THE YOKE OF CHRIST

Text: Matthew 11:28-30

Introduction:
  I. Christ has a yoke – figure here used is doubtless
     taken from the yoke used on oxen.
 II. Various uses made of the term “yoke” in the Bible:
     A. Used as a symbol of oppression and slavery.
     B. Used with reference to Israel’s bondage. Leviticus
        26:13
     C. Used with reference to Israel’s later captivity.
        Psalms 10:27; Jeremiah 18:4
     D. Used as a symbol of the bondage of sin.
        1. Lamentations 1:14
        2. When we take the yoke of Christ, we put off the
           yoke of sin. Romans 6:17-18
     E. Used to refer to the burdensome rites and
        ceremonies of the Law of Moses.
        1. Acts 15:10
        2. Galatians 5:1
III. What then is the meaning of the yoke of Christ:
     A. Simply the service that He demands of us.
     B. The same sense as bearing our cross. Luke 14:27;
        Matthew 10:38
     C. Acceptance of responsibility.

Body:
  I. The yoke of Christ must be taken.
     A. Christ has a right to our service.
        1. Colossians 1:16
        2. 1 Corinthians 6:20
     B. Intending to assume obligations of following Christ
        is not sufficient.
     C. Lip service is not sufficient.
        1. Matthew 15:8-9
        2. Luke 6:46

 II. In taking the yoke, it is necessary to learn of Him.
     A. Scriptures
        1. Hebrews 8:8-12
        2. John 6:44-45
        3. 1 Corinthians 14:15
        4. 2 Thessalonians 2:14
        5. James 1:18
     B. We need to learn many things of Him.
        1. Obedience – Hebrews 5:8-9
        2. Godly life
           a. 1 Peter 2:22
           b. Hebrews 4:15
        3. Did not compromise the truth.
        4. Humility

III. “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
     A. He did not say there would be no burden to bear if
        we follow him, but that there would be one.
     B. Scriptures
        1. 2 Timothy 3:12
        2. Matthew 10:22
        3. James 1:12
        4. 1 Corinthians 10:13

 IV. Men sometimes think of the yoke as being hard rather
     than light.
     A. Sinner sees members of the church being unfaithful.
        1. says “I’m afraid I can’t hold out”
        2. 1 Corinthians 9:27
     B. It is the way of self-denial – Luke 14:27-33
     C. May be called upon to forsake family and friends.
        Matthew 10:34-39
     D. Demands time and money.
     E. Brethren may depart from the faith and hinder the
        work.
     F. A way of persecution.
        1. 2 Timothy 3:12
        2. 1 Peter 4:12

  V. We have then a very important question concerning the
     yoke of Christ – Why is His yoke easy and His burden 
     light?
     A. He demands no unreasonable things of us.
        1. Romans 12:1
        2. 1 John 5:3
     B. To prove that His commands are not grievous, but
        reasonable let us notice some of His commands.
        1. Believe on Him.
           a. Is that unreasonable?
           b. There is sufficient evidence.
        2. Repent of sin – Sin is against God.
        3. Calls on men to confess Him before men – He
           promises to do more for us.
        4. Commands men to be baptized.
     C. Lightness of yoke is seen by way of comparison:
        1. The way of transgressors is hard.
        2. Proverbs 13:25
     D. Yoke is borne in love.
        1. 1 Peter 1:18
        2. Love makes service easy.
           a. Jacob and Rachel
           b. Genesis 29:20
        3. 1 John 4:18
     E. Assurance that our service will be accepted.
        1. Hebrews 6:10
        2. Mark 9:4
        3. 2 Timothy 1:12
     F. Service is easy if we enjoy doing it.
        1. Acts 5:4
        2. 2 Corinthians 12:10
     H. The longer it is borne, the easier it becomes.
     I. The reward is sufficient. Revelation 21; 22

Conclusion: Have you taken the yoke of Christ yet?  If 
not, you will not have a better opportunity than now.