THE CROSS: OUTLINE
Is following Jesus all struggle and cost? – what about life without over stress / about fulfilment / about future hope?
The Lord has outlined a wondrous pattern and a wise design for believers who want to enjoy a successful, fulfilling life. Note these paradoxes { a seemingly contradictory statement that nonetheless is true.}
We see unseen things (2 Cor. 4:18);
We conquer by yielding (Rom. 6:16-18);
We find rest under a yoke (Mt. 11:28-30);
We reign by serving (Mark 10:42-44);
We are made great by becoming little (Luke 9:48);
We are exalted by being humble (Mt. 23:12);
We become wise by being fools for Christ’s sake (1 Cor. 1:20, 21);
We are made free by becoming His bond servants (Rom. 6:10);
We are strong by being weak (2 Cor. 12:10);
We triumph through defeat (2 Cor. 12:7-9);
We live by dying (John 12:24,25; 2 Cor. 4:10,11).
Spiritual growth / discipleship sometimes seems a paradoxical mystery BUT is nevertheless true and very worthwhile.
The Cost of following Jesus.
Luke 9v57- 62.
- 1. The Fox.
– seeking status
- 2. The Funeral.
– maintaining the status quo
- 3. The furrow.
– divided loyalties
Following Jesus means …
– change
– more concerned about what God thinks
– a deep concern for others
– cost – privacy
– materially
– emotionally …etc.
…it also means – Benefits / fulfilment
– see unseen things (2 Cor. 4:18)
– conquer by yielding (Rom. 6:16-18)
– find rest under a yoke (Mt. 11:28-30)
– reign by serving (Mark 10:42-44)
– are exalted by being humble (Mt. 23:12)
– become wise by being fools for Christ (1 Cor.1:20-21)
– are made free by becoming His slaves (Rom. 6:10)
– are strong by being weak (2 Cor. 12:10)
– triumph through defeat (2 Cor. 12:7-9)
– live by dying (John 12:24,25; 2 Cor. 4:10,11)
Strength For The Battle 