Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're looking at a passage from the Gospel of Luke that teaches us about what it truly means to follow Jesus. A.W. Tozer said, "The world is perishing for lack of the knowledge of God and the Church is famishing for want of His Presence." We need the presence of Jesus in our lives more than ever, and this passage will guide us on how we can truly follow Him.

Let's read Luke 18:18-30 together:

Following Jesus

Our Savior invites us to embark on a journey of faith, trust, and obedience, walking in His footsteps. This journey is not a casual stroll or a mere religious exercise; it is a radical transformation of our lives, a complete surrender of our will, and a passionate pursuit of God's kingdom and righteousness.

Following Jesus means acknowledging Him as our Lord and Savior. In the passage we read, the rich ruler approached Jesus with a sincere question about eternal life. He recognized Jesus as a good teacher, but he failed to see Him as the Son of God and the only way to salvation. Jesus challenged the ruler's understanding of goodness, pointing out that only God is truly good. In doing so, Jesus was inviting the ruler to recognize His divine identity and authority. To follow Jesus, we must first confess our sins, believe in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, and accept His gift of grace and forgiveness. This is the starting point of our journey with Christ, and it sets the foundation for our discipleship and spiritual growth.

Following Jesus means obeying His commandments and teachings. Jesus reminded the rich ruler of the Ten Commandments, which represent God's moral law and standard of righteousness. The ruler claimed that he had kept these commandments since his youth, but Jesus exposed the true condition of his heart by asking him to sell all his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. This command was not a general requirement for all believers, but a specific challenge for the ruler to confront his idolatry and materialism. Jesus was teaching that true discipleship involves a radical commitment to God's Word and a willingness to obey His commands, even when they demand great sacrifices and difficult choices. As followers of Jesus, we study the Scriptures diligently, meditate on them daily, and apply them consistently in our lives. We must also be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth and empowers us to live in obedience to God's will.

Following Jesus means loving and serving others. When Jesus asked the rich ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor, He was emphasizing the importance of compassion, generosity, and social justice in the life of a disciple. Jesus consistently demonstrated His love for the poor, the sick, the outcasts, and the sinners, and He called His followers to do the same. He taught that the greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. As followers of Jesus, we must be willing to share our resources, time, and talents with those in need, and to advocate for justice, equality, and dignity for all people. We must also be committed to building strong relationships within our church community, supporting one another in prayer, encouragement, and accountability, and working together to advance God's kingdom on earth.

Following Jesus means bearing our cross and embracing suffering. Jesus warned His disciples that they would face persecution, rejection, and suffering for His sake, and He called them to take up their cross daily and follow Him. The cross is a symbol of shame, pain, and death, but it is also a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrificial love and redemptive work on our behalf. As followers of Jesus, we must be willing to endure hardships, trials, and opposition for the sake of the gospel, and to trust in God's sovereignty, wisdom, and grace in the midst of our struggles. We must also be willing to die to our selfish ambitions, pride, and desires, and to submit our lives fully to the lordship of Christ. In this way, we can experience the joy, peace, and hope that come from knowing that our sufferings are not in vain, but are part of God's greater plan and purpose for our lives and for the world.

Following Jesus means seeking first His kingdom and righteousness. Jesus told the rich ruler that if he sold his possessions and followed Him, he would have treasure in heaven. This promise was an invitation to invest in the eternal values and priorities of God's kingdom. Jesus taught that our primary concern should be to seek God's kingdom and righteousness, and that all our other needs and desires would be met according to His will and provision. As followers of Jesus, we must resist the temptations of consumerism, materialism, and individualism, and focus our attention, energy, and resources on the things that truly matter in God's eyes. We must be passionate about sharing the gospel, making disciples, and transforming our culture and society with the values of love, justice, and truth. We must also be faithful stewards of the gifts, talents, and opportunities that God has entrusted to us, using them for His glory and the benefit of others.

The Cost of Discipleship

Now, I’d like to take a moment to highlight the sacrifices and commitment required to truly follow Jesus Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO