Friday Sermon - Master - Logos Sermons

Follower or Admirer?

If I asked a church full of people, “ how many follow Jesus Christ? I guessing every hand would go up.

I’m guessing most would immediately begin recalling how they prayed a prayer, go to church, pray at dinner, maybe participate in BS.....

I’m guessing most would immediately begin recalling how they go to church, pray at dinner, maybe participate in BS.....

Quickly define fan and follower...

fan - follow when it’s convenient

follower - wholly devoted to Christ

Allow me to propose a comparison…2 Friends whom you’ve been going to BS with for years..

Believer One - had several challenging situations over the years. Her marriage, kids issues, job challenges. Not always made the best decisions, Yet, you’ve seen her spiritual maturity through the seasons. You see conviction when necessary, confession even if it’s slow in coming, but one could definitely could see the spiritual growth.

Surely it wasn’t perfect, and there were times she did not like the having to do things the Lord’s way, but one could definitely could see the spiritual growth.

Person One - begin seeing changes, etc... We witness spiritual maturity...

Believer Two ....Attend BS together, she talks about how she’s not forgiving her ex. She gossips about the people she works with and often times makes excuses for her behavior that isn’t necessarily godly with statements like, “that’s just how I am”... When things go well she’s quick to praise, but when things aren’t so favorable, she’s quick to question.

Person Two ....May see them at bible study, but NO FRUIT.....

Now - Should the body of Chris ok w/ a tree that doesn’t bear fruit, just because it’s among trees that do?

Now, the Bible says that we will know them by their fruit, right?

Should then, the body of Christ not challenge a believer that doesn’t show spiritual maturity?

If we were to identify them by their fruit, would you say one was more of a fan then a follower?

Tell a story:

Imagine Jesus, standing at the Sea of Galilee. He has crowds all around him. He is laying out again who He is and His desire to save a lost and dying world.

He goes on to share how through Him, individuals can find a life worth living and purpose...

Asks who believes in Me? Hands go up

Who will follow me?

People start chatting among each other…a buzz starts happening.

They’re all excited. They are surely caught up in the moment

Jesus goes on to tell them about: forgiveness, unconditional love, freedom from our burdens.

In a culture where some are considered less than nothing, Jesus brings a message that says you’re more than enough...

He shares w/ them that we are Saved by grace through faith…

They hear those words and start thinking, we want to follow you Jesus.

We want to follow you Jesus. What do you expect of us ?

Several people in the audience

He does the work, we believe -------------

One guy, a ‘rich young ruler’ from mark 10, mentioned on Friday evening, asks the question - what’s the cost?

He tells them that ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast’

Audience asked: What do you expect of us ? If we say ‘yes’, what does that mean for us?

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.they are saved by faith through Christ’...

He gives his answer in …and with the words He gave them, are the words He gives us...

He gives his answer in “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves daily and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

He wants to make sure they understand they’re not entering into the gift of grace lightly. He knows that their yes must be yes...

Sidebar:

The Cost of Following Jesus

57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

59 He said to another man, “Follow me.”

But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”

60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”

62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Preceding dialogue w/ Peter - Who do you say I am...

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Proceeds it w/ the dialogue of Peter - Who do you say I am...

foxes have holes, birds have nests...

The New International Version Chapter 9

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it

The New International Version Chapter 9

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

Sidebar:

Often we talk about coming to Christ and the simplicity of it all. We tell people we just need ask Jesus into our heart… We don’t talk about repentance, we don’t talk about a surrendered will....turning away from lives that aren’t honoring the Lord.

Too often we talk about coming to Christ and the simplicity of it all. We tell people we just need to pray a prayer… Is simple, but not easy..

I believe we might be guilty of not telling the WHOLE story....and even watering down the gospel…

We’ve memorized …but we forego the rest of the story...

all true, but Jesus also sets in motion a progression of sorts...

Jesus says, To be a follower of mine, I’m going to have an expectation…with your ‘yes’...“Take up your cross, deny self, follow me.”..

Take up cross, deny self, follow me...

I believe the reason we have so many powerless Christians in the world is because they prayed a prayer, thinking that’s all I need to do for the rest of their lives.

Can’t just add Jesus and ask Him to bless it? Nope

Jesus wants everything. That’s why he said count the cost...

They didn’t surrender anything, they just added Jesus to their situation, prayed a prayer, and just sat down..

We don’t get to be the “Christian Mafia” gal…:-)

I believe the reason we have so many powerless Christians in the world is because they prayed a prayer, thinking that’s all I need to do for the rest of their lives.

Question for us? Have we cheated ourselves and others into believing there are no expectations as a Christ follower? No, not works…but fruit, which can only come from a surrendered will...

And as a result, we have people who are not experiencing the power of God, their not seeing anything different …

But mostly, neither do the people around them!

They don’t understand why they’re so frustrated...

But mostly, neither do the people around them!

Back to the story…Jesus starts walking with the peeps...

Read - ..

One guy, a ‘rich young ruler’ from mark 10, mentioned on Friday evening, asks the question - what’s the cost? Jesus tells Him to sell his possessions...

READ Jesus says READ AMPLIFIED

t 16:2427 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

16:2427 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14-

25 Now large crowds were going along with Jesus; and He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not [c]hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life [in the sense of indifference to or relative disregard for them in comparison with his attitude toward God]—he cannot be My disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow after Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] cannot be My disciple.

Emphasizes the significance and the cost...of the relationship we will enter into…Consider the cost before entering...

28 For which one of you, when he wants to build a watchtower [for his guards], does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to finish it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is unable to finish [the building], all who see it will begin to ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish!’ 31 Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one who is coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else [if he feels he is not powerful enough], while the other [king] is still a far distance away, he sends an envoy and asks for terms of peace. 33 So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not [carefully consider the cost and then for My sake] [d]give up all his own possessions.

28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.

What’s Jesus saying to those in the crowd? The same thing He’s saying to us...

You and I What’s Jesus saying to those in the crowd?

A life surrendered to me is more than just saying a prayer…there is an expectation of total surrender, so much so that Jesus warns of ‘counting the cost’...

Jesus was very direct...

depend on me more than anything else you depend on

Can’t just add Jesus and ask Him to bless it? Nope

trust in me more than any other element you put your trust in.

Expects a willingness to let go of anything (He) believes isn’t good for us. And He gets to decide what those things are.

(laid them out in -5)

Jesus wants everything. That’s why he said count the cost...

Things like like gossip, unforgiveness, control, pride - SELF PITY

Jesus was very direct...

Jesus was very direct...Jesus told us to count the cost before we say yes…

Jesus said - count the cost before we say yes…

Jesus was very direct...Jesus told us to count the cost before we say yes…

He lays out the cost of following him, the sacrifices that will be necessary, what the expectations are that come with making a decision to follow Him.

take up cross, deny self, follow me...

Read - careful before you say yes.

He lays out the cost of following him, the sacrifices that will be necessary, what the expectations are that come with making a decision to follow Him.

One guy, a ‘rich young ruler’ from mark 10, mentioned on Friday evening, asks the question - what’s the cost? Jesus tells Him to sell his possessions...

Love Me more than any possession we might be attached to.

depend on me more than anything else you depend on

trust in me more than any other element you put your trust in.

Expects a willingness to let go of anything (He) believes isn’t good for us. And He gets to decide what those things are.

(laid them out in )

Things like like gossip, unforgiveness, control, pride - SELF PITY

Continue w/ story: He Asks who believes in Me? Hands go up - that’s the easy part.

Continue w/ story: He Asks who believes in Me? Hands go up

Who has counted the cost and is in? Whose going to actually will follow me?

Fewer hands go up...

Bible says, 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

To be saved by grace, does not mean there are no expectations as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ...

Appears to be a contradiction,

To be saved by grace, does not mean there are no expectations...

Illustration - Suppose I had a desire to climb Mount Everest. But it costs about $115,000 to do it and I don’t have that kind of money. Suppose a wealthy businessman heard of my desire and offered to pay for the entire expedition. He would buy all the expensive clothing and gear, he would pay for my transportation, the guides, and the training. It’s totally free for me. But if I accept his free offer, I have just committed myself to months of difficult training and arduous effort. It could even cost me my very life, because many good climbers die trying to climb Mount Everest. It is free and yet very costly.

A commitment to Jesus is ‘free’, but costly...

Jesus Christ freely offers the water of life to everyone who thirsts. But, we need to understand that when we receive His free offer, we are no longer our own; we have been bought with a price. Therefore, to truly follow Christ, we must consider the cost and not begin to follow Him superficially, only to turn back later when things get tough. That is what Jesus warns against in our text.

This is a mistake Jesus wants to be sure that all of his disciples are careful to avoid. Therefore, he tells us in advance how much it will cost us to follow him to the very end.

Even before we come to faith in Christ, he calls us to count the true cost of Christian discipleship, which demands us to love him, and obey Him.

This is a mistake Jesus wants to be sure that all of his disciples are careful to avoid. Therefore, he tells us in advance how much it will cost us to follow him to the very end. Even before we come to faith in Christ, he calls us to count the true cost of Christian discipleship, which demands us to love him more than anything else in the world and to carry the cross of our own sacrificial love.

He wants to be first…not second...

Quote:Dietrich Bonhoeffer calls what Christ does here “Costly Grace”

This is a mistake Jesus wants to be sure that all of his disciples are careful to avoid. Therefore, he tells us in advance how much it will cost us to follow him to the very end. Even before we come to faith in Christ, he calls us to count the true cost of Christian discipleship, which demands us to love him more than anything else in the world and to carry the cross of our own sacrificial love.

Quote:Dietrich Bonhoeffer calls what Christ does “Costly Grace”

Quote:Dietrich Bonhoeffer calls what Christ does here “Costly Grace”

In His book The Cost of Discipleship Bonhoeffer addresses the opposite … He calls Cheap Grace -

“Cheap Grace is the deadly enemy of our church. We are fighting today for costly grace. Cheap grace means grace sold on the market like cheap wares. The sacraments, the forgiveness of sin and the consolation of religion are thrown away at cut prices … In such a church the world finds a cheap covering for its sins; no contrition is required, still less any real desire to be delivered from sin.

Cheap grace therefore amounts to a denial of the living word of God, in fact, a denial of the incarnation of the Word of God. Cheap Grace means justification of the sin without justification of the sinner. “Grace alone does everything, they say, and so everything can remain as it was before.”

”Bring you back to Opening Sermon

Bring you back to Opening Sermon

Opening Message - Expectation of Ongoing Growth. You see, we can come to Jesus without earning or doing anything ‘right’, He does have expectations after we say “I do”.

Paul laid out a list of behaviors, characters and lifestyles that should be expected to be put to death and no longer a part of the life of the believer...

Paul laid out a list of behaviors, characters and lifestyles that were no longer to be a part of the life of the believer...

Insert: Before Grace/After Grace on Whiteboard

says “you must no longer live as the Gentiles do…(reference to the non-believer) 22: you were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by tits deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitudes of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness:

says “you must no longer live as the Gentiles do…22: you were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by tits deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitudes of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness:

In other words, don’t live the way you lived as a non-believer...

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it!

Expound on that idea a bit: evidence in our actions, evidence of Christ...

However, he concludes the book by saying 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it!

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it!

However, he concludes the book by saying 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it!

says “you must no longer live as the Gentiles do…22: you were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by tits deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitudes of your minds and to pur on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness:

Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

says “you must no longer live as the Gentiles do…22: you were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by tits deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitudes of your minds and to pur on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness:

In other words, don’t live the way you lived as a non-believer... our B/A should be noticeable...

In other words, don’t live the way you lived as a non-believer...

Bridge - Many could recite , , but we don’t give enough credence to passages like above for fear of speaking heresy or sounding as though we are preaching a gospel that contradicts grace...

Those around us should be able to say about us, ‘That was then, this is now’

Challenges our walk. It’s offensive.

He’s saying that our B/A should be noticeable...

‘That was then, this is now’

Simple, but not easy...

He was asking them for an all out surrender!

Jesus said, Luke 9:23...

Those around us should be able to say about us, ‘That was then, this is now’

Bridge - Many could recite , , but we don’t give enough credence to passages like above for fear of speaking heresy or sounding as though we are preaching a gospel that contradicts grace...

Simple word do what He says? Only then can we see his grace and power on display for all to see...

Bridge - Many could recite , but too many believers don’t give enough credence to passages like above for fear of speaking heresy or sounding as though we are preaching a gospel that contradicts grace..

However, I do believe that the Word of God reveals that this is where the rubber meets the road.

Cost of a Following...

In it’s simplest form, what differentiates a true follower from maybe an admirer or a fan?

What’s a follower look like - ?

Authentic surrender…requires: see Amend 1

Denying ourselves - crucify of flesh, denying self-sufficiency..denying our right to be right

Luke 9:23–24 NIV

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

Saying no to yourself, and yes to the Lord...

• Denying ourselves - crucify of flesh, denying self-sufficiency..denying our right to be right.

being ‘all in’?

• Denying ourselves - crucify of flesh, denying self-sufficiency..denying our right to be right.

denying ourselves - crucify of flesh, denying self-sufficiency..denying our right to be right, swallowing our pride

denying ourselves - crucify of flesh, denying self-sufficiency..denying our right to be right

• Taking up our crosses - willful obedience to the Word of God . Sickness is not a cross, but obeying the Word when it’s hard - wilfully enduring suffering, wilful sacrifice, staying put when everything in you wants to run…

Deny themselves

•

Lord, I don’t want to say ‘yes’ to this, but I will because I know it’s your will. by your Word I know....

Taking up our cross - willful obedience to the Word of God

Sickness is not a cross, but obeying the Word when it’s hard - wilfully enduring suffering, wilful sacrifice, staying put when everything in you wants to run…

,

Obeying...It’s intentional faith...Following after Jesus- doing things His way, not our way

Following after Jesus- doing things His way, not our way

How we tend to make excuses:

Going back to the story in Luke, we see the Lord talking about this with some of the fellas. What are some of the excuses were given to the Lord for not being ‘all in’?

Anytime we read hard passages, we tend to begin to explain how our situation is different and obeying the Lord in that way, just is not possible or too difficult...

,

Causes for Delay

We give Him reasons why we can’t be ‘all in’? We think, God wants us to be happy. When in fact, he wants you to be holy...

Some of the excuses they made then, sound ridiculous, but they’re some of the same excuses we make now for being more of a fan than a follower - when the Lord is asking for us to be ALL IN..Challenging the saints.

58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Causes for Delay

59 He said to another man, “Follow me.”

But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Read

60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Some of the excuses they made then, sound ridiculous, but they’re some of the same excuses we make now for being more of a fan than a follower - when the Lord is asking for us to be ALL IN..Challenging the s

Luke 9:57–62 NIV

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9:57–62 NIV

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”

62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Our Take-away: Some of the excuses they made then, sound ridiculous, but they’re some of the same excuses we make now for being more of a fan than a follower - when the Lord is asking for us to be ALL IN..

,

It’s easy to follow Jesus when you’re seeing miracles, watching him feed lots and lots of people, but what about when you don’t?

The Lord knows we will make excuses, so he challenges us...

Bring it home..

- Challenges the Comfortable Disciple

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

And as they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” ().

We are first rather surprised by the claim of one of Jesus’ followers when he seemingly out of the blue says, “I will follow You wherever you go.” They were just walking along the road, and this man blurts out this statement. Was this man reveling in his experience of being with Jesus? He could see miracles, hear the wise words of Christ and feel His tender touch. Although caught up in his euphoria, Jesus breaks in with an amazing statement about His life. “And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” ().

Jesus ripped away the romanticism of what it meant to be with Him. He did not simply say wonderful. He was trying to help this follower understand that though it is nice to be together, share God’s love, see His power, there are rough parts to carrying out the Father’s will.

Jesus ripped away the romanticism, the fluff of what it meant to actually follow Him. He didn’t respond w/ nice encouraging words. He was trying to help this followers understand that though it is nice to be together, share God’s love, see His power, there are rough parts to carrying out the Father’s will.

http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/References/NT/Gospels/Luke/Luke09/_09_57-10-2res/Luke9_57-58.jpgJesus ripped away the romanticism of what it meant to be with Him. He did not simply say wonderful. He was trying to help this follower understand that though it is nice to be together, share God’s love, see His power, there are rough parts to carrying out the Father’s will.

Jesus ripped away the romanticism, the fluff of what it meant to actually follow Him. He didn’t respond w/ nice encouraging words. He was trying to help this followers understand that though it is nice to be together, share God’s love, see His power, there are rough parts to carrying out the Father’s will.

Comfort - - (Elisha when called, took the oxen, slaughtered them, burned the equip and had a party) Indicates he had money, wealth...give up my friends. give up my lifestyle.

- Challenges the Convenient Disciple

- Challenging the Convenient Disciple “And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Permit me first to go and bury my father.” But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God”” ().

“And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Permit me first to go and bury my father.” But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God”” ().

What about yourself? You like being a Christian, but do you share a willingness to go wherever Jesus sends you? Or is there some element of wealth, health, comfort or ease that might keep you from that commitment?

- Challenging the Convenient Disciple “And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Permit me first to go and bury my father.” But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God”” ().

I think of times when I’m having a difficult conversation with someone. I’ll address a difficult situation, and

We see that the former man’s statement was not out of the blue at all. Notice how it carefully says, “He said to another.” Evidently Jesus had said it to one. Now He says it to another. Jesus had been telling His disciples to, “Follow me.” Jesus was waiting for their replies, one by one.

“And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Permit me first to go and bury my father.” But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God”” ().

After reading , we see that the former man’s statement was not out of the blue at all. Notice how it carefully says, “He said to another.” Evidently Jesus had said it to one. Now He says it to another. Jesus had been telling His disciples to, “Follow me.” Jesus was waiting for their replies, one by one. How do you personally respond to Jesus’ command, “Follow me”?

The man here in said that he first had to go and bury his father. This sounds like a legitimate excuse. But from Jesus quick response, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God,” we quickly need to acknowledge that the man’s answer was not pleasing to the Lord. Why? Simply because Jesus told the man to follow Him.

The man here in said that he first had to go and bury his father. This sounds like a legitimate excuse. But from Lord is quick to respond, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God,” Obviously the man’s answer was not pleasing to the Lord. Why? Simply because Jesus told the man to follow Him.

The one willing to follow Jesus does not say, “I have this to do today, but tomorrow I can help you.” If you follow, then you go where Jesus goes. This man wanted to be a convenient follower. Convenient followers are necessary followers, but fans. They’ll only accompany Jesus when it is convenient for their schedules. Jesus challenged him to set his priorities in place.

Too Costly - I’ll follow you Lord, but let me keep my friend, cause I don’t want to stand out and be ostracized... First let me....

Too Costly - give up my friends. give up my lifestyle.

Challenges the Distracted Disciple

“And another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”” ().

Another brother also answered Jesus’ call to follow Him. He said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” Jesus did not accept his response either. “Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

What is happening here? appears (from Jesus’ response to him) that this disciple would allow little things to distract him. Again, he had the problem of the convenient disciple. Notice how he also said, “Permit me …” He was making bargains with the Lord.

appears (from Jesus’ response to him) that this disciple would allow little things to distract him. Again, he had the problem of the convenient disciple. Notice how he also said, “Permit me …” He was making bargains with the Master. We are only to do what Jesus says and not tell Him what we are to do.

Comfort - - (Elisha when called, took the oxen, slaughtered them, burned the equip and had a party) Indicates he had money, wealth...

The problem is that this man was really looking for an excuse not to follow. He wanted to keep his options open and go where he wanted to go. He undoubtedly liked Jesus. He recognized that He would be a good Master, but he liked his family too. He is the distracted disciple who gets real excited and devoted for a while and then you do not see him for a while. He’ll come around and serve the Lord as long as there aren’t other options that seem to be more appealing...

Have a friend, spend time together. Then they get a new friend, or a new car, new hobby…you’re not so important any more. Jesus is challenging that believer…aka fan.

the cost of discipleship involves a surrender of some of the most basic elements: material comforts (9:58), time (9:60), and attention (9:62).

Jesus challenges the distracted disciple. Stay focused. Be committed. Find out what is so important and stay with it. The farmer who needs to drive the cow to plow the field must look to an object on the other side of the field and keep looking at it. If he turns his eyes to the side, then the plow line will follow that same direction. Following Jesus is a long term commitment. We must notice our tendencies to get distracted and determine in our hearts to follow Jesus.

Too Costly - I’ll follow you Lord, but first let me finish my education. First let me get settled in my job, first let me get my marrige in order. First let me....

The cost of discipleship involves a surrender of some of the most basic elements: material comforts (9:58), time (9:60), and attention (9:62).

Uncomfortable - Jesus, you can come into my marriage, but stay out my bedroom. Come into my job, but stay out of my checkbook.

Comfort - - (Elisha when called, took the oxen, slaughtered them, burned the equip and had a party)

Comfort - - (Elisha when called, took the oxen, slaughtered them, burned the equip and had a party) Indicates he had money, wealth...

Inconvenience - - We don’t want our plans to be interrupted: after I get married, after I get settled, when my job settles, after the promotion...

Excuses

He’ll get nosy and bossy

Uncomfortable - Jesus, you can come into my marriage, but stay out my bedroom. Come into my job, but stay out of my checkbook.

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Discipleship

the cost of discipleship involves three basic areas: material comforts (9:58), time (9:60), and attention (9:62).

HE WAS CALLING OUT THE PEOPLE THAT HAD BEEN associated with HIM.

says “you must no longer live as the Gentiles do…22: you were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by tits deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitudes of your minds and to pur on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness:

He’ll do the work, if we do the surrendering...

Closing thought:

simple mandate...

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

Who you were is not who you are, we just need to remind our flesh that...

Now here’s the critical point: Jesus was telling this to people that had been traveling with him. They had been witnessing miracles,

He was asking them for an all out surrender! It was time for them to go to the NEXT place...

HE WAS CALLING OUT THE PEOPLE THAT HAD BEEN associated with HIM.

He was saying: Yes, you believed in me, but now....we’re going to separate the fans from the followers...

C - He was asking for a commitment… Not lip service...

C - He was asking for a committment…

: accept, Believe and Confession ...

Why is it worth it?

C - He was asking for a committment…

Closing thought:

Why is it worth it?

He loves you.

Connect -the love for the Lord and living a life that honors Him w/ the love God has for us and living a life that reflects the price that was paid.

HOW - in both the opening and closing chapters of Ephesians, Paul reminds his readers that to live a life that honors the Lord, with the correct motive - love -

Paul reminds his readers that to live a life that honors the Lord, with the correct motive - love - .

Earlier we talked about the cost...

Paul reminds his readers that to live a life that honors the Lord, with the correct motive - love - .

Connect -the love for the Lord an living a life that honors Him w/ the love God has for us and living a life that reflects the price that was paid.

So, what’s the NEXT the Lord is calling you out for an all-out surrender?

requires 2 things:

prayer

the presence of the Holy Spirit - Eph 4:30-32

He loves you.

Prayer of repentance and surrender...

Closing thought:

Now here’s the critical reminder: Jesus was telling this to people that had been traveling with him. They had ‘seen it and done it’…

but He was saying, there is more to your becoming…there is a Next place I want to take you to but it’s going to require an all out surrender...

Jesus loves us so much, that He’s asking for more of you.

So, what’s your NEXT, what’s your ‘becoming’...

simple expectation...

Jesus loves us so much, that He’s asking for more of you.

He doesn’t want us to be an excuse making fan, but a life changing follower...

Closing thought:

simple expectation...

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

Closing Application:

Application:

Who you were is not who you are,

Now here’s the critical point: Jesus was telling this to people that had been traveling with him. They had been witnessing miracles, hey had participated in watching his miracles and his ministry

He was asking them for an all out surrender! It was time for them to go to the NEXT place...

Application:

Two types of peeps right now -

What about yourself? You like being a Christian, but do you share a willingness to go wherever Jesus sends you? Or is there some element of wealth, health, comfort or ease that might keep you from that commitment?

Harder question - I’m going to ask you to examine your spiritual birth. all eternity hinges on this one thing.

Fan - I’m going to ask you to examine your spiritual birth. all eternity hinges on this one thing.

It is scriptural for us to examine our spiritual birth, even those who go to church..:-)

So critical for a variety of reasons - don’t get into heaven and it’s virtually impossible to be the person outlines in the passages..

- Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

Most notorious Fan can be found in ....Nico..NIV

Is the struggle because we haven’t received new birth?

Pharisee’s - most conservative individuals in the Bible, stood for scriptures, memorized 5 books of OT, attended church, fasted 2x week, tithed, pray, they believed in God. They believed in the One True God..and this one believed in Jesus (he said I believe you say who you say you are).

He didn’t say it to a person on the street - someone who didn’t know Him or know who He was...there’s a little more to it than believing with your mind. satan believes in Jesus

He didn’t say it to a person on the street - there’s a little more to it than believing with your mind. satan believes in Jesus

Follower:

Yes, we have the right to challenge - all eternity hinges on this one thing.

What about us? What’s the Lord asking of you right now? Have you become the comfortable disciple? Convenient Disciple? Distracted Disciple?If there is any doubt why not nail it down?

amous : Pharisee and how that looks like a Christian, yet what separates him from a real Christian

What might He be asking you to lay down? Maybe pick up?

born again - water - live birth, spirit birth MUST BE BORN AGAIN (FROM ABOVE)...

contextual exegesis…to draw out…exegete.

What cross He asking you to pick up?

Expound on that idea a bit: evidence in our actions, evidence of Christ...

What might He be asking you to lay down? Maybe pick up?

We like being labeled as Christian but will we go wherever Jesus sends us?

What about yourself? You like being a Christian, but do you share a willingness to go wherever Jesus sends you? Or is there some element of wealth, health, comfort or ease that might keep you from that commitment?

Is there some element of wealth, health, comfort or ease that might keep you radical surrender?

This commitment does not mean that He will involve us in some radical movement. He might want you home in your present house so that you can raise godly children. The point is that He is our Master, and we follow Him. He has the best plan for our lives and knows best how our life can help change the world.

By the way, if God does ask you for something radical, like He has with me, you will not regret it. They are the opportunities of a life and beyond. Regardless of what the Lord wishes to do with us, we must unequivocally be willing to follow Jesus.

He doesn’t want us to be an excuse making fan, but a life changing follower...

You cannot do this in your own power. We need the power of the Holy Spirit.

What might He be asking you to lay down?

Recognize, you cannot do this in your own power. You need the power of the Holy Spirit.

lay it at the altar of sacrifice and pick up Jesus...

Our ministry team is here to pray with you over that which the Lord wishes to break in you.

Recognize, you cannot do this in your own power.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Initial or refilling

If you’ve never received the BHS, now is as good a time as ever.

Prayer of repentance and surrender...

Put it on the altar as a sacrifice. Yes, that’s a willful decision...

lay it at the altar of sacrifice and pick up Jesus...

Place your sacrifice at the altar, take communion.

Ministry team

Jesus challenges the distracted disciple. Stay focused. Be committed. Find out what is so important and stay with it. The farmer who needs to drive the cow to plow the field must look to an object on the other side of the field and keep looking at it. If he turns his eyes to the side, then the plow line will follow that same direction. Following Jesus is a long term commitment. We must notice our tendencies to get distracted and determine in our hearts to follow Jesus.

Friday Sermon - Master

Love compels a change of priorities...

What differentiates a fan from the follower?

Jesus addresses three kinds of believers:

- Challenges the Comfortable Disciple

- Challenging the Comfortable Disciple

Application

- Challenging the Convenient Disciple

HE WAS CALLING OUT THE PEOPLE THAT HAD BEEN associated with HIM.