The Jesus Way of Life

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September 22nd Serve Night

Colorado Springs IYLC March 20th-24th

Opener:

There are a lot of “Christians” that are really bad at following Jesus. Why?

There’s a Difference between Admiring Jesus, and Following Jesus.

Admiring Jesus: means having positive thoughts and feelings about Jesus and doing some of what He talks about, as long as it’s comfortable and convenient for you.

Following Jesus: means going where He goes, doing what He does, trusting what He says, and loving how He loves.

1. Following Jesus is an all-of-life way of life.

Before they were called “Christians” they were called “Followers of the Way”

The New International Version Chapter 12

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ m 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ n There is no commandment greater than these.”

Translation: Following Jesus requires inviting him into every area of your life.

Pie Chart example.

Following Jesus is an all-of-life way of life.

2. Following Jesus is about being with Jesus.

Matthew 4:19–20 NIV

19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

If after Kendra and I got married we didn’t change a single thing about our lives.

Kendra Changed her name but…

Didn’t move in together.

Didn’t spend time with each other.

Didn’t build our priorities around each other.

So many people think following Jesus is about the label, and not about the lifestyle.

Following Jesus is about being with Jesus.

3. Following Jesus will make you more like Jesus.

The New International Version Chapter 6

40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

There’s no such thing as arrival, but following Jesus is a process where little by little, we become more like him.

Some of you know what this is like.

Some of you haven’t started in on this process.

Following Jesus will make you more like Jesus.

4. Following Jesus always involves other people.

This time we have together has the potential to transform your life, so that you’re not just an admirer of Jesus, but a true follower of Jesus.

Challenge

Worship at Church

Talk to God

Spend time in God’s Word