Following Christ

Matthew 4:18-20 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

Matthew 9:9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So Matthew arose and followed Him.

LESSON 1 | KNOWING GOD

“…That I may know Him and the power of His Resurrection…” (Philippians 3:1-16)

The first step to becoming a follower of Christ is the new, spiritual birth. (John 3:1-21) The second step is the practical action of following Him. This is done by developing a lifestyle of prayer, reading God’s Word, the Bible, finding a fellowship of other followers, and embracing what God has in store for you.

There is a vast difference between knowing about God and knowing Him on a deeply personal level. Psalm 103:7 states that “He revealed His character to Moses and His deeds to the people of Israel.” God desires to reveal both but invites us to a deeper understanding and participation of His Divine Personality. In this lesson we will discuss how to develop a personal, intimate relationship with Him.

Memory Verse — Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength, or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.  (Also Philippians 3:7-11)

LESSON 2 | THE DECISION TO FOLLOW

A life-altering decision that is based on faith and understanding. (Luke 14:25-30)

What does discipleship, the practical and active adherence to the Word of God, really look like today in everyday life? Jesus was quite clear about the type of dedication it would require to be His disciple. Although many teach Matthew 7:13-14 as salvation, it actually refers to a gate or an entrance into the disciplined life. The disciplined life is narrow and literally strewn with obstacles and pressures and is contrary to the broad (smooth) way that most people tend to choose.

The first step in becoming a disciple is the surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. Our will must bow to His in defined and open commitment. This requires a renewing of our way of thinking. (Romans 12:1-2) The second step is the development of strong Biblical convictions which are basic principles we determine to follow without compromise. It is our heart and our will wholly committed to God’s Principles.

Memory Verse — Matthew 7:13-14 Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Also Galatians 2:20)

LESSON 3 | UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE

Becoming a disciplined student of God’s Word. (John 8:31-32)

We can easily forget that Scripture is a cross-cultural experience. To open the Word of God is to step into a world where things are very unlike our own. Because we believe that the Bible is God’s Word to us, we tend to read Scripture our way so that it that makes sense to us. (From “Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes”)

Most of us tend to assume that our understanding of a Bible text is the same as the Holy Spirit’s intent. As well, we bring everything we are to the text: our experiences, culture, former teachings, etc. Unless we learn the actual intent of a Scriptural passage, to whom and why the words were written, we may end up with an interpretation that is very different than the actual meaning. In this lesson we will learn how to arrive at Scripture’s intended meaning and how to apply that to our lives.

Memory Verse — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (Also 2 Timothy 2:15)

Lesson 4 | OUR SPIRITUAL VICTORY

Consistent victory is experienced IN Him. (John 16:33)

God promised Joshua and Israel all the land upon which they set their feet, but they still had to take possession of it. In the same way, believers have the authority to tread upon all the forces of darkness, but they still need to battle against the enemy. How we stand and fight can determine our personal consequences in the battle of the millennium. 

Understanding our enemy’s kingdom and strategies is critical if we desire to live victoriously in vulnerable areas of conflict. We will address the topic of becoming a soldier dressed in God’s armor. (Ephesians 6:10-13)

Memory Verse — Romans 8:37-39 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Also John 16:33; Ephesians 6:11-13)

Lesson 5 | OUR TASK

Being a faithful witness and an effective mentor. (Matthew 9:37-38; 28:19-20)

The destiny of people and of nations is always being decided. Every generation is strategic. We are not responsible for the past generation, and we cannot bear the full responsibility for the next one; but we do have our present generation. God will hold us responsible as to how we fulfill our responsibilities to this age and take advantage of our opportunities. — Billy Graham. 

Memory Verse — Matthew 9:37-38 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Also Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8)

FINAL OVERVIEW

Answers

John 4:34-35 “Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”

Matthew 9:37-38 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Matthew 28:19 “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;…” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)