3 No and Yes
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Introduction
Introduction
Read
Read Luke 9:23-26
Luke 9:23-26
23 Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. 25 For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and that of the Father and the holy angels.
Already said – if you want to be my follower/disciple = come to Him in order to learn from Him.
Already said – if you want to be my follower/disciple = come to Him in order to learn from Him.
Already said – if you want to be my follower/disciple = come to Him in order to learn from Him.
Deny yourself = say no to yourself. Remove yourself as the center of control in your life.
Deny yourself = say no to yourself. Remove yourself as the center of control in your life.
23 Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.
What does Jesus mean in Luke 9:23-26 take up your cross?
What does Jesus mean in take up your cross?
What does Jesus mean in take up your cross?
Crucifixion Picture
Crucifixion Picture
Start with picture of three Philippinos on the cross. Are we to literally take up a cross, follow Jesus?
Start with picture of three Filipinos on the cross. Are we to literally take up a cross, follow Jesus?
Take Up Your Cross
Take Up Your Cross
Points
Points
23 Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Take Up Your Cross
Take Up Your Cross
Take up your cross. Roman crucifixion was cruel, painful, and ended in a slow, agonizing death.
Luke 9:23Take up your cross. Roman crucifixion was cruel, painful, and ended in a slow, agonizing death.
Take up your cross. Roman crucifixion was cruel, painful, and ended in a slow, agonizing death.
Crucifixion traditionally started with torture, carry crossbeam, attach victim to stake or post, sometimes family also tortured. Men, women, mostly reserved for slaves and rebellious foreigners, treasonous citizens. Dishonorable and shameful to be hung on a cross.
Crucifixion traditionally started with torture, carry crossbeam, attach victim to stake or post, sometimes family also tortured. Men, women, mostly reserved for slaves and rebellious foreigners, treasonous citizens. Dishonorable and shameful to be hung on a cross.
23 Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Jesus is not asking followers to literally hang on a cross, but the symbolic effect is the same. Be prepared to die for the cause of following Jesus. Expect suffering, shame. (v.26)
Jesus is not asking followers to literally hang on a cross, but the symbolic effect is the same. Be prepared to die for the cause of following Jesus. Expect suffering, shame. (v.26)
Jesus is not asking followers to literally hang on a cross, but the symbolic effect is the same. Be prepared to die for the cause of following Jesus. Expect suffering, shame. (v.26)
In simplest form, say no to yourself, say yes to Jesus.
In simplest form, say no to yourself, say yes to Jesus.
Big Idea: Say No To Self, Say Yes To Jesus.
Big Idea: Say No To Self, Say Yes To Jesus.
Big Idea: Say No To Self, Say Yes To Jesus.
Deny yourself and take up your cross go together. One action really. Giving up control of your will and life, putting down your rebellion, and submitting to authority of Jesus.
Deny yourself and take up your cross go together. One action really. Giving up control of your will and life, putting down your rebellion, and submitting to authority of Jesus.
Again, as in deny self – not my will but Your will be done. Kingdom come, will be done on earth. – Jesus calls His disciples to something that He is willing to model, to what He is also doing.
Again, as in deny self – not my will but Your will be done. Kingdom come, will be done on earth. – Jesus calls His disciples to something that He is willing to model, to what He is also doing.
Take up cross daily = not a one-time recognition or decision or action. Ongoing, daily, moment by moment attitude of submission to the will of Christ.
Take up cross daily = not a one-time recognition or decision or action. Ongoing, daily, moment by moment attitude of submission to the will of Christ.
Continuously, daily, moment by moment die to self. Deny yourself. Give up the rebellion, say yes to Jesus and His will, direction, commands, life. Ongoing, every step.
Continuously, daily, moment by moment die to self. Deny yourself. Give up the rebellion, say yes to Jesus and His will, direction, commands, life. Ongoing, every step.
These are hard words. Jesus surely wasn’t winning any political votes with this one.
These are hard words. Jesus surely wasn’t winning any political votes with this one.
Losing To Gain
Losing To Gain
Losing To Gain
Giving up your will and losing your life sound like a fatal choice. But there is real promise in going through with it. There is a very valuable gain to the investment.
Giving up your will and losing your life sound like a fatal choice. But there is real promise in going through with it. There is a very valuable gain to the investment.
QUOTE:
QUOTE: From a worldly point of view, sacrificing one’s life means a total and irretrievable loss. Accordingly, self-preservation becomes a high priority. For Jesus, however, life in the fullest sense is life in God’s reign, and obtaining that life is the all-important issue. The paradox here, as Jesus’ words make clear, is that the persons who find life in the kingdom are not those who cling tenaciously to their present existence, but those who risk themselves on behalf of the new order. Gardner, Richard B. Matthew. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1991. Print. Believers Church Bible Commentary.
From a worldly point of view, sacrificing one’s life means a total and irretrievable loss. Accordingly, self-preservation becomes a high priority. For Jesus, however, life in the fullest sense is life in God’s reign, and obtaining that life is the all-important issue. The paradox here, as Jesus’ words make clear, is that the persons who find life in the kingdom are not those who cling tenaciously to their present existence, but those who risk themselves on behalf of the new order. Gardner, Richard B. Matthew. Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1991. Print. Believers Church Bible Commentary.
(could we use an example here of a son of a billionaire, Donald Trump and son, who is already worth millions and in line to gain the billionaire empire of the father. Then this homeless wanderer guru guy comes and says to put all that on the line to follow him and gain real worthwhile life)
A contemporary example:
(use an example here of Donald Trump and son, who is already worth millions and in line to gain the billionaire empire of the father. Then this homeless wanderer guru guy comes and says to put all that on the line to follow him and gain real worthwhile life)
Losing life to gain true life. losing life for Jesus’s sake.
Losing life to gain true life. losing life for Jesus’s sake. Other passages that say this as well.
24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.
Luke 9:24 whoever wants to save life – wills, desires, attitude and focus on self and self gratification.
whoever wants to save life – wills, desires, attitude and focus on self and self gratification.
whoever wants to save life – wills, desires, attitude and focus on self and self gratification.
v.24 lose it –this self-focused life may be very blessed and enjoyable, but it is all gone at the end
v.24 lose it –this self-focused life may be very blessed and enjoyable, but it is all gone at the end
v.24 whoever loses his life because of me (Mark for my sake and gospel) not just will or desire, but actually loses or gives up right to life
v.24 whoever loses his life because of me (Mark for my sake and gospel) not just will or desire, but actually loses or gives up right to life
v.24 will save it, blessing, gains new life in the end.
v.24 will save it, blessing, gains new life in the end.
25 For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself?
v.25 what is the benefit or purpose? Gain the whole world – unimaginable wealth, power, fame, etc. but in the end not only is all of this gone, but you also lose/forfeit yourself, your life, the blessing and reward. Come up empty.
v.25 what is the benefit or purpose? Gain the whole world – unimaginable wealth, power, fame, etc. but in the end not only is all of this gone, but you also lose/forfeit yourself, your life, the blessing and reward. Come up empty.
what is the benefit or purpose? Gain the whole world – unimaginable wealth, power, fame, etc. but in the end not only is all of this gone, but you also lose/forfeit yourself, your life, the blessing and reward. Come up empty.
These gaining to lose and losing to gain statements show that you choose either to deny self or deny Christ.
These gaining to lose and losing to gain statements show that you choose either to deny self or deny Christ.
Hate? Really?
Hate? Really?
Hate? Really?
What keeps us from yielding, submitting, following? Do we make excuses?
What keeps us from yielding, submitting, following? Do we make excuses?
Read Luke 9:57-62
57 As they were traveling on the road someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 Then he said to another, “Follow me.” “Lord,” he said, “first let me go bury my father.” 60 But he told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” 61 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go and say good-bye to those at my house.”
57 As they were traveling on the road someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 Then he said to another, “Follow me.” “Lord,” he said, “first let me go bury my father.” 60 But he told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” 61 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go and say good-bye to those at my house.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
61 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go and say good-bye to those at my house.”
Luke 9:57-61 excuses for not following. Delays. For Jesus there was an urgency to get going. (To delay is to disobey) Compare with Jesus’ call to Peter, Andrew, James, John – they immediately left their nets. Or Matthew, he immediately got up from the toll booth/tax table.
Luke 9:57-61 excuses for not following. Delays. For Jesus there was an urgency to get going. (To delay is to disobey) Compare with Jesus’ call to Peter, Andrew, James, John – they immediately left their nets. Or Matthew, he immediately got up from the toll booth/tax table.
excuses for not following. Delays. For Jesus there was an urgency to get going.
excuses for not following. Delays. For Jesus there was an urgency to get going.
(To delay is to disobey) Compare with Jesus’ call to Peter, Andrew, James, John – they immediately left their nets. Or Matthew, he immediately got up from the toll booth/tax table.
Distractions, situations of life that we prioritize over our spiritual need
Distractions, situations of life that we prioritize over our spiritual need
Denying Self and Taking up your cross is about realigning the affections of your heart. Making our devotion to Jesus primary and all else secondary.
Denying Self and Taking up your cross is about realigning the affections of your heart. Making our devotion to Jesus primary and all else secondary.
Jesus taught this same concept in other settings. It helps to see it stated in a negative form.
Read
Luke 14:26-27 don’t hate family, can’t be my disciple
26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
don’t hate family, can’t be my disciple
26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.
27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:26-27don’t hate family, can’t be my disciple
says if you want to be my disciple you must.
states it negatively if you do not, you cannot be.
don’t hate family, don’t carry your cross, you can’t be my disciple
And then He goes on with the parables about counting the cost. First one, building a tower, decide to build or not = follow or not. The second is responding to assault from a king with a larger army and terms of surrender = afford to fight or accept surrender terms. In both cases, not rushing ahead but counting the cost. Jesus is saying – terms of surrender = deny yourself, take up your cross.
And then He goes on with the parables about counting the cost. First one, building a tower, decide to build or not = follow or not. The second is responding to assault from a king with a larger army and terms of surrender = afford to fight or accept surrender terms. In both cases, not rushing ahead but counting the cost. Jesus is saying – terms of surrender = deny yourself, take up your cross.
Does Jesus mean to literally HATE family and friends? Or to literally HATE yourself? As we understand the word hate? To wish the worst destruction to someone.
Does Jesus mean to literally HATE family and friends? Or to literally HATE yourself? As we understand the word hate? To wish the worst destruction to someone.
Not our understanding of hate, but just like denying self this carries the connotation of rejecting, renouncing. At very least, placing lower in priority or standing than another.
Not our understanding of hate, but just like denying self this carries the connotation of rejecting, renouncing. At very least, placing lower in priority or standing than another.
Stated another way…
Here is Jesus stating His concept of Hate another way…
Matthew 10:37-39 love family more than Jesus, not worthy. Not in alignment or not attaining the standard.
Read
37 The one who loves a father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; the one who loves a son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life because of me will find it.
love family more than Jesus, not worthy. Not in alignment or not attaining the standard.
37 The one who loves a father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; the one who loves a son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
love family more than Jesus, not worthy. Not in alignment or not attaining the standard.
love family more than Jesus, not worthy. Not in alignment or not attaining the standard.
In denying ourselves and taking up our cross, there is a transformation taking place within us. The realigning of our priorities, the change of heart that then changes our behavior from the inside.
In denying ourselves and taking up our cross, there is a transformation taking place within us. The realigning of our priorities, the change of heart that then changes our behavior from the inside.
This passage in Galatians speaks of the transformation and the power to live a new life.
This passage in Galatians speaks of the transformation and the power to live a new life.
Galatians 2:19-20 Jewish Christians in the Galatian church struggling with the idea that they must continue to follow the law. Paul showing them that the law is done and living by faith in Christ is Christ also living in us. Dead to the law, dead to our sinful nature.
Read
19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Jewish Christians in the Galatian church struggling with the idea that they must continue to follow the law. Paul showing them that the law is done and living by faith in Christ is Christ also living in us. Dead to the law, dead to our sinful nature.
19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God.
20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Jewish Christians in the Galatian church struggling with the idea that they must continue to follow the law. Paul showing them that the law is done and living by faith in Christ is Christ also living in us. Dead to the law, dead to our sinful nature.
Jewish Christians in the Galatian church struggling with the idea that they must continue to follow the law. Paul showing them that the law is done and living by faith in Christ is Christ also living in us. Dead to the law, dead to our sinful nature.
Crucified in spirit. Nailed to the cross with Jesus, allowing His life to be our true life.
Crucified in spirit. Nailed to the cross with Jesus, allowing His life to be our true life.
What does this look like? How do we make this concept practical?
What does this look like? How do we make this concept practical?
Jesus’ whole earthly life is example after example. Obviously, He took up His cross and submitted to the Father. A living example to the disciples, and a great model as we look back on that event.
Jesus’ whole earthly life is example after example. Obviously, He took up His cross and submitted to the Father. A living example to the disciples, and a great model as we look back on that event.
Preview to next week.
Preview to next week.
Read in NLT.
Read Colossians 3:1-4 in NLT.
1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
Colossians 3:1-4
3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:
Big Idea: Say No To Self, Say Yes To Jesus.
Big Idea: Say No To Self, Say Yes To Jesus.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Conclusion
Conclusion
Take up cross daily. Every morning, wake with the realization that we’ve been given one more day to enjoy our new life with Jesus. Another day to walk with Him, to learn from Him. Another day to be His light and salt, hands and feet, voice to a lost world. To be part of His rescue mission. To go and make disciples.
Big Idea: Say No To Self, Say Yes To Jesus.
Big Idea: Say No To Self, Say Yes To Jesus.
Big Idea: Say No To Self, Say Yes To Jesus.
Big Idea: Say No To Self, Say Yes To Jesus.
Take up cross daily. Every morning, wake with the realization that we’ve been given one more day to enjoy our new life with Jesus. Another day to walk with Him, to learn from Him. Another day to be His light and salt, hands and feet, voice to a lost world. To be part of His rescue mission. To go and make disciples.
What About You?
What About You?
What About You?
What About You?
What excuses or delays do you use to put off following Jesus wholeheartedly?
Is today the day you choose to deny yourself and take up your cross?
Will you do that every day?