GOING OUR OWN WAY

TEXT: Isaiah 53:1-6

INTRODUCTION--

1. Sheep stray, if they have no shepherd, and because they are prone to do stupid things, and have no ability to fight predators, they are often in jeopardy.
   
   1. The figures of sheep and shepherd are often found in the Bible.
      
   2. Jesus' parable about the lost sheep is typical. Matthew 18:12-13
      
   3. Jesus is the fitting shepherd. John 10:11-15
      
2. Straying sheep need to return to their overseer. 1 Peter 2:21-25

LESSON--

1. The text in Isaiah says, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way." Vs. 6
   
   1. Jeremiah 10:23 "O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."
      
   2. Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death."
      
   3. The New Testament confirms the truths. Philippians 3:17-21
      
   4. Read again 1 Peter 2:25.
      
      1. As straying sheep, we TURN to our own way.
         
      2. As penitent sheep, we RETURN to the "Shepherd and Bishop," Jesus.
         
2. Because this teaching sounds like abject submission, it is unacceptable in our society that has put great emphasis on "self-sufficiency," and "self-esteem."
   
   1. The universal hatred of slavery (especially by slaves) causes rejection of the idea of complete subjection. But see Romans 6:16-18, 10:1-4.
      
   2. The ambition of men prompts them to choose a selfish way. But see Paul's answer to ambitious rivals in 2 Corinthians 5:11-15.
      
   3. Those who reject spiritual government should read Luke 19:11-27.

APPLICATION--

1. There is no future for those who stray from the overseership of Christ.
   
   1. Moral freedom becomes a degrading gluttonous feast for the flesh.
      
   2. Spiritual freedom from Christ leads to heresies, and false doctrines.
      
   3. All such freedom is selfish, and the end is perdition.
      
2. Finite minds cannot see any advantage in complete submission to Christ.
   
3. We must answer to those who seek their own way that if they haven't truly tried it, they have no clue to the great joy, the freedom, and the spiritual rewards of obedience.
   
4. The final admonitions: Romans 8:12-14, Colossians 2:6-10