Lordship or Lip Service

Sermon by Rev. Gary Chia

Rev. Gary Chia delivers a powerful and confronting message that goes straight to the heart of Christian living:

Is Jesus truly Lord of our lives, or are we simply giving Him lip service?

This is not just a theological question—it is a daily reality that defines how we live, decide, and follow Christ.

The Tension Between Words and Reality

Many believers declare, “Jesus is Lord,”
but their decisions tell a different story.

Lip service is easy:

• Following when it feels right
• Obeying when it’s convenient
• Trusting when things go well

But true lordship is costly:

• Following even in confusion
• Trusting in suffering
• Obeying in sacrifice

True faith says:
“Lord, even when I don’t understand—I will still follow You.”

Christ’s Preeminence Over Everything

From Colossians 1, we are reminded that Christ is not just important—He is supreme.

He is:

• The Creator of all things
• The Sustainer of life
• The Head of the Church
• The Victor over death

There is no area of life outside His authority.

This means:
Christ is not one part of our life—
He is the foundation of everything.

Four Marks of True Lordship

1. Christ is the Source, Not an Add-On

Jesus is not an accessory to improve our lives—He is the core of it.

We don’t invite Jesus into our plans.
We surrender our plans to Him.

2. Christ is the Head of the Church

The Church does not belong to people—it belongs to Christ.

We are called to:

• Follow His direction
• Build unity
• Serve faithfully

A healthy Church is one that is aligned with Christ—not driven by preference or comfort.

3. We Are Complete in Christ

Many people seek fulfillment in:

• Career success
• Relationships
• Achievements

But Scripture reminds us:
We lack nothing in Christ.

True satisfaction comes from knowing Him, not from what we gain.

4. We Live With Urgency

Jesus is coming again.

This truth calls us to:

• Live holy lives
• Pray fervently
• Reach out boldly

Every day becomes an opportunity to share Christ with others.

A Personal Call to Action

Rev. Gary shares a powerful testimony of praying persistently for his parents—
even through doubt and delay—until they eventually gave their lives to Christ.

It is a reminder that:

• God is always at work
• Our prayers are never wasted
• Salvation is worth the wait

The Challenge to the Church

The modern Church faces a real danger:
Cultural Christianity—where Jesus is present, but not central.

We must move from:

• Occasional devotion → daily surrender
• Comfort-driven faith → conviction-driven faith
• Lip service → true lordship

Final Reflection

Isaiah 29:13 warns:
People may honour God with their lips,
but their hearts can still be far from Him.

The question is not what we say—
but how we live.

Conclusion

A life under Christ’s Lordship is marked by:

• Surrender
• Obedience
• Faithfulness
• Urgency

Because at the end of the day,
every knee will bow and every tongue will confess:

Jesus Christ is Lord.

Simple Truth to Hold On To

In every season of life, remember:

👉 God is great
👉 God is good
👉 God is gracious

And when Christ is truly Lord,
that is more than enough.