Following Jesus

Introduction:

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

I. Some things that one must do to follow Jesus:

Mr 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

II. Some things that one must know before following Jesus:

1) The road may be hard:

Luke 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

2) Following Jesus must come before all else:

Lk 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

3) Once you start following Jesus, there's no turning back:

Lk 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

III. Some places where following Jesus may lead you:

1) Anywhere is possible:

Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

2) Into life's sea to fish for lost souls:

Mt 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

3) Into the country of unbelief:

Mr 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. (Following Jesus wherever He Leads)

4) Into the land of Suffering:

1Pe 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: {for us: some read, for you}

5) Into the sheepfold to feed Jesus' sheep:

Joh. 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.

19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

(Be prepared!!!)

6) Into greater depths of Christian Character and Virtue:

1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

7) Into greater heights of Sanctification:

Php 3: 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

8) Into special places where only a few may follow:

Mr 5:37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

9) Into the celestial city beyond the river:

Joh 13:36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

10) One place where we will not follow Jesus:

Suffering for sin, separation from God, etc.

Conclusion:

Let's go back for a moment to where the Christian journey begins.

1) Hearing the voice of Jesus calling you repent and believe.

2) Obeying His voice by believing in Him as your only hope of salvation.

3) Identifying with Jesus and His Church through the waters of Baptism.

4) Following Jesus and serving Him in and through His Church.

(Sermon preached by Pastor Burke at the Faith Baptist Church of Lawtey, Florida)