Sermon Notes 11/13 – Follow Jesus

1Peter 2:11 – sojourners, foreigners, strangers, aliens & temporary residents

-it means a traveler and someone on a journey

-During our spiritual journey – we get saved and Jesus tells us to follow Him – Matthew 4:19

Follow – means to be on the same road and path as Jesus

-There is only certainty in Jesus Christ

(1.) FOLLOWING JESUS IS AN INVITATION

-Jesus is not a dictator, but invites us to obey and follow Him

-we have a voice to follow or not follow Jesus

-Follow Jesus and nothing or no one else

(2.) FOLLOWING JESUS DOES NOT ELIMINATE TROUBLE – 2 Cor 11:23-29…Matt 4:1-11…Deut 8:1-11

-we will all go through trials and hardships as we follow Jesus

-Battle cry – we will never turn away from Jesus – we will only follow Jesus

            There a couple of things we need to realize:

1. FOLLOWING JESUS LEADS TO FELLOWSHIP WHICH LEADS TO FORMATION WHICH LEADS TO TRANSFORMATION – Galatians 5:16

fellowship – this is spending time with Jesus

formation – this is becoming more like Jesus

transformation – which is a combination of teaching and testing

Matthew 16:13-18 – this was a test for the disciples

1. Matthew 16:13 – who do men say that I am?

Who are you listening to?  Who has your ear?

2. Matthew 16:15 – Who do you say that I am?

-they knew what men were saying, what did God say about Jesus?

2. FOLLOW JESUS REGARDLESS OF FEELINGS – Dt 8:11-20

-when we suffer great pressure and trials, we battle with our feelings

-the temptation is not to follow Jesus when things get hard

-talk to your feelings and line them up to the Word of God

-do what is right no matter what your feelings are