Following Christ

Following the leader - waterfall, jungle, grassland, clearing.

Introduction:

Followers of Christ are known by how they live.

1. Live in Christ as a new creation (1 Cor. 5:17)

1 cor 5:17

1 Cor 5:1

1 Corinthians 5:7 NIV

Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

1 Cor 5:17

1 cor

With a new faith in Christ, a new world opens up. Time and again I’ve seen people display newness of life.

Rachel wrecked her life because of her addictions. Five years ago she was evicted and lost custody of her son. Today you’ll see her helping others find Christ and sobriety. She’ll be at every major Christian concert this summer and will be hosting many sober events for her friends.

Identity:

before Christ = selves and our stuff

After Christ = him and his mission

2. Obey the Word ()

John 8:31 NIV

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.

Law = restrictive and kills joy.

John 8:32 NIV

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:36 NIV

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Is there...

a command to obey

an example to follow

an example to not follow

a truth to believe

a promise to claim

something to share

a phrase to memorize

3. Bear fruit with Christ ()

John 15:6 NIV

If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

Remain in Christ and bear fruit.

When the HS abides he produces fruit.

Multiplication

Matthew 9:37–38 NIV

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Character

Galatians 5:22–23 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

col 5:22

4. Love Others ()

1 John 4:7 NIV

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

2 Peter 1:5–7 NIV

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

2 pet 1:5-

Conclusion:

Conclusion:

Matthew 22:37–40 NIV

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Followers of Christ are known by how they live.