How can we actively follow Jesus' call to "Follow Me" in daily life? Invited to Follow: Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Three Powerful Verbs in One Short Sentence • Come – Jesus initiates the relationship; we respond. • Follow – ongoing obedience and imitation, not a one-time decision. • Make – His work of transformation; we become effective for His mission. What “Follow Me” Meant for the First Disciples • Immediate obedience – “At once they left their nets” (v. 20). • Total reorientation – family trade, security, and plans surrendered. • Life on the move with Jesus – learning by watching, listening, doing. Living the Call in Daily Life Today • Cultivate daily closeness – Begin and end the day in Scripture (Mark 1:35). – Keep a listening heart: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) • Choose obedience over convenience – Measure choices against His words (James 1:22). – When Scripture and culture clash, side with Scripture. • Practice self-denial – “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23) – Say no to sinful impulses; say yes to His purposes. • Walk by the Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) – Depend on the Spirit’s power, not mere willpower. • Imitate His character in relationships – Humility (Philippians 2:5–8) – Compassion (Matthew 9:36) – Truth-telling in love (Ephesians 4:15) • Engage the mission – Pray for and look for “persons of peace” to share the gospel. – Serve tangible needs; let good works open doors for the good news (Matthew 5:16). – “You will receive power … and you will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8) • Stay connected for fruitfulness – “Remain in Me … apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) – Regularly evaluate: Am I abiding or merely busy? Encouragement for the Road • Following is a lifelong journey; progress, not perfection, is the goal (Philippians 3:12-14). • Christ’s example sustains us: “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21) • The promise still stands: those who truly follow are continually being made into fishers of people—effective, fruitful, and joy-filled partners in His work. |
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