The Defining First Steps to Begin to Follow Jesus
Texts: Mathew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23
RE-view
The call of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13)
Responded with immediate and unreserved obedience
Left behind his financial and political status and influence
Repented of sin and made peace with those he mistreated
The “fans” who were not ready to follow
(Matthew 8:18-23)
Wanted to follow but wasn’t ready for
discomfort
Wanted to follow but on his own terms
in his own timing
The Rich young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-26)
Chose to maintain his worldly wealth
instead of committing to follow
It was a heart issue from the start
The First Fundamental REALITY in following
Jesus is…
YOU CANNOT BE THE LEADER.
(you are no longer in charge!)
Romans 6:16 “Do you not know that when
you present yourselves to someone as slaves
for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?”
The 3 “MUSTS” of Following Jesus
1) Deny one’s self
To no longer exercise control or desire to control your own life choices
Surrender your time, effort, family, and
future to God’s plans.
2) Take up your cross
This is NOT referring to “suffering” or even “the cross I have to bear”
This is the choice to willingly die to your own agenda. (DAILY)
3) Follow Me
To walk in obedience in the use of your
time, effort, and resources to do all that
God wants you to do “without any
reservation or purpose of evasion.”
Footnotes:
Mathew 16:24-25 “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Mark 8:34-35 “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
Luke 9:23-24 “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.”
Matthew 10:38 “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.”
John 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Acts 5:32 And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
Ex: Oath of office: for Military officers
"I, __________________having been appointed an officer in the United States ARMY/NAVY/AIRFORCE/ MARINES of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States
against all enemies, foreign or domestic,
that I will bear true faith and allegiance
to the same; that I take this obligation
freely, without any mental reservation
or purpose of evasion; and that I will
well and faithfully discharge the duties
of the office upon which I am about to
enter; So help me God."
Are you ready to follow? Settle the issue of who is in charge.
Seek to have no will of your own.
Seek Him and learn to hear His voice
Follow Him obediently