Is this a Casual or Committed Relationship?

The Big Idea: God wants YOU to be more than a fan.

OUR FOCAL TEXT- (NRSV) - The New Life in Christ 12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

Introduction:

• Jesus does not care about the size of the crowd. He is always concerned about their level of commitment. ~ Kyle Idleman (Not a Fan)

• God wants to know if your relationship with Him is exclusive or if He has competition. ~ JC

• A “fan” is the guy who goes to the football game with no shirt and a painted chest. He’s got a signed jersey hanging on his wall at home and multiple bumper stickers on the back of his car. But he’s never in the game. ~ Kyle Idleman

• Fans sit safely in the stands, but they know nothing of the sacrifice and the pain of the field. ~ Kyle Idleman

• Fans know all about Jesus, but they don’t know Jesus. ~ Kyle Idleman

What Defines A Truly Committed Follower Of Jesus Christ?

I. Being an authentic follower of Christ spans beyond cultural comparisons.

A. Cultural comparison Discipleship/Christianity looks at the commitment level of others around them, and this causes them to feel their relationship with God is more solid.

B. This type of Christianity glories in the downfall and failures of others.

C. If you find yourself measuring your relationship with Christ by comparing yourself to others, that is likely a self-indictment. You are probably insecure in your faith.

II. Being An Authentic Follower Of Christ Spans Beyond Rules And Religiosity

A. Your Discipleship is NOT is determined by your denomination.

B. Your Discipleship is NOT determined by your family heritage.

C. Your Discipleship is NOT determined by your Biblical knowledge.

III. Nicodemus, Follower Or Fan?

A. Nicodemus Comes to Jesus for advice.

1. He came to Jesus at night.

2. Fans want Jesus to inspire them, Jesus wants to interfere with their lives.

~ Kyle Idleman

a. Jesus wants to change our thinking.

b. Jesus wants to change our lifestyles.

c. Jesus wants to change our environment.

3. When we decide to believe in Jesus without making a commitment to follow Him, we become nothing more than fans.

B. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh aloes, about 75 pounds, to prepare Jesus for His burial.

1. Nicodemus risked his reputation and his status to follow Christ.

2. Nicodemus was willing to give of his earnings to show his love for Jesus Christ.

3. When others are in hiding, Nicodemus is will to make a great gesture of His love.

4. Nicodemus transitioned from fan to follower by the end of John’s gospel narrative.