Challenge to Live as Disciple of Jesus

John 6:62-69

"What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one come to me unless the Father has enabled him." 66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. 67 "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."

Challenge of Jesus

"You do not want to leave too, do you?"

Cash of following

· Will you follow God if He will bless you?

· Prosper you?

· Give what you desire?

· Answer your prayer?

· Heal your sickness?

Cost of following

· Will you still follow if you suffer for Him?

· The world will hate you?

· Your family will hate you?

· Everything will be taken from you?

God has promised to bless us but He did not promise that we won't experience hardship

· Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

· Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.

· 2 Timothy 2:3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus

Response to the challenge

Choice to Follow

· Following God is a choice not an option

· A choice means it is your decision that comes from a willing heart

· Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will the Lord."

Certainty of Choice

· Following God should be certain because of the choice we made

· We know the consequences but we are certain of our decision

· Job 1:21 ..."Naked I came from my mothers womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.

· Job 2:9, 10 His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!" 10 He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"

Commitment to Follow

· God needs our commitment to follow him in spite of everything

· Our commitment is to follow Him regardless of cash and cost

· Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Crown in heaven

· Our reward is in heaven

· Eternal life is to those who follow God until the end.

Conclusion

Follow God not because of the blessings from Him. Follow God not also because of the sufferings for Him. But follow God because it is your choice to obey Him. You will have the blessings and also sufferings here on earth. But the important is you have the eternal life with Jesus in heaven.

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By Roli S. Arangote