Sunday 09:22:13

Discipleship is following Jesus. It is a commitment to a relationship to him. It looks like obedience, but is born out of love for Him Hebrews says following Jesus is like running a race Hebrews 12:1, 2 ESV Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. It says there are things that can cling to us, entangle us, and keep us from running the race well. What holds you back? 1. The trap of complacency Too busy Too lazy Care more about your kingdom more than God's kingdom Paul instructed the believers to warn those who were idle in the church 2 Thessalonians 3:13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 2. The trap of defeat and fear Always trouble, always carrying concerns He knew you couldn't carry those burdens This world has more trouble and brokenness than men can handle Jesus is Savior. Jesus is Restorer. 1 Peter 5:7 ESV casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Psalm 55:22 ESV Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. You can trust him to carry the burdens that you cannot 3. The trap of sin The enemy is always negotiating the terms of your surrender What would it take to get you to give in? Pornography, stealing, lying, adultery, Always looking for ways to tie you up and make you ineffective 1 Peter 5:8 NIV Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He leaves out the fine print - what it will cost you You have to consider the cost What's the cost of pornography? When it comes to my sin and brokenness, when it comes to my past All I know is, Jesus paid it all "Praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead" 4. You don't know what to do That's my job and the job of leadership to equip people We are working and praying throughout how to do better at making disciples here at Calvary. I'll share more of this vision later Jesus Christ wants you to follow him He wants you to be free He paid the price for your freedom He will give you Purpose for complacency Courage for fear Peace for trouble Forgiveness and cleansing for your sin He is a mighty Savior I'll follow a man like that, won't you? Will you follow a Savior like that? Who would be willing to come today and say, "I've not followed you well, but I want to start"