Committed Disciple Series

For the last several weeks we have spent time considering that we as followers of Jesus we are to be His disciples. This term “disciple” carries the meaning of being a student or pupil of Jesus. Today we identify with Jesus using the term “Christian” which implies an association or follower of Jesus.

To say you’re a “Christian” carries the idea that you’re a disciple but does it? Many in the Christian world today the understandings of what it means to be a Christian for many is to include a lot of don’t such as movies you can’t see, places you can’t go, things you can’t read. The Christian walk carries the understanding that because you are a Christian you can’t have fun anymore.

This is not true; Christianity is not about a lot of don’ts, but it is about a relationship with Jesus starting with your decision to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. (Rom 10:10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. NIV) Through salvation comes the first act of obedience in believer’s life that of baptism, through the ordinance of baptism we identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The old person who was spiritually dead. (Eph 2:5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. NIV) This is called “salvation” through salvation we become a “Christian”. I have discovered from my years in the pastorate that there are two types of Christians, the “committed and uncommitted Christian. In Luke 14: 26-27 Jesus defines the committed Christian.

Sermon Text: Luke 14:26-27 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters — yes, even his own life — he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. NIV

ILLUSTRATION: Discipleship Is Not A Second Step In ...By SermonCentral

1"Discipleship is not the second step in Christianity, as if one first becomes a believer in Jesus and then (if he chooses) a disciple, but from the beginning, discipleship is involved in what it means to be a Christian." Committing to becoming a follower of Jesus includes the commitment to become a student or pupil, to learn to be Christ-like each day, to become more like Jesus. When I enlisted in the Army I took an oath to obey the orders and commands given by my superiors. In the same way, you and I have enlisted in the Army of God and our commander in chief is Jesus. As a soldier of (2 Tim 2:3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs — he wants to please his commanding officer. NIV)

1st Taking Up the Cross – Luke 14: 27 And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

What does it mean to “carry his cross”? The Bible God’s Word is the only place a Christian can turn to define this statement of “carrying his cross”.

Acts 11:24 provides us with an idea of what it means to be a Christian, spiritual profile” of Barnabas, and he appears to be the kind of Christian all of us would do well to emulate. He was a righteous man who obeyed the Word in daily life so that his character was above reproach. He was filled with the Spirit, which explains the effectiveness of his ministry. That he was a man of faith is evident from the way he encouraged the church and then encouraged Saul. New Christians and new churches need people like Barnabas to encourage them in their growth and ministry(2). When the people of Antioch observed the life of Barnabas, they did not see him, but they saw Jesus.

Acts 11:26 ... So for a whole year, Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. NIV

Paul speaking to King Agrippa shared his faith with him. Note Agrippa's response to Paul's appeal to him. Acts 26:28 Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" NIV

From the time of Paul’s Damascus road conversion, he (Paul) had a burning desire to share his conversation with all he came in contact with. He said in 1 Cor 1:18-19 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. NIV As a disciple of Jesus we need to share the message of the cross with others as commanded by Jesus in the “Great Commission” in Matthew 28.