Sermon Central
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How Much Do You Value Jesus?
Contributed by Thomas Monroe on Mar 11, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: A look at how some value Jesus in the church today. Are discount shoppers, pretenders, or genuine believers.
How Much Do You Value Jesus?
Suppose someone was purchasing some of the most expensive perfume or cologne on a weekly basis. You find out that it is for their toddler, or their pet dog, or a pig. You would probably react much like Judas and the Pharisees.
I. Discount Religion - Judas
Look for a church that will allow them to be members with no real expectations. Tithe what you want, serve when you want, attend when you feel like it, and believe what you want. A church with sermons that tickle the ears, songs that create warm fuzzies, and a church with multiple choice commandments.
A. Judas - What’s in it for me?
1. Walk with Jesus for His benefit.
2. Was a thief.
3. Saw gist as a waste.
B. Wal-Mart “Christian” What’s in it for you?
1. $ Cost vs. Benefit - More for my
money.
2. Time Commitment vs. Benefit - More
benefit with less time.
3. Faith convenience vs. Faith
inconvenience - What can I
believe/not believe.
II. Imitation Religion - Pharisees
They have the appearance of being Godly, Spiritual, Religious, but they lack genuine faith. They devote time and resources to noble causes, but it isn’t for God, it is for themselves.
A. Pharisees - Look at me!
1. They were holier than “thous”
2. Tried to justify reaction with
ideas of compassion.
3. Were looking out for there own
interest.
B. Pharisetical “Christian” - Look at me!
1. Judgmental - Focus on the faults
of others while ignoring their own.
2. Treat religion like Show & Tell,
Trump card, Attention getter, etc.
3. Generous as long as it gets them
something.
III. Genuine Religion - Woman
They look for a church who they can give there very best to. A church that will teach the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth. A church that will allow them and expect them to use their God-given gifts to serve God. A church that doesn’t just want them, but expects them to be there. A church that is God’s ideal and looking to lead each other into being the same.
A. The Woman - All that I am, will be; have,
will have.
1. Didn’t bring cheap stuff.
2. Didn’t care what others thought.
3. Desired to anoint Jesus as an
worship.
B. How about you and I?
1. Do we cheapen our faith - Do we
short change God?
2. Are we bound by what others think?
3. Do we desire to enter into genuine
worship of the Father & His
