Date: November 4^th, 2007

Title: “Being a Servant to God”

Key Points

Opening Commentary:  This is the beginning of a series of sermons exploring the book of Mark verse by verse.

Mark was about 12 years old when Jesus was in the garden in Gethsemane.  Much of the book expounds on servant-hood.   We want to look at Jesus as our example for being a servant of the Most High. 

Opening Scripture(s):  Mark 1:1

• In the beginning is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Mark knew that Jesus was the Messiah.
  • We need to know who God is…
  • He is a provider, protector, etc.
• The Old Testament is the foundation and root of the Gospel.
  • Mark establishes a foundation for the rest of his writing by referring to the words of the prophets who spoke of the Messiah.

Scripture: Mark 1:2

• Here Mark is talking about John the Baptist who was prophesied to be the preparer of the way of the Lord.
• In ancient times, a King would send men ahead of him to prepare the road or path for his travels.  This scripture shows the Lordship of Jesus as John the Baptist prepare the way.

Scripture: Mark 1:3-5

• As John cried in the wilderness, people were being baptized in the Jordan River.
  • The practice baptism was always related to the cleansing of one who would be converted to Judaism.
  • At that time, it was strange for a Jew to be baptized because the practice was set aside for the Gentiles.

Scripture: Mark 1:6

• One of the things that made John the Baptist strange was his practices of eating.
  • Locust is considered clean in the Torah.

SIDE NOTE: Pork and Dog are considered the same in the list of food that is not clean.  Pork, dog, locust and shell fish are apart of that list of foods that are not clean. 

Scripture: Leviticus 11:20-24

• All flying insects that creep on all fours are considered an abomination…  Homosexuality is also considered an abomination.
• “Abomination to you” means all of us.

SIDE NOTE:  Rat and other animals are in the list of unclean animals.  Can you imagine blessing a rat and then eating it?

Scripture: Mark 1:7

• Those who follow a Rabbi can be subject to anything that a Rabbi asks of you but traditionally would never ask a disciple to loosen their sandal straps.  But Mark is saying that he isn’t even worthy to do what is considered lowly.

Scripture: Mark 1:8-11

• Baptism is the emersion of one’s entire body in water.
• Jesus was baptized by John not because he was in sin but as an example of what we should do.  “If it is good enough for Him, then it is good enough for us.”
• A spirit in the shape of a Dove descended upon him.
• The sky ripped open and a voice from heaven identified Jesus as His beloved son in whom He is well pleased.
  • We want to be sons of God in whom He is well pleased.
  • We also want God to be pleased with us.

Scripture:  Mark 1:12

• Jesus was driven into the wilderness by the Spirit and endured 40 days of temptation….
  • He was tempted nonstop for the 40 days.

Scripture:  Mark 1:14

• After John prophesied the way of the Lord, he was put in prison.
  • Often we are taught that prosperity follows our works.  John the Baptist shows that we must not be seekers of reward when doing the work of the Lord.

Scripture:  Mark 1:15

• Repenting requires a change of direction in your actions.
  • True repentance is turning ones back on the world.
  • Repentance should come from the heart and its fruits show true repentance by turning away from wickedness.
  • Repentance is an action.
• If you succumb to something you have repented for, you’ve made yourself your own God. 

Scripture:  Jeremiah 25:4:5

And the Lord has sent to you all His servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear. ⁵They said, ‘Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the Lord has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. 

• We need to listen to what God is telling us.

Scripture: Chronicles 7:14

• You have to turn from some things…. 

Scripture:  Acts 26:20

• Don’t say you’re saved but not show works of repentance.
• There needs to be fruits of repentance.  Evidence that you have turned from your wicked ways.
• People claim salvation but haven’t changed their lives.
• Just because you read a few scriptures in the Bible does not mean that you have a relationship.
• True salvation and son-ship requires a give and-take relationship between you and the Father.