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Scripture Reading:  Luke 9:57-62

Followers of Christ

Intro.

1.  By definition, a disciple is a “learner who adheres to what he learns” – Jno. 8:31-32.

    a.     A pupil who imitates his teacher – Jno. 13:12-15.

    b.     One who refuses to apply the truth he learns cannot be Christ’s disciple – Lk. 14:27.

2.     Many people followed after Jesus during His life – and many follow after Him today, but not all were (are) truly His disciples – Lk. 14:25; Jno. 6:66.

3.     What kind of a follower of Christ are we?

    1.     Like Peter, these want to follow Jesus & know His presence in their lives, but they keep their distance:

        a.     Perhaps from fear of reprisal from others.

        b.     Perhaps desiring their own convenience:

            1)   Won’t “get involved” in the church, etc. if it presents difficulties.

            2)   These attend, teach, study, etc. only if it convenient to do so.

            3)   Yet, they see themselves (& expect to be known) as strong Christians!

    2.     Following from a distance leads to denial of Christ!  (Matt. 26:69-75)

        a.     Those with this concept of discipleship are deceived – Matt. 26:35.

        b.     Those with this concept of discipleship are unreliable!  (1 Cor. 4:2)

    3.     Draw near to God! – Jas. 4:7-8

    1.     This Christian is always dissatisfied with others:  the church, the elders, the preacher, the class teachers, the song leader, etc.

    2.     Not talking about needed rebuke (Lk. 17:3).

    3.     Criticism (defaming, denigration) of others:

        a.     Often self-vindicating – cf. Jno. 12:6.  (Hides one’s own sins)

        b.     Can be persuasive (Judas influenced others) – Mk. 14:4-5 (Eccl. 9:18).

    1.     Feuding among saints costs souls!  (1 Cor. 1:10)  [Ex. Power struggles, cliques, personal grudges]

    2.     Peace in the church not an option/luxury – required by Lord & necessary for us to accomplish our work! – Rom. 14:19; Eph. 4:1-3; Col. 3:14-15

    1.     These want to follow Jesus, & begin to do so – 8:23.

    2.     The storms of life challenge faith, & fear overwhelms these disciples – cf. 8:24-25.  [Little faith causes fear, 8:26]

        a.     Add moral courage to our faith – 2 Pet. 1:5.

        b.     Complete our love – 1 Jno. 4:17-18.

    3.     Strengthen faith & love to eliminate fear – Heb. 13:6; Psa. 27:1 (23:4).

    1.     Receive & do the word of God – Jas. 1:21-22.

    2.     Proof of our discipleship:

        a.     Is in the doing, not the hearing of truth – Jas. 1:22.

        b.     Is in the doing, not the saying – Lk. 6:46; Matt. 7:21.

    3.     To this follower, his will is secondary to doing God’s will – Heb. 5:8-9.

    1.     Sacrifice is characteristic of true disciples – Lk. 9:23; 14:25-27, 33.

        a.     Phil. 3:7-8 – Object is to “gain Christ” – all else is secondary.

        b.     To this disciple, neither inconvenience, time, physical conditions nor any other consideration will keep him from following Jesus!  (Josh. 24:15)

    2.     Blessed now & rewarded eternally – Mk. 10:29-30.

    1.     This disciple engages the fight to prevail, enters the race to win, embraces the faith to keep it – 2 Tim. 4:6-8.

    2.     Let nothing keep you from your goal – Rom. 8:35-39.

    3.     Endurance now brings eternal rest – Heb. 6:11-12; 10:36; 12:1-2; Rev. 14:12-13.

 

Conclusion 

1.   Which follower are you?  Am I?

2.   Like Joshua & Caleb, let us fully follow the Lord with obedience, sacrifice & endurance – Num. 12:24; 32:12.

3.   The Lord is with us while we are with Him! – 2 Chrn. 15:2