I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS

TITLE: I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 16:24
Supporting Texts: Luke 9:23, John 12:26

INTRODUCTION:
The Christian journey is a call to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It’s a personal decision that involves a deep commitment to leave behind the old life and embrace the new life in Christ. As Jesus said, following Him requires taking up the cross daily and denying oneself. Today, we reflect on what it truly means to decide to follow Jesus and the implications for our lives.

1. THE CALL TO FOLLOW JESUS

a) Personal Decision:
Following Jesus is an individual choice. Each person must personally respond to the invitation to come and follow Christ (Matthew 4:19).

b) Denial of Self:
To follow Jesus, one must deny their own desires, ambitions, and plans to align with God’s will (Matthew 16:24).

c) Taking Up the Cross:
The cross represents sacrifice, suffering, and the cost of discipleship. Following Jesus may involve trials, but the reward is eternal life (Luke 9:23).

d) Wholehearted Commitment:
Jesus calls us to follow Him with all our heart, not turning back to the things of the world (Luke 9:62).

Biblical Example: Peter and Andrew
Peter and Andrew left their nets immediately to follow Jesus, showing complete dedication (Matthew 4:18-20).

2. THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS

a) Sacrifice of Comfort:
Following Jesus often means leaving behind earthly comforts for a greater purpose (Matthew 8:20).

b) Surrendering Relationships:
At times, following Jesus may require letting go of relationships that hinder your spiritual journey (Luke 14:26).

c) Giving Up Material Possessions:
The rich young ruler was challenged to give up his wealth in order to follow Jesus (Matthew 19:21-22).

d) Facing Persecution:
Jesus warned that His followers would face opposition and persecution, but He promised His presence and reward (John 15:18-20).

Biblical Example: The Rich Young Ruler
The rich young ruler struggled to follow Jesus because he was attached to his possessions (Matthew 19:16-22).

3. THE REWARDS OF FOLLOWING JESUS

a) Eternal Life:
Jesus promises that those who follow Him will receive eternal life and fellowship with the Father (John 3:16).

b) Peace with God:
Following Jesus brings peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that only He can give (John 14:27).

c) Fulfillment of Purpose:
Those who follow Jesus discover their true purpose in life, as He guides them into their God-given destiny (John 10:10).

d) Heavenly Inheritance:
Believers who follow Jesus will share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:12).

Biblical Example: The Disciples' Rewards
Jesus assured His disciples that they would sit on thrones in His kingdom, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:27-28).

4. CHALLENGES IN FOLLOWING JESUS

a) Worldly Temptations:
The world and its desires can distract and lure believers away from following Jesus (1 John 2:16).

b) Fear of Persecution:
The fear of suffering or persecution can cause some to hesitate in fully committing to follow Christ (Matthew 10:28).

c) Peer Pressure:
The influence of friends and family can make it difficult to stand firm in your decision to follow Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:33).

d) Spiritual Warfare:
Satan constantly wages war against believers, trying to hinder their walk with Jesus (Ephesians 6:12).

Biblical Example: Demas' Departure
Demas loved the present world and forsook Paul, abandoning his commitment to follow Jesus (2 Timothy 4:10).

5. STAYING COMMITTED TO FOLLOWING JESUS

a) Daily Prayer:
Consistent communion with God in prayer strengthens our commitment to follow Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

b) Reading God's Word:
Immersing ourselves in the Bible helps us stay focused and grow in our walk with Jesus (Psalm 119:105).

c) Fellowship with Believers:
Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers encourages us to remain steadfast in following Christ (Hebrews 10:25).

d) Relying on the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk the path of discipleship and resist temptation (John 14:26).

Biblical Example: Paul's Perseverance
Despite trials, Paul remained faithful to Jesus, pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly calling (Philippians 3:14).

CONCLUSION:
Deciding to follow Jesus is a life-transforming choice. It is a journey that requires sacrifice, commitment, and perseverance. However, the rewards far outweigh the costs, as Jesus offers eternal life, peace, and joy to all who choose to follow Him. Will you take up your cross today and follow Jesus with all your heart?

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to deny myself and take up my cross daily.

2. Father, give me the grace to follow You wholeheartedly, without turning back.

3. Lord, break every attachment to the world that hinders my walk with You.

4. Father, strengthen me to endure every trial and persecution for Your name's sake.

5. Lord, let me discover and fulfil my purpose in following You.

6. Father, remove any obstacle that prevents me from fully committing to You.

7. Lord, give me the boldness to stand for You in the face of opposition.

8. Father, let my life be a testimony of Your grace and love as I follow You.

9. Lord, fill me with the Holy Spirit to empower my walk with You.

10. Father, keep me faithful to You until the end, so that I may receive my heavenly inheritance.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that as you follow Jesus, you will walk in divine purpose and fulfilment.

2. You will not turn back, but your commitment to Christ will grow stronger daily.

3. The grace to deny yourself and take up your cross will rest upon you.

4. No power of darkness will hinder your walk with Jesus.

5. Your decision to follow Christ will bring peace and joy into your life.

6. You will receive divine strength to overcome every temptation and distraction.

7. The rewards of following Jesus will manifest in your life.

8. Your life will reflect the glory of God as you walk in obedience to Him.

9. You will be a testimony of the transforming power of Christ.

10. The Holy Spirit will guide you and keep you faithful in your walk with Jesus.