Are You Ready or Real?

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Luke 9:59-60

We invite you to worship with us each Sunday morning at 9:30. Last time we considered that true discipleship is extremely expensive endeavor. People often ask, “How do I know when I am ready to disciple?” Often we don’t think or know we are ready, but our Lord does and He always tells exactly when to begin. Read in our text today verses 57-59 then see if you notice the difference in these two men. The first volunteered and this man was called. The first felt he was ready, but he spoke quickly and without thoughtful consideration of the consequences. This man was willing but not ready. Jesus called this man to do two things; 1) follow Him and 2) preach the kingdom. Looking at this matter of discipleship from Christ’s perspective let’s ask ourselves some “ready” questions.

• 1. ARE YOU READY TO PUT CHRIST’S WILL FIRST? On the surface this man’s request seems to be reasonable. It was the son’s responsibility then to make sure the parents were cared for even in the matters of their death and burial. This man’s father may not have been dead yet, but the man being called was using the situation as a reason to delay following Christ. Go back and read Luke 14:25. Jesus is not promoting parental hatred because that would contradict the very nature of Christ. He is making the point that our allegiance to God must supersede even that to our parents. What this man is actually saying to Christ is: “I’ll follow you BUT…” This is a very practical example of how Matt. 6:24 shows itself in our life. The “but” often gets in our way when it comes to serving God FIRST. In order follow Christ and disciple others properly we must decide to follow Jesus without the “buts” so we don’t teach others divided loyalty.
  2. ARE YOU READY TO BE INVOLVED IN PEOPLE’S LIVES? Many Christians will say, “I want to help others come to repentance and be cleansed from their sins by the blood of Christ, but I’m too busy trying to keep up with my own life.” The issue is not helping someone become saved—that doesn’t take long. The issue is discipling them after salvation that involves a lifetime of commitment to them to help them grow into “disciple-makers” themselves. A true follower of Christ understands that helping a person become an adopted child of God involves far more than just sharing with them some nifty little “plan of salvation” pamphlet and moving on. Which brings us to the question:
  3. ARE YOU READY TO ANNOUNCE THE KINGDOM OF GOD? This is one of those conditional statements Jesus often makes. If we are going to follow Him, then there can be nothing in this world in any way that is more important to us than announcing the Kingdom of God! Pastors and preachers are not the only ones “called” to let people know God has taken up residence among His people in the Person of the Indwelling Holy Spirit. The same commission is given to every Christian to tell all others the good news! Such a statement as this, helps us see the impact of Matt. 6:33. Every part of a Christian’s life is to be focused on showing and telling others that now is the time to be part of God’s Kingdom. Every Christian must ask “am I ready to leave all and follow Christ or not?” After all, why would we call ourselves a Christian and not follow Christ?  You are a “Christian” or you are not!!  It is as simple as that!!!

If we can answer your spiritual questions or help you in spiritual matters call us at (574) 643-9419.