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Introduction
Life has been likened to
a journey, and our hearts and choices are like the automobile we use to travel
through life. The question is: Where is Jesus in your life's vehicle? Is He the
driver, the passenger in the front seat, or a distant observer? They all
profess to be Christians, but their walk demonstrates that Jesus is not Lord.
This sermon will make you take a look at your walk with Christ and challenge you
to give everything to Him.
Main Text: Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
"Trust in the LORD
with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy
ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
This is a lesson that
God should be in control of our life. But have we surrendered control to Him
completely or are we offering Him a seat but continuing to stay in the driver's
seat?
1. Jesus as the Observer – The Passenger on the Roof
Explanation
There are some who claim
to be Christians, yet Jesus is not an active presence in their lives. They
speak He with their lips but do not submit to His authority in their decisions.
In this instance, Jesus is similar to a passenger riding on the rooftop of the vehicle—present
but without any actual control.
Biblical Example
Luke 6:46 (KJV) – "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do
not the things which I say?"
There are many who call
Jesus "Lord," but do not follow Him. They do as they wish and think
of Jesus only when they need Him.
Illustration
Imagine a person who is
driving a car and places Jesus on the roof. When everything is going smoothly,
they ignore Him. But when a storm comes along, they shout, "Jesus, save
me!" The problem is, He was never inside the car to grab the steering
wheel in the first place!
Application
- Are you relegating Jesus to being an observer in your life?
- Are you calling on Him only when you're in a bind?
- If Jesus is not yet in your car, it is high time to invite Him in!
2. Jesus as the Passenger – Seated on the Front Seat but Not at
the Wheel
Explanation
Others invite Jesus into
their lives, but they want to be in control. They invite Him to sit in the
front seat, but they keep their hands on the steering wheel. They take His
counsel but only when it's convenient to do so.
Biblical Example
Matthew 19:16-22 (KJV) – "The young ruler was rich and wished to be a disciple of Jesus but wouldn't give up all. He wanted Jesus as part of his life, but he had to remain the master of his wealth. "
Revelation 3:20 (KJV) – "Behold, I stand at the door, and
knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and
will sup with him, and he with me."
Illustration
Think of a driver who
has GPS in his vehicle. The GPS (Jesus) provides directions, yet the driver
persistently disregards them and does his own thing. He ends up lost and
frustrated. This is how the majority of Christians live—they listen to Jesus
but still wish to remain in control of their lives.
Application
- Did you ask Jesus into your life but deny Him complete control?
- Do you obey His instructions only if they suit you?
- It's time to drop the wheel and trust Him entirely.
3. Jesus as the Driver – The One in Total Control
Explanation
The appropriate position
for Jesus is in the driver's seat of your life. When He is in control, He takes
you on the right road, keeps you from harm, and brings you to your heavenly
destination.
Biblical Example
Psalm 23:1-3 (KJV) – "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not
want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake."
When Jesus is leading,
He provides, protects, and guides.
Galatians 2:20 (KJV) – "I am crucified with Christ:
nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lived in me: and the life which I
now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and
gave himself for me."
When Jesus takes
control, we don't live for ourselves anymore but for Him.
Illustration
Think about the person
who hands Jesus the keys to his automobile. He's sitting in the passenger seat
and trusts Him totally. Even if there's no open road in front of them, he's
confident Jesus knows the way. This is the way we must live—trusting Him in
every choice.
Application
- Have you surrendered every part of your life over to Jesus?
- Are you content to let Him guide, even when you have no idea of the road ahead?
- Real faith is surrendering all control to Jesus, not merely partial influence.
Conclusion
Final Question:
- Where is Jesus in Your Life's Vehicle?
- Is He on the roof, only consulted in times of emergency?
- Is He in the front seat, offering advice but not in control?
- Is He the driver, guiding your every move?
Call to Action:
- If Jesus is not in your life, invite Him in today!
- If you have been driving, hand over the wheel to Him.
- If He is already leading, continue trusting Him fully.
Closing Scripture: Matthew 16:24 (KJV)
"Then said Jesus
unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross, and follow me."
Let Jesus be the driver of your life, and He will take you to the destination He has prepared for you!
