‘Tis The SeasonTo Submit

‘Tis The SeasonTo Submit

Adapted from a Steve Shepherd sermon

http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?ContributorID=&SermonID=152466

Adapted from a Steve Shepherd sermon

http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?ContributorID=&SermonID=152466

One day a police officer stopped a driver. The police officer said, “Since you were

wearing your seat belt, you win $5000, what are you going to do with the money?”The man said, “I’m going to get me a

driver’s license.”

One day a police officer stopped a driver. The police officer said, “Since you were

wearing your seat belt, you win $5000, what are you going to do with the money?”The man said, “I’m going to get me a

driver’s license.”

The lady next to him said, “Don’t listen to him officer, he always talks crazy when he’s

drunk!”The loud talking woke the guy in the back seat. When he saw the police he said, “I knew we wouldn’t get far with this stolen

car!”

The lady next to him said, “Don’t listen to him officer, he always talks crazy when he’s

drunk!”The loud talking woke the guy in the back seat. When he saw the police he said, “I knew we wouldn’t get far with this stolen

car!”

Then the police heard a voice from the trunk and in Spanish, the voice said, “Are

we over the border yet?”

What about this seat belt business? Do you wear yours? Some people just don’t

want to be bothered even though the law requires us to buckle up.

“Click it or ticket.”

Then the police heard a voice from the trunk and in Spanish, the voice said, “Are

we over the border yet?”

What about this seat belt business? Do you wear yours? Some people just don’t

want to be bothered even though the law requires us to buckle up.

“Click it or ticket.”

A New Zealander named Ivan Segedin took it to an extreme. The police ticketed him 32 times over five years for failing to use his

seat belt. Even though this was costing him big money, he refused to buckle up. Finally, instead of obeying the law, the man decided

to rely on deception.

A New Zealander named Ivan Segedin took it to an extreme. The police ticketed him 32 times over five years for failing to use his

seat belt. Even though this was costing him big money, he refused to buckle up. Finally, instead of obeying the law, the man decided

to rely on deception.

He made a fake seat belt that would hang over his shoulder and make it appear that he was wearing a seat belt when he was

not.His trick worked for a while. Then, he had a head-on collision. He was thrown forward

onto the steering wheel and killed.

He made a fake seat belt that would hang over his shoulder and make it appear that he was wearing a seat belt when he was

not.His trick worked for a while. Then, he had a head-on collision. He was thrown forward

onto the steering wheel and killed.

That man’s disobedience caused his death, but disobedience to God can cause even

more trouble and a worse death!The person who lives in sin and for sin does

not and will not submit to God and will eventually pay the penalty for that lack of

submission.

That man’s disobedience caused his death, but disobedience to God can cause even

more trouble and a worse death!The person who lives in sin and for sin does

not and will not submit to God and will eventually pay the penalty for that lack of

submission.

Romans 8:6 NET For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit

to the law of God, nor is it able to do so.

Romans 6:23 NET For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in

Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:6 NET For the outlook of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit

to the law of God, nor is it able to do so.

Romans 6:23 NET For the payoff of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in

Christ Jesus our Lord.

What about Christian people? Must we submit to God in obedience?

WELL, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Matthew 7:21 NET "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the

kingdom of heaven — only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

What about Christian people? Must we submit to God in obedience?

WELL, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Matthew 7:21 NET "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the

kingdom of heaven — only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Many people are quick to call Jesus “The Lord,” but they don’t want to do anything His Word tells them to do. Jesus is clear

that accepting Him as Lord means that we must be obedient and do God’s will.

Luke 6:46 NET "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do what I tell you?

Many people are quick to call Jesus “The Lord,” but they don’t want to do anything His Word tells them to do. Jesus is clear

that accepting Him as Lord means that we must be obedient and do God’s will.

Luke 6:46 NET "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do what I tell you?

Obeying the Lord Jesus is probably one of the hardest things we will learn to do in life,

if indeed, we ever learn this lesson. Why is obedience hard to learn? Because

our natural tendency is to do our own thing. It’s called our sin nature, our dark side. We don’t like to think about it, talk about it or

own up to it, but it’s true and we all have it!

Obeying the Lord Jesus is probably one of the hardest things we will learn to do in life,

if indeed, we ever learn this lesson. Why is obedience hard to learn? Because

our natural tendency is to do our own thing. It’s called our sin nature, our dark side. We don’t like to think about it, talk about it or

own up to it, but it’s true and we all have it!

Luke 11:28 NET But he replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God

and obey it!"

John 14:15 NET "If you love me, you will obey my commandments.

Luke 11:28 NET But he replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God

and obey it!"

John 14:15 NET "If you love me, you will obey my commandments.

John 14:23 NET Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to

him and take up residence with him.Do we want Jesus to be at home with us? Do we want Him to dwell in us always or just at certain times, like when we pray or

when we go to church?

John 14:23 NET Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to

him and take up residence with him.Do we want Jesus to be at home with us? Do we want Him to dwell in us always or just at certain times, like when we pray or

when we go to church?

Thomas a Kempis wrote: Instant obedience is the only kind of

obedience there is; delayed obedience is disobedience.

Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience, withdraws from Grace.

POWERFUL!

Thomas a Kempis wrote: Instant obedience is the only kind of

obedience there is; delayed obedience is disobedience.

Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience, withdraws from Grace.

POWERFUL!

Since this is the time of the year when more people are thinking about God, Christ,

eternal life, etc. I think we all need to be reminded that God is management and we are in sales and we must do as He says!

Sometimes Christians get the idea that God is simply our great Giver and that He is only

here to please us!

Since this is the time of the year when more people are thinking about God, Christ,

eternal life, etc. I think we all need to be reminded that God is management and we are in sales and we must do as He says!

Sometimes Christians get the idea that God is simply our great Giver and that He is only

here to please us!

We can play, have fun, go our merry way, do anything we want but we don’t have to

do what the Bible says. God is here only for our good, not us for His good or His glory!

NOT SO!Since God is God and He gives us every

good gift and the ultimate promise of eternal life, He still requires that we submit to Him,

that we obey Him! ‘Tis the season to submit to

God!

We can play, have fun, go our merry way, do anything we want but we don’t have to

do what the Bible says. God is here only for our good, not us for His good or His glory!

NOT SO!Since God is God and He gives us every

good gift and the ultimate promise of eternal life, He still requires that we submit to Him,

that we obey Him! ‘Tis the season to submit to

God!

Ephesians 5:24 NET But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

As the church submits to Christ. THAT’S

YOU AND ME! Are we submissive to Christ?

If so, how so?

Ephesians 5:24 NET But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

As the church submits to Christ. THAT’S

YOU AND ME! Are we submissive to Christ?

If so, how so?

Let’s see how important it is to submit to God and what happens when we do.

Let’s see how important it is to submit to God and what happens when we do.

Submission to God brings lifeSubmission to God gives

victory

Submission to God brings lifeSubmission to God gives

victory

Submission To God Brings LifeSubmission To God Brings Life

Hebrews 12:9 NET Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly

fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the

Father of spirits and receive life?

Hebrews 12:9 NET Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly

fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the

Father of spirits and receive life?

Submitting to God who is the Father of our human spirit brings life. He gives us life and

a better life when we submit to Him!

Did your daddy discipline you? Did you respect him for his discipline?

When you submitted to him didn’t life go better for you?

Submitting to God who is the Father of our human spirit brings life. He gives us life and

a better life when we submit to Him!

Did your daddy discipline you? Did you respect him for his discipline?

When you submitted to him didn’t life go better for you?

You perhaps steered clear of many things in life because you were taught better and disciplined when you went in the wrong

direction.

You perhaps steered clear of many things in life because you were taught better and disciplined when you went in the wrong

direction.

Ephesians 6:1 NET Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment accompanied by a promise, namely, 3 "that it may go well with you

and that you will live a long time on the earth."

(Deu 5:16)

Ephesians 6:1 NET Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment accompanied by a promise, namely, 3 "that it may go well with you

and that you will live a long time on the earth."

(Deu 5:16)

There it is! When children submit to their parents and obey them things may go well with them and they will live a long time

on the earth. Whereas if kids disobey mom and dad they are asking for trouble!

Think about the worst punishment you got for disobedience?

There it is! When children submit to their parents and obey them things may go well with them and they will live a long time

on the earth. Whereas if kids disobey mom and dad they are asking for trouble!

Think about the worst punishment you got for disobedience?

The same principle applies to our Heavenly Father. When we obey Him and submit to

Him, life is going to be better for us! But if we don’t, watch out!

The same principle applies to our Heavenly Father. When we obey Him and submit to

Him, life is going to be better for us! But if we don’t, watch out!

Hebrews 12:5 NET And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons?

"My son, do not scorn the Lord's discipline or give up when he corrects you. 6 “For the Lord disciplines the one

he loves and chastises every son he accepts."

(Pro 3:11-12)

Hebrews 12:5 NET And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons?

"My son, do not scorn the Lord's discipline or give up when he corrects you. 6 “For the Lord disciplines the one

he loves and chastises every son he accepts."

(Pro 3:11-12)

Have you ever been disciplined by God for your disobedience to Him? Chances are,

you have, even though you may not be able to pinpoint that discipline.

It could have been anything; a lost job, a catastrophe at home or at work, a series of financial losses, health problems, the lists

could go on & on.

Have you ever been disciplined by God for your disobedience to Him? Chances are,

you have, even though you may not be able to pinpoint that discipline.

It could have been anything; a lost job, a catastrophe at home or at work, a series of financial losses, health problems, the lists

could go on & on.

It could be any number of things or perhaps a combination of bad things. I think

sometimes God disciplines us by allowing bad things to happen to us. He doesn’t

necessarily cause them, however.

It could be any number of things or perhaps a combination of bad things. I think

sometimes God disciplines us by allowing bad things to happen to us. He doesn’t

necessarily cause them, however.

A preacher was having a conversation with an older preacher friend at a convention

some years ago. The younger preacher told the older how he used to enjoy running and

was doing so well and then suddenly he had to stop running completely because his doctor said he had almost completely worn

out his hip joint.

A preacher was having a conversation with an older preacher friend at a convention

some years ago. The younger preacher told the older how he used to enjoy running and

was doing so well and then suddenly he had to stop running completely because his doctor said he had almost completely worn

out his hip joint.

The older preacher friend laughed and said, “Ah ha, God got you, didn’t he?” Did he

mean that God caused the hip to wear out because he was doing something he

shouldn’t have been doing or was he not obeying God in life like he should? That may have been what the older preacher was thinking but that was not what the

younger preacher was thinking.

The older preacher friend laughed and said, “Ah ha, God got you, didn’t he?” Did he

mean that God caused the hip to wear out because he was doing something he

shouldn’t have been doing or was he not obeying God in life like he should? That may have been what the older preacher was thinking but that was not what the

younger preacher was thinking.

He was trying to do the will of God in his life and ministry. He thought the hip wore out

simply because he ran too much! He wasn’t particularly doing anything wrong and

wasn’t neglecting his ministry.

He was trying to do the will of God in his life and ministry. He thought the hip wore out

simply because he ran too much! He wasn’t particularly doing anything wrong and

wasn’t neglecting his ministry.

But there are times when God disciplines us because He knows that we’re going down the wrong path. He disciplines us for our

good. He’s not trying to hurt us, but rather help us by trying to get us to wake up and look up! God is trying to bless us with the abundant life here on earth & the next life!

And to do this, there are times when He has to shake us to wake us!

But there are times when God disciplines us because He knows that we’re going down the wrong path. He disciplines us for our

good. He’s not trying to hurt us, but rather help us by trying to get us to wake up and look up! God is trying to bless us with the abundant life here on earth & the next life!

And to do this, there are times when He has to shake us to wake us!

At a meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bobby Richardson, former New

York Yankee second baseman (1955-1966), offered the Catholic Church's St. Ignatius

(1491– July 31, 1556) prayer that is a classic in brevity: “Dear God, Your will, nothing

more, nothing less, nothing else. Amen.”

At a meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bobby Richardson, former New

York Yankee second baseman (1955-1966), offered the Catholic Church's St. Ignatius

(1491– July 31, 1556) prayer that is a classic in brevity: “Dear God, Your will, nothing

more, nothing less, nothing else. Amen.”

Someone wrote: The best way to know God’s will is to say “I

will” to God. Saying “I will” to God is the best thing any of

us can do. Saying “I will” or “I submit” brings life to our

lives!

Someone wrote: The best way to know God’s will is to say “I

will” to God. Saying “I will” to God is the best thing any of

us can do. Saying “I will” or “I submit” brings life to our

lives!

Submission To God Gives Victory

Submission To God Gives Victory

James 4:7 NET So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Guess what happens if we don’t submit to

God? If we don’t submit to God we’ll submit to someone else and perhaps without

knowing it!

James 4:7 NET So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Guess what happens if we don’t submit to

God? If we don’t submit to God we’ll submit to someone else and perhaps without

knowing it!

I’m sure you’ve seen a cartoon that showed an angel on the shoulder of a person and on the other shoulder was the devil? Each

one kept whispering in the ear of the person, bidding them to come their way.

I’m sure you’ve seen a cartoon that showed an angel on the shoulder of a person and on the other shoulder was the devil? Each

one kept whispering in the ear of the person, bidding them to come their way.

WELL, THERE MAY BE SOME TRUTH TO THIS IDEA!

I do believe that the devil is constantly tempting us to do evil although he may not

verbally whisper in our ears! The evil one is the tempter, not God. Don’t

ever blame God for evil. James 1:13 NET Let no one say when he is

tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself

tempts no one.

WELL, THERE MAY BE SOME TRUTH TO THIS IDEA!

I do believe that the devil is constantly tempting us to do evil although he may not

verbally whisper in our ears! The evil one is the tempter, not God. Don’t

ever blame God for evil. James 1:13 NET Let no one say when he is

tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself

tempts no one.

The devil is evil and He is the one who is behind all evil in this world.

We see plainly who the tempter is when Jesus is tempted.

The devil is evil and He is the one who is behind all evil in this world.

We see plainly who the tempter is when Jesus is tempted.

Matthew 4:3 NET The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God,

command these stones to become bread.”…5 Then the devil took him to the

holy city, had him stand on the highest point of the temple,…10 Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘You are to worship the Lord your God and serve

only him.’” (Deu_6:13)THE DEVIL, SATAN IS THE TEMPTER!

Matthew 4:3 NET The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God,

command these stones to become bread.”…5 Then the devil took him to the

holy city, had him stand on the highest point of the temple,…10 Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘You are to worship the Lord your God and serve

only him.’” (Deu_6:13)THE DEVIL, SATAN IS THE TEMPTER!

Ephesians 2:1 NET And although you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you formerly lived according to this

world's present path, according to the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the ruler of the spirit that is now energizing the sons of

disobedience,

Ephesians 2:1 NET And although you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you formerly lived according to this

world's present path, according to the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the ruler of the spirit that is now energizing the sons of

disobedience,

3 among whom all of us also formerly lived out our lives in the cravings of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and the

mind, and were by nature children of wrath even as the rest…

Who is behind all this? SATAN!

3 among whom all of us also formerly lived out our lives in the cravings of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and the

mind, and were by nature children of wrath even as the rest…

Who is behind all this? SATAN!

Many people are duped by the devil and they don’t even know it. They are following him and have no idea they are doing it. Of

course, many folks don’t believe in Satan in the first place. They think he is figment of

someone’s imagination.

WRONG!

Many people are duped by the devil and they don’t even know it. They are following him and have no idea they are doing it. Of

course, many folks don’t believe in Satan in the first place. They think he is figment of

someone’s imagination.

WRONG!

A Christian slave in America was overheard by his master. The black man was groaning,

weeping and praying to the Lord for deliverance from the devil. His master said, “You seem to have a good deal of trouble with the devil and he never bothers me at

all. And yet you are a good, praying Christian and I am not a Christian. Why

doesn’t he bother me?”

A Christian slave in America was overheard by his master. The black man was groaning,

weeping and praying to the Lord for deliverance from the devil. His master said, “You seem to have a good deal of trouble with the devil and he never bothers me at

all. And yet you are a good, praying Christian and I am not a Christian. Why

doesn’t he bother me?”

The black man replied, “Master, I will explain this. When you are out shooting

ducks, which do you send the dog after first, the ones that fall dead or the ones that wounded and are trying to get away?”

The man replied, “Well, of course, I send the dog after the wounded ones. The dead ones we are sure of and can pick them up

later.”

The black man replied, “Master, I will explain this. When you are out shooting

ducks, which do you send the dog after first, the ones that fall dead or the ones that wounded and are trying to get away?”

The man replied, “Well, of course, I send the dog after the wounded ones. The dead ones we are sure of and can pick them up

later.”

The black man said, “And so it is with Satan. He already has those who are not born again, fast and sure. But those that

know the Lord are the ones that he sets his dogs after. He knows he can pick up the

others later.”

The black man said, “And so it is with Satan. He already has those who are not born again, fast and sure. But those that

know the Lord are the ones that he sets his dogs after. He knows he can pick up the

others later.”

If someone doesn’t know the Lord then, in a sense, Satan already has them in his grasp

and he doesn’t have to work too hard to keep them there. But Satan wants to deceive everybody and if someone is

already a Christian then he has to work very hard to trip them up! But believe me, He is working on us! He is a tireless worker who

never lets up!

If someone doesn’t know the Lord then, in a sense, Satan already has them in his grasp

and he doesn’t have to work too hard to keep them there. But Satan wants to deceive everybody and if someone is

already a Christian then he has to work very hard to trip them up! But believe me, He is working on us! He is a tireless worker who

never lets up!

It is said that even though we have days off and holidays off, the devil never takes a

holiday!

“There is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counter-claimed by

Satan.”(C. S. Lewis )

It is said that even though we have days off and holidays off, the devil never takes a

holiday!

“There is no neutral ground in the universe; every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counter-claimed by

Satan.”(C. S. Lewis )

Look at the broken heroes in the Bible. Adam and Eve were tempted and sinned. Cain killed Abel in a jealous rage. Moses killed the Egyptian. Abraham lied about

Sarah being his wife. King Saul was destroyed by pride. David committed adultery and murder. King Herod was brought down by jealousy and fear.

Look at the broken heroes in the Bible. Adam and Eve were tempted and sinned. Cain killed Abel in a jealous rage. Moses killed the Egyptian. Abraham lied about

Sarah being his wife. King Saul was destroyed by pride. David committed adultery and murder. King Herod was brought down by jealousy and fear.

Ananias and Sapphira was devoured by greed.

Judas was destroyed by materialism.

Why did these things happen? It was because of failing to submit to God. When

we fail to submit to God we will not experience victory in life. We experience

defeat, failure, misery, etc.

Ananias and Sapphira was devoured by greed.

Judas was destroyed by materialism.

Why did these things happen? It was because of failing to submit to God. When

we fail to submit to God we will not experience victory in life. We experience

defeat, failure, misery, etc.

But if we submit to God’s will and do what we know He wants, we will be blessed with victory over Satan and a certain amount of

success in life!

But if we submit to God’s will and do what we know He wants, we will be blessed with victory over Satan and a certain amount of

success in life!

George Ferdinand Müller (September 27, 1805 – March 10, 1898), a Christian

evangelist and Director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England, cared for

10,024 orphans in his life. He also established 117 schools which offered Christian education to over 120,000

children, many of them being orphans.

George Ferdinand Müller (September 27, 1805 – March 10, 1898), a Christian

evangelist and Director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England, cared for

10,024 orphans in his life. He also established 117 schools which offered Christian education to over 120,000

children, many of them being orphans.

Müller had only two shillings to his name when he began the orphanage work, but over the next sixty years God sent more

than $7,500,000 to supply their needs. New buildings were built or purchased, staff was hired, and the hundreds of children never missed a meal. Many times prayers were said over empty plates only to have food

arrive at the last moment.

Müller had only two shillings to his name when he began the orphanage work, but over the next sixty years God sent more

than $7,500,000 to supply their needs. New buildings were built or purchased, staff was hired, and the hundreds of children never missed a meal. Many times prayers were said over empty plates only to have food

arrive at the last moment.

Müller prayed about everything and expected each prayer to be answered. What was the secret to George Müller’s

success in the Christian life? To one who asked him the secret of his

service, George Müller said: “There was a day when I died, utterly died;” —“died to George Müller, his opinions, preferences,

tastes, and will—

Müller prayed about everything and expected each prayer to be answered. What was the secret to George Müller’s

success in the Christian life? To one who asked him the secret of his

service, George Müller said: “There was a day when I died, utterly died;” —“died to George Müller, his opinions, preferences,

tastes, and will—

died to the world, its approval or censure—died to the approval or blame even of my

brethren and friends—and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto

God.” Submission to God brings victory in life.

Victory over sin, victory over life’s problems and victory over Satan.

died to the world, its approval or censure—died to the approval or blame even of my

brethren and friends—and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto

God.” Submission to God brings victory in life.

Victory over sin, victory over life’s problems and victory over Satan.

Next to the person who does not pay his bill, the doctor’s most annoying patient is

the one who refuses to follow orders. It has been estimated that up to 90 percent of all patients leave half-empty pill bottles, cheat on diets, continue to smoke, or never return for checkups despite careful prescriptions

and cautious advice.

Next to the person who does not pay his bill, the doctor’s most annoying patient is

the one who refuses to follow orders. It has been estimated that up to 90 percent of all patients leave half-empty pill bottles, cheat on diets, continue to smoke, or never return for checkups despite careful prescriptions

and cautious advice.

Failing to follow your doctor’s advice could get a person into trouble or cause them to

lose their health or worse, but failing to listen to the Great Physician and obey Him

will bring on worse problems! I say,

‘Tis the season to submit to God.

Failing to follow your doctor’s advice could get a person into trouble or cause them to

lose their health or worse, but failing to listen to the Great Physician and obey Him

will bring on worse problems! I say,

‘Tis the season to submit to God.