Marks of a Genuine Disciple: 2016 Gospel of Luke #34
This is an exposition of Luke 9:18-27. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, October 23, 2016.
Intro:
There he was standing behind the counter at a fast food place. Ball cap pulled down tight on his head. The nice gold earring, baggy pants dangerously close to falling off. I wasn’t expecting it when he looked at Ben, who was wearing a Christian T-shirt, “Nice shirt dude! I’m a believer too.” He was a nice dressed man. Very educated. Well thought of in his profession. In fact he was a tenured professor at a Baptist university. “You don’t actually believe this nonsense that Jesus rose bodily from the grave do you?” I guess it is true what they say, “You can’t judge a book by it’s cover!” Unfortunately it is also becoming true, you can’t judge a book by what it says. A large percentage of our population claims to be Christians – but their actions betray their words. I recognize that seems to be judging, and in our “tolerant” society that is tantamount to the unpardonable sin, but I believe it is a valid judgement.
What does it mean to be Christian? What does it mean to be a follower of Christ? Is it merely a matter of saying, “I believe in God?” Is it a matter of believing certain things or holding right opinions about certain issues? Is it a matter of going to church or going to the “right” church? In the book of Acts we have the first mention of the followers of the Lord Jesus being called Christians. What was it about those folks in Antioch of Syria? What was it that mark or distinguished them? Their lives mirrored the life of Christ. They lived out their faith. As they followed Him, their life reflected His life. We call that discipleship, and it comes with a price.
We live in a world of “easy believism.” Our world is not big on commitment or hard work. The concept of struggling to achieve is a foreign concept to an increasing number. A growing number of folks in society have an attitude that says, “You owe me.” That attitude has found its way into the church. “Lord you owe me. I’ve consented to believe in you, now do something for me. Lord, I’ve believed now make all the bad things go away and bring me a double portion of peace, prosperity and the abundant life.” The question we have to consider is whether “this is a biblical concept?” Just what does it mean to be a follower of Christ? Is there a price to be paid? What is the cost? That is the subject of our text this morning found in Luke the ninth chapter beginning in Luke 9:18.
Text: Luke 9:18-27
Luke is writing to Theophilus – aimed at the head and the heart.
His purpose is to bring him to faith and establish him in that faith.
Luke is universal in his appeal, Jesus is the Savior of the world (not just the Jews).
We are at a turning point in the ministry of Jesus.
He begins to pull away from the crowds and focus more directly on the 12.
We are moving into the final year of ministry for our Lord.
The 12 have been with Him awhile.
They have recently returned from a training mission.
In our text we find a great confession and a sobering prophecy.
In the midst of it all we learn important lessons for following after Him in obedience.
This text is a vivid reminder of the fact that:
Thesis: God calls every believer to a life of genuine discipleship.
These words, while spoken originally to the 12, were not limited to them.
This is to be true of all those who would walk in obedience to Christ.
Sometime after the training mission and after the feeding of the 5000 Jesus pulled His disciples aside, away from the crowds following a time of prayer (Luke alone mentions the time of prayer) Jesus asked His disciples a question. This initiates a discussion from which we learn three important principles concerning genuine discipleship.
- A genuine disciple builds his life around the fundamental confession of the Church. (9:18-21)
- A genuine disciple willingly, joyfully embraces a life of sacrificial service. (9:23-25)
- A genuine disciple unashamedly identifies himself/herself as a follower of Christ. (9:26-27)
Conclusion:
What does it mean to be a Christian? To be a follower of Christ?
It means to build your life on the fundamental confession of the church – “You are the Christ of God.” It means to willingly, joyfully embrace a life of sacrificial service and it means to unashamedly identify yourself as a follower of Christ.