From Following Jesus to Living Like Him
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new series titled "Crossover," focusing on the journey from merely following Jesus to truly being like Him. Many Christians stop at the first step of discipleship, which is following Jesus, but fail to take the next step of embodying His character in their daily lives. This series aims to bridge that gap, encouraging us to not only follow Jesus but to be like Him in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
We began by discussing the importance of discipleship and how it extends beyond just following Jesus. True discipleship involves being like Jesus to others, which requires a deeper commitment and understanding. I shared a story about a man who, despite initially being an atheist, read the Bible cover to cover and eventually became a leader in the church. However, he later lost his way because he stopped at being a follower and didn't progress to being like Jesus to others.
The essence of this series is to move beyond the initial steps of salvation and church attendance to a life of transformation and renewal. We need to posture ourselves differently towards life, adopting attitudes of gratitude, authenticity, praise, and hope. These postures will help us navigate the complexities of life without being burdened by the constant need to discern right from wrong, a burden that was never ours to carry.
We also touched on the story of Adam and Eve, emphasizing that their expulsion from Eden was an act of grace, not punishment. God wanted to relieve them of the burden of deciding right and wrong, a burden that leads to spiritual death. Jesus has restored our relationship with God, allowing us to live a life free from this burden.
In the coming weeks, we will explore four key postures: gratitude, authenticity, praise, and hope. These postures will help us write the next chapter of our story, moving from a life of mere salvation to one of abundant living and supernatural power. We are called to be different, to have a different kind of faith, perspective, values, and passion. This transformation will not only change our lives but also impact our communities and the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Discipleship Beyond Following: True discipleship involves more than just following Jesus; it requires being like Him in every aspect of our lives. This means embodying His character and teachings in our homes, workplaces, and communities. It's a challenging journey but essential for spiritual growth and impact. [01:45]
2. The Burden of Right and Wrong: The story of Adam and Eve teaches us that the burden of deciding right from wrong leads to spiritual death. Jesus has relieved us of this burden, allowing us to live a life of freedom and joy. We need to posture ourselves towards peace and not stress, trusting that Jesus has already taken care of what is right and wrong. [19:59]
3. Postures for Transformation: Adopting postures of gratitude, authenticity, praise, and hope can transform our lives. These attitudes help us navigate life's complexities without being overwhelmed by the need to discern right from wrong. They enable us to live a life of abundance and supernatural power. [10:51]
4. Living in Eternity, Not the Moment: Our salvation turns a moment into an eternity, but many of us still live in the moment, burdened by daily worries. Embracing our eternal perspective allows us to face life's challenges with confidence and joy, knowing that we have access to all the spiritual blessings God has provided. [35:25]
5. The Power of Our Story: Our personal stories of faith and transformation are powerful tools against the enemy. They not only testify to God's work in our lives but also have the power to defeat Satan. By living out our story with a different perspective of faith, values, passion, and purpose, we can impact our communities and the world. [49:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - Introduction to Crossover Series
[01:45] - The Challenge of True Discipleship
[02:22] - Story of Transformation
[03:46] - The Importance of Being Like Jesus
[04:31] - Daily Reading of Romans 12
[05:10] - The Church as a Community of Disciples
[06:25] - The Next Step: Changing Cities
[07:06] - Vision for Multiple Light Christian Centers
[08:21] - The Need for More Than Just Salvation
[08:57] - Introduction to the Series Crossover
[10:17] - Information vs. Transformation
[10:51] - Posture of Gratitude
[12:01] - Personal Story and Aspirations
[12:56] - The Importance of Heart Posture
[14:00] - Posture of Authenticity
[14:35] - Posture of Praise
[15:10] - Posture of Hope
[16:44] - The Burden of Right and Wrong
[18:49] - Life Without the Burden
[19:59] - Grace, Not Punishment
[21:18] - Spiritual Plantings in Eden
[22:21] - Consequences of Burden
[24:37] - Jesus' Light Burden
[25:17] - The Holy Spirit's Guidance
[27:03] - Jesus' Right and Truth
[28:15] - Enjoying the Fruit of the Spirit
[29:24] - The Importance of Heart
[30:08] - Power of Our Salvation
[31:16] - Access to the Tree of Life
[33:09] - The Fullness of Our Salvation
[34:11] - Relationship with God
[35:25] - Living in Eternity
[36:13] - Healing Through Jesus
[37:22] - Following Jesus into Eternity
[38:36] - The Spirit of Truth
[39:51] - New Identity in Christ
[40:57] - A Different Kind of Faith
[41:35] - Embracing Freedom and Power
[42:13] - Different Story of Faith
[42:55] - Changing Perspectives
[43:35] - Spiritual Passion and Purpose
[44:49] - Living in Eternity with Purpose
[45:54] - The Sequel to Your Story
[46:52] - Navigating the Garden of Life
[47:29] - The Power of Our Story
[49:35] - Defeating the Enemy
[50:07] - Changing Our Posture
[51:11] - The Power of the Cross
[51:58] - Representing Jesus to Others
[52:30] - Embracing New Postures
[53:34] - Posture of Gratitude
[53:34] - Posture of Authenticity
[53:34] - Posture of Praise
[53:34] - Posture of Hope
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)
2. Genesis 2:15-17: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the Lord God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.'"
3. Ephesians 2:4-7: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 12:1-2 say about how we should live our lives as followers of Jesus?
2. According to Genesis 2:15-17, what was the specific command God gave to Adam in the Garden of Eden?
3. In Ephesians 2:4-7, what does Paul say about our state before and after being made alive with Christ?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Romans 12:1-2 relate to the idea of moving from merely following Jesus to being like Him in every aspect of our lives? [04:31]
2. What is the significance of God’s command in Genesis 2:15-17 in the context of the sermon’s message about the burden of deciding right from wrong? [19:28]
3. How does Ephesians 2:4-7 help us understand the transformation that occurs when we embrace our new identity in Christ? [31:16]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. In what ways can you embody the character of Jesus more fully in your home, workplace, or community? [05:46]
2. The sermon mentioned the burden of deciding right from wrong and how it can lead to spiritual death. How can you trust more in Jesus to guide your decisions and relieve you of this burden? [19:59]
3. The pastor emphasized the importance of adopting postures of gratitude, authenticity, praise, and hope. Which of these postures do you find most challenging, and what steps can you take to cultivate it in your life? [10:51]
4. How can you shift your perspective from living in the moment to embracing an eternal perspective, especially when facing daily worries and challenges? [35:25]
5. Think about your personal story of faith and transformation. How can you share this story to impact others and defeat the enemy, as mentioned in the sermon? [49:35]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of being like Jesus to others, not just following Him. What practical actions can you take this week to demonstrate Jesus’ love and character to someone in your life? [51:58]
7. How can you actively participate in your community or church to help others move from mere salvation to a life of abundant living and supernatural power? [07:06]
Devotional
Day 1: True Discipleship: Beyond Following Jesus
True discipleship involves more than just following Jesus; it requires being like Him in every aspect of our lives. This means embodying His character and teachings in our homes, workplaces, and communities. It's a challenging journey but essential for spiritual growth and impact. Many Christians stop at the first step of discipleship, which is following Jesus, but fail to take the next step of embodying His character in their daily lives. This series aims to bridge that gap, encouraging us to not only follow Jesus but to be like Him in our homes, workplaces, and communities. [01:45]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: Think of one specific area in your life where you can better embody the character of Jesus. What practical steps can you take today to reflect His love and teachings in that area?
Day 2: The Burden of Right and Wrong
The story of Adam and Eve teaches us that the burden of deciding right from wrong leads to spiritual death. Jesus has relieved us of this burden, allowing us to live a life of freedom and joy. We need to posture ourselves towards peace and not stress, trusting that Jesus has already taken care of what is right and wrong. This understanding helps us navigate the complexities of life without being burdened by the constant need to discern right from wrong, a burden that was never ours to carry. [19:59]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: Identify a situation where you feel burdened by the need to discern right from wrong. How can you trust Jesus to guide you and relieve you of this burden today?
Day 3: Postures for Transformation
Adopting postures of gratitude, authenticity, praise, and hope can transform our lives. These attitudes help us navigate life's complexities without being overwhelmed by the need to discern right from wrong. They enable us to live a life of abundance and supernatural power. By focusing on these postures, we can write the next chapter of our story, moving from a life of mere salvation to one of abundant living and supernatural power. [10:51]
Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Choose one of the four postures (gratitude, authenticity, praise, hope) and reflect on how you can incorporate it into your daily routine. What specific actions can you take to embody this posture today?
Day 4: Living in Eternity, Not the Moment
Our salvation turns a moment into an eternity, but many of us still live in the moment, burdened by daily worries. Embracing our eternal perspective allows us to face life's challenges with confidence and joy, knowing that we have access to all the spiritual blessings God has provided. This shift in perspective helps us live a life of freedom and joy, unburdened by the worries of the present moment. [35:25]
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: Reflect on a current worry or challenge you are facing. How can viewing it from an eternal perspective change your approach and attitude towards it?
Day 5: The Power of Our Story
Our personal stories of faith and transformation are powerful tools against the enemy. They not only testify to God's work in our lives but also have the power to defeat Satan. By living out our story with a different perspective of faith, values, passion, and purpose, we can impact our communities and the world. Our stories are not just for us; they are meant to be shared to inspire and encourage others. [49:35]
Revelation 12:11 (ESV): "And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."
Reflection: Think about your own story of faith and transformation. How can you share it with someone this week to encourage and inspire them in their own journey?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus doesn't need you to just follow him around. He needs you to know where he's gone so that you know where he is. So that you can be like him in the places where he hasn't been yet. In other people's hearts, in other people's lives. You need to do that for other people." [00:55] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you want to be not just a Christ follower, but you want to be like Jesus, read Romans chapter 12 daily. It's the best chapter in the Bible to understand how do I follow Jesus and how do I be like Jesus all at the same time." [04:31] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus didn't come just to give you a pick-me-up on Sunday. God is the author of an incredible story. And He's ready to do the same for you right now. Because you see, there's a way of living where we can live out in the world that will see souls refreshed, relationships restored, and hearts being reborn." [15:10] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to get beyond thinking just of salvation. We need to embrace a new way of living and discover the other side of our story. Jesus didn't come just to give you a pick-me-up on Sunday. God is the author of an incredible story. And He's ready to do the same for you right now." [15:10] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your salvation turned a moment into an eternity, but we still live in the moment and we don't live in the eternity. Can I say that again? Your salvation turned a moment into eternity, but we're still living in the moment and not the eternity." [35:25] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Most Christians don't get past step one. They follow Jesus, but they never become like Jesus. Most Christians get to the point, snap, swish, tap, and they can be super spiritual. But when they go home, they are ungodly husbands, and they are ungodly wives, and they are ungodly children, and they are ungodly citizens. But come Sunday morning, they clip on, they follow Jesus, look and feel and persona, and they forget that they're supposed to go home from church, and they're supposed to go home from church, and be like Jesus in their homes, and be like Jesus in their communities, and be like Jesus in their workplace. Not just claim to follow Him, actually be like Him." [06:25] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are seeing change because Jesus is in our city. Because people see Jesus in its residents, in its citizens, in the way people drive, in the way people conduct themselves. You guys don't know how to use indicators, blinkers. I just want to give you a small story. On some cars, it's on the left. On some cars, it's on the right. But that funny little stalk thing that sticks out the side of your steering wheel, that's to indicate which way you're turning or if you're changing lanes." [07:49] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Adam and Eve were not destroyed because of their sin. Adam and Eve were not destroyed when they sinned. Did you notice that in the story? You didn't see God coming down and taking the sword from the seraphim and just slashing them to pieces and going, I told you so. Because he said that the moment you sin, the moment you step away from me, you will positively die. But God wasn't talking in the flesh. God was talking about spirituality." [16:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to posture ourselves in preparation. We have to posture ourselves to say, I'm going. We have to clear our calendar. We have to put the coolant in the car for the 95th time that day. We have to get there. We have to go inside. We have to have a heart. I'm going to enjoy this concert. Not, oh, there's too much light. Oh, there's too much smoke. No, you have to posture your heart to want to embrace the fullness of your next chapter of your story." [17:47] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your story is so powerful that it shuts Satan up. Your story is so powerful that it sends him packing. Your story is so powerful that Satan has absolutely no approach to you. Your story is so powerful that you will cast him out. His demons will flee. The diseases that he has in mind for you will no longer be on the radar. Hear your story if you write it right with a different perspective of faith, a different set of values, a different set of passion, a different set of purpose, and a different set of hope, you will send Satan to his destruction." [49:35] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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