A Question of Obedience – Why Call Ye Me Lord?

October 11, 2015

Luke 6:46-49 (text. v. 46)
There is a statistical paradox in church attendance today. While the number of members in evangelical churches has increased during the past 50 years, there has also been a greater increase in crime during that time. An increase in church membership, without a corresponding decrease in criminal activity doesn’t add up. An increase in church membership should be reflected in a decrease in criminal behavior. Why are we seeing the opposite?

Could it be that church membership does not equate to obedience to the Lordship of Christ—That going to church is only a pretext for true discipleship?

The question in our text gives us a clue. The question packs a punch. It’s a hard hitting question and very convicting.

I. The PERSON of the question. CHRIST—“Why call ye ME, LORD?”

When Jesus Christ returns, He will have a name written on His vesture and thigh—“King of kings and LORD OF LORDS” (Rev. 19:16).

A. The title “Lord” also denotes deity—He is Lord in the sense that God alone can be Lord (John 20:28; 1 Cor. 12:3).

The title for God used most often in the Bible is “Lord.”

B. Why call Jesus Lord?

1. Because Jesus is Lord! He is not just “Jesus.” He is not just “Savior.” He is Lord.

People say, “Make Jesus Christ Lord,” as if He were running for office. You cannot make Jesus Lord—God has already made Jesus Lord (Acts 2:36– “…let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both LORD and Christ.”). We must simply recognize His Lordship and submit to it.

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.”

2. Because He created us. He is the Lord of creation. Rev. 4:11, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

3. Because He owns us. Romans 14:8-9— “…whether we live therefore, or die, we are the LORD’S. To this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be LORD both of the dead and living.”

Shortly after joining the Navy, the new recruit asked his commanding officer for a pass so he could participate in a wedding. The C.O. refused to issue the pass.
“You don’t understand, sir—I’m in the wedding.”
“No, you don’t understand sailor,” the C.O. shot back. “You’re in the Navy!”

4. Because He says He is Lord. When Jesus washed His disciples feet He said, “Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for SO I AM” (John 13:13).

Why call Jesus “Lord,” if He is not “Lord.”

II. The PRINCIPLE of the question—COMPLIANCE

A. What does “Lord” mean? In common language, it means “master” or “boss.”

But Jesus is more than a “master” or a “Boss.” The title “Lord” denotes sovereignty — one in control; the one in charge with authority.” Jesus is the One in control and in charge.

B. How do you spell “Lordship?” O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E. Obedience is an essential mark of the Lordship of Christ. The two concepts go together—He is Lord, therefore we obey Him as Lord.

1 Peter 3:5-6— “…after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in god, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara OBEYED Abraham, calling him LORD…”