Be A Good Follower

Be a Good Follower

(Joshua 1:16-18)

Logan Peters

Introduction:

1. Whether in the Church, in our families, or in our jobs, being a follower is as

important as being a leader. (Hebrews 13:17)

2. The Lord told Joshua all that would be theirs if they observed the entire law of God. (Joshua 1:8). Joshua understood that there had to be complete obedience throughout the whole congregation. (Joshua 1:10)

3. A complete dedication to God was a necessity for the success of the plan God laid out for Joshua. (Joshua 1:8)

4. What about Christians today? As followers of Christ, we have to completely conform to His law. We have to be good followers if we are to be good servants of Christ. (John 12:26)

A Good Follower Is Submissive

Submission is the the yielding or acceptance of authority.

1. The officers of the congregation submitted without hesitation. (Joshua 1:16)

Do we trust God enough to submit to His law? (Matthew 6:24-34) Do we love Christ enough to keep His commandments? (John 14:15)

2. If we are to follow Christ, we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Christ. (Mark 8:34)

a. What did the cross represent to those that were listening

to Christ? The cross represented torture and death.

b. There could be earthly consequences to submitting and following Christ. Are we willing to endure those? If we are to follow Him, we MUST be fully committed to Him.

Submission is following the entire law of Christ. (Joshua 1:8)

1. Christ does not say “if ye keep (PART OF) my commandments…”.

(John 15:10)

a. If we are to abide in the love of Christ as described in John 15, we have to keep the whole law.

b. There is no “cherry picking” of the scriptures. I cannot follow the scriptures that I like most and ignore the ones I do not like.

2. To reach the promised land, the Israelites had to follow the law of God wholly. And when they failed to do so, they were punished. We, too, should follow the Law wholly.

C. This Submission also includes submitting to the authority of the Eldership, leaders in government, and authority in the household. (Hebrews 13:17)

1. The eldership oversees the flock: The elders have been given the task of guiding the congregation, spiritually. Therefore, It is our duty to adhere to their guidance as long as it is in accordance with scripture. (1 Timothy 3:1-7)

2. We must submit to the civil authority of the government as long as it does not violate the Law of God. (Romans 13:1)

3. We must also submit to the authority of the household. (Ephesians 5:22-23)

4. All of this is dependent upon understanding that Christ is the true head of all three of these, and submission is dependent on if the entire Law of God is observed.

II. A Good Follower Encourages Others

A. The officers encouraged Joshua. (Joshua 1:17)

1. We should always encourage those in the Church. (Hebrews 10:19-25)

a. From the eldership, to preachers, to members, everyone needs encouragement.

b. There is time and place for proper encouragement, discipline, and correction. (2 Timothy 4:2)

2. When was the list time you told someone, “Thank you.”? When was the last time you offered to help?

a. We must do our part to help keep the fire stoked inside of the Church.

b. Encourage others in all seasons: in pain, in joy, and in times of trial.

B. Encouragement is essential for the growth of the Church.

1. Paul encouraged Timothy. (1 Timothy 1:1-10)

a. We ought to urge, uplift, and motivate our young preachers / youth ministers.

b. The state of people leaving the Church is alarming. What can I do to help? We cannot accept defeat.

2. Our youth need as much support as we can give. In an ever changing world, we must teach to hold onto the NEVER changing God. (Hebrews 13:8)

III. A Good Follower Is Accountable

To be a good follower, we have to be accountable for our mistakes, our work, and our actions.

1. As a follower, we must be ready to accept responsibility for our actions and pay the consequences for those actions. (Galatians 6:4-5)

2. We must accept our past, but press onward to the future. (Philippians 3:12).

We cannot let our past linger. Press upward towards Christ, move on and move forward to the goal of heaven.

B. If one did not follow the law of God, or rebelled against it, they were put to death. (Joshua 1:18)

1. This idea can translate to the New Testament age. (Mark 16:16)

a. We have a decision before us as humans. Either we believe the Word of God and do what it commands us, or we do not.

b. Our decision may not result in physical death, but it could possibly lead to a spiritual death. (Romans 6:23)

2. Sin is the transgression or disobedience of the Law of God. Life, eternal salvation is found in the Word. (John 14:6)

Conclusion:

1. To become a good follower, we must be submissive, encouraging, and accountable.

Just like in Joshua’s time, it was imperative that they follow the Law of God in

completeness.

2. Everything that we do should be in accordance to the will of God, and the will of God

should lead our lives.

3. As we read in John 14:6, Christ is the only avenue to receiving eternal life and to

begin our lifelong service in His Kingdom.

4. In order to begin wholly serving and joining the Body of Christ, one must:

a. Hear the word. (Romans 10:17)

Believe the word. (Hebrews 11:6)

Repent of your sins. (Acts 2:38)

Confess Jesus as the Son of God. (Romans 10:9-10)

Be Baptized for the remission of sins. (1 Peter 3:21)

Remain Faithful. (Revelation 2:10)

5. The best follower is the one who follows Christ with his whole heart, mind, and

strength. Do not let today pass without making yourself right with God. If you have

already obeyed and need to come back to God, His invitation is open to both cases.