Matthew 8:9
The sermon emphasizes the importance of submission and responsibility in a Christian's life, highlighting the example of Christ and the consequences of submitting to the wrong authorities.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the sovereignty of Christ by exploring the concept of authority and submission through the example of centurions in the Bible. He highlights that true authority comes from being under authority, as demonstrated by Christ who submitted to the will of the Father. Smith challenges listeners to examine to whom they submit their lives, whether it be the world, flesh, or the devil, and encourages them to submit to Christ for true reign and responsibility. The sermon calls for self-control and the importance of ruling one's spirit as a reflection of submission to Christ. Ultimately, it is a call to recognize Christ as the ultimate Sovereign in our lives.
Text
"THE SOVEREIGNTY OF CHRIST"
Intro: Seven Centurions.
1. One in passage of text.
2. One at cross.
3. Cornelius.
4. One placing bonds on, Paul & when he objects seeking advice of superior.
5. Two protecting Paul & Felix from hostility of crowd.
6. Julius who was Paul's custodian on voyage to Rome.
In all something to admire.
In some much to admire.
In at least one everything to admire.
I. CONSIDER THIS PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE, "I ALSO AM A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY." SUBMISSION "HAVING
UNDER ME SOLDIERS". RESPONSIBILITY.
A. I am a man under authority" three prepositions. "to" "of" "for."
1. "To" Roman soldier submitted to cause of Roman Empire.
a. Personified in Emperor.
2. "Of Submission of central will."
a. Roman soldier surrendered will, property, relations.
3. Submitted "for" his work as a soldier.
B. "Having under me soldiers" Responsibility.
1. Related to submission.
2. First look up to throne to which he bent.
a. Second look downward over territory over which he reigned.
C. "To what throne is your life submitted? Over what territory do you reign?
Every man has a throne to which he bows. Every man rules over a territory.
1. If you bow to the throne of the world, flesh, devil, your reign a
devastation, a reign of death.
II. CHRIST EXEMPLIFIED THIS TRUTH.
"I do nothing of myself."
"My meet is to do the will of Him who sent me."
"I do always the things that are pleasing to Him."
A. To what does Christianity call a man."
1. Submission and responsibility.
2. Submission to what?
a. A kingdom personified in Christ as King.
3. Submission of What?
a. Your will.
4. Submission for what?
a. That you might reign.
b. Where to begin? "He that ruleth his Spirit is greater than he that
taketh a city." (Proverb..
Not apart from N.T. I quit preaching self-control.
"The fruit of the Spirit is ... . self-control."
You begin to control yourself as you submit to your King.
III. WHO IS YOUR SOVEREIGN? TO WHAT DO YOU SUBMIT.
A. Are you submitting to the flesh? Yielding to its forces?
1. You are spreading this influence wherever you go.
B. Are you submitting to the world, methods.
1. You are exerting this influence on friends.
C. Are you submitting to the devil?
1. Exerting his influence.
D. Are you submitted to Christ?
E. Fathers, mothers . you are reproducing throne.
Sermon Outline
- Submission and Responsibility
- Christ Exemplified This Truth
- Who is Your Sovereign?
- Submission to the Flesh
- Submission to the World
- Submission to the Devil
- Submission to Christ
Key Quotes
“I do nothing of myself.” — Chuck Smith
“My meat is to do the will of Him who sent me.” — Chuck Smith
“I do always the things that are pleasing to Him.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- You must submit to a higher authority in order to take responsibility for your life and actions.
- Submission to Christ involves surrendering your will to Him and taking responsibility for your actions as a child of God.
- You can begin to submit to Christ by surrendering your will to Him and taking responsibility for your actions, starting with self-control and allowing the fruit of the Spirit to guide you.