How can we ensure we truly follow Jesus' teachings in Luke 6:46? Setting the Scene - Luke 6 records Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, where He outlines the lifestyle of true disciples. - The crowd hears His words; Jesus now presses the question of obedience. Core Verse “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) Understanding the Challenge - “Lord, Lord” = public confession of Jesus’ authority. - “Not do what I say” = practical denial of that confession. - The issue is not knowledge but surrender expressed in action. Key Principles for Authentic Discipleship - Lordship demands obedience (John 14:15). - Obedience proves love (1 John 2:3–4). - Hearing without doing self-deceives (James 1:22). - True followers bear evident fruit (Luke 6:43-45). Practical Steps to Ensure We Follow Jesus 1. Heart Examination • Ask: Do my choices match my confession? • Regularly repent of revealed disobedience (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Immerse in Scripture • Daily reading plan: Gospels, Acts, Epistles. • Memorize pivotal commands; meditate on them throughout the day (Psalm 119:11). 3. Prompt, Complete Obedience • Act on conviction immediately—partial obedience is disobedience. • Apply Jesus’ radical commands in Luke 6:27-36 (love enemies, give generously, show mercy). 4. Spirit-Empowered Living • Depend on the Holy Spirit for desire and power to obey (Philippians 2:13). • Invite His guidance before decisions (Romans 8:14). 5. Accountability in Community • Join a Bible-honoring church or small group (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Share struggles; welcome correction (Proverbs 27:17). 6. Build on the Rock • Practice Jesus’ words daily; storms will reveal foundations (Luke 6:47-49). • Review each day: Where did I obey? Where did I resist? Supporting Scriptures - John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” - James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” - 1 John 2:3-4: “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. Whoever says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” - Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Fruit Inspection: Measuring Progress - Speech: Are my words gracious and truthful? - Relationships: Do I forgive and bless? - Stewardship: Does my spending honor God? - Time: Is pursuing Christ a priority? - Attitudes: Am I marked by humility and gratitude? Guarding Against Pitfalls - Nominalism: Relying on past decisions instead of present obedience. - Selective obedience: Accepting commands that suit us, ignoring the rest. - Legalism: Obeying externally without love; remember grace fuels obedience. - Drifting: Neglecting Scripture and prayer leads to dull hearing. Living Luke 6:46 Today Genuine discipleship unites lips and life. By continually submitting every area to Christ, saturating ourselves in His Word, and walking in Spirit-empowered obedience, we honor the One we call “Lord” and live out the reality of Luke 6:46. |
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