Fundamentals of Following Jesus
Luke 9:23-24
Main Thing to Know:
My daily choices become defining choices
• Spiritual growth happens by choice not by chance
• Spiritual growth happens daily not in a day
1. Put Jesus first
If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:26)
2. Engage God’s Word
If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. (John 8:31)
3. Surrender everything to Jesus
If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)
4. Love and disciple others
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35)
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (John 15:8)
The choice to be closer to Jesus:
• Daily Choice
• Observable Choice
• Counter-cultural Choice
Personal Questions:
Will I do what I’ve never done before?
Will I give up what I’ve never given up before?
Will I go where I’ve never gone before?
Will I become what I’ve never been before?