SIMON, A ROLE MODEL DISCIPLE

SIMON, A ROLE MODEL DISCIPLE - LUKE 23:26

Greet One Another;

LUKE 23:26 “As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.”

PRAY

Series “Role Models”;

INTRO: One Hit Wonders - Baha Men - Who Let the Dog’s Out?

Our scripture contains a “One Hit Wonder - Simon = Very common name; “listen” “hears and obeys”.

Cyrene - located in northern Africa in eastern Libya; borders Egypt.

History says founded by Greeks...had a Jewish community where 100,000 Judean Jews had been forced to settle during the reign of Ptolemy Soter (323–285 BC).

Not sure why they were forced there BU...since many converted to Judaism and lived in Egypt, it may have been to farm and shepherd flocks;

Cyrene was an early center of Christianity; probably because of Simon, A Role Model Disciple.

Why is Simon a Role Model Disciple? What is a DISCIPLE?

A DISCIPLE IS ONE WHO SUBMITS TO GOD’S PROVIDENCE.

Providence = the governing power of God that oversees His creation and works out His plans for it.

Simon was at the crucifixion by Gods Providence.

God’s PERFECT TIMING had Simon at the right place at the right time.

Jer 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Joseph (Pit, Potiphar, Prison, Palace). Gen 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

When you connected with Jesus it was by God’s Providence. John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.”

Your Faith journey is God’s Providence. - “We walk by faith, not by sight.”

A DISCIPLE IS ONE WHO SUBMITS TO GOD’S PURPOSE

SIMON WAS Forced to carry a cross. BUT THAT WAS GOD’S PURPOSE. Labeled. That’s SUFFERING. Sometimes we suffer (Labeled) because of our own mess…NOT GOD’S PURPOSE.

As A People, we have suffered.

Economics - Wealth Income Gap ($171k to $17k); Greenwood district-1k homes destroyed, people killed; NO COMPENSATION -

Education - Brown and Georgetown Univ offering reparations. But we continue to suffer on the Elementary level (Good teachers); Middle School (Quality Classrooms); High School (Good administration).

Healthcare; Housing; Voting; Justice.

Never be discouraged about YOUR Sufferings.

Romans 8:18 - I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

A true disciple SUBMITS to God’s PURPOSE.

Romans 8:28 “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Philippians 1:6 “6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Luke 14:27 “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be My disciple.”

A DISCIPLE IS ONE WHO SUBMITS TO GOD’S PASSION.

Passion = strong determination;

Simon was at the Passover out of obedience; seeking God.

He didn’t find Him at the Temple; in the synagogue; He found Jesus at the Cross.

It was At The Cross...

The soldiers forced Simon carry the cross...BEHIND Jesus.

See, when Jesus said “Follow me” He meant “Walk in My footsteps.” PASSION.

WALK into the lives of those hungry for a WORD - YOU FEED THEM. WITNESS.

WALK into the lives of those trapped in the darkness of sin - YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Teach by example.

Walk into the lives of those in despair -Ephesians 4:29 “29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

CLOSE:

SIMON of Cyrene. What a Role Model Disciple!

Teaching us to...

SUBMIT TO GOD’S PROVIDENCE

SUBMIT TO SUFFERING

SUBMIT OUR LIVES TO CHRIST