Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Matthew 16:24
Read: Matthew 10:1-42
SELF DENIAL, SUFFERING, SERVICE
I. No affections on worldly treasures – Matthew 10:9-10
The 12 disciples of Jesus Christ left their jobs/occupation when Christ called them to follow him.
II. Sheep in the midst of wolves – Matthew 10:16
Being a Christian, we will be a rare kind of a person in this perverse world. As it is written, we are the Salt and Light of the world. We are the ones who will preserve the good works of the Lord. So, don’t “go with the flow” with this world… Stand your ground… because new believers of Christ are watching our lives.
III. Scourge you for a false testimony – Matthew 10:17-20
There will be a time where we will be persecuted to disregard or deny our faith in Christ.
IV. You will be hated – Matthew 10:22
When we no longer live with the majority of this world we will be despised for not being like them.
V. Your dark times will be light unto others – Matthew 10:27
Endure affliction and persecution for our pit fall will be a stepping stones to others when we overcome.
VI. Deny GREAT love to parents and children – Matthew 10:37-38
Make Jesus our greatest love, the majority of our heart’s priority.
VII. Take no thought of our life – Matthew 10:39
When we die for Christ/while we are serving Christ and die. It is the greatest kind of death.
CONCLUSION
Being a Christian or a Christ like person whose carrying its cross daily is not easy but following these things with the guidance of our Savoir, Jesus Christ is the most joyous and fulfilling walk of faith of a Christian while living here on earth.
Thanks for sharing with us Ms. Gilianne Lois Tulio, God bless you more and continue to be the light of the world.