Voluntary Sacrifice

Voluntary Sacrifice

John 18:1-11

January 31, 2010

I.                    Tempted to not do God’s will. (Luke 22:39-40)

A.                  Why were the disciples told to pray that they may not enter into temptation?

1.                   They were depressed and vulnerable and tempted to become self-preserving.

2.                   Entering into wrong reactions: Peter tried to defend Jesus with a sword. (John 18:10) Good heart, but wrong action, which would have gotten him killed needlessly.

B.                  What would have happened if they did pray and did not fall into temptation?

1.                   Though they were not in control of the situation (the arrest of Jesus) they would still choose to remain in God’s will and carry on the works of God.

2.                   We need to learn the will of God through His word so that in times of struggle we will not be sidetracked in our lives as Christians.

II.                  The temptations that Jesus faced. (Mark 14:35-38)

A.                  Jesus knew the will of the Father, but His prayer illustrates this most difficult trial.

1.                   It was His choice to go and suffer an excruciating death for the sake of others.

2.                   Jesus had the ability to stop it, and it would be very tempting to use that ability.

B.                  “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.

1.                   It’s OK to ask for miracles to get you out of trials, but remain ready if He doesn’t grant one.

III.                Strengthened to carry out God’s will. (Luke 22:43-44)

A.                  How does God strengthen us?

1.                   Being strengthened by the Source of Strength and not from ungodly, unbiblical sources.

2.                   Angels can be sent to strengthen us but most of the time He uses others in the church.

3.                   True strengthening and encouragement are in accordance to the will of God.

B.                  “Sweating blood”: The bursting of tiny blood vessels caused by tremendous stress.

1.                   Jesus still agonized even after the angel came to strengthen Him.

2.                   “Strengthening” does not mean that our troubles will simply disappear or be less painful.

IV.                Moving out and away from temptation. (John 18:4-11)

A.                  Responding when the “time” comes.

1.                   God’s will and timing: When the crowd came Jesus went to them.

2.                   You may never “feel” ready.

B.                  Jesus went forward.

1.                    “I am He”: Know who you are as a disciple of Christ and what you stand on.

2.                   “Let these go their way”: Becoming like Christ who lived for the sake of others.

3.                   “Put your sword into the sheath”: We’re not going to do it man’s way, but God’s way according to His will.

4.                   “Shall I not drink of the cup which My Father has given Me?”: In ancient times the “cup” came to symbolize one’s fate or lot in life. In Jesus’ case, He speaks as One who decides His own fate – He may or may not drink from that cup. You too have a choice!