1. In this verse Jesus revealed some important information about following Him. a. He connected serving Him with following Him. b. He indicated that those who serve and follow Him will be where He is. c. He stated that the Father will honor those who serve and follow Him. 2. We conclude that following the Lord deserves our careful attention. 3. As we search the Scriptures, "let us learn about following Jesus." 4. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. JESUS WANTS PEOPLE TO FOLLOW HIM
A. Consider what the Lord said when He called His apostles, including: 1. Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:18-20) 2. James and John (Matthew 4:21-22) 3. Matthew (Matthew 9:9). B. In addition to the apostles, Jesus called others to follow Him (Matthew 16:24). C. These verses clearly show that the Lord wants people to follow Him. D. This leads us to our next point. II. EACH PERSON MUST DECIDE WHETHER HE WILL FOLLOW JESUS
A. The Lord did not force anyone to follow Him during His ministry, and He does not force anyone to follow Him today. B. He invites everyone to come to Him (Matthew 11:28), but each person is responsible for deciding whether he will become a follower of Christ. C. In making this decision, we must understand that our eternal destiny is at stake (Matthew 10:38). D. We must also understand that . . . III. THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY TO FOLLOW JESUS
A. We have read that each person must "deny himself" and "take up his cross." B. According to Luke 9:23, this is to be done "daily." C. Jesus showed how a price must be paid to follow Him as He dealt with 3 men in Luke 9:57-62. D. Let us avoid the mistake of the rich young ruler who would not pay the price (Luke 18:22-23). E. While there is a price to pay to follow Him, . . . IV. BLESSINGS ARE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO FOLLOW JESUS
A. The Lord will bless those who sacrifice to follow Him (Luke 18:28-30). B. Jesus revealed a very special blessing in John 8:12. Conclusion:
1. We have searched the Lord's Word to learn what He wants us to know about following Him. 2. Does the Lord recognize you as His follower?
