Just because you have knowledge of the Bible, believe that God exists, go to church, your social media profile says “Christian,” you visibly seem like a Christian, speak Christian language and simply say Jesus is Lord, does not mean you are making Jesus your Lord in the church. We prove that Christ is not our Lord when His authority is questioned or undermined in ministry, or when He is rejected as the foundation of the church. This lack of faith is also evidenced by a fear of men and a focus on appearances, disbelief in supernatural transformation of people, unbelief in His victory over the world, flesh and devil, and the pursuit of power and position instead of serving the disenfranchised.
Religious leaders asked who was giving Jesus authority when He was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel. Jesus asked if John’s baptism was from heaven or from men. Since the religious leaders wouldn’t answer his question, neither did Jesus answer them (Lk. 20:1-8). Question or undermine Jesus’ authority for ministry.
Jesus told a parable about the owner of a vineyard sending three slaves to vine-growers to get produce. Each time they beat the slave and sent him away empty-handed. When the owner sent his beloved son who was killed by the vine-growers, he planned to destroy them and give the vineyard to others. Jesus said, “The stone which the builders rejected, this became the chief cornerstone. Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust” (Lk. 20:9-18). Christ rejected as the foundation to His church.
The religious leaders feared the people, and tried to kill and catch Jesus in what He said, because they knew He spoke this parable against them. They asked if was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not. Jesus detected their trickery and taking a denarius, said to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” They marveled at His answer and became silent (Lk. 20:19-26). Desiring others’ approval and a focus on appearances.
Christ told the Sadducees who believe in no resurrection that people marry on earth but are like angels and unmarried in heaven. The dead are raised since He is God of the living. The Sadducees lost courage to question Him any longer (Lk. 20:27-40). Disbelief in supernatural transformation of people.
Christ asked how they could say that He is David’s son when he called Him ‘Lord.’ David said to the Lord to sit at His right hand until made His enemies a footstool for His feet (Lk. 20:41-44). Unbelief in Christ’s victory over the world, flesh and devil.
Christ told His disciples to beware of the scribes who love respectful greetings and chief seats in the synagogues but devour widows’ houses and offer long prayers for appearance’s sake. They will receive greater condemnation (Lk. 20:45-47). Pursuit of power and position instead of serving the disenfranchised.
The following tests show if you are not making Christ Lord:
1. Question or undermine Christ’s authority in ministry
2. Reject Christ as foundation of the church
3. Desiring others’ approval and a focus on appearances
4. Disbelief in supernatural transformation of people
5. Unbelief in Christ’s victory over the world, flesh and devil
6. Pursuit of power and position instead of serving the disenfranchised.
