Following Jesus Part 2

Welcome/Prayer/ Intro

Welcome- Good Morning Church! How is everyone doing this morning? it is so good to be here this morning to Worship together. I just want to Pause and remind everyone why we are here: Jesus. Jesus changed each of our lives. We gather to celebrate and live into that this morning!

Recap: Last week in our Following Jesus Part 1 message we looked at two things: What does it mean to seek God’s Kingdom and What does it mean to seek God’s righteousness?

We learned that these two things are not as simple as we like to think. God’s Kingdom is a community we are called to build and be

God’s righteousness is a way of life we are supposed to embrace in our relationships with others. To be in right relationship with others.

These two things are kind of the external realities of following Jesus: How we follow him World and Others.

Today- Internal and personal aspects of following

Intro: When I think about relationships I cant help but think about the fact that today is our first Aniversary

Relationships are difficult and require work.

Overlap between relationship with God and Spouse

Presence is Key in my marriage - when we are apart things tend to break down and weve found we are better together

Sacrifice is a way of Life

Turning back is not an option

Transition: These are key ideas and themes that we are going to explore and unpack as we reflect on our relationship with God and what it looks like?

Prayer: Heavanly Father, it is good to be in your house today with your family. I ask that as we read, reflect, and discuss what it means to be in relationship with you may you meet with us. Holy Spirit come and fill this place. Be in our midst. Jesus transform our heats and minds once again as we desire to know you more. May we be transformed through relationship this morning.

Unpacking Scripture: Relationship with Jesus

John 15

Jesus uses this metaphor to describe the relationship between Him and His followers.

Vine and the Branches

He also repeats the phrase “remain in me” - Lets talk about what this means to us.

Discussion: What does it mean to “Remain in Christ” and how do you strive to do this in your daily life? (Slide)

What does it mean to remain?

Greek word is Meno- more appropriate word is attached?

What are we attached to in our daily lives?

Cell Phone

Knife

What would it look like for us to be attached to Jesus

Bearing Fruit- Lets take a look at vs 5 (slide) Lets upack this verse

We cant do it alone

Humbling and Freeing

This means that bearing fruit is not a test. not a sign of being a christian.

its an inevitable outcome of an inner life connected to Christ

Sign of a healthy vine - healthy relationship with Christ.

Transition: Let’s look at another part of what it means to follow Jesus that is often overlooked and down played

Sacrifice- Luke 9:18-27 (Read from Bible)

Requirement- we often say the following Jesus is not easy or uncomfortable, but do we think about it as a sacrifice

Discipleship is like walking down a road

Not one of sucess and fufillment

One littered with rejection and even death - the same road that Jesus walked

The disciples all paid a price to follow Jesus

Role Models T-Shirt (Slide)

All were killed for their faith (except John)

Jesus wants our whole lives not just part of it.

it makes me think what takes up most of each of our lives? - Would you give it up for Jesus?

Make a joke about giving up more time for the sermon

Discussion: Lets look at the second discussion Question and unpack this idea of sacrifice further?

Question: What sacrifices have you made for the sake of Jesus? What feelings and thoughts come to mind when Jesus sets “losing your life” as the standard for following Him? (Slide)

Transition: I want to explore one last aspect of following Jesus this morning, but I will need some help from the congregation, could someone please read Luke 9:61-62

Commitment: Luke 9:61-62

In life discipleship comes first

Statement - follow

Talk - walk

Practical Sense

No ploughman ever plowed looking backward!

Connection to Sodom (Lots wife)

cant long for the old life.

This means we cant decide to follow Jesus, but still be looking to do what we want.

Commitment to Person and Purpose.

Marriage analogy ( we have both identity and purpose)

“Looking Back” often looks like distraction in our daily lives

little things that are subtle

rythmns and practices that we dont realize how much time or energy they take.

Discussion:

What Kingdom Work is God calling you to now? (Slide)

What “distracts” or tempts you to look back? (Slide)

Application: Reflection time (simple Gospel )

We are going to take a few moments to reflect on our personal walk with Jesus. (Slide)

Think about what your attached to right now and how Jesus wants you to be connected to him

Ask yourself, is my relationship with Jesus bearing fruit?

Reflect on the sacrifices of your brothers and sisters across the globe and time for the sake of following Jesus

Consider the things in your life that cause you to “look back” and ask God to reveal what He has ahead for you?

We are now going to sing I have decided to follow Jesus: I invite you to really think about the words we are about to sing.

Benediction: Let these words from 2 Timothy spur us forward as we follow Jesus!

7 I have fought the good fight; I have completed the course; I have kept the faith. 8 What do I still have to look for? The crown of righteousness! The Lord, the righteous judge, will give it to me as my reward on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing.