"LORD, IS IT I?"

By John Cripps (Used By Persmission)

Intro.
   A. Early in His ministry, Jesus began to make statements          
      concerning His death (see Jn. 2:19-22). This was a figurative  
      expression.
      1. After Peter's confession (Mt. 16:16), Jesus began to reveal 
         to His disciples how He would die (Mt. 16:21-22).
      2. As He goes to Jerusalem during the final week of His life,  
         He took the disciples aside to tell them again what awaited 
         Him (Mt. 20:17-19).
      3. Parable of the wicked vinedressers (Mt. 21:33-ff), declares
         His rejection and death at the hands of the Jews (vs.       
         38-39).
   B. When He met with the disciples to eat the Passover, Jesus added
      a new element to the story: ONE OF THE DISCIPLES
      WOULD BETRAY HIM (Mt. 26:21).
      1. Judas had already made the deal (Mt. 26:14-16).
      2. The Lord's statement produced an emotional shock: Disciples 
         one by one began to ask, "Lord, is it I?" (Mk. 14:19)
         a. Each personally concerned: Would a weakness known to
           the Lord cause them to betray Him?  Note: Mt. 26:31-35,   
           "all made to stumble."
         b. Others did not suspect Judas (Jn. 13:29).
         c. Judas asks, "Is it I?" (Mt. 26:25). Perhaps it is an     
            attempt to hide his plan. Perhaps he thought "He is only 
            guessing."
   C. Times when all need to look at life and ask, "Lord, Is it I?"
      1. Must examine self to know if we remain in the faith (2 Cor.
         13:5).

DISCUSSION: OCCASIONS WHEN WE NEED TO ASK, "LORD, IS IT I?"

I. "Is it I" who would deny the Lord by an unfaithful life?
   A. Conduct of a professed disciple can result in the Lord's cause
      being blasphemed (Rom. 2:24; Tit. 2:5).
   B. Many return to the corruption of the world, practice things    
      which are not "fitting for saints" (Eph. 2:3-4). Shocked when
      hear a brother is engaged in such practices.
      1. "Take heed..." (1 Cor. 10:12)
      2. Heart is like a garden which has "weed seed" in soil, ready 
         to spring up. Must constantly watch, remove what would
         result in evil.

II. "Is it I" when Bible classes are not accomplishing their intended
   purpose?
   A. One of the best opportunities for building up the church.
      1. Greater learning when able to discuss questions, seek       
         answers to difficulties, make personal application.
   B. Many who are able to attend do not do so, or occasionally.     
      Little learning takes place.
      1. Several factors could be responsible: Teachers, material, or
         the class.
   C. Essentials for profitable class:
      1. Preparation:
         a. Teacher can teach only what he knows.
         b. Regardless of ability, knowledge of teacher, little
            "poured into an unprepared mind."
         c. Preparation is more than "filling in blanks"; hurriedly
            reading verses.  Must "meditate,"associate, form
            questions about what is not understood, make application 
            to present situation.
      2. Participation:
         a. Mind must be alert, reasoning as ask questions,
            comment. Such causes to learn, be more interesting to
            others.

III. "Is it I" when little received from worship services?
   A. Worship is to cause one to be made "better" (1 Cor. 11:17);
      Result in drawing nearer to God and to each other.
      1. All to be done for "edification" (1 Cor. 14:26).
   B. Regretably, this is not the case for all "worshipers." Some    
      admit they "get nothing out of worship services." WHOSE        
      FAULT?
      1. Should strive to make services as "uplifting" as possible.
      2. Must be prepared if worship is edifying.
         a. Body and mind must be alert if comprehended.
         b. Worship requires "spirit" of man (Jn. 4:24). Is mind free
            from distracting influences (business, pleasure, cares)  
            so that able to concentrate on what is taking place?
         c. Am I prepared to hear, make changes in my life? (Eccl.
            5:1). Lesson from God "judges" me, rather than that I    
            judge it.

IV. "Is it I" when the church seems cold, unfriendly?
   A. Friendliness should characterize all.  "Cold shoulder" has     
      little in fluence for good on others.
   B. Often, members complain: But first ones out. Have to "run them
      down" to speak.
   C. At times, some "offended," feel others avoid them when they
      show no interest. 

V. "Is it I" when the unity of the church is threatened?
   A. Can be the result of murmuring and complaining (see 1 Cor.
      10:10).
      1. Not deliberate effort to tear down; just dissatisfied.
      2. Do not realize destructiveness of actions: Murmuring is
         grievous sin.
   B. Is the reason for the complaint that "things not going the way 
      I wish?" (see 1 Pet. 5:5 for solution).

VI. "Is it I" when another is about to be overcome by discouragement?
   A. Bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2). We are our brother's
      keeper.
   B. How do we respond to another's burdens?  Indifference?         
      Attitude of "he is responsible," "he should have known better"?
      1. Must realize duty to encourage. Cannot go to heaven if not
         concerned about others going.

Concl.
   A. Need to look at various situations and ask, "Lord, is it I?"
   B. Lord speaks to those who would deny Him (Mt. 10:33). "Is it I"?
   C. There are those who "judge" themselves unworthy of eternal life
      (Acts 13:46), through rejection of the gospel. "Lord, Is it I?"