Fear of God as Emphasized in Proverbs - Literature review Example

Sermon Outline Topical Sermon Topic: A True Disciple of Jesus Christ Introduction In the Mighty Commission, Jesus said God has given him all the authority in heaven and earth. Therefore, the followers should go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Luter, 2010). Teaching the disciples to obey everything, He has commanded them and he will surely be with them to the very end of age according to Mathew 28:18-20 (New International Version (NIV). To make disciples is the primary goal of evangelizing the word of Jesus Christ. As a Christs follower it is mandatory to give birth spiritually (Reading, 2013). Helping a fellow to repent his sin is a main achievement in the Kingdom of God. The Heaven stands still in honor and celebration of a new soul. Are you a true disciple of Jesus Christ? Maybe you believe in Jesus Christ. Perhaps you may even be one to attend church services rottenly. (However, is that what it means to be disciple of Jesus Christ? The primary purpose of this sermon is to analyse and make it clear what it entails in becoming disciple of Christ). Let us begin with; The Meaning and Definition of Discipleship The Term Disciple Disciple refers to a student or a learner. It denotes one who follows another person’s teachings or commands. A disciple is both a learner and an adherent. One who follows the rules and regulations to the latter. One who adheres strictly adheres to the policies at hand and failure of which leads to a serious punishment (Hull, B., 2014). A disciple is spoken as an imitator of their teacher. He does what the teacher does and all their doings are similar. As a Christian, disciple refers to a follower and student of Jesus Christ as illustrated in the New Testament in the Gospel books and Acts. The Objective and Goal of a Disciple A disciple should be like his or her teacher. In the book of Luke 6:40 (New International Version) Jesus explained that a student is not above the teacher, therefore, everyone who is fully trained and educated will imitate their teacher. Therefore, to be Christ’s disciple, then, it is mandatory to strive to be like Him (Christal, 2011). He is Jehovah Yahweh. It conforms to God’s goal in the redemption of humankind. In Romans 8:29 God predestined to be similar to the image of His Son. Therefore, as a disciple it is significant to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ with utmost tolerance and adherence (Hull, 2014). (Are you listeners of the good message trying to follow Jesus and become like Him? Unless you follow His teachings and deeds, it cannot be justified that you are his true disciple (Barna, 2000). Before the death of Jesus Christ, He gave us some identifying marks to enable identification of a true disciple. His resurrection boosted the faiths of his followers). The Marks of Discipleship Abides in Christ’s Word In John 8:31 Jesus said those who believe and hold his teachings are truly his disciples. It means that one has to be a diligent student of the teachings of Jesus Christ in order to be really a disciple. In addition, it requires one to be action oriented or a doer of the word (Foss, 2000). Not all who call Jesus’ name have an assurance to enter the kingdom of God. Rather, only those who observe the will of God will, for sure, go to heaven (Mathew 7:21). Loves their Fellow Members In John 13:34-35 Jesus commanded his followers to love one another as he had loved them. Through love, everyone will know that they are His disciples (Foss, 2000). A disciple of Christ should reciprocate for the love he has received from the Son of God through genuinely loving their brethren. For instance, showing charity to the less fortunate by giving them food and shelter. Bears Several Fruit Jesus told his followers that His Father is glorified when they bear much fruit; therefore, they become his disciples. A disciple should bring new souls to the church (Foss, 2000). Failure to bring new souls will result in punishment. God does away with those who bear no fruit while he strengthens those who bring new souls to the church (John 15:1-2) (Therefore, to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ entails much than being the usual casual church member. It needs utmost commitment in respect to the love of brethren, teaching of Christ and bearing fruit). The Cost of Discipleship Jesus Must Always Come First Jesus told the crowd that whoever comes to him and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, then that person cannot be his disciple (Luke 14:25-26). Jesus should be the first priority in all situations despite everyone else or one’s own self (Luter, 1988). A disciple must forsake family ties in glory of God’s name (Barton, 2005). Willing To Suffer For Christ We should take our own to follow Jesus Christ (Luke 14:7). To be a disciple you should live ungodly things like secular music and prostitution (Bonhoeffer, 1959). A true disciple is up to God’s deeds only. (The cost of discipleship has forced many people turn from Jesus Christ. However, Jesus was not trying to gather big crowds he was looking for disciples). Benefits of Discipleship Future Blessings The disciples shall be saved from the wrath of God during rapture (Acts 17:31). They shall enjoy to eternity. Present Blessings Jesus provides the abiding love of God to his disciples. He offers peace and allow His followers to be members of the family of God (Mark 10:28-30) Though discipleship is costly, the rewards exceed the cost. After understanding the costs and rewards, let us turn to the book of Mathew 28:19-20 to learn how to begin as a disciple. The Start of Discipleship It Involves Baptism Baptism is significant as a beginner of a disciple of Jesus Christ (Mathew 28:19). Baptism enables us to be like Jesus Christ. He was sinless and holly, therefore, we should be like him. Therefore, baptism is the starting point for true discipleship. Entails Further Teaching and Obedience In Mathew 28:20 (New International Version) Jesus told his disciples to obey what he has commanded them and surely, he will be with them. Jesus further asserts that we should be learners and adherents. Therefore, discipleship begins with baptism then adhering to Jesus teachings to the latter. Conclusion Only individuals who are baptized in accordance with the word of God, and practice the marks of discipleship, despite the challenges and costs, can be truly called disciples of Jesus Christ. Christians should look forward to the rewards discipleship, and take comfort in the promise of Jesus (Mathew 28:30). Therefore, brethren it is significant for us to take a step of faith, repentance, and baptism in being a disciple of Christ. Sermon Outline 2 Textual Sermon The Fear of the Lord As Emphasized in Proverbs Introduction Among the commandments issued to Moses by God to deliver to the Israelites was that they should fear the Lord God. The first instruction of God was that there should be no other god, besides him, that the Israelites should have (Exodus 20:3). Similarly, the third instruction of God to the people was that no person should exercise blasphemy. In essence, they were to observe utmost fear of the Lord (Exodus 20: 4). Related to that was the fourth commandment that reminded Israelites to respect the Sabbath Day and grant it the holiness it demands (Exodus 20: 8). According to Isiah, the delight of the prophesized messiah was to be in the fear of the Lord. Isiah 11:3. Based on Isiah’s prophesy, Jesus would only judge based on the power granted to him by God, who he delights in. He will not also judge according to the words he hears. Instead, righteousness will form the basis of Jesus’ judgment because of the fear of God that he possesses. What does fear of God mean? It implies ensuring righteousness and conduct according to his instructions and biblical guidance. Everyone should nurture the fear of God, being a fundamental virtue. There are diverse instances when the fear of God is emphasized in the Bible. Proverbs, particularly, is a vital book that instills knowledge among readers on the fundamental role of the fear of God. The verses address diverse topics on the topic Fear of God as emphasized in Proverbs Whenever an individual exercise the virtue, he or she possesses knowledge as outlined in Prov. 1:7. Individuals who disregard it, however, perish because they are void of wisdom but only possess foolishness. It is commendable to seek wisdom, through exercising fear of God. In Prov. 2:1-6, there is an emphasis on the fundamental value of wisdom. Prov. 2: 5 provides that wisdom enable an individual to seek the fear of God. Indeed, it enables an individual acquire knowledge and, subsequently, understanding. In Prov. 3:7, Christians are cautioned to avoid wisdom that that comes in their perception. That is, wisdom in their own eyes. Instead, they should exercise fear for the Lord and refute evil. The virtue is tantamount to hatred of evil as highlighted in Prov. 8:13. Whoever fears the Lord hates evil and deviates from vices such as arrogance and perverted speech. Prov. 9:10, states that the start of wisdom is the ability to exercise fear of God. It also brings knowledge about the Holy One, God. In Prov. 10:27, there is a promise of prolonged life to those who observe the virtue in life. The wicked, however, according to the verse, had short life. On wisdom, it is articulated in Prov. 14:16 that a wise and cautious individual disregards evil, contrary to a fool, who is reckless. The virtue instills strength and confidence in individual who exercise it as articulated in Proverbs 14:26. Furthermore, there is a promise to individuals who uphold the virtue, that their descendants shall have refuge. The virtue, as outlined in Prov. 14:27, is the fundamental aspect of Christian life. It promises that it turns away the evils and death from individuals who exercise it. Indeed, there is an assurance that individuals who exercise it benefit from the protection of the Lord. Prov. 15:16 offers an encouragement that an individual who possess little treasures and observes fear of the Lord is better off that his or her counterpart who has massive treasures but little regard to fear of God. In fact, the latter would be troubled by the treasures compared to the former. Based on the writings on Prov. 19:23, exercising fear of the Lord provides life to Christians. In fact, any individual who has it attains utmost satisfaction. In addition, they evade harm. That illustrates the necessity to embrace the virtue in Christian life. In Prov. 22:4, there is an assurance for a reward if an individual fears the Lord. The rewards include riches and honor in an individual’s life. That encourages the individual to exercise the virtue because it is rewarding in life. Prov. 23: 17 encourage believers to continue exercising the virtue and not envy the conducts of sinners. They should fear God all day and never get discouragement whenever they see the conducts of sinners. For sure, believers should not emulate sinners but keep their ways straight. Further insight to women, encouraging them to exercise the virtue, as articulated in Prov. 31:30. It condemns charm because it is deceitful, disregards beauty as vain and refers to fear of God as resultant to praises in a woman’s life. Women, therefore, should exercise the virtue. Conclusion Fear of the Lord, as written in Proverbs, is a fundamental virtue in the life of Christians. The text (Proverbs) outlines the importance of observing the fear of God in Christians’ lives. At the beginning, God reinstated the importance of fear to Israelites and need to respect His Sanctity, having possessed an Almighty Power. There are various assurances that observers of the virtue gain from their practice. They are assured of wisdom and knowledge that are fundamental in life. There are blessings that emanate from observing the fear of God by every individual. A substantial portion of the text offers diverse insights on the necessity to refute defiance to the laws of God. Truly, Jesus further emphasized the necessity to observe utmost respect for God. The sermon is fundamental in emphasizing the need to observe righteousness as an important virtue in Christians’ lives. References Barna, G., Growing true disciples. New York, NY: Issachar Resources, 2000. Barton, S. C. Discipleship and Family Ties in Mark and Matthew. Vol. 80. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ Pr, 2005. Bonhoeffer, D. The cost of discipleship. Simon and Schuster, 1959. Christal, J. D. Disciples and Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark: a Study of Mark 10: 23-31 in Relation to the Concept of Discipleship in the Markan Narrative. Diss. Boston College, 2011. Foss, M. W., Power surge: Six marks of discipleship for a changing church. Fortress Press, 2000. Hull, B., The complete book of discipleship: On being and making followers of Christ. Tyndale House, 2014. Luter, A. B. "Review: Christs Call to Discipleship." (1988). Luter, A. B., "Discipleship and the Church." (2010). ODonnell, J. D. 1974. The preacher and his preaching. Nashville, Tenn: Randall House Publications. Print. Reading, I. R., "ME 6963-Principles of Discipleship." (2013). The Holy Bible. New International Version (NIV). Read More