June 2nd

“Following   Jesus”

Pr. Silvana

To “FOLLOW” means:

-          To go after…

-          To go closely behind, in the same direction…

-          To be guided by…

-          To accept the guidance, command or leadership of…

-          To act in agreement, conformity with…

-          To obey (rules, orders, instructions)…

-          To imitate, to do the same…

-          To do exactly what someone has told you to do…

-         Ask yourself: Am I following Jesus? // Am I a Jesus’  follower?

- There are TWO basic conditions to FOLLOW Jesus:

- Luke 9.23 = “Then Jesus said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me,…

-         1^st) … he must deny himself …

-          Deny = negate, disown, abnegate, refuse, renounce

-          To say “no” to your “ego” (self) – desires, wishes, when they contradict God’s will.

—  Colossians 3.5 = “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”

—  Romans 6.8 = “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.”

—  2^nd) …  take up his cross daily…

—   Cross: gradual, slow death = the nails didn’t kill the person, but caused intense, strong pain; crucifixion was the worst, the most shameful punishment; some of those who were crucified remained hanged on the cross for days before they die (by dehydration, exhaustion, lack of breath); some had their legs broken to accelerate death; some were eaten alive by wild birds and wild animals.

—  Nowadays “cross” means to be totally committed to Jesus to the point of death = to surrender; to deny yourself DAILY; to endure suffering, shame, disgrace; to be willing to die for Jesus’ sake if it’s necessary.