To Follow Christ...

TO FOLLOW CHRIST…

John 21:15-19

Introduction: Jesus is risen, now what? Two weeks after Easter, let’s look at where the disciples were and what Jesus had to say about it. This is what Jesus says to those who would follow Him.

I. A lesson in humility

A. Peter had seen Jesus several time since the Resurrection with no mention of the denial

1. 3 times questioned, 3 times denied

2. Matt 26:33 “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will”

3. Jesus = Agape x 2 Phileo x 1 Peter = Phileo x 3

B. We must be broken to truly come to Jesus

1. Peter was broken by the third question

a. ILLUS 690 – Chief 3 rules in speaking = delivery, Christianity = humility

2. Beatitudes – Blessed are the poor in Spirit

a. Humility is perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody peaises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret, and am at peach as in a deep sea of calmness, when all around and above is trouble. The humble person is not one who thinks meanly of himself, he simply does not think of himself at all. Andrew Murray

3. Complete devotion comes from realizing we have no where else to turn

II. Jesus’ challenge to ministry

A. We are called to work for Christ

1. Evangelizing is more than witnessing

2. Evangelize through actions

a. Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men, but keepers of the aquarium.

B. We are called to suffer for Christ

1. Peter’s crucifixion upside down at his request

2. Ministry is dirty work

3. Not what you want but what I say!

III. A command to follow

A. Follow completely

1. Don’t think of yourself

a. Selective obedience is not obedience at all, it is convenience.

2. Keep nothing for yourself

a. Rich young ruler

b. Obedience is not a momentary option…it is a diecast decision made beforehand. Nate Saint, martyred missionary.

B. Follow with your heart

1. God looks at the heart

2. Treasures in Heaven

a. Reasons to follow: FEAR – because you have to, REWARD – because you get something, LOVE – because Christ loved you first.

b. Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made; Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above, would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.

C. Seek God’s Will

1. A simple command – FOLLOW ME!

a. I am the way…

b. Take up your cross…

Conclusion: Are you following Jesus? Approach him with a broken spirit, seek His will, and devote your whole being to follow it, no matter the cost.