Define Your Relationship
A Fan or A Follower – #1 of 5
Jerry Watts
Luke 9:23
(Note: This series is inspired by Kyle Idleman’s book – “Not a Fan”)
* (VIDEO) Over the next few weeks I am going to ask you to answer this simple question: “Am I a fan or am I a follower of Jesus Christ?” Now you have this type of question many times. You may have heard it so many times that you are anesthetized to it. Two weeks ago we heard a message about the reality of the today’s conditions – and that we must make a choice. Today I begin asking you, “Did you make or have you made the right choice about your life before Him?” If judged by Jesus, Are you a follower of Jesus or are you merely a fan?
* The dictionary defines a ‘fan’ as “an enthusiastic admirer and usually a spectator.” We live in the sport’s capital of the world, we all know about fans. True fans will do much to supports their object (team, person, car, etc) – but it is equally that a fan might well abandon in the times of difficulty when he is needed the most. The reason is because the fan is merely a spectator.
* Conversely, a ‘follower’ is more deeply involved. The dictionary says that a follower is ‘one in the service of, follows the teachings of, or imitates another.’ A follower is committed to be & do for their master, not just be a spectator. In the Bible days, a ‘follower’ was a ‘disciple’ who literally was an “apprentice”.
* This person worked with their master, doing work, asking questions, & learning from the master. This is Jesus’ concept of being a follower. So what are you?
* The reason we will be spending several weeks considering this truth, is because of the ongoing knot in my stomach which is birthed by the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 7. Within the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells a sobering story by painting for us a stunning picture.
* He speaks of the time when you & I will stand before the Father. Jesus says that there’ll be those who have worn the name of Jesus for years and now stand confidently before the throne ONLY TO HEAR these words, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” Here’s the truth: those who are only ‘fans of Jesus’ will hear these words. Jesus didn’t die to create a ‘fan-base’. He shed His blood to forgive sin, change lives, and make disciples. Please understand, a disciple is a follower & a follower is a disciple; in other words, a faithful follower. So, what are you?
* On the other hand, a fan can be fickled follower. That means they can be counted on as long as it serves them, they have happy, or the team is winning.
* Every time we gather, we have about 3 or 4 groups of people. First, we have those who are completely committed. They follow Jesus as best they know how, allow Christ to lead and direct their lives. Next, we have those who are seemingly Christian but really think, ‘we should be careful about going overboard with this religion thing.’ They will be heard to say, “I go to church on Sunday (mornings)”, “I don’t see the need of anything else,” or ‘be careful & don’t go crazy over religion.”
* The last group here would be those who are still deciding about following Christ.
* To all three groups, I ask this question: “Have you ever heard, comprehended, & digested the unedited version of Jesus’ teaching?”
* When you say, “Yea, I’ve heard it” then I respond, then you know that Jesus is very particular about the relationships which He has and develops. He gives no hope to anyone except those who are born again, disciples, & followers. He never gives any hope to the fans only to the followers.
* Luke 9:23 is one of many places which outlines this truth. (READ) YIKES!!
* Jesus said, “If you want have a relationship with me or come along with me, you must deny self, take up your cross, and follow me – daily?” Think about all the things He didn’t say. He didn’t say, ‘protect self, stay out of hurt, and go with me occasionally.” His words are unchangeable, unbreakable, and unalterable. In the time which remains, let me ask you to define your relationship to Jesus. Is it:
1. A Committed Relationship – Make no mistake, this is the relationship which we repeatedly hear Jesus describe. Honestly, He gives us no hint that any other type of relationship is acceptable to Him. Verse 23 speaks clearly. In Matthew, Mark & Luke, Jesus says, “Anyone who is not WITH me is against me.” The word ‘with’ speaks of commitment – a strong pledge, promise, obligation, or vow. Jesus’ words lead us to know that He expects full & complete loyalty & faithfulness.
* Are you committed to Jesus (a followers or just a fan)? Can He count on you?
* In John 6, we see a crowd of people around Jesus. The disciples must have thought, “This is what I’m talking about – big crowds!! We’ll be able to establish this kingdom in no time!!” In their minds, then Jesus did a great thing, He fed the multitude (Baptist) and had food left over! Peter, John, Andrew, and all the rest are ‘high-fiving’ each other. But then Jesus did something which the disciples considered counterproductive. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life, the living bread which has come down from heaven. The food you have just enjoyed, it was okay but the ones who eats, partakes of this living bread, will never die.” In other words, Jesus used the occasion of the large multitudes to show people the true way to God & heaven. In fact, seeing the shallow committed multitude leaving, Jesus turned to the 12 & asked, “You want to go to?”
* For all the times that Peter got it wrong, at this defining moment Peter stood tall spiritually. He said, “Where would we go – YOU are the answer.”
* If you say that you have a committed relationship with Him, ask a few questions?
o First, can you leave Him? Can you walk away? Can you turn your back on Him because the going gets tough? I submit that if you can walk away, stay away, & never come back – then you relationship to & with Him is less than committed
o Next, how much time do you spend with Him? Long years ago I was told that children spell love this way, “T I M E.” There can be no argument; we spend time with the people & things we love. So?
o Next, do you recognize His voice? Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice & know me.” Can you discern His voice when you are struggling with a decision?
o Last, how or why did you begin your relationship with Jesus? If you can figure out why you began your relationship with Jesus, it may be clear why it is what it is.
2. A Casual Relationship – To have a casual relationship with Jesus is not to meet the threshold of Luke 9:23 because there is nothing casual about self-denial, a cross, or following Jesus. But I do think about Nicodemus in John 3 to make the point of this casual relationship. Notice that Nic was ‘from the Pharisees and a ruler of the Jews.’ Obviously he was a learned man, well respected, and had a position of honor. It is obviously to me that he possessed certain diplomatic skills which were desperately needed in that day as he began the conversation with positive words. Because of his status, Nicodemus could have seen Jesus at almost any time of the day or night. However, he came to Jesus at night.
* While we cannot know the contents of Nicodemus’ heart (whether he sincerely was interested at this point in Jesus as the Messiah or if this was a ploy to expose Jesus’ sacrilege) what we do know is that he came under the cover of darkness so his status, his position, and his popularity would not take a hit.
* I submit that a relationship which is under the cover of darkness is, at best, casual and at worst carnal. Please learn from Nicodemus; Jesus makes no compromises in what He expects – for anyone. Could it be that Nicodemus wanted to come to Jesus at night, establish a relationship and have to change little or nothing in His life? You see, we don’t mind Jesus making a little change in us – but the truth is that while we think we need a little tune up, Jesus is thinking overhaul.
* Let’s expose the real question we all face: Have you made a decision for Jesus OR have you chosen to follow Jesus? There shouldn’t be a difference, but there is. Many have walked an aisle, raised a hand, and/or prayed a prayer, but you never made a commitment to follow Christ. As long as He doesn’t change my life, my lifestyle, and doesn’t impact my toys I can attend, sing, pray, and be good. JESUS NEVER OFFERED SUCH AN OPTION. In fact, he speaks strongly to the lukewarm.
3. A Cold Relationship – As I think about this possibility, I am reminded of Mark 10 and the rich young man who came to Jesus wanting to know the secret of eternal life. Let’s read this story (read). The young man wanted eternal life. He thought that by ‘playing up to Jesus’, he might talk Jesus down from the high standard which Jesus set. Walking down a part of the 10 commandment, Jesus didn’t speak the very command which this young man was breaking. That was the 1st one. Please listen, Jesus didn’t & doesn’t lower His standard for anyone. The young rich man was ‘stunned’ & walked away from the giver of life, giving up this relationship.
* Some today refuse to give up that one thing which serves as your god! You cannot be a follower of Jesus if something or someone else is the Lord or controller of your life. You, like Him will walk away.
* Some will say, “Why are you rehashing it?” Simply put, we are here for two reasons. First, because God has led me here and second, because of what is at stake. What is at stake is heaven-hell and death-life for eternity.
* In the words of Pastor Kyle Idleman, “How would you Define Your Relationship with Jesus?” In my words, “How does Jesus define His relationship with you?”
If music in our services truly reflected our devotion to Jesus they would be:
Prelude . . . . "O, How I Like Jesus"
First Hymn. . . . "I Surrender Some"
Anthem . . . . "Give of What's Left to the Master"
Children . . . "He is Quite a Bit to Me"
Solo . . . . . "Fill My Spoon, Lord"
* Closing Hymn . "Take My Life, Then Let Me Be"
ARE YOU A FAN OR A FOLLOWER?
