Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to explore what it means to be a true follower of Christ. As believers, we are called to emulate Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions, but what does that really look like?

C.S. Lewis once wrote, "The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us." Our journey as followers of Christ is one of constant growth and transformation, as we strive to become more like Jesus each day.

Our key verses for today's sermon come from Hebrews 12:1-2 and Philippians 3:12-14. Let's read them together:

Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

Philippians 3:12-14: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Before we begin, let's bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and the guidance it provides us in our daily lives. As we explore these scriptures today, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to understand the true meaning of being a follower of Christ. Help us to recognize the areas in our lives where we can grow, and give us the strength and courage to pursue the path You have laid out for us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The Necessity

The call to follow Jesus is an invitation to a life of transformation, growth, and deepened relationship with our Creator. It is through this pursuit that we come to understand the fullness of God's love for us and the purpose for which we were created.

As humans, we are inherently flawed and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This reality necessitates our need for a Savior, and it is through following Jesus that we find forgiveness, grace, and the opportunity for a renewed life. By acknowledging our need for Christ and committing ourselves to follow Him, we embark on a journey of transformation that brings us closer to the person God created us to be.

As believers, we are called to surrender our will to God and allow Him to guide our steps. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." This means that we must be willing to lay down our own desires, ambitions, and plans in order to fully embrace the life God has called us to live. This surrender is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous process of submitting ourselves to the Lordship of Christ and allowing Him to shape and mold us according to His will.

In order to become more like Jesus, we must be intentional in our efforts to grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God. This includes engaging in regular prayer, studying the Bible, and participating in fellowship with other believers. As we grow in our faith, we become better equipped to navigate the challenges and trials of life, and we are better able to discern God's will for our lives.

In Ephesians 4:15, Paul writes, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." This growth is not only essential for our own spiritual well-being, but it also enables us to effectively share the love of Christ with others and fulfill the Great Commission.

Jesus set the ultimate example of servanthood, as He willingly laid down His life for the sake of humanity. As His followers, we are called to emulate this selfless love and seek opportunities to serve others. In Mark 10:45, Jesus says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." By following Christ's example and serving others, we not only demonstrate the love of God to those around us, but we also grow in our own faith and understanding of what it means to be a true disciple.

As believers, we are engaged in a constant battle against the forces of darkness that seek to undermine our faith and hinder our walk with God. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." In order to stand firm in our faith and resist the enemy's attacks, we must be fully committed to following Christ and living in accordance with His teachings. This requires diligence, perseverance, and a deep reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus declared in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." By following Jesus, we are not only granted forgiveness and redemption in this life, but we are also given the assurance of eternal life in the presence of God.

The Characteristics

The characteristics of a true follower of Christ are not merely a checklist of behaviors but rather a reflection of the transformation that takes place within a person's heart as they grow in their relationship with Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO