series: epic large group #
speaker: pastor young #
verse: Luke 9:57-62 #
To follow Jesus, we have to be willing to sacrifice #
As seen within these verses, a man wants to follow Jesus, but has important things to do such as saying good bye to his family or burying his father. And yet Jesus calls him to drop everything and still follow him. It is difficult to make a promise to Jesus that you will follow him earnestly. You have to be ready and willing to sacrifice everything that you desire to carry out his plan. But sacrifice doesn’t have to be impossible or incredibly difficulty. On the contrary, sacrifice can be an opportunity to show your love and devotion. We are presented with opportunities to sacrifice for Jesus everywhere we go, it is up to us to take it. Be careful that you don’t think of sacrifice as draining or taxing on oneself. You may believe that constantly sacrificing oneself will eventually lead you to feeling burnt out, but this shouldn’t be the case because our God is empowering us and will allow us to do whatever is possible.
To follow Jesus, we have to be willing to put Jesus first #
We must stop caring about the opinions of people on this Earth, rather make God’s opinion the most important thing. In other words, stop placing so much value on worldly perspective. So many of us tell ourselves, “Ah after I figure this out”, “After I lock in that internship”, “After I get that promotion”, and we continue to put other things before Jesus. But there will never be a perfect opportunity to follow Jesus. Instead, we are called to do what we can right now, in whatever season we may find ourselves in, to glorify the Lord. So stop waiting, and just listen. Listen to what God is telling you to do and act.
To follow Jesus, we have to persevere #
Essentially, once we commit to Jesus, we cannot go back to our old ways. Our slate has been wiped clean by the death and ressurection of the Son of God Jesus Christ. Through that, it is possible for us to have a relationship with God and have eternal life. Thus we must act upon this fact and not let his grace go to waste.
Reflection Questions #
Which aspect of your life are you most unwilling to sacrifice? #
Career for sure has been a difficult battle.
Where is God calling you to serve? #
I think that personal evangelism is the avenue best suited for me. I think I’m slowly becoming more and more comfortable with meeting new people.
What is your cost to TRULY following Jesus? #
Comfort, higher pay probably, and leisure time.