Commitment, to Jesus Christ

I. Jesus Christ commanded people to make the commitment to follow him

Mt 4:19; Mt 9:9

See also Mt 19:21–22; Jn 1:43; Jn 21:19; Jn 21:22; Ro 15:5; 1 Co 1:12 There may have been a “Christ-party” at Corinth, or in contrast with the sectarianism, Paul may be asserting his own commitment to Jesus Christ.

II. Jesus Christ frequently spelt out the cost of commitment to him

Mt 10:37–38; Mt 16:24; Jn 12:25–26

See also Mt 8:22; Mt 10:39; Mt 19:21; Lk 14:28–33; 1 Pe 2:21

III. Jesus Christ’s demand for commitment was sometimes met with a refusal

Luke 9:59 KJV 1900

59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

See also Lk 9:61

IV. Sometimes people followed Jesus Christ without being truly committed to him

Jn 6:2 This would have been true for many in the crowds.

See also Jn 6:66

V. Some committed themselves wholeheartedly to his invitation

Mt 4:20; Mt 4:22; Mt 9:9; Jn 1:40

VI. Secret commitment to Jesus Christ

John 12:42 KJV 1900

42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

See also Jn 3:1–2

VII. True commitment to Jesus Christ is seen in love and obedience to him

Jn 14:21; Php 2:12 In response to who Jesus Christ is and what he has done.

See also Jn 8:31; Jn 14:15; Jn 14:23–24; 1 Co 11:1; 1 Co 16:22; Eph 6:5–6; Eph 6:24; 1 Jn 2:3; 1 Jn 3:22–24; Re 14:4