“If anyone desires to be My disciples let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Luke 9:23, ELT
1. The word to change everything – if:
a. Not impossible.
b. Expected or unexpected?
c. But possible – Athens vs. Sparta – determination.
2. Root word for disciple, Mathetes, from:
a. To learn.
b. Powerful force.
3. Three steps:
a. Follow new example.
b. Leave the past.
c. Discipline to new goal.
A. JESUS' FIRST DIRECTIVE – FOLLOW ME
1. Instant obedience. To Simon and Andrew, “come follow Me, and I will show you how to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19). To James and John, “He called them to come … they immediately left their boat and their father behind” (4:22).
2. Total obedience. “They left everything and followed Jesus” (Luke 5:11).
3. Jesus last directions before returning to heaven. “Follow Me” (John 21:22).
4. Follow:
a. He is Lord (John 20:28).
b. Obey Him (John 5:2).
c. Live like Him (1 Peter 2:22).
d. Do what He would do (John 15:14).
e. Bear fruit (John 15:16).
f. Worship Him (Revelation 1:17).
5. Total yieldedness. “Not my will but Thine be done” (Luke 22:42).
B. DENY HIMSELF – LEAVE THE PAST
1. Repent; first, change the mind/attitude, then change actions. Metanoeo with the mind. “Jesus … came preaching … repent” (Mark 1:14-15).
2. Jesus expected a complete change/transformation in followers. “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Luke 5:32).
3. Paul was our example. “Not I but Christ” (Galatians 2:20).
4. Process. “Put off … your former ways of conduct … put on a new person … created by God … righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:20-24, ELT).
5. You lose to gain. “Who saves his life, loses it, and those who lose their life for Me, finds it” (Luke 9:24, ELT).
C. DISCIPLINE TO A NEW GOAL: “TAKE UP YOUR CROSS DAILY”
1. What is your cross?
a. Symbol of death/separation.
b. Accept Jesus.
c. Your difficulties identify with Jesus difficulties.
d. Symbol of sacrifice and selflessness.
2. Meaning of “take up.”
a. Romans forced convicts to carry the cross.
b. Willingness to die to self.
c. Put to death your ideas of life.
3. Daily:
a. Once for all – the rest of your life.
b. Once again – each new day.
c. Once – for each moment of thought, desire, choice.
4. Don’t dwell on past actions, accomplishments, thoughts.
5. Think immediate action – follow Me.
D. TEN PRINCIPLES FOR DISCIPLESHIP
1. Allow Jesus' indwelling to influence your life. “You in me and I in you” (John 14:20).
2. Put Jesus before possession. “They immediately left the boat … followed Him (Matthew 4:22).
3. Disciplining self-denial. “Come after Me … deny self” (Luke 9:23).
4. Becoming a disciple means spending time with Jesus daily. “He appointed twelve … to be with Him” (Mark 3:14).
5. The ultimate goal of discipling is learning Jesus. “Come … take My yoke … learn of Me” (Matthew 11:28-29).
6. Obeying His commands. “Abide in My word, you are My disciples” (John 8:31).
7. Learning to pray. “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).
8. Continuous positive attitude. “My joy remains in you” (John 15:11).
9. Bearing fruit (both inner and outer life). “I choose you … go bear fruit” (John 15:16).
10. Making others a disciple like you. “Make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
For more information on the TRBC Pastor’s Bible Class, log on to the Internet for TRBC Home page at www.trbc.org/pbc.
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