CLFM: thurs 10.3.07

Following

What is a following?
Prov. 14:28: A large population us a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.
How did Jesus change out understanding of following (greek for following: akoloutheo)?

intent paired with action=apprentice


How did Jesus change our understanding of following

1. Jesus chooses us before we choose him
-And he said to them, "Follow me, and i will make you fish for people." immediately they left their nets and followed him. -Matt. 4:19-20

2. Jesus calls uto give up our old life
-As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthre sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. -Matt. 9:9

3. Jesus calls us to be like Him
-"Very truly i tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that i do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because i am going to the Father." -John 14:12

4. Jesus calls us to shar in His suffering
-"If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of thegospel, will save it." -Mark 8:34-35

Cheap grace or Legalism vs. Discipleship
"Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus CHris. It is cosrly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life...Above all it is costly becfause it cost God the life of his son...Aboce all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delievered him up for us." -Bonhoeffer

Healthy remorse vs. unhealthy shame

Unhealthy shame:
-focuses on the past
-says youre not good
-stays with you , you cant get rid of it
-its passive, keeps you stuck
-leads to devastation and self-hating

Healthy Remorse
-future
-says you can do better
-temporary
-motiving-moves you forward
-leads to hope and confidence

Characteristics of a good follower
1. Stays in pace with the leader
2. Uses critical thinking skills
3. Is intentional and proactive
4. Chooses leader wisely
-John 10: 11, 27