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Stowell, Joseph - Followership

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Followership
by Joseph Stowell
Text: Matthew 4:18-22
Topic: What does it really look like to follow Christ?
Big Idea: Jesus calls us to lay aside our differences and our distractions, and to take up the cross.
Keywords: Christ; Commitment; Cross of Christ; Discipleship; Faith; Obedience; Risk; Sacrifice; Surrender



Introduction:
  • Christ called men to give up their jobs - their bottom line - to follow him.
  • Followership is the primal call of authentic Christianity.
Followers are colleagues in Christ.
  • There was tremendous diversity among the disciples, and yet remarkable unity.
  • Jesus has a way of lifting us above our petty differences.
  • The body of Christ has a lot of diversity - of temperaments, class, race, and spiritual gifts.
    -Illustration: Two people are thrilled to learn that both are Christians. But as they discuss their preferences (Bible translations, doctrines, politics), they discover differences and end up divided.
  • Jesus prayed that his followers would be one in him (John 17:21).
Followers are netless believers.
  • They're willing to give up anything that gets in the way of following Christ.
    -Illustration: Stowell tells of a CEO who leads a Bible study in his office, and though he's approaching 65, has no plans to retire. "That's the day I lose my ministry for Jesus Christ."
  • A "net" is anything - things, people, plans - that inhibits my commitment to following Christ.
  • What do we want when life ends? Stacks of stuff? Or eternity with him?
Followers are cross-bearers.
  • Christ commands his followers to take up the cross and follow him (Mark 8:34).
  • Cross-bearers willingly accept the inevitability of some degree of discomfort.
    -Illustration: Stowell tells of a Soviet pastor who wouldn't compromise his faith, and was sent to a Siberian prison by the KGB. The result: Many church plants throughout Siberia.
Conclusion:
  • If you won't follow Christ, then who will you follow?
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