Wednesday Night Follow-Up (10-27-10)

This week, we're going to seize on just one small portion of Mark's message on Jesus' message, the command of the Messiah to "follow me."  And we're going to flesh that out very quickly and directly.  So what exactly does the command to "follow me" entail?

I. A Decisive Break
Luke 9:57-62 - "As they were going along the road, someone said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' And Jesus said to him, 'Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.' To another he said, 'Follow me.' But he said, 'Lord, let me first go and bury my father.' And Jesus said to him, 'Leave the dead to bury their own dead.  But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.' Yet another said, 'I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.' Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.'"
There is no following Jesus and holding on to one's old way of life.  If we are to attain heaven, we must not retain any souvenirs of hell.  The old man cannot be given sway, it must be put away (Col. 3:9-10).  Following Jesus means a decisive break with the ways of the world and the sins of one's life. 

II. A Daily Denial
Luke 9:23 - "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
Denying self is crucifying self.  It is a daily mindset that puts aside the selfish desires and motives to instead work for the benefit of others to the glory of God.
 
III. A Determined Imitation
Eph. 5:1 - "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Christ left us an example to follow (1 Peter 2:21).  His life, His kindness, His forgiveness, His compassion, and His perfections are all attributes to be pursued. 

So then,

Where does your old self still have dominance in your life?  What thoughts, words or actions still resemble your unsaved self?  Where can you become more like Christ?  What passages should you read?  What, specifically, can you change?