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How to Follow Jesus Christ

Introduction:

To follow Jesus is to embark on a journey of discipleship—a life transformed by His love, shaped by His teachings, and empowered by His Spirit. Today, we will explore what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, drawing wisdom and inspiration from the Scriptures. Let us delve into the Word of God to discover the principles and practices that guide us on the path of discipleship.

I. The Call to Follow Jesus

Jesus’ call to follow Him is an invitation to a life of purpose, intimacy, and transformation.

1. Matthew 4:19:

• “Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’”

• Jesus’ call to His disciples was simple yet profound. It required leaving behind their former lives to walk in His footsteps and participate in His mission.

2. Luke 9:23:

• “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’”

• Following Jesus involves self-denial, surrendering our will and desires to Him, and embracing the cross—the path of sacrifice and obedience.

II. Principles of Following Jesus

Following Jesus is not merely a one-time decision but a lifestyle characterized by certain principles.

1. Faith and Trust:

• Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

• Following Jesus requires unwavering faith and trust in His promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

2. Obedience:

• John 14:15: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”

• Obedience is the hallmark of discipleship. It involves aligning our lives with the teachings of Jesus and submitting to His lordship in every area.

3. Sacrifice:

• Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

• Following Jesus demands sacrificing our own desires, comforts, and ambitions for the sake of His kingdom and righteousness.

III. Practices of Following Jesus

While principles guide our discipleship, certain practices help us cultivate intimacy with Jesus and grow in our walk with Him.

1. Prayer and Communion:

• Luke 5:16: “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.”

• Mark 1:35: “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”

• Regular communion with Jesus through prayer cultivates intimacy and dependence on Him.

2. Studying the Word:

• Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

• Studying and meditating on the Word of God illuminates our path and shapes our thinking according to God’s truth.

3. Fellowship with Believers:

• Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

• Iron sharpens iron, and fellowship with fellow believers encourages, strengthens, and sharpens us in our journey of discipleship.

IV. The Empowerment of the Holy Spirit

Central to our ability to follow Jesus is the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

1. Acts 1:8:

• “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

• The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith boldly and effectively, enabling us to be witnesses for Christ.

2. Galatians 5:22-23:

• “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

• The Spirit produces in us the character of Christ, enabling us to bear fruit and reflect His love to the world.

V. Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus

To follow Jesus is to walk in His footsteps, imitating His life, and

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embodying His love.

1. Living in Love:

• John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

• Love is the defining mark of a disciple of Jesus. Our love for others reflects His love for us.

2. Serving Others:

• Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

• Jesus modeled servant leadership, calling us to serve others selflessly and sacrificially.

3. Proclaiming the Gospel:

• Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

• Following Jesus includes participating in His mission to make disciples, sharing the good news of His salvation with the world.

Conclusion:

Following Jesus is the greatest adventure we can undertake. It involves responding to His call with faith, obedience, and sacrifice. Through prayer, studying the Word, fellowship with believers, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we grow in our relationship with Him and reflect His character to the world. As we walk in His footsteps, loving and serving others, we fulfill His commission to make disciples. May we commit ourselves anew to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, experiencing the fullness of life that He offers and shining His light in a world in desperate need of His love. Amen.