Jesus is Lord

Jesus is Lord

Joshua Davis

02.16.2022

Tonight I want to talk about the Lordship of Jesus and what life looks like when submitted to Him.

Acts 2:36 (AMPC)

Therefore let the whole house of Israel recognize beyond all doubt and acknowledge assuredly that God has made Him both Lord and Christ (the Messiah)—this Jesus Whom you crucified.

We often casually refer to Jesus as Lord. But it’s apparent that we don’t always fully understand the weight of the word “Lord.”

kurios: lord, master; a person exercising absolute ownership rights; having power or authority, deciding power.

It is also defined as the possessor and decision-maker over something.

It is referred to as being sovereign, prince or chief – a title of honor, reverence, and respect by which servants greet their lord or master.

When we say “Jesus is Lord,” we are actually saying “Jesus is the one who completely owns me.” If Jesus is Lord over you, then He has complete authority and control over you; He has possession of your entire being. He is the one that leads your life.

My Happiness vs His Happiness

Is your life all about what you want? Your comfort? Or is it about loving God and loving others?

A son desires to make his father happy. He wants his father to delight in him.

A good employee desires to please his employer.

An athlete loves to please his coach.

In the Kingdom of God, how much more should we desire to please the Lord? In any “healthy” secular system, we see success achieved because their own happiness isn’t the primary goal. The son, employee, athlete, etc. has the goal of pleasing the one who has deciding power over him.

We’ve all seen social media posts with people announcing that they are leaving Christianity. They usually refer to how “happy” they are; and how free they are now. This is them coming from under the Lordship of Jesus in an effort to be the lord of their own lives.

He is Lord Over All

Philippians 2:5-11 (AMPC)

5 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] 6 Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained, 7 But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. 8 And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross! 9 Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, 10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

All means all. Every person, being, and creation is subject to and beneath the authority of Jesus. No matter how much the world may resist Him, it doesn’t change the fact that He is Lord. He is more powerful than anything or anyone.

He is Lord over sickness-

Acts 10:38 (NKJV)

how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

He is Lord over death-

He’s alive. (I Corinthians 15)

He is Lord over the plan of the devil

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.”

Is He your Lord?

Are you all in? Jesus will vomit the lukewarm believer out of His mouth (Revelation 3:16). Jesus is black and white. You can’t waiver between two opinions.

Jesus gives us the choice. We get to choose if He is actually Lord. Remember, if He is Lord, we have no rights. We have no opinion. We live unto Him.

John 14:15(AMPC)

If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands.

Obedience is the only proof that you love God.

Obedience is the only metric! Go back to Philippians 2:8. His obedience led Him to give His life! Humility proceeded His obedience. Jesus had a choice to not give His life. But His desire to please the Father empowered obedience in His life.

That’s how it works with sin. The more you fall in love with Jesus and obey His Word, you’ll find that your love for Him will keep you! That’s why meeting God daily in prayer and Bible reading is so important. You see His love for you and you love Him more. Then nothing you do is based on your works, but love.

The person calling their own shots in life instead of being submitted to the Lordship of Jesus is in pride. What comes after pride? The fall (Proverbs 16:18)!

Keeping your obedience in mind, have you given Jesus complete ownership of your life?

Your love is His ultimate goal. He’s a gentleman and He won’t force you to love Him. It wouldn’t be true love if we were forced to love Him.

What does it really mean for Jesus to be your Lord?

It means that He has all say in your life from start to finish.

He says move; you move.

He says go there; you go.

He says leave those people alone; you leave them.

He says give to that person; you give.

It looks like you having His heart.

When you feel guilty for doing the things that you know hurt Him, you stop.

If Jesus is your Lord, the Fear of the Lord is also present in your life. You honor, respect, and esteem Him.

The model prayer: Your name…your kingdom…your will.

His will before my own.

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Every desire, longing, dream, ambition whether they are good or bad; whether they came from Him or not, pale in comparison to His desire for you!

Death to Self

I used to want to travel the world and sing. I wanted to sing in huge churches, stadiums, and arenas. I remember singing in talent competitions and winning! I’ve even been on national television a few times. I also remember when the Lord asked me to not compete vocally. I surrendered that to Him. I remember when I wanted more than anything to be on a big stage, and the Lord asked me for it. I also remember when He showed me how blessed I am. In His Will is the safest and most blessed place there is!

We often take what God has blessed us with and allow the enemy to use it as the very thing that keeps us from God.

Abraham and Isaac

Abraham waited 25 years for his promise, a son. Then one day God asked for Isaac back.

Genesis 22:10-14

We often withhold from God because He isn’t Lord in that moment or season. We’re convinced that we can do it better. We’re convinced that we know better.

We have to trust that God is Who He says He is. Abraham declared Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide).

His Lordship is connected to His provision. If we don’t come under His Lordship, He is not obligated to give provision. His Lordship is for our benefit.

Matthew 7:21-23

Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? 23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].

Wickedly- lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin.

This will be the fate of many “believers.” Many people really believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Many believe that He was sinless, died on a cross, and resurrected on the 3^rd day. But many disregard His commands and will be turned away.

It’s one thing to know Jesus, but He must know you.

If Jesus truly is Lord, you will do the will of His Father.

How do you reach the place of submission?

Love. Jesus must be your first love.

Your heart follows what you give attention to.

Examine your life.

1. What do I give more attention to?
2. What’s a small/easy area of life I can submit to the Lord?