are drinking<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6.\u00a0\u00a0copy answers from a friend’s homework<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7.\u00a0\u00a0keep the money when the cashier gives you too much change<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8.\u00a0\u00a0smoke a cigarette<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9.\u00a0\u00a0lie to your parents<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0speed to make it to school on time<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
11.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0maintain sexual purity<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
12.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0spread rumors about someone who hurt you<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
13.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0lie for a friend to an authority figure<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
14.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0be the first to talk to the new person in school<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
15.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0date someone who doesn’t believe in God<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
16.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0sneak out after curfew<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Directions for chart:<\/p>\n

Read off each statement, have the people place a check mark in the appropriate box. Let them know they can only have two maybe\u2019s. Have them “take a stand” on an issue. Yes, they would do that or no, they would not. Only allow two maybes per person. The goal is for them to make a decision.<\/p>\n

The trick about this is not telling them what you plan to do after you go through the entire list. After you read off the last item, you repeat the list with a different question. It’s no longer “what would you do,” but instead it is “what would Jesus want you to do?” At this point they will place a X to signify their answer. If it is the same, they can make their check into an X.<\/p>\n

What did you notice about the marks you made? Were they the same in both cases or do you realize that you have to change a few things in your life to match the title of the sermon? This is why we ask this important question:<\/p>\n

I.\u00a0\u00a0What would Jesus Want You to Do?<\/p>\n

A.\u00a0A significant and answerable question because it is a<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0Call to imitation (Ephesians 5.1)<\/p>\n

The apostle Paul made this very commitment. He resolved to live his life for Jesus, no matter the cost or consequences. In Ephesians 5.1 he wrote, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” The word for “followers” is \u03bc\u03b9\u03bc\u03b7\u03c4\u03b1\u1f76. The word means to imitate and describes a mimic, an actor. True Christians are imitators of Christ. In Acts 11.26, it says the followers of Christ were “first called Christians at Antioch” because their lives, actions, values, and attitudes reminded unbelievers of Jesus Christ! He was their purpose for living. Paul thought he knew God until he met Jesus Christ. Jesus came to this earth to reveal God and redeem man. Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, confessed Him as Lord and Savior, and became a mimic, an imitator, a follower of Jesus!<\/p>\n

The apostle Paul voices his commitment in Philippians 3.7-14. Paul says, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not say that I have laid hold of it yet: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”<\/p>\n

Here we can see that Paul had a passion for Jesus Christ. He wanted to be identified with Him, please Him, and live for Him. However, Paul also knew to do so was not easy. He had his own struggles in following Jesus. He surely would tell us that doing what Jesus would do, requires preparation. Here are four steps from Paul’s life, to consider as we make our own commitment to imitate Christ.<\/p>\n

a.\u00a0\u00a0Step One: LEARN the Scriptures for they speak of Christ, they include the words and deeds of Jesus Christ. In Philippians 3.10, Paul expressed the desire to know the Savior. He said, “That I may know Him.” How can we aspire to do what Jesus would do in every situation no matter what the cost or consequences, if we do not know Jesus?<\/p>\n

They say that when you have been married for twenty five years, you begin to know what a spouse will say, think, respond, and feel about most everything! How does this happen? We get to know a person by spending time with that person, entering into the life of that person!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the same with Jesus Christ. We must become disciples of Jesus, if we are going to do what He would do in each and every situation. A disciple is a student, a pupil. To know Jesus we must search the Scriptures, study the life of Jesus, the words of Jesus, the desire of Jesus, what made Him happy, what made Him sad, what made Him mad. It is more than putting on a shirt or bracelet. It is putting on a life!<\/p>\n

1)\u00a0\u00a0Came to meet people\u2019s needs<\/p>\n

a)\u00a0\u00a0Luke 4.18-19; Isaiah 61<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0Bind the broken hearted<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0\u00a0Came to be a man for the valley<\/p>\n

a)\u00a0\u00a0Luke 9.37<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0Transfiguration\uf831need to bo back down; Meet needs of people<\/p>\n

3)\u00a0\u00a0Came to be a servant<\/p>\n

a)\u00a0\u00a0Mark 10.45<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0John 13 (esp 12f)<\/p>\n

c)\u00a0\u00a0Stand along side of<\/p>\n

b.\u00a0Step Two: LISTEN to the Spirit of Christ within. Jesus speaks to His followers, not just through the written Word, but through His indwelling Spirit. The voice of the Holy Spirit, is also called the Spirit of Christ, because He always confirms the will of God and of Christ (John 14, 16).<\/p>\n

Just as we tune in on a certain frequency to hear our favorite radio station, we must tune in on the voice of God, the Spirit of Christ within. Those who truly seek the Lord, His will, His way, will find Him!<\/p>\n

1)\u00a0\u00a0Prepared well for His valley engagements<\/p>\n

a)\u00a0\u00a0Luke 2.40ff-Listening\/learning among the teachers<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0A process to prepare Him well for the valley (Hind\u2019s Feet on High Places)<\/p>\n

c)\u00a0\u00a0Hebrews 10.24-25-We are a people of the assembly where we learn to be prepared<\/p>\n

c.\u00a0\u00a0Step Three: LEAN upon the supernatural, spiritual resurrection power of Christ. Paul wanted not only to know more of the person, Jesus Christ, but he wanted to know more of the power of the resurrected Christ. In Philippians 3.10 he says, “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection.”<\/p>\n

We do not possess the necessary power to face the opposition and live for Jesus. The power must come from the Holy Spirit of God within our hearts! Notice these verses. In 2 Corinthians 4.7 Paul says, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Then in Romans 8.11-14 Paul says, “But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” We must remain connected to the power source of God’s Spirit!<\/p>\n

1)\u00a0\u00a0Placed Himself totally under His Father\u2019s authority<\/p>\n

a)\u00a0\u00a0Hebrews 10.7-God-man in the valley for His Father<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0John 7.17<\/p>\n

(1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0We have come as ambassadors of God, with His message, under His authority, proclaiming His love, grace, and word.<\/p>\n

(2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0With authority, not as an authoritarian.<\/p>\n

c)\u00a0\u00a0Humble<\/p>\n

d)\u00a0Accountable<\/p>\n

(1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Not My will but Yours be done.<\/p>\n

e)\u00a0Direction<\/p>\n

(1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0As He sought He healed<\/p>\n

(2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0His intent to do His will (we are intended and created to do His will)<\/p>\n

f)\u00a0\u00a0Commitment<\/p>\n

2)\u00a0\u00a0Committed Himself completely to obeying God\u2019s Word and following the leading of the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n

a)\u00a0\u00a0God said it, I believe it, and that settles it (Billy Graham)<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0Luke 4.1ff<\/p>\n

(1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0In the desert He was led and greatly tempted but overcame<\/p>\n

(2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cIt is written\u201d<\/p>\n

c)\u00a0\u00a0Ecclesiastes 12.9-11<\/p>\n

(1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Dependence on Him<\/p>\n

(2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Pray for guidance.<\/p>\n

(3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Take the Word of God and match it to the situation.<\/p>\n

(4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Powerful allies-the Word of God and the Spirit of God<\/p>\n

d)\u00a01 Kings 3<\/p>\n

(1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cPerspiring over the biblical text to find the verse that will meet the need of the hurting, the bruised, the broken.<\/p>\n

d.\u00a0Step Four: LOVE the Savior, Jesus Christ more than anything. Paul was willing to suffer to know Christ and follow Him. In Philippians 3.10 he concludes, “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.” Jesus said to be His disciples, His followers, we must “deny ourselves.” Sin is selfish, it is preoccupied with pleasing self, loving self over God and others. Self is our greatest obstacle to overcome, if we are to be like Christ.<\/p>\n

Conclusion of WWJYD-part 1<\/p>\n

Someone once wrote with sarcasm: “I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please. Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I don’t want enough of Him to make me love a black man or pick beets with a migrant. I want ecstasy, not transformation. I want the warmth of the womb not a new birth. I want about a pound of the eternal in a paper sack. I’d like to buy $3 worth of God, please.” How much of God do we want? How closely do we want to follow in Christ’s steps?<\/p>\n

Do we want enough of God that we stop using our money, resources and time selfishly, and start using them to help others and build the kingdom of God?<\/p>\n

Do we want enough of God that we develop a ravenous hunger for the Word and let all other priorities fall behind it?<\/p>\n

Do we want enough of God that we become passionate about prayer instead of speaking to God in thoughtless, trite phrases when we want something?<\/p>\n

Do we want enough of God that we give ourselves as humble servants to others?<\/p>\n

Do we want enough of God that we learn to forgive those who hurt us, forgo bitterness, give up resentment, and if possible, make peace with our enemies?<\/p>\n

Do we want enough of God that we develop His compassion and love for the most unlovely, that we lay aside our pharisaical, condescending attitudes and love all men with the passionate love of Christ?<\/p>\n

How much do we want to follow “in His steps?” How serious are we about doing what Jesus would do? How much of God do we want? Three dollars?… Discipleship is far more than a What Would Jesus Do wristband. Jesus said in Luke 14.33 “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Here are some questions to consider when answering WWJWYD?<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0Would Jesus be saved? He IS salvation. Acts 4.12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0Would Jesus be baptized? Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist to “fulfill all righteousness.”<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0Would Jesus Join our Church? It was Jesus who said, “I will build my church.” Jesus established His church. He’s the head of the church.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0Would Jesus go out of His way for you or for someone else? He went to the cross for you and me.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0Would Jesus come to Sunday school or Wednesday night Bible Study? His habit was to worship .<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0Would Jesus bring his friends to church? Jesus was the “friend of sinners.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I realize what is going on in your minds right about now. You are thinking that there is a huge gap between doing what you are currently doing and doing what Jesus would want you to do. And do you know what that gap is? It\u2019s called life. You leave here. It\u2019s your job. It\u2019s your parents. It\u2019s piano practice. It\u2019s school. It\u2019s your boss with a last minute assignment. It\u2019s your teacher with a Summer assignment. It\u2019s paying the bills. It\u2019s having to fix the computer after it has broke for the third time. It\u2019s an argument with your sister. It\u2019s life. And we meander through this life. And we get back to church the next Sunday and there\u2019s the preacher telling us again that we need to be obedient and committed. And he just doesn\u2019t understand all the things we have to do. I\u2019m lucky if I get back here to get a little more of that presence of Christ.<\/p>\n

So what are we to do with this gap? With this thing called life that sits in between the presence of Christ and our obedience to him? Well, what if we took the question what would Jesus want me to do? What if we took that question and instead of trying to fit it into our life or tag it onto the end of our life what if we put it at the beginning of our life right after the presence of Christ. What if after we left here that became the question that preceded everything we did? What if obedience came right after presence? And then life came after that?<\/p>\n

Well, that\u2019s not practical, you might say. And I would say yes. That would inform everything I do, you might say. And I would say yes. That would mean having to rearrange my whole life, you might say. And I would say yes. That would mean a whole new set of priorities, you might say. And I would say yeah, you\u2019\u2019re probably right.<\/p>\n

Well I don\u2019t know that I can do that. And that\u2019s the real point, isn\u2019t it? When the preacher calls for obedience we\u2019re just not sure we can do it. And do you know what? We can\u2019t. We don\u2019t have it within us to be obedient. But here\u2019s the good news. The Holy Spirit does. The Holy Spirit does have it within Him to be obedient. The Holy Spirit has it within Him to cause us to be obedient. And maybe the way by which we would avail ourselves to the Spirit is to simply commit ourselves to the daily and the hourly asking of the question. What would Jesus want us to do? What would Jesus do? And ask the Spirit to take over from there. It might just change things for you and me. they might wonder what we\u2019re up to. They might just start calling us that obedient and committed church.<\/p>\n

Is there something that is keeping you from doing what Jesus would want you to do? Can I pray for you? Write it out on the registration card. Would you like to talk with me about ways you can incorporate this into your life, to evaluate your life, so you can be freed from the worries of this life and be free to do what Jesus would want you to do? Please let me know on the registration card.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s pray:<\/p>\n

Father, here Your children gather to seek You, to know You better and to do Your will in this world. Some have come today seeking You, others have come out of habit, I pray that You have touched each person\u2019s heart to desire to do Your will.<\/p>\n

You know, people, the first step in doing what Jesus would do is to be saved. If you desire this, please raise your hand now and then write on your registration card that you have made that decision.<\/p>\n

Speak to our Father today and ask Him to help you as you travel through life to be committed to Him. Ask Him for boldness to overcome the fear of failure, the fear of peers, the fear of letting go. He will. Father, help us to lead the obedient committed life You have created for us and have always intended for us to live.<\/p>\n

Amen.<\/p>\n

\n

\u00a92012 Teach for God Ministries. Used by Permission.<\/p>\n

Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Teach for God Ministries.<\/p>\n

Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By David R Williamson. \u00a92012 Teach for God Ministries. Website:\u00a0www.teach4god.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What would Jesus Want You to Do (part 1)? August 05, 2000 Sermon by DRW Passage Ephesians   Question Yes No \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Maybe(only 2) 1.\u00a0\u00a0hang out with people who treat others badly 2.\u00a0\u00a0hug a stranger who has AIDS 3.\u00a0\u00a0cheat on a test to get a passing grade 4.\u00a0\u00a0help a relative die who has a terminal illness … Continue reading What would Jesus Want You to Do (part 1)?<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":223,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"gallery","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[68,4,3],"tags":[10,20,9,33,69],"class_list":["post-115","post","type-post","status-publish","format-gallery","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ephesians","category-new-testament","category-sermons","tag-christ","tag-god","tag-jesus","tag-life","tag-spirit","post_format-post-format-gallery"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=115"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":322,"href":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115\/revisions\/322"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/223"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=115"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=115"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.teach4god.com\/Sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=115"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}