Sermons

Are You Ready to Die for Jesus?

Posted by Alex on
Sermon on October 21 by Pastor Roland Eskinazi

Scripture: Mark 6:14-20

Living for Jesus is one thing – but dying for Him? In a culture that loves power, note the power of a righteous life.

When you faithfully serve God:

1. EXPECT THAT SOME MAY FEAR YOU!

  • John will not be bought … (v14-18)
    The man whom Herod will execute is the man whom he keeps coming back to hear.
    John does not alter his message to suit his situation – and Herod is puzzled.
  • … neither can John be silenced (v19-20)
    Is it enough to be a listener? Both Herod and Judas listened, both felt guilty but neither never repented.
    John may be in prison but he is more secure than Herod out of it.
    ‘Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe’. (Proverbs 29:25)
    God calls us to integrity – are you, YOU all the time?

2. EXPECT THAT SOME MAY TRY TO DESTROY YOU!

  • The ungodly will use ungodly means to get to you (v21-22)
    Revenge leads to the opportune time for more creative sin.
    What would your life look like if you were more concerned about laying down your life for Jesus than your on safety?
  • The ungodly may get your head on a platter (v23-28)
    Herod is more concerned about ‘saving face’, before public opinion than doing what is right.
    Sometimes the righteous do suffer and sometimes bad things can happen to good people.
    God’s plan is not stopped by a power-hungry king, an obsessive wife and hearts of evil.

Remember! ‘By faith …… still speaks even though he is dead’ (Heb. 11:4)
How many people today are named ‘Herod’? How many millions are named ‘John’? Who speaks louder today?
Bad things happen to godly people but great things happen to godly people who put their lives down on the line for God.

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QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
1. What is harder? Dying for Jesus? Or living radically sold out to Jesus day after day and year after year?
2. What reactions have you seen in today’s world that could be characterized as fear of Christianity?
3. Why did Herod fear John? What are some bad ways some Christians cause fear and loathing in society?
4. How would you explain to a non-Christian why bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad-people?

 

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