Understanding What It Means to Follow Christ (Matthew 4:18-22)
This sermon unpacks the profound question of what it genuinely means to follow Jesus Christ in the modern era. It invites listeners to move beyond superficial understandings and embrace a deeper, more intentional commitment.
Following Jesus today means obeying the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers believers and provides course correction. It also requires a life of service to others, mirroring Christ's own example.
Overview
This sermon explores the practical meaning of following Jesus Christ in a modern world where he is not physically present. It challenges the idea that following Jesus is merely about living a morally upright life and asking God to bless personal plans. Instead, it emphasizes a serious, active commitment rooted in obedience.
The preacher explains that the Holy Spirit, sent by Jesus, enables believers to follow Christ. The Spirit's primary responsibilities include providing guidance and direction, empowering believers to fulfill what God requires, and offering course correction when they drift away. This internal guidance replaces the physical presence of Jesus for His followers today.
The sermon then outlines two key requirements for following Jesus. First is a keen sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's promptings, which are described as strong spiritual tugs rather than audible voices. Second is a commitment to service, as demonstrated by Jesus' call to the disciples to become "fishers of men," a metaphor for investing one's life in sharing the gospel and serving others.
Ultimately, the sermon argues that genuine following of Jesus is impossible without actively giving oneself away in service, just as Christ did. It clarifies that serving doesn't always mean being in a pulpit, but can manifest in various ways, such as a mother serving her family or a business head serving employees, all done to the glory of God and by the Spirit's power.
Key points
- Many misunderstand following Jesus as simply living a moral lifestyle and asking God to bless their own plans.
- Following Christ today is made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit, sent by Jesus before His crucifixion.
- The Holy Spirit guides, empowers, and provides course correction to believers.
- A key requirement for following Jesus is developing keen sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's promptings, which are internal and spiritual.
- The second primary requirement is a life of service, reflecting Jesus' call to be "fishers of men."
- Service involves giving oneself away to others, like Jesus did, and it is impossible to follow Him without this aspect.
- Serving the Lord can take many forms beyond traditional ministry roles, such as serving family or employees.
In Charles Stanley's words
“Following Jesus Christ is obeying him.”
“Whatever God requires of us, God also assumes responsibility for enabling us to do it.”
“It is impossible to be a follower of Jesus Christ without giving ourselves away to other people.”
Outline
- I. The Reality of Following Christ When He Is Not Physically Present
- A. Jesus' Promise of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7, 12-14)
- 1. The Holy Spirit gives guidance and direction
- 2. The Holy Spirit enables us to do what God requires
- 3. The Holy Spirit provides course correction when we waver
- B. Following Jesus Christ is Obeying Him
- II. The Requirements of Following Jesus Christ
- A. The Unchanging Nature of Requirements Since the First Century
- B. The Cost of Following Jesus (John 6:65-66)
- C. Requirement #1: Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
- 1. The Holy Spirit speaks through spiritual promptings, not audibly
- 2. Walking in the Spirit means responding to these indwelling promptings
- D. Requirement #2: Service
- 1. Jesus' call to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:18-22)
- 2. Service means giving oneself away to others
- 3. Jesus came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:26-28)
- 4. Service can take many forms, not just traditional ministry
Scripture references
- Matthew 4:18-22
- John 16:7
- John 16:12
- John 16:14
- John 6
- John 6:65
- John 6:66
- Matthew 20:26
- Matthew 20:28
18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Insights
True obedience to Jesus flows from discerning the Spirit's quiet promptings.
God's call to follow always comes with His provision to empower the journey.
A life given in service reflects the very heart of following Jesus.
Questions & answers
What does it mean to follow Jesus when he isn't physically here?
Following Jesus today means responding to the guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Spirit provides direction, empowers believers to do what God requires, and helps correct their course when they drift.
What are the Holy Spirit's main roles in helping believers follow Christ?
The Holy Spirit has three primary responsibilities: giving guidance and direction for life, enabling believers to fulfill God's requirements, and offering course correction when they stray from God's perfect will.
How does the Holy Spirit communicate with believers?
The Holy Spirit does not typically speak audibly but communicates through spiritual, strong promptings. These are described as a "tug" or "urge" felt internally, indicating God's direction.
What is the second requirement for following Jesus Christ?
The second requirement is service, which involves giving oneself away to other people. This mirrors Jesus' own life of service and His call to His disciples to become "fishers of men."
Can someone follow Jesus without actively serving others?
The sermon states it is impossible to be a follower of Jesus Christ without giving oneself away to other people. Jesus' entire life was one of service, and His followers are called to do likewise.
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Source
Unofficial AI summary for study purposes. Watch the full sermon on In Touch Ministries. Sermon Insights is not affiliated with or endorsed by the pastor or church.