Follow Him, Remain in Him, and Make Disciples of Him.
Scripture References: Matthew 16:24-27; John 15:5-11; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 8:35-39
Intro: Good morning. Life often feels like our plans get constantly disrupted ("Stop messing with my stuff!"). Whether it's travel plans derailed or daily frustrations, we crave control and certainty, especially in the last couple of years. We say we want Jesus and His Kingdom, but often default to wanting to look good, be right, and stay in control. So, what is Jesus' plan when things feel uncertain? How do we follow Him when the future feels shaky?
Key Points:
- The Core Tension: We profess a desire for Jesus, yet often prioritize comfort, control, and self-preservation. Planning is wise, but it can become an attempt to control outcomes and avoid trusting God. Jesus invites us into a different way.
- Jesus' Unshakeable "Playbook": In pivotal moments, Jesus laid out a core strategy for His followers that works regardless of circumstances:
- Come After Me: Deny Yourself (Matt 16:24-27): This isn't optional; it's essential ("must"). Following Jesus requires consistently choosing against self-interest and cultural pressures ("follow your heart," "be true to yourself"). It's a daily decision to die to self, only making sense with an eternal perspective—living for the Father's reward. You either follow Jesus (deny self) or follow self (deny Jesus).
- Remain In Me: Stay Vitally Connected (John 15:5-11): Jesus is the vine; we are the branches. Bearing fruit (the outcome) flows naturally from abiding in His love. Amidst countless distractions, this command is key. The good news: Remaining in His love is always possible, no matter external circumstances (health, finances, politics, plans). What we ultimately need is always available.
- Go Make Disciples: Give Your Life Away (Matt 28:18-20): Based on Jesus' ultimate authority, we are commissioned to make followers of Him, teaching obedience, baptized in the name of the Trinity. This outward mission flows from the inward reality of self-denial and abiding.
- The Unstoppable Play: Denying self, remaining in His love, and making disciples is Jesus' core strategy. This "play" is effective in every age, nation, language, and circumstance. Historically, when the church embraces this, it cannot be stopped by any power or principality (Communism, plagues, politics, even death). It provides believers with true "job security."
- Shifting Expectations: Approach daily life (home, work, relationships) not expecting ease or control, but as opportunities to run Jesus' play: deny self, remain in His love, make disciples.
Conclusion: No matter the uncertainty around us – personal struggles, cultural shifts, political turmoil – we can run the play Jesus gave us. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). His plan isn't contingent on circumstances; it transcends them. We are called to deny ourselves, abide deeply in His love, and give our lives away for His kingdom.
Call to Action:
- Identify: Which of the three commands feels most challenging right now? Denying self? Remaining connected to Jesus? Giving your life away to make disciples?
- Refocus: Ask God for perspective. Where have you been tempted to live for self, disconnect from Him, or withdraw from investing in others?
- Commit: Intentionally choose one small way this week to "run the play": say no to a selfish impulse, schedule time to connect with God, or reach out to encourage/invest in someone else.
- Trust: Ask for boldness and strength to trust Jesus' plan, knowing His presence is with you always
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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