DAILY DISCIPLINE #153
By Colleen Donahue

We have just studied that the first requirement to be the Lord's disciple is to deny the "self" life. The second requirement deals with us taking up our cross daily. Now we come to......

 

The Third Requirement to be a Disciple of Jesus

Studies continued from Matthew 16: 24

Day 1- Let's start by rereading these verses.
Matthew 16:24 / Mark 8:34 / Luke 9:23

Day 2- The Greek word used for "follow" means "to be in the same way with" , or "to accompany". Webster's dictionary amplifies this word further: "to attend upon steadily", "to keep one's attention fixed." From this we get a picture of walking side by side with Jesus -- not ahead or behind -- but in step with Him always ready to listen, to go, to do, to serve.
John 10:27 / John 12: 26

Day 3- To follow Jesus means that we aren't looking around at what everyone else is doing. What does Jesus command of us?
John 21: 20-22

Day 4- What example does Christ set for us to follow after?
Ephesians 5:1-2 / 1 Peter 2:21-23

Day 5- Jesus came to earth for the one purpose of giving his life so that all men could know his Father. His whole life was poured out for others.
John 10:11 / Titus 2:14

Day 6- Therefore, he will lead us to pour out our lives for others at work, school, and church. If we follow Christ, we will not have the option to live for ourselves.
2 Corinthians 5:15 / 1 John 3:16

Day 7- What was the chief characteristic of our Lord's life? What will need to be ours as well?
Philippians 2:7-8

Day 8- There are many that want to know Christ and the power wrought by his resurrection from the dead. But what must we be prepared to share with Christ if we would follow him?
Acts 9:16 / Romans 8:17 / Philippians 3:10

Day 9- As we follow Jesus (even into suffering if he allows it to come to us) what will we have the opportunity to learn?
Hebrews 5:8

Day 10- Obedience is the key to following Christ. It is learning to hear his voice in matters great and small and then wholeheartedly doing it. As always Christ is our example in this.
John 14: 31 / John 15: 10/ Hebrews 10:9a

Day 11- Obedience begins by reading, knowing, and doing God's Word in the general commands that are given to us.
Deuteronomy 26:16 / Deuteronomy 32: 46-47 / Joshua 1:8

Day 12- Then there will be God's specific guidance to you. It may come through his Word (the Bible), or through the words someone else writes or speaks. It may come through the still small voice of the Holy Spirit within you. However it comes you will know it's from Him if it does not violate anything else He's already given us in the Bible. For example, he won't tell you to lie about something when his word guides us to be truthful.

Here are some examples from scripture that shows God gave specific things to various people to carry out.
Genesis 6:22 / Genesis 22: 2-3 / Joshua 11:15

Day 13- Following Christ and the obedience necessary to do so, will not be easy. But the more you say "Yes" to Christ and "No" to self the more confident you will become in hearing his voice and doing the things he asks. While we are not to obey so that God will reward us, it is a fact that God rewards generously those that love and obey him.
Deuteronomy 7:12-15 / Deuteronomy 28:1-14 / 1 Kings 3:12-14 / Job 36:11 / James 1:25 / 1 John 3:22

Day 14- Do you want to be Christ's disciple? Then you'll need to count the cost and see that it will mean denying your SELF, taking up YOUR cross and FOLLOWING Christ's example during the daily course of your life. For those that choose this path what will happen?
Matthew 16: 25-27

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