FOLLOW THE LEADER

Luke 9:23-26

INTRODUCTION

a. It is a game we all have played and often the leader would do something they knew no one else could do

b. It is a game children love to play and all want to be the leader

1. They feel special

2. Puts them in charge

c. In our time together this morning I want to consider this in relation to our commitment to Christ

I. IDENTIFYING THE LEADER AND FOLLOWER

a. It is important to know who the leader is so can be sure you are following the right person

b. Couple of weeks ago I spent the afternoon with a man from Nuphrendoben - He showed me through their temple and also showed me their deities that all looked like men or animals with some human characteristics.

c. If I were to believe him I would be following a leader other than Jesus

d. Jesus said, John 14:6 "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. "

e. Jesus first words to his disciples were, "Follow Me" - I believe His first words to us are the same

f. Jesus defined discipleship in terms of becoming a follower, learner and servant - That definition has not changed today

g. We, too, are to follow - the question is where

II. WHERE ARE WE TO FOLLOW

a. In a program of personal spiritual growth and development

1. We are to grow up - Bible speaks of Jesus growing in all areas and so should we

2. Paul says we should move from milk to meat - stop behaving like babies

3. It is natural to grow - not to grow is abnormal

a. Illust of state Hospital patient - never grown

4. We grow by being nourished - food, shelter, companionship - church

b. To a place of worship regularly

1. Jesus was in the habit of worshipping in the synagogue

2. We are commanded to "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together"

3. We are part of the body of Christ not isolated individual believers - We receive much when we come together

4. We gather for worship - the giving of ourselves to God

c. To the mountain of prayer

1. In addition to the corporate times of worship, Jesus also at times withdrew to a solitary place to commune with God

2. It was a place where He shut out distractions and could listen for the voice of the Father

3. We too must find that quiet time and place where we can listen

4. Maybe most difficult to do continually - maybe most important

d. To the world to serve

1. The time of worship and prayer are not just for personal enrichment but rather for preparation for ministry and service

2. Jesus measures greatness not by the number of people a person controls but by the way they serve the needs of others

3. We have each been given gifts of ministry to use in the world - If we would follow we must minister

III. THE DEMAND OF FOLLOWING

a. Jesus said that those who would follow must take up their cross and follow Him

b. Although it was the instrument of His death, Jesus used the cross as a symbol of complete self denial for the good of others

c. That is the cost - It is not negotiable and there are no "blue light specials"

IV. THE REMINDER CHRIST LEFT

a. If we are to follow there is a cost and things to do

b. We can only follow because God calls and empowers

c. Jesus left us an example of what following means

d. He described discipleship and then shared a meal that was given as a reminder of what we are about as His disciples

SHARE BREAD

SHARE CUP

HYMN # 168 "WHERE HE LEADS ME I WILL FOLLOW"