Download sermon slides: 2018.11.18.TakeMyYoke.JonWong.pdf (3 MB)
Studying Book of Matthew 11
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
1. John the Baptist, a Prophetic Voice (Matthew 11:1-8)
[20:00] Prophetic voices in our lives help us keep clear of what our mission and where our calling need to be. The prophetic voices are people who God puts in our lives to tell us, “this is the way you need to go.” And take away other things that might be distracting us.
[24:00-27:00] Being a fan vs. a disciple of Jesus
Kyle Idleman “Not a Fan” (http://www.notafan.com/)
A fan is an enthusiastic admirer. They love Jesus but they don’t want to follow Him. Instead, they try to live a “good life” on their own.
A disciple is sold out to Jesus. They’re committed to follow Jesus.
2. [31:30] Jesus’ call to Repent (Matthew 11:20-24)
To repent:
Declutter, get rid of the junk in our lives - by confessing our sins
Reorganize - by repenting, that is by clinging onto God, through active obedience and submission to God’s commands and laws, renew our minds by acting in faith. (Rom 12:2)
We get to choose:
Judgement - comes to those who choose not to follow Jesus (John 3:18)
Grace & Atonement - is given to those who choose to follow Jesus
The cost to follow Jesus is our lives (Matthew 10:39)
Sheep vs. Goat
Sheep: Knows the Shepherd’s (Jesus’) voice (John 10:3)
Goat: Jesus never knew them (Matthew 7:21-23)
3. [45:30] Jesus gives us Rest (Matthew 11:25-30)
How we live matters - Sanctification
God requires faith like little children, simply trust in the good Father.
“My yoke is easy and light so that your soul can rest.”
Jesus calls us to always be with him. No more pulling away from God. No more being a fan.
Jesus wants to take us through the storms of life together (Psalm 23:4)
We’re invited to join Jesus (to be yoked together) into “active rest”, which asks us to continuously pursue Jesus, submit, obey and follow Jesus.
Reflections
Can you recall someone being a “prophetic voice” for you? If so, recall what they said, and reflect on what you’ve been doing with their suggestions.
Have you been a “prophetic voice” to your Christian friends? Pray to God for wisdom (James 3:17-18) to speak truth and encouragement into others’ lives.
According to Pastor Jon’s descriptions of “a fan vs. a sold out”, which one do you identify with more? Read and reflect on Matthew 25:31-46 and John 10:3-5 about the goat vs. the sheep. Be open to the Holy Spirit, and ask God to show you where you truly stand now.
Take note of any resistance, especially thoughts that bring pain or inner vows that are not compatible with God’s character (i.e., voices that tell you the opposite from "you’re loved, you’re worth it, you’re of great value.") Pray to Jesus, allow Him to heal you. Resist the urge to recoil or run away because that’s what your body and the enemy would want you to do.
Be comforted that faith is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). Ask God for faith (without doubt) (James 1:6-7) if you’re struggling.
Are you yoked with Jesus? Reflect on how you’re living your life to see whether you’re participating in the “active rest” with Jesus, that you’re continuously pursuing, submitting, obeying and following Jesus. If some sins, bad habits, inner vows etc. come up during your reflection, ask God for faith to let them go, and ask to follow Jesus instead.
Sanctification is a process! Don't lose heart if you find yourself falling back into old habits. Find support from your Christian community. Your local church, cell group and close Christian friends are some of the resources. If you can’t recall receiving any “prophetic voice”, consider asking your Christian community for help. Sometimes you need to take the initiative to ask and be open to receive feedback.