FOLLOWING JESUS
Introduction:
1. Matthew 16:24-28.
2. I am persuaded that we, in this modern world, do not realize
the importance of this verse of scripture.
3. We have a "Christianity" made easy so as to accommodate self.
4. So many do so little toward God.
5. May we examine these verses a little closer, with a little
more desire to make personal application.
6. Verse 24 has at least three divisions; three steps in
following Jesus.
I. SELF-DENIAL: "let him deny himself,"
1. There is no better test of reality and earnestness in our
religious life than this.
2. It must be of our own free will; we must turn away from
everything that might hinder our discipleship.
3. It must be VOLUNTARY!!!!!
4. This is not only denying of something that one craves, but
it is the denial of self --- while at the same time giving
oneself to God.
Not talking about what some people call Lent -- giving up
something one has been doing.
5. This is the DEATH OF SELF-WILL, and the BIRTH OF GOD-WILL.
6. HOW MANY OF US HAVE SURRENDERED OURSELVES TO GOD???
7. This began when we arose from the watery grave of baptism,
as we came forth as a new creature. -- Rom. 6:3-4.
8. We MUST dedicate our life to the Savior.
9. As long as we make self our object, our end, our center, we
are loosing our life and our self; but when we are able to
abandon self and live righteously for God we emerge into
life eternal. (vs 25)
10. WORLDLINESS MUST BE FOUGHT AND CONQUERED. By worldliness I
am not necessarily talking about overt sin, but simply
allowing the things of this world to take first place in our
lives.
11. Jesus set the example: Born in a stable, a servant of all,
tried, shamed, falsely accused, spat upon, scourged,
crucified -- 2 Pet. 1:22. He surrendered His will.
12. We too, must surrender our will to Him. We are not to seek
our own will, but to submit to Him.
13. We must deny self with reference to God's commandments;
doing NOT what seems best to us, but doing what God has
commanded through His will.
14. DENY SELF, and.....
II. TAKE UP OUR CROSS (Luke says "daily")
1. NOTE: Not "Christ's cross," but our cross.
2. Each one has his own cross, some point in which the will of
God and the will of self come into opposition.
3. We must be eager to endure it, meet it with solemn joy, be
glad that we are counted worthy of it.
4. Our cross may be some small point -- whether or not we will
give up some besetting sin, whether or not we will do some
disagreeable duty, whether or not we will surrender
something which stands in the way between us and our God.
5. "For my sake" is the key to the verse.
6. It is the surrender of life; for the giving up of self means
the giving up of all that opposes righteousness.
7. MUST BE VOLUNTARY. It is our power to refuse.
8. Jesus Himself said, "Not my will, but thine be done." So
must be our desire.
III. FOLLOW ME:
1. If we expect to receive blessings, we MUST follow Him.
2. Not talking about following from afar, like Peter.
3. But, ever looking unto Jesus -- Heb. 12:1-4, keeping our
eyes, our very life, affixed on Him.
4. We must be imitating Him.....
Does the world see Jesus in us????
What do people think when they view us???
5. We MUST be obedient TO HIM!!!!
Cannot follow Him while refusing to do His Will.
We simply cannot do our own will.
6. Vs. 27 -- reason why we must follow Him:
"Shall render unto every man according to his deeds."
7. Must be energetic and active, not passive and resigned, but
with all the zeal of an obedient servant.
8. Cf. Following tracts in the sand. May we track our Master's
footsteps.
9. Christ has gone the road before us, and with His strength we
can be strong enough to travel the same road as He.
10. Note Luke's negative side -- Luke 14:27 "cannot be my
disciple."
Conclusion:
1. If you have never obeyed Jesus then why not now deny self of
your own desires and wishes and follow Him.
2. To you who have already begun to follow, why not now become
more truthful to Him and a stronger worker.
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