Radical Commitment

Radical Commitment
Following the Servant
Mark 9:42-50

Most of our moral choices are made in that don’t seem important.

We are for the choices we make.

God calls us to . . .

1.   Radical (v. 42)

“Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity.” Psalm 26:1

Jesus is saying we shouldn’t be comfortable just being of the faith.

2.   Radical (vv. 43-48)

Deuteronomy 14:1 and 23:1

Do your feet take you where you shouldn’t go?
Do your hands reach out for what you shouldn’t desire?
Do your eyes look at what you shouldn’t consider?

Mark 7:20-23

Jesus is calling us to discipleship.

1 John 2:15-17

3.   Radical (v. 49)

Leviticus 2:13

Romans 12:1
You put to death the idea that you belong to yourself and you .

1 Thessalonians 3:3, 4

Acts 14:22

1 Peter 4:12, 13

“Suffering, then, is the badge of true discipleship. The disciple is not above his master; that is why Luther reckoned suffering among the marks of the true church. Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not all surprising that Christians should be called upon to suffer. In fact, it is a joy and a token of His grace.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

4.   Live as (v. 50)

Matthew 5:13

The gospel says that your standing with God is not based on how well we keep this passage.  Why?  Because Jesus has perfectly kept the requirement of these verses.

Daily Meditations

Memory verse: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” Mark 9:42

Monday
Read Mark 9:42-50.  What evidence is there in our current culture that, before redemption, we are addicted to ourselves? How does that temptation persist even after we are saved?

How is pride viewed in our current culture? Is this the same kind of pride that is condemned in the Bible, or is it different?

Tuesday
Read Mark 9:42-50.  How does Jesus redefine aspiring to greatness and seeking a reward?

How does this fit together with Him condemning pride and encouraging sacrificial service?

Wednesday
Read Mark 9:42-50.  What are some examples of giving a cup of water? How does doing it in Jesus’ name and belonging to the Messiah further define this good deed?

Can hell still serve as a motivation for repentance, or should Christians avoid speaking about hell?

Thursday
Read Mark 9:42-50.  Why did Jesus use hyperbole to warn us about temptation and hell?

Does this mean His words are not really, literally true?

Friday
Read Mark 9:42-50.  What should Christian individuals do to be “salt” in their families and neighborhoods?

What should the church as a body do to be salt in the world?

Saturday
Read Mark 9:42-50.  Do you know someone who is little known and unnoticed but who is probably a spiritual superstar in God’s eyes?

What aspects of that person’s life are worthy of imitation?