DESIRING TO FOLLOW CHRIST

Text : Matthew 16:24-27
Mat 16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Mat 16:25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Mat 16:26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?
Mat 16:27 For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done.
Mat 16:28 Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom."
Aim : To teach them the price of following Christ.
Into :
· Matthew 16:21-23 - Jesus predicts his death and resurrection.
o He must go… suffered many things… killed … resurrect.
o The idea of not suffering or paying the price of following Christ is not from God but from Satan!
· Suffering here is not a punishment but the price we ought to pay (with our agreement) for the sake of following Christ

Discussion:

1. Denying of Oneself
a. Denying of oneself is withholding ourselves on our rights just to give way to the most important thing; His rights! (Let not my will… but your will be done –Matt. 26:38-39).
b. Self-denial – is not recognizing what you suppose to recognize yourself to gain more self glorification. This is not a positive virtue but speaks of selfishness and pride.
c. Our rights – Preserve one’s life, Profit (vs. 25-26)
d. Salvation is free and all the rest has a price!

2. Taking up our Cross
a. Christ cross is to save mankind through his death.
b. Paul’s cross is to bring salvation to the gentiles… regardless…
· Paul experience shipwreck, snake bite, imprisonment and was beheaded.
· 2 Cor. 4:7-12; Phil. 3:10-11
c. Peter’s cross is to open salvation to Jews and gentiles – He was hung on the cross upside-down

3. Following Christ
· Mathew 8:18-22
a. Fox have holes, birds have nest but the son of man know not where to lay his head.
b. Let the dead bury their dead!
c. No looking back!

Conclusion:

Desiring to follow Christ is a good desire, but let’s turn our desire into commitment… LETS COMIT OURSELVES TO FOLLOW CHRIST!