Embracing Discipleship: The Call to Self-Denial
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of influence and the call to discipleship as outlined in Luke 9:23-26. We began by acknowledging the significant role teachers play in shaping young souls, emphasizing the need for their lives to reflect Jesus in every interaction. We prayed for the Holy Spirit's anointing on them, recognizing the immense privilege and responsibility they hold in guiding children towards Christ.
We then delved into the requirements Jesus set for His followers: denying oneself, taking up one's cross daily, and following Him. This call to self-denial is not about rejecting all desires but discerning and rejecting those that go against God's will. We reflected on the story of Adam and Eve, who failed to deny their flesh, leading to the fall of humanity. This historical account serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between our flesh and the Spirit.
The devil, as an external force, tempts us to follow our flesh rather than God. We must learn to discern his voice and resist his temptations, striving to live in holiness. The cross symbolizes the death of our flesh and the life of our spirit. Jesus' crucifixion exemplifies this, as His flesh died, but His spirit went to the Father. We are called to crucify our flesh with Christ, living by faith in Him.
We also discussed the importance of acknowledging Jesus publicly. Being a "closet Christian" is not an option, as Jesus warned that those who are ashamed of Him will be disowned when He returns. The Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim Jesus boldly, and we must rely on Him to guide us in this mission.
Finally, we addressed the struggle many face with their "cross" in life. Embracing and submitting to the cross God has given us leads to fulfillment and joy. We must pick up our cross daily, trusting that God will use it to further His kingdom and bless us in the process.
### Key Takeaways
1. Influence and Responsibility of Teachers: Teachers have a unique opportunity to model Jesus to young souls, influencing them towards a Christ-centered life. This role requires the anointing of the Holy Spirit to ensure their behavior and words reflect Jesus in every aspect of their teaching. [12:48]
2. Self-Denial and Discipleship: Denying oneself means rejecting desires that go against God's will. This is a daily process of taking up our cross and following Jesus, recognizing that true discipleship involves sacrifice and commitment. [34:48]
3. The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit: The devil tempts us to indulge our flesh, but we must learn to discern his voice and resist. Holiness requires us to deny our flesh and live by the Spirit, following Jesus' example of crucifying the flesh. [45:16]
4. Public Acknowledgment of Jesus: Being a disciple of Jesus means publicly acknowledging Him and not being ashamed of the gospel. The Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim Jesus, and we must rely on Him to guide us in this mission. [01:03:06]
5. Embracing Our Cross: We must submit to the cross God has given us, trusting that it will lead to fulfillment and joy. Embracing our cross daily allows God to use it to further His kingdom and bless us in the process. [01:01:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:48] - Influence and Responsibility of Teachers
[33:37] - Joy and Submission to the Holy Spirit
[34:48] - Introduction to Luke 9:23-26
[35:43] - Testimony by Jonathan
[42:19] - Requirements for Discipleship
[43:37] - Denying Yourself
[45:16] - The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
[47:03] - The Devil's Temptations
[49:01] - Resisting Sin
[50:44] - Forfeiting the Soul
[52:51] - Taking Up Your Cross Daily
[54:41] - Baptism and Identifying with Christ
[56:17] - The Symbolism of the Cross
[58:00] - Embracing Your Cross
[01:01:18] - Submission and Fulfillment
[01:03:06] - Public Acknowledgment of Jesus
[01:04:45] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[01:06:24] - Evangelism and Outreach
[01:08:09] - Led by Flesh or Spirit
[01:09:55] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 9:23-26
- Galatians 2:20
- Romans 6:6
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three requirements Jesus sets for His followers in Luke 9:23? ([34:48])
2. How does the sermon describe the role of teachers in influencing young souls towards Christ? ([12:48])
3. According to the sermon, what does the cross symbolize in the life of a believer? ([52:51])
4. What does Jesus say will happen to those who are ashamed of Him and His words? ([35:43])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to deny oneself according to the sermon, and how does this relate to the story of Adam and Eve? ([45:16])
2. How does the sermon explain the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit? ([47:03])
3. Why is public acknowledgment of Jesus important, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this? ([01:03:06])
4. How does embracing one's cross daily lead to fulfillment and joy, according to the sermon? ([01:01:18])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there any desires or habits you need to deny because they go against God's will? How can you start this process today? ([43:37])
2. Think about a time when you felt tempted to follow your flesh rather than the Spirit. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from that experience to apply in the future? ([49:01])
3. Have you ever felt ashamed to publicly acknowledge Jesus? What steps can you take to be more bold in your faith? ([01:03:06])
4. Identify your "cross" in life. How can you embrace and submit to it daily, trusting that God will use it for His kingdom and your blessing? ([01:01:18])
5. Teachers have a unique influence on young souls. If you are in a teaching or mentoring role, how can you ensure that your behavior and words reflect Jesus in every interaction? ([12:48])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of holiness in the church. What practical steps can you take to pursue holiness in your daily life? ([47:03])
7. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to guide you in proclaiming Jesus and living a life that honors Him? ([01:04:45])
Devotional
Day 1: The Influence and Responsibility of Teachers
Teachers have a unique opportunity to model Jesus to young souls, influencing them towards a Christ-centered life. This role requires the anointing of the Holy Spirit to ensure their behavior and words reflect Jesus in every aspect of their teaching. Teachers are not just educators but also spiritual guides who can shape the faith and character of their students. By living out the teachings of Jesus, they can inspire and lead children towards a deeper relationship with Christ. The responsibility is immense, but so is the privilege of guiding young hearts and minds towards eternal truths.
Teachers must continually seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength to fulfill this role effectively. They should pray for wisdom, patience, and love to handle the challenges that come with teaching. By doing so, they can create an environment where students not only learn academic subjects but also grow in their faith and understanding of God's love. [12:48]
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (ESV): "But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: Think of a teacher who has significantly influenced your faith. How can you pray for them today, and what steps can you take to support and encourage them in their role?
Day 2: Self-Denial and Discipleship
Denying oneself means rejecting desires that go against God's will. This is a daily process of taking up our cross and following Jesus, recognizing that true discipleship involves sacrifice and commitment. Self-denial is not about rejecting all desires but discerning and rejecting those that lead us away from God's purpose for our lives. It requires a conscious effort to align our will with God's will, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable.
The story of Adam and Eve serves as a reminder of the consequences of failing to deny our flesh. Their disobedience led to the fall of humanity, highlighting the importance of choosing God's way over our own. As followers of Christ, we are called to crucify our flesh with Him, living by faith and not by sight. This daily act of self-denial is a testament to our commitment to Jesus and our desire to follow Him wholeheartedly. [34:48]
Galatians 5:24-25 (ESV): "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: What is one desire or habit in your life that you need to deny to follow Jesus more closely? How can you take a step today to align your will with God's will?
Day 3: The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
The devil tempts us to indulge our flesh, but we must learn to discern his voice and resist. Holiness requires us to deny our flesh and live by the Spirit, following Jesus' example of crucifying the flesh. The battle between flesh and spirit is ongoing, and it requires vigilance and spiritual discernment to overcome the temptations that come our way. The devil's tactics are subtle, often appealing to our natural desires and weaknesses.
To live a holy life, we must be intentional about resisting sin and choosing righteousness. This involves daily prayer, reading the Word, and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance. By doing so, we can strengthen our spirit and weaken the hold of the flesh. Jesus' crucifixion is the ultimate example of this, as He chose to obey the Father even unto death, demonstrating the power of the Spirit over the flesh. [45:16]
Romans 8:5-6 (ESV): "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."
Reflection: Identify a recent situation where you felt tempted to follow your flesh. How can you prepare yourself spiritually to resist similar temptations in the future?
Day 4: Public Acknowledgment of Jesus
Being a disciple of Jesus means publicly acknowledging Him and not being ashamed of the gospel. The Holy Spirit empowers us to proclaim Jesus, and we must rely on Him to guide us in this mission. Public acknowledgment of Jesus is a crucial aspect of our faith, as it demonstrates our commitment to Him and our willingness to stand for the truth. Jesus warned that those who are ashamed of Him will be disowned when He returns, emphasizing the importance of boldly proclaiming our faith.
The Holy Spirit gives us the courage and wisdom to share the gospel with others. We must be open to His leading and ready to speak about Jesus in our daily interactions. This can be challenging, especially in a world that often opposes Christian values, but our faithfulness in this area can have a profound impact on those around us. [01:03:06]
Matthew 10:32-33 (ESV): "So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Think of a person or group of people you interact with regularly. How can you share your faith with them in a way that is both bold and loving?
Day 5: Embracing Our Cross
We must submit to the cross God has given us, trusting that it will lead to fulfillment and joy. Embracing our cross daily allows God to use it to further His kingdom and bless us in the process. Each of us has a unique cross to bear, and it is through this cross that we experience growth, transformation, and deeper intimacy with God. The cross is not a burden to be avoided but a divine tool for our sanctification and the advancement of God's kingdom.
By embracing our cross, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and trust in His plan for our lives. This act of submission leads to true fulfillment and joy, as we align ourselves with God's purposes. It is a daily decision to pick up our cross, knowing that God will use it for His glory and our good. [01:01:18]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is the cross that God has given you to bear? How can you embrace it today, trusting that God will use it for His kingdom and your growth?
Quotes
1. "So, this morning we are in Luke chapter 9. I'm going to ask Jonathan to come up. He's going to give a testimony in a moment, but I'm going to read the text first. We're going to begin in verse 23 and we're going to go to 26, all right? Now, let me ask you a question. How many of you know somebody that you wonder if they'll ever come to Christ? Is there anybody here that knows anybody like that? Okay. Very good." [34:48] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus revealed the requirements for becoming one of his followers. So much today in the church, it's like it's the free gift of God. Don't worry about it. Jesus did all the work. You know, you're saved. There's nothing on you, church. But this morning, we have to look at the text because Jesus reveals the requirements for becoming one of his followers. He says, if you're going to follow me, you want to be my disciple. He says, deny yourself, take up your cross daily, follow me." [43:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Denying yourself is the process of saying no to your flesh when it's against the will of God. See, he says deny yourself. Now, that doesn't mean that everything you want to do is wrong. Okay? I mean, I remember I was taking a couple through premarital counseling one time, and I asked them, what does marriage mean? And the future bride said it means not, doing what I want to do, and doing what my husband says. And I said, we're going to have a definite problem here." [43:37] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The devil is the outside force that tempts people to follow their flesh instead of God. You see, Eve had help, didn't she? The devil's there. I don't know if you know this, folks, but he's alive and well today. Our society is just a, we're just a short way away from Sodom and Gomorrah. It's in the movies. It's in all the media. Evil is good and good is bad. Do we discern it? Do we deny the flesh? But other, instead, people are indulging the flesh." [47:03] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When it comes to sin, I want to be like a greased pig. See, when the devil wants to grab me, I want to slide right through his fingers and get away. But every time you sin, he attaches a little handle to you and he can come back. And a habit or an addiction is a handle of sin that has grown on you and the devil can grab it and shake you and move you and direct you and hold you back and pull you into things you don't want to go into." [49:01] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "People forfeit their soul for foolish, fleshly things. Foolish, fleshly things. We back up to Matthew chapter 16. All right. And verse 26. And this is what it says. It says, what good will it be for someone to gain the whole world? It's the same as back in Luke. Forfeit their soul. And then here's the question. What can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Stop for just a moment and think of what people lose their soul over." [50:44] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Are you content or discontent with your cross? Let me ask you a question. Is there anybody in here that just doesn't like where you're at in your life today? My goodness, the first service, there were just hands going like this. Are you fighting that cross? Are you looking at that thing saying, I'm not going to pick that up. I'm not going to carry it, Lord. I do not like that. I don't like my cross." [58:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you're upset with your cross or your lot in this life, tell Jesus that you're going to submit to the life he's brought you. And if you're upset with your cross, tell Jesus that you're going to submit to the place he's put you in right now. And if you call on his name and if you submit to the place he's put you right now, what you will find out is he will come to your aid and you will find fulfillment like never before." [59:31] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Closet Christians could be left in the closet when Jesus returns. How many times have I heard, you know, I asked somebody where they're at with Christ. Well, it's very private to me, you know, and I don't want to talk about that. And I'm like, oh, this is going to hurt. And trust me, I understand gifts. You're not all evangelists. But when you're faced with how you live your life and somebody wants you to do something against the will of God, you have to acknowledge Jesus and say, no, I won't do that." [01:03:06] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Are you led by your flesh or the Holy Spirit? Again, every person in here is going, yes, sometimes the Spirit, sometimes the flesh. And Jesus says, if you ask for the Spirit, all you have to do, you ask for him, God will give him. And that Holy Spirit wants to lead you. And the Holy Spirit wants to guide you. And he wants to say to you, I wouldn't do that. Or yes, go ahead, do that." [01:08:09] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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