Sermon: Christian Atheist: Do We Really Believe in God? Part II: Disobedience

In this sermon, we look at the difficulties a Christian atheist might have in being obedient to God’s word, will, and way.

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Sermon Notes
Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13
“Christian Atheist: Do We Really Believe in God?”
Part II: “Disobedience”

The Problems of Disobedience (Example of Matthew’s Obedience):

  1. 1) Jesus calls Matthew; he comes immediately (Matthew 9:9).
  2. 2) Church leaders question Jesus’ plan (Matthew 9:11).
  3. 3) “I have come for the sick / unhealthy.” (Matthew 9:12-13).

The Christian Atheist: Disobedience; what does it look like? (Groeschell)

1) You say you believe but don’t, can’t, or won’t pray.

  • Why do we need to pray? It’s honest communication (Habakkuk 1:2-3) .
  • Constant Communication (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
  • Two-way communication. Conversation with God.
  • Answered / Unanswered Prayers (James 4:3).

2) You say you believe but don’t think God is fair! You are correct!

  • Unanswered prayers/pain. Was Jesus’ life fair? (Matthew 27)
  • Present in pain. God has comfort/compassion for His people (Isaiah 49:13).
  • Good News: God is NOT fair.  Undeserved forgiveness. We don’t need to, nor can we understand God’s love & mercy (Psalms 103:10-12).
  • There is purpose in our pain (Ephesians 1:11).

3) You say you believe but you don’t, won’t, or can’t forgive.

  • Bitterness (Hebrews 12:15).
  • Killing the root of bitterness. Kindness kills bitterness at the root (Ehpesians 4:31-32).
  • Reluctant forgiveness. Forgive as God forgives us (Colossians 3:13).
  • Forgiveness is one of God’s greatest challenges and most difficult tasks.

4) You say you believe but you don’t, can’t, or won’t change.

  • Identify this as a lie. Divine power is ours to use! (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).
  • Admitting the problem. Grace allows us to admit (Romans 6:14).
  • God can help us change (Mark 10:27)
  • Can the excuses. “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6).
  • Cut the ties (1 Corinthians 15:33).
  • Surrender to God’s power. God works through us all (Colossians 1:29).
  • Receive/accept God’s power. God takes our weaknesses and turns them to strengths (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Why are we so disobedient to God’s word, will, and way?  Are we willing to surrender to His authority?  To start living the life He calls us to live?  Or are we enslaved by foolish pride and our desire to be in control of all things. Let us drop our pride and self control, and surrender our will to the creator of all things and His “much better way” for His creation.  If we can do this, we are well on our way to becoming a “Recovering Christian Atheist”, living by His word, will, and way.  Let’s start today!