Arts
The All-Encompassing Everythingness of Following JesusLuke 14:25-35Introductory words:“Great crowds accompanied Jesus” - v 25“Accompanying” Jesus is not the same as "coming after” Jesus“Disciple"Disciple = anyone who so aligns their beliefs and their lifestyle to the teachings of another person that they become identified with them.5 Defining Words of a Disciple of JesusHATE - v26“If anyone comes to me and does not HATE his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.”HATE = A figure of speechMeans to love LESS THAN in comparison toCANNOT be my disciple=Not possible, not strong enough, no capacity forBEAR AND COME AFTER - v27“Whoever does not BEAR his own cross AND come after me CANNOT be my disciple.” BEAR = A call to an obedience so comprehensive that it is best compared to DEATH COME AFTER = Going beyond listening to and believing in Jesus to living as He lived in practical obedience to the Word of GodRENOUNCE - v33“So therefore, any of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”Renounce = to formally declare one’s abandonment of a claim, a right, or a possession; to forsake“Use the car, use a coat, use a computer in such a way that people around you assume that is not your treasure.” John PiperSome ways to live as disciples now?1. How to “hate”Find out what pleases the Lord (Ephesians 5:10)Be a student of His WordBe in Community with accountability2. How to “bear the cross” and “come after Jesus”Literally and practically obey JesusRepent of picking and choosing which of God’s words to obeyBe in Community with accountability3. How to “renounce all that we have”Take inventory of everyone and everything in your lifeFastBe in Community with accountability