Following Jesus: Deny Yourself and Embrace Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Trinity Church. My name is Matthew Rowland, and on behalf of our founding pastors, Joe and Nancy, I want to thank you for joining us today. I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Carmen back in 1997, and his influence left a significant mark on my life. He was a man who did whatever it took to get you to see what God was trying to show you. Today, we are dedicating a media studio in his honor, with the vision to reach as many or more people than Dr. Carmen did in person.
We are diving into Mark chapter 8 today, a pivotal chapter where we finally see who Jesus really is, what He came to do, and what He calls us to do. Mark is a handbook for disciples, not just about who Jesus is and what He did, but about how we are to follow Him. The chapter begins with another miraculous feeding, this time of 4,000 people in the region of Decapolis, a predominantly Gentile area. This shows that Jesus' mission extends beyond the Jews to the entire world.
Jesus then teaches that anyone who wants to follow Him must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. This means ceasing to make oneself the reason for existence and surrendering one's life to Jesus. For the original disciples, this often meant literal martyrdom, but for us, it means living a life surrendered to Jesus, whatever that entails.
Our culture tells us to preserve our lives at all costs, but Jesus teaches the opposite. He tells the parable of the rich fool who hoarded his wealth only to lose his life that very night. Jesus emphasizes that whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Him and the gospel will save it. This challenges us to ask ourselves if we are truly self-denying, cross-carrying followers of Jesus.
I shared a personal story about how I came to faith and how it changed my life. I was inspired to share my testimony, and I encourage you to do the same. Sharing your faith doesn't have to be complicated; it can be as simple as sharing your personal story. Jesus calls us to share our testimony because it is powerful and cannot be argued against.
Jesus also warns us about being ashamed of Him and His words. If we are ashamed of Him in this world, He will be ashamed of us when He comes in His Father's glory. This is a sobering reminder that following Jesus may bring temporary discomfort but leads to eternal life.
The chapter also recounts the story of Jesus healing a blind man, emphasizing that Jesus changes the world one person at a time. This is a slow but sure process, and it is how Jesus plans to transform the world.
Finally, Jesus asks His disciples who they think He is. Peter boldly declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. This revelation is the foundation upon which Jesus will build His church, and it is a truth that we must all come to understand and accept.
As we close, I encourage you to ask yourself three questions: Have I confessed and do I believe that Jesus is God? Do I understand what Jesus came to do? Have I answered His call to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Him? These are the questions that will guide us in our journey as followers of Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross: Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This means ceasing to make ourselves the center of our existence and surrendering our lives to Jesus. It’s not about literal martyrdom for most of us, but about living a life fully surrendered to Him. This is a radical departure from the self-preserving mentality of our culture. [01:07:39]
2. The Futility of Worldly Pursuits: Our culture emphasizes preserving and enhancing our lives through wealth, technology, and self-care. However, Jesus teaches that these pursuits are ultimately futile. The parable of the rich fool illustrates that hoarding wealth and focusing on self-preservation leads to spiritual bankruptcy. True life is found in losing our lives for Jesus and the gospel. [01:10:29]
3. The Power of Personal Testimony: Sharing our faith doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as sharing our personal testimony. Our stories of how Jesus changed our lives are powerful and irrefutable. When we share our testimony, it emboldens us and helps others see the transformative power of the gospel. [01:14:29]
4. The Cost of Being Ashamed of Jesus: Jesus warns that if we are ashamed of Him and His words in this world, He will be ashamed of us when He comes in His Father’s glory. This is a sobering reminder that following Jesus may bring temporary discomfort but leads to eternal life. It’s not a gamble worth taking to reject Jesus for the approval of this world. [01:16:55]
5. The Slow but Sure Transformation: Jesus changes the world one person at a time. The story of Jesus healing the blind man illustrates that transformation is a slow but sure process. Jesus’ plan is to change the world through individual lives surrendered to Him. This is how the kingdom of God advances, one heart at a time. [01:18:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[48:58] - Dr. Carmen's Influence
[50:06] - Dedication of Media Studio
[51:22] - Introduction to Mark Chapter 8
[52:39] - Feeding the 4,000
[53:59] - Jesus' Frustration with Pharisees
[56:42] - Healing the Blind Man
[58:02] - Jesus' Identity Revealed
[59:24] - Peter's Confession
[01:00:46] - Peter's Rebuke
[01:02:06] - Jesus' Mission Explained
[01:03:30] - The Call to Deny Self
[01:05:05] - Loving God Over Worldly Things
[01:07:39] - Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross
[01:10:29] - The Futility of Worldly Pursuits
[01:14:29] - The Power of Personal Testimony
[01:16:55] - The Cost of Being Ashamed of Jesus
[01:18:25] - The Slow but Sure Transformation
[01:25:13] - Closing Questions and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 8:34-35: "Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.'"
2. Luke 12:16-21: The Parable of the Rich Fool
3. Revelation 21:3-4: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me"? (Mark 8:34-35)
2. In the Parable of the Rich Fool, what was the rich man's mistake, and what was the consequence? (Luke 12:16-21)
3. According to Revelation 21:3-4, what are the promises given to those who follow Jesus?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the call to deny oneself and take up the cross challenge the self-preserving mentality of our culture? (Mark 8:34-35) [01:07:39]
2. What does the Parable of the Rich Fool teach us about the futility of worldly pursuits? (Luke 12:16-21) [01:10:29]
3. How does the promise in Revelation 21:3-4 provide hope and motivation for living a life surrendered to Jesus?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. Are there areas where you are prioritizing self-preservation over self-denial? How can you shift your focus to align more with Jesus' call to take up your cross? [01:07:39]
2. Think about your pursuits and ambitions. Are there any that resemble the rich fool's focus on hoarding wealth and self-preservation? How can you reorient these pursuits to serve Jesus and the gospel? [01:10:29]
3. Sharing your personal testimony can be powerful. Have you shared your faith story recently? If not, what is one step you can take this week to share it with someone? [01:14:29]
4. Jesus warns about being ashamed of Him and His words. Are there situations where you feel hesitant to speak about your faith? How can you overcome this hesitation? [01:16:55]
5. Transformation is a slow but sure process. Identify one area in your life where you need Jesus' transformative power. What practical steps can you take to invite His change in that area? [01:18:25]
6. Peter's confession that Jesus is the Christ was a pivotal moment. Have you had a moment of revelation about who Jesus is? How has that shaped your faith journey? [59:24]
7. The promise of no more pain or mourning in Revelation 21:3-4 is a powerful motivator. How does this promise impact your perspective on current struggles and challenges?
Devotional
Day 1: Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This means ceasing to make ourselves the center of our existence and surrendering our lives to Jesus. It’s not about literal martyrdom for most of us, but about living a life fully surrendered to Him. This is a radical departure from the self-preserving mentality of our culture. Jesus' teaching challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities and to live in a way that reflects our commitment to Him.
Our culture often tells us to prioritize our own needs and desires, but Jesus' call is to put Him first, even if it means sacrificing our own comfort and desires. This is not an easy path, but it is the path to true life and fulfillment. As we deny ourselves and take up our cross, we find that we are actually gaining far more than we are giving up. We are gaining a deeper relationship with Jesus and a life that is truly worth living. [07:39]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: The Futility of Worldly Pursuits
Our culture emphasizes preserving and enhancing our lives through wealth, technology, and self-care. However, Jesus teaches that these pursuits are ultimately futile. The parable of the rich fool illustrates that hoarding wealth and focusing on self-preservation leads to spiritual bankruptcy. True life is found in losing our lives for Jesus and the gospel.
Jesus' teaching challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities and to live in a way that reflects our commitment to Him. Our culture often tells us to prioritize our own needs and desires, but Jesus' call is to put Him first, even if it means sacrificing our own comfort and desires. This is not an easy path, but it is the path to true life and fulfillment. As we deny ourselves and take up our cross, we find that we are actually gaining far more than we are giving up. We are gaining a deeper relationship with Jesus and a life that is truly worth living. [10:29]
Ecclesiastes 5:10 (ESV): "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity."
Reflection: Reflect on your current pursuits and goals. Are they aligned with Jesus' teachings, or are they more focused on worldly gains? How can you shift your focus to prioritize your relationship with Jesus?
Day 3: The Power of Personal Testimony
Sharing our faith doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as sharing our personal testimony. Our stories of how Jesus changed our lives are powerful and irrefutable. When we share our testimony, it emboldens us and helps others see the transformative power of the gospel.
Your personal story of faith is a unique and powerful tool that God can use to reach others. It doesn't have to be a dramatic story; even the simple ways that Jesus has impacted your life can be a powerful testimony to His love and grace. Sharing your testimony can also strengthen your own faith as you reflect on the ways God has worked in your life. [14:29]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Reflection: Think of a specific instance where Jesus has made a significant impact on your life. How can you share this story with someone this week in a way that is natural and genuine?
Day 4: The Cost of Being Ashamed of Jesus
Jesus warns that if we are ashamed of Him and His words in this world, He will be ashamed of us when He comes in His Father’s glory. This is a sobering reminder that following Jesus may bring temporary discomfort but leads to eternal life. It’s not a gamble worth taking to reject Jesus for the approval of this world.
Being a follower of Jesus often means standing out and sometimes facing ridicule or rejection. However, the eternal rewards far outweigh the temporary discomforts. Jesus calls us to be bold in our faith and to not be ashamed of Him, even when it is difficult. This requires courage and a deep trust in Jesus' promises. [16:55]
Mark 8:38 (ESV): "For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you felt hesitant to share your faith or stand up for Jesus. What held you back, and how can you prepare yourself to be bolder in similar situations in the future?
Day 5: The Slow but Sure Transformation
Jesus changes the world one person at a time. The story of Jesus healing the blind man illustrates that transformation is a slow but sure process. Jesus’ plan is to change the world through individual lives surrendered to Him. This is how the kingdom of God advances, one heart at a time.
Transformation in our lives and in the world around us often happens gradually. Jesus works in us over time, shaping us to be more like Him. This process requires patience and trust in His timing. As we surrender our lives to Jesus, we become part of His plan to bring about change in the world. Each small step of obedience and faithfulness contributes to the larger work that Jesus is doing. [18:25]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you have seen gradual transformation through Jesus. How can you continue to trust in His process and be patient with the changes He is making in you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When your heart's converted, it will change the way you live your life. Now, let me just say this. I don't expect you guys to go look, get a little red Bible, do the same thing I'm doing. There's a lot of ways we can share our faith. I'll just give you an idea. A little, I don't have it with me, but I, I, I've recorded my, just a two minute testimony. Put it on YouTube. I have a little card that I'll give out at the drive-thru or dry cleaners or whatever with a QR code. It'll take you right to that little video. It's just a simple, easy way to share my testimony." [01:14:29]
2. "Don't be afraid to share your faith. The first step is praying for the people that God has given you. And the second step is praying for the people that God has given you. Put in your heart to share the gospel with. You know who they are. They're your coworkers. They're your family members. They're your neighbors. It begins by investing your time, your life. What is your, what is your life? It's your time. Just a little bit of time praying. When you pray for somebody, you begin to get a heart for them. You begin to care about them." [01:15:44]
3. "Jesus gives us this final warning. I love this about Jesus, about God and the Bible. He loves us so much that he says he's going to reward those who earnestly seek him. He says, don't do this or don't do that. He gives, he threatens, he encourages, he rebukes, he reminds, he rewards, he blesses. He uses every tool in his arsenal to get us to do what's good for ourselves." [01:16:55]
4. "Jesus said, if anyone's ashamed of me and my words in this generation, the son of man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his father's glory, referring to the end of days when Jesus will come again. In other words, rejecting Jesus in this world may help you escape some shame and embarrassment and discomfort, but it will lead to rejection for all eternity. It's not a gamble worth taking. It's not a risk worth receiving. He will guarantee us eternal life if we choose him and seek him first." [01:18:25]
5. "We were created to have relationship with our father. It is what we were designed for. It's what we were destined for. It's the purpose of our existence, to glorify God and enjoy him forever. That's why we were created. God wasn't shocked or surprised at the sin that entered into humanity. He knew what he was doing. He knew that if I make these people, they're going to have to go through this issue of sin and I would have to redeem them, giving the life of my son. But it's all going to be worth it if they'll just follow me through it." [01:22:21]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Here's what Jesus said. If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me. And there it is. We know who Jesus is. We know what Jesus came to do. And now we understand what he's calling us to do as well, right here in the middle of chapter eight and everything from here on out gets messy. We're called to deny ourselves. That means cease to make the self the reason for my existence. It's not just about me. It's about the people. It's about the people. It's about the people. It's not all about me. I'm not the reason why I live anymore. I need to deny myself, my titles, my attributes, all the things that I think I'm living for in this world. I turn my back on those things because I'm turning my life over to Jesus." [01:07:39]
2. "Jesus changes the world one human at a time. And that's the way it's going to be. It's not going to happen through a mass crusade. It's not going to happen through this cataclysmic event. Jesus' plan is one human heart at a time. This one has changed. That one reaches the other. That one has changed. It's a slow burn. It's a long process. It's taken over 2,000 years so far, but he's not going to change his strategy or his methods now. The world has been saved. Sin is taken care of, but human hearts are changed one surrendered life at a time." [58:02]
3. "Am I a self-denying, cross-caring Jesus follower who's ready, willing, and able to lay it on my life, whatever that means? Whether I live the rest of my days out for Jesus or they're cut short in the eyes of this world by some unfortunate thing that brings glory to him. Cameron mentioned a vacation Bible school at Aldrich Avenue Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. And I was too nervous to say the prayer in front of anybody. So I went home and prayed it five times in a row just to make sure I got it right. And that was a moment that I opened up my heart to the Holy Spirit and things began to change in me." [01:11:54]
4. "Jesus then began to teach them that the Son of Man, a reference to himself, a Messiah, the Son of God, is what that means. Jesus used that term of himself. The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the law. And that he, the Son of Man, must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, of man must be killed. And after three days, he would rise again. Verse 32, he spoke plainly to them about this. But at this point, it was veiled in mystery. Now the cat is out of the bag. I am God. And yet this is what I've come to do." [01:02:06]
5. "We alone are the people on this earth have the gift of the Holy Spirit that brings us joy, life, peace, patience, the kindness of God at work in our lives, the ability to forgive and release and let go. These are all things that are available to the followers of Jesus. It is worth it to live for him in this world. And the exciting thing is that we get to live for him in the world to come. Here's what it says in Revelations chapter 21. John is writing this towards the end of his days, the apostle John, who Jesus loved. He was close to Jesus and close to the Father, full of the Holy Spirit, writes this. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, look, God's dwelling is now among people. We'll live with them and they will be his people and God himself will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There'll be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away." [01:22:21]
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