Scripture Reading: Luke 9:57-62

Followers of Christ

Intro.

1. By definition, a disciple is a “learner who adheres to what he learns” – Jno. 8:31-32.

a. A pupil who imitates his teacher – Jno. 13:12-15.

b. One who refuses to apply the truth he learns cannot be Christ’s disciple – Lk. 14:27.

2. Many people followed after Jesus during His life – and many follow after Him today, but not all were (are) truly His disciples – Lk. 14:25; Jno. 6:66.

3. What kind of a follower of Christ are we?

• Those who Follow from a Distance – Matt. 26:58.

1. Like Peter, these want to follow Jesus & know His presence in their lives, but they keep their distance:

a. Perhaps from fear of reprisal from others.

b. Perhaps desiring their own convenience:

1) Won’t “get involved” in the church, etc. if it presents difficulties.

2) These attend, teach, study, etc. only if it convenient to do so.

3) Yet, they see themselves (& expect to be known) as strong Christians!

2. Following from a distance leads to denial of Christ! (Matt. 26:69-75)

a. Those with this concept of discipleship are deceived – Matt. 26:35.

b. Those with this concept of discipleship are unreliable! (1 Cor. 4:2)

3. Draw near to God! – Jas. 4:7-8

• The Critical Follower – Jno. 12:1-6.

1. This Christian is always dissatisfied with others: the church, the elders, the preacher, the class teachers, the song leader, etc.

2. Not talking about needed rebuke (Lk. 17:3).

3. Criticism (defaming, denigration) of others:

a. Often self-vindicating – cf. Jno. 12:6. (Hides one’s own sins)

b. Can be persuasive (Judas influenced others) – Mk. 14:4-5 (Eccl. 9:18).

• The Fussy (factious) Follower – Gal. 5:15.

1. Feuding among saints costs souls! (1 Cor. 1:10) [Ex. Power struggles, cliques, personal grudges]

2. Peace in the church not an option/luxury – required by Lord & necessary for us to accomplish our work! – Rom. 14:19; Eph. 4:1-3; Col. 3:14-15

• The Fearful Follower – Matt. 8:23-27.

1. These want to follow Jesus, & begin to do so – 8:23.

2. The storms of life challenge faith, & fear overwhelms these disciples – cf. 8:24-25. [Little faith causes fear, 8:26]

a. Add moral courage to our faith – 2 Pet. 1:5.

b. Complete our love – 1 Jno. 4:17-18.

3. Strengthen faith & love to eliminate fear – Heb. 13:6; Psa. 27:1 (23:4).

• The Obedient Follower – Matt. 4:19-20 (Jno. 8:12, 31).

1. Receive & do the word of God – Jas. 1:21-22.

2. Proof of our discipleship:

a. Is in the doing, not the hearing of truth – Jas. 1:22.

b. Is in the doing, not the saying – Lk. 6:46; Matt. 7:21.

3. To this follower, his will is secondary to doing God’s will – Heb. 5:8-9.

• The Sacrificial Follower – Lk. 5:11, 27-28.

1. Sacrifice is characteristic of true disciples – Lk. 9:23; 14:25-27, 33.

a. Phil. 3:7-8 – Object is to “gain Christ” – all else is secondary.

b. To this disciple, neither inconvenience, time, physical conditions nor any other consideration will keep him from following Jesus! (Josh. 24:15)

2. Blessed now & rewarded eternally – Mk. 10:29-30.

• The Enduring (persevering) Follower – Matt. 10:22.

1. This disciple engages the fight to prevail, enters the race to win, embraces the faith to keep it – 2 Tim. 4:6-8.

2. Let nothing keep you from your goal – Rom. 8:35-39.

3. Endurance now brings eternal rest – Heb. 6:11-12; 10:36; 12:1-2; Rev. 14:12-13.

Conclusion

1. Which follower are you? Am I?

2. Like Joshua & Caleb, let us fully follow the Lord with obedience, sacrifice & endurance – Num. 12:24; 32:12.

3. The Lord is with us while we are with Him! – 2 Chrn. 15:2