The Erroneous Concept of Discipleship 1

Following Jesus: Commitment and Challenges

Introduction to Following Jesus

• The speaker introduces the theme of following Jesus, noting that while many desire to follow Him, their commitment can sometimes waver.

• Acknowledges that followers may feel confident in their faith but often struggle with true commitment.

The Mars Mission Analogy

• The speaker references a 2011 mission to Mars, highlighting the selective nature of participants for such a significant journey.

• As the mission progressed, interest dwindled from 200,000 potential candidates due to the realization of its challenges—paralleling how many initially follow Jesus enthusiastically but falter when faced with real-life trials.

The Process of Discipleship

• Discusses the concept of "apostasies," or backing away from faith as time passes and initial excitement fades.

• Reflects on how praise and enthusiasm for God can diminish over time, comparing it to early zeal after salvation versus later experiences.

Personal Reflections on Faith

• Shares personal struggles with sensing God's presence during challenging times and how this affects one's demeanor.

• Introduces a character who expresses eagerness to follow Jesus anywhere, illustrating an initial strong commitment.

Jesus' Response and Reality Check

• Highlights that Jesus has a way of revealing unspoken doubts or fears within individuals.

• Mentions biblical stories where delays in divine intervention lead people to question God's timing and intentions.

Understanding Commitment Through Scripture

• Emphasizes that anxiety about life circumstances can lead one away from genuine faith; God desires specific plans for each individual.

• Uses an analogy about eating habits to illustrate how impulsive decisions (like overeating) can have negative consequences—similar to spiritual choices made out of impatience.

Biblical Context: Luke 9:57–58

• Cites Luke 9:57–58 where someone declares they will follow Jesus anywhere; however, Jesus responds by pointing out His lack of earthly comforts.

• Questions why the Creator would lack a place to rest, prompting deeper reflection on what it means to truly follow Him.

The Cost of Following Jesus

Understanding the Challenge of Discipleship

• The speaker reflects on the paradox of Jesus, who created the world yet claims he has no place to lay his head. This raises questions about what it means to follow someone without worldly comforts.

• The internal conflict of a follower is highlighted; despite witnessing miracles, they grapple with the reality that following Jesus may lead to discomfort and lack of security.

• The speaker draws parallels between Jesus' humble beginnings and the expectations placed on followers, emphasizing that trust in God does not rely on material stability.

• Trust is defined as believing even when circumstances are unfavorable. True faith is tested during hardships rather than through easy times.

• Material desires can lead to unnecessary burdens, such as debt from impulsive purchases influenced by others’ possessions, illustrating how societal pressures can distort personal judgment.

Discernment in Relationships and Choices

• Some relationships may be too costly emotionally or spiritually; discernment is necessary to avoid entanglements that bring more trouble than joy.

• Without divine wisdom, individuals risk making poor choices—like parking in wrong places—unaware of hidden dangers associated with people or situations.

• Learning from past mistakes is crucial; repeating errors indicates a failure to grow and understand one's experiences deeply.

Prioritizing God in Daily Life

• The central question posed: Is God truly first in your life? This challenges listeners to reflect on their daily priorities and reliance on divine guidance.

• A call for mindfulness at the start of each day emphasizes seeking God's direction before assuming control over one’s schedule or responsibilities.

• Recognizing that humans do not create days encourages humility and dependence on God for navigating life's complexities effectively.

Authentic Worship vs. Superficiality

• Genuine worship requires an authentic relationship with God; mere outward expressions without true engagement are questioned as insincere.

• The speaker critiques those who profess commitment but fail to maintain communication with God, highlighting a disconnect between words and actions.

Facing Trials and Personal Struggles

• The metaphor of animals finding shelter contrasts with Jesus' lack of earthly comfort, prompting followers to consider their willingness to endure hardship for faith's sake.

• Followers are encouraged to remain steadfast even when popularity wanes or resources dwindle, suggesting that true character emerges under pressure.

• Emotional struggles are acknowledged; feelings of loneliness can lead individuals into negative thought patterns about their worthiness or connections with others.

Understanding the Value of Following Jesus

The Complexity of Life and Priorities

• The speaker reflects on the chaotic nature of life, illustrating how various personal matters intertwine, such as family and pets, emphasizing the complexity of human experiences.

• A critical insight is shared: knowledge without compassion is ineffective. People are more likely to respond positively if they feel cared for.

Cultural Context in Following Jesus

• The speaker discusses a biblical passage where Jesus questions a man's true intentions for following Him, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural contexts in scripture.

• The man’s request to bury his father symbolizes a deeper desire for financial security (inheritance) before committing to follow Jesus, revealing common hesitations people face when prioritizing faith over worldly concerns.

Faith and Trust in God

• Emphasizes that doubting God's provision can hinder one's relationship with Him. The speaker reassures that God will meet all needs according to His riches.

• Prayer must be rooted in belief; doubt can nullify its effectiveness. True faith often requires believing without visible evidence.

Understanding Faith's Nature

• Faith often places individuals in inconvenient situations where trust in God is tested. It’s about holding onto promises despite uncertainty.

• Words have power; negative speech can undermine faith. Caution is advised against speaking contrary to what one believes God can do.

God's Sovereignty Over Human Desires

• Faith should not be viewed as a tool to manipulate God into fulfilling personal desires; rather, it aligns believers with God's will.

• When aligned with God's word, prayers become effective because they reflect His desires rather than selfish ambitions.

Valuing Spiritual Wealth Over Material Gain

• The speaker challenges listeners to prioritize their relationship with God over material possessions or societal expectations that distract from spiritual growth.

• Jesus’ response about letting spiritually dead people bury their own dead illustrates the urgency of spiritual commitment over earthly ties and inheritance concerns.

Kingdom Value vs. Earthly Possessions

• The value of the kingdom surpasses any earthly possession; eternal life cannot be bought or earned through wealth but is given freely by Christ alone.

• Believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices, mirroring Christ's sacrifice—an essential aspect of genuine discipleship and obedience.

Understanding the Struggles of Faith

The Challenge of Sacrifice

• The concept of sacrifice in Christianity is often misunderstood; it involves pain and struggle rather than a sweet experience.

• Breakthroughs in faith can attract spiritual opposition, as demons may attempt to disrupt one's peace and belief in God's provision.

Jesus' Support During Trials

• Acknowledging that during difficult times, Jesus may need to carry us when we feel overwhelmed or lagging behind.

• Despite life's challenges and tragedies, maintaining faith allows individuals to express gratitude through worship, even when words fail.

Reflection on Life's Journey

• Conversations with older individuals reveal that life’s path is unpredictable; God remains present even when circumstances seem dire.

• Our minds can lead us astray, causing confusion about our decisions and feelings of isolation.

Divine Presence Amidst Confusion

• God reassures us of His constant presence during our struggles, providing protection even when we are unaware.

• Personal experiences highlight the importance of divine guidance during moments of mental turmoil.

The Role of Friendship in Healing

• True friends support you regardless of your state; they help you recover from setbacks without judgment.

• Emotional suffering can distort perceptions, leading one to believe others harbor negative feelings towards them.

Navigating Control and Trust in Relationships

• Many seek control before committing to follow Jesus; however, true faith requires surrendering control to Him.

• Relationships challenge us to confront issues we prefer avoiding, emphasizing the necessity for empathy and understanding.

Remote Control Dynamics in Relationships

The Power Struggle Over TV Remote

• The speaker humorously discusses the common marital debate over who controls the TV remote, highlighting a playful back-and-forth dynamic with his wife.

• He reflects on how he often ends up watching movies that his wife prefers, such as Lifetime films, while also engaging in sports like basketball and football with family members.

Sacrificing Control for Happiness

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of giving up control in relationships to maintain happiness, illustrating this through personal anecdotes about watching sports with his wife.

• He introduces a biblical reference where someone expresses a desire to follow Jesus but first wants to say goodbye to their family, questioning the implications of such delays.

Commitment and Divine Direction

Delaying Commitment

• The speaker notes that many people express a willingness to follow God but often delay their commitment due to various distractions or obligations.

• He stresses that God desires complete dedication rather than half-hearted commitments, indicating that partial devotion is insufficient.

Importance of Spiritual Engagement

• Reflecting on past experiences, he shares how he initially avoided committing to Bible study despite knowing its significance for spiritual growth.

• The necessity of serious engagement with God's word is highlighted; true divine direction requires effort and commitment.

The Role of Mentorship in Spiritual Growth

Learning from Others

• The speaker discusses the value of being around trusted mentors who can impart wisdom and guidance necessary for spiritual development.

• He explains how consistent exposure to knowledgeable individuals helps one absorb valuable insights over time.

Digesting Spiritual Teachings

• Emphasizing the need for deeper understanding, he points out that merely hearing teachings isn't enough; they must be digested and internalized for real change.

Transformation Through Understanding Jesus

Changing Perspectives

• The speaker argues that true understanding of Jesus transforms one's perspective on relationships and life situations.

• He warns against superficial knowledge of scripture without genuine comprehension or application, which leads to ineffective faith practices.

True Change Requires Depth

• Finally, he asserts that when one's mind is transformed by Christ's teachings, it results in authentic changes in behavior and outlook towards others.

Cultural Perspectives on Spirituality

Understanding Cultural Teachings

• The speaker emphasizes that cultural teachings shape perceptions, suggesting that spiritual growth allows individuals to see beyond cultural identities.

• Identifying as a black man, the speaker clarifies he does not align with being labeled solely as a "black church," indicating a broader spiritual perspective.

Divine Calling and Recognition

• The speaker recounts an experience at an Andre Crouch concert where someone conveyed God's message to him, illustrating how divine recognition transcends social settings.

• He reflects on his initial disbelief in being chosen by God, expressing feelings of inadequacy compared to others who seemed more fitting for divine purposes.

Struggles with Sin and Divine Intervention

• The speaker shares personal struggles with temptation and sin, highlighting moments when he felt God's presence even during unholy activities.

• He notes that God often addresses individuals at inconvenient times to capture their attention, emphasizing the urgency of divine calls.

Acceptance of God's Will

• Using the metaphor of Goma's reckless behavior amidst briar bushes, the speaker illustrates humanity's tendency to pursue desires despite potential harm.

• He discusses the importance of accepting God's "no" without argument, stressing that divine wisdom surpasses human understanding.

Navigating Life's Journey

• The speaker acknowledges that following God's path may not always feel good but ultimately leads to positive outcomes.

• He shares insights about relinquishing control in relationships (e.g., submitting to his wife's decisions), reinforcing themes of trust and patience in life's journey.

The Dangers of Pride

Understanding Pride and Its Consequences

• The speaker discusses how pride can lead to downfall, referencing a biblical perspective that emphasizes the dangers associated with it.

• A specific mention is made of Proverbs 6:16, which outlines seven things that are an abomination to the Lord, highlighting "a proud look" as a significant issue.

• The speaker elaborates on pride's manifestation through behaviors such as putting others down to elevate oneself, indicating a moral and spiritual concern.

Community Engagement and Spiritual Growth

• The speaker expresses gratitude for the audience's participation in the ministry, emphasizing the importance of community in spiritual enrichment.

• An invitation is extended to explore more resources available at avpwcc.org, encouraging individuals to enhance their lives through church offerings and teachings.