The Entrance Into a Life of Full Obedience
Andrew Murray's sermon calls believers to embrace a life of full obedience through the example and power of Christ.
Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of entering a life of full obedience to Christ, warning against merely calling Him 'Master' without following His commands. He encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's conviction to recognize their disobedience and to confess humbly for cleansing. Murray highlights that true obedience, exemplified by Christ's own sacrifice, is essential for living a Christ-like life characterized by mercy, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice. He calls for a commitment to deny oneself and embrace the transformative power of obedience unto death. Ultimately, he urges believers to trust in Christ to perfect this obedience within them.
Text
You might think citing a text in which obedience is seen at its highest state of perfection is a mistake for our consideration of entrance onto this course. But it is no mistake. The secret of success in a race is to have the goal clearly defined and to have it as our aim from the outset.
From the very outset of the Christian life, let us avoid the fatal mistake of calling Christ ''Master'' but not doing what He says. Let all who are to any degree convicted of the sin of disobedience come and listen. God's Word will show the way to escape from such a life and gain access to the life Christ alone can give--a life of full obedience.
To be as merciful as the Father in heaven, to forgive just as He does, to love our enemies and do good to them that hate us, and live lives of self-sacrifice and benevolence--this was the walk Jesus taught while on earth. If you would hope to lead different lives, to possess a Christ-like obedience unto death, begin by seeking God for the Holy Spirit of conviction to show you your disobedience and to lead you in humble confession to the cleansing God has provided.
Our Lord called us to deny ourselves and to take up our cross, to forsake all, to hate and lose our own life, to humble ourselves and become a servant of all.
God sent Christ into the world to restore obedience to its rightful place in our hearts and lives. Christ came, becoming obedient unto death, showing what true obedience is like. Obedience unto death is the essence of the life He imparts. Shall we not accept it and trust Him to perfect it in us?
(Excerpted from The Andrew Murray Daily Reader in Today's Language, pg. 29)
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the importance of obedience
- Recognizing the call of Christ as Master
- The consequences of disobedience
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II
- The example of Christ's obedience
- The call to self-denial and servitude
- The role of the Holy Spirit in leading us
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III
- The necessity of confession and cleansing
- Living a life of mercy and forgiveness
- The ultimate goal of Christ-like obedience
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IV
- The significance of obedience unto death
- Accepting and trusting in Christ's work
- The transformation through obedience
Key Quotes
“The secret of success in a race is to have the goal clearly defined and to have it as our aim from the outset.” — Andrew Murray
“Obedience unto death is the essence of the life He imparts.” — Andrew Murray
“Shall we not accept it and trust Him to perfect it in us?” — Andrew Murray
Application Points
- Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to identify areas of disobedience in your life.
- Practice self-denial by serving others and putting their needs before your own.
- Engage in regular confession to maintain a clear relationship with God and receive His cleansing.