I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS – NO TURNING BACK
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 9:23-26
Supporting Texts: Matthew 16:24-25, Romans 8:35-39, Philippians 1:21, Hebrews 11:35-38
INTRODUCTION:
There are songs that touch the soul, and then there are hymns that were born from the fires of persecution and the ashes of martyrdom. "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" is one of such hymns. It is not just a song; it is a testimony, a confession of faith, and a call to radical discipleship. Many believers sing it, but few know the costly sacrifice behind its creation.
In this sermon, we will walk through the remarkable true story that birthed this hymn, and from it draw lessons on commitment, courage, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Christianity was never meant to be a convenient religion; it is a call to follow Jesus regardless of the cost.
1. THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG
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a) The Setting: Assam, India (19th Century)
Christianity reached the remote tribes of northeast India through Welsh missionaries. Many accepted Christ, including a man from the Garo tribe, who embraced the gospel with his family. -
b) Hostility and Persecution
The tribal chief and leaders were enraged by the conversions. They saw it as rebellion against their traditions. To make an example, they brought this Christian man and his family before the village. -
c) The Threat
The chief ordered him to renounce Christ or face execution. With death staring at him, the man replied:“I have decided to follow Jesus.”
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d) Tragic Sacrifice
In anger, the chief ordered his two children to be killed. The man responded:“Though none go with me, still I will follow.”
His wife was next. Still unwavering, he declared:
“The cross before me, the world behind me.”
Finally, he too was killed—yet he never denied Jesus. -
e) The Revival
Amazingly, the chief was so moved by this man's faith and sacrifice, he later repented and accepted Christ. In time, many villagers also turned to Jesus.
2. THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
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a) Following Christ Demands Sacrifice (Luke 9:23)
Jesus said we must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This hymn echoes that same charge. -
b) True Faith Is Proven in the Fire (Hebrews 11:35-38)
The heroes of faith suffered loss, pain, and death—yet they never turned back. That Indian man became one of those heroes. -
c) Salvation Is Free, But Discipleship Is Costly (Matthew 16:24-25)
To follow Jesus may mean losing everything in this world—but gaining everything in eternity. -
d) Heaven Records the Faith of the Martyrs (Revelation 12:11)
They overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, loving not their lives unto death. -
Biblical Example: Stephen, the First Martyr (Acts 7:54-60)
Stephen saw the glory of God as he was being stoned. Like the Indian convert, he chose death with Christ over life without Him.
3. DECLARING YOUR FAITH THROUGH YOUR LIFE
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a) Words Are Empty Without Conviction (James 2:17)
Many sing “I have decided to follow Jesus” but deny Him in their actions. We must mean what we sing. -
b) Decide for Jesus Even When It's Not Popular (John 6:66-69)
When others walk away, you must say like Peter, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” -
c) Your Conviction May Inspire Others (Philippians 1:14)
Just as the Indian martyr’s faith led his killer to Christ, your steadfastness can be a seed for revival. -
d) The Cross Before Me – A Life of Purpose (Galatians 6:14)
Looking to the cross reminds us that we are crucified with Christ and our old life is gone. -
Biblical Example: Ruth’s Decision to Follow Naomi’s God (Ruth 1:16-17)
“Where you go, I will go... your God will be my God.” Ruth made a bold declaration of loyalty, like the hymn.
4. NO TURNING BACK – A LIFE OF UNWAVERING COMMITMENT
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a) The Danger of Backsliding (Luke 9:62)
Jesus said, “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom.” -
b) The Christian Life Is a Forward Journey (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we press on. -
c) The World Behind Me – Letting Go of the Past (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Once we decide for Jesus, we must burn the bridges to our past sins and lifestyles. -
d) Heaven Is for Those Who Endure to the End (Matthew 24:13)
Commitment is not for a season but for a lifetime. There’s no place for retreat in Christianity. Biblical Example: Paul’s Final Words (2 Timothy 4:7-8)“I have fought the good fight... I have kept the faith.” Paul lived and died a committed follower of Christ.
CONCLUSION:
The hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” is not a sweet melody for emotional worship—it is a declaration of war against compromise, against fear, and against the flesh. The man who spoke those words gave his life for Jesus, and through his sacrifice, a village turned to Christ.
In this age of convenience, will you also declare, "No turning back"? Will you follow Jesus even if you have to go alone? True Christianity is costly—but it is worth everything.
PRAYER POINTS:
- Lord, give me the grace to follow You faithfully till the end.
- Father, help me to remain unwavering even in the face of persecution.
- Lord, may my life inspire others to serve You boldly.
- Father, I receive strength to say "No" to the world and "Yes" to the cross.
- Lord, deliver me from the spirit of compromise and fear.
- Jesus, help me to count the cost and never look back.
- Lord, let the fire of revival burn in my soul like it did in the life of that Indian martyr.
- Father, use my testimony to bring others into Your Kingdom.
- Help me to live with eternity in view every day of my life.
- Lord, make me a disciple who will follow You no matter the cost.
GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You will not deny Jesus in the face of pressure!
2. The fire of true discipleship will burn afresh in your heart!
3. You will be bold to declare your faith, even in difficult places!
4. You will inspire others to follow Jesus by your example!
5. Every spirit of fear and compromise is broken in your life!
6. You are empowered to live a life that glorifies Christ!
7. The cross before you will shine brighter than the world behind you!
8. You will follow Jesus till the end, and finish your race strong!
9. Your faith will not fail in the day of trial!
10. The legacy of your faith will live beyond your generation!
