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Luke 9:57-62
We invite you to join us at 9:30 for worship each Sunday morning. We preach and teach the truths of the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God. In our study of Biblical discipleship we have learned the first step is to decide to follow Christ. Then we must deny self and live under the condemnation of the world. Our passage this week teaches us some truths of discipleship to help warn us to make sure God is the only One leading us. Like most people, you have probably done something on the spur of the moment. Have you ever made such a decision for/with God and later wished you hadn’t? Notice in verse 57 that the man made:
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- AN IMPULSIVE DECISION. Scripture doesn’t tell us any more than the fact this man makes an unconditional commitment to follow Christ wherever He would go. He probably heard Jesus teaching and saw the crowds then thought it would be good to be seen in Jesus’ company. Maybe he thought being seen with Jesus would be good for business, would help his reputation, or would solve all his problems. Perhaps you find yourself somewhere in those thoughts! There are at least two possible reasons this man, and us, find ourselves in predicaments like this wondering is God leading me to do this or is this of the Devil? FIRST we speak because we are naïve. I didn’t say stupid or ignorant, I said naïve or uninformed of all the facts. This man made a commitment before He knew what would be expected or required of his as a follower of Christ. The same thing happened to Peter until it came time to live up to the commitment. Does this kind of thing happen in NT churches today? Absolutely! It often happens when we begin to attach titles like pastor, elder, deacon, teacher, officer, committee member and so on. Sadly, many “Christians” see positions of service as positions of power and selfish ambition. Not all, just some! The sad truth is more often than not an invitation to serve in a particular position is viewed from the physical recognition aspect rather than the spiritual responsibility aspect. The SECOND reason people get into trouble with impulsive decisions is because they probably aren’t aware of their own weaknesses and instability. Many people don’t stop to think about the hardships, hard work, effort, and demands that come with spiritual leadership at any level! People have a tendency to focus on prestige and try to avoid the persecution that is promised in discipleship for Christ. To this man’s impulsive decision Jesus makes an:
- IMPOSING DECLARATION! Read verse 58 carefully and it is halting to say the least. One writer paraphrases Jesus’ response by saying “to follow Me requires a life of extreme inconvenience. I have none of the amenities and comforts others have. Even the animals have it better than I do.” Jesus is not complaining or griping, He was clearly succinctly stating the realities of His earthly life. America is probably the hardest nation on earth to be a true disciple for Christ because we live in a culture of abundance, comfort, pleasure and prosperity. Those things aren’t wrong in themselves, but we have let them get between us and true Biblical discipleship. Read Mark 1:14-20; 2:13-14 then reread verse 57 here. Notice that the Twelve were called while this man volunteered. Here is a huge difference. Let me leave you with this question: Are you doing what you are doing for Christ now because He called you to minister, or was this your idea? The call of God to a Christian’s heart is the best insurance against impulsive decision making in service to Christ.
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