25-0706a - Detailed Summary

The preacher, Jim, introduces the sermon titled "Come, Follow Me, Part 1," noting that Part 2 will follow in the evening. The focus of the sermon is to explore the concept of discipleship, beginning with a historical context from the Old Testament. Jim references the prophet Malachi, who, around 450 BC, wrote the final Old Testament book, foretelling the coming of a messenger in the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for the Messiah. This sets the stage for a discussion on the Messiah’s arrival and the role of His disciples.

Jim elaborates on Malachi’s prophecies (Malachi 3:1 and 4:5-6), which describe a messenger, identified by Jesus in Matthew 11:14 as John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Messiah, referred to as the "angel of the covenant" and the owner of the temple, indicating His divine nature as Yahweh. Isaiah 43 is also cited, reinforcing the Messiah as God, preparing a path in the wilderness. Jim notes that after Malachi, God was silent for over 400 years until the Messiah’s arrival, marked by signs like angels singing to shepherds at Jesus’ birth. John the Baptist faithfully prepared Israel for the Messiah, who came to seek and save the lost. Jesus spent three years ministering in the Holy Land, culminating in His death and resurrection, fulfilling the plan of salvation. To spread this message globally, Jesus trained disciples to carry His teachings after His ascension. Jim defines a disciple using Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary, describing a disciple as a follower who adheres to another’s doctrines, specifically Christians who follow Jesus’ teachings. He explains that accepting Jesus as Savior, through faith shown by obedience, is the first step to discipleship. This involves loving and worshiping God, loving neighbors, and teaching others about Christ. Jesus modeled discipleship by teaching and preaching, as seen in Matthew 11, instructing His disciples and preaching to the public. The Great Commission (Matthew 28) commands disciples to make more disciples, baptizing and teaching all nations, a task that continues until Christ’s return. Jim cites Ephesians 4:11-16, describing roles like apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers, which equipped early Christians to build the church. While miraculous roles like apostles ceased, evangelists, elders, and teachers remain, teaching the truth in love to foster maturity in faith.

Jim emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, referencing 1 Timothy 4:16, where Paul advises Timothy to watch his life and teachings closely to ensure salvation for himself and his hearers. Jim stresses that preaching a complete gospel is essential, warning against the dangers of a partial gospel, which he suggests contributes to contemporary spiritual issues. This section underscores the disciple’s responsibility to teach accurately to lead others to salvation.

Jim continues by addressing the issue of teaching a partial gospel, emphasizing that believers must share the complete gospel, including essential elements like baptism, to ensure others' spiritual lives are fully informed. He references 2 Timothy 2:2, where Paul instructs Timothy to entrust the gospel to reliable men who can teach others, illustrating the ongoing process of discipleship. This process, which began with Paul discipling Timothy, extends to all Christians today, as making disciples is a perpetual command until Christ’s return. Jim also cites Philemon 6, where Paul encourages active faith-sharing, noting that teaching the Bible deepens one’s own understanding and solidifies personal faith. He urges disciples to share their faith with family, friends, and neighbors. Turning to Luke 14:25-27, Jim discusses Jesus’ teaching to a large crowd, where He states that a disciple must "hate" family and even their own life to follow Him. Jim clarifies that this is an idiom meaning to love Jesus more than anyone or anything else, not literal hatred, as it aligns with the command to love one’s neighbor. The key verse, Luke 14:27, underscores that disciples must bear their cross and follow Jesus, requiring them to count the cost of total commitment to a lifelong service in God’s work.

Jim stresses that being a Christian involves active participation, not passivity, as there is no "bench-warming" in God’s kingdom. He explains that everyone is called to work in God’s vineyard, with rest reserved for heaven. Disciples do not need to teach large classes or preach publicly; they can start by sharing the gospel with those around them, planting seeds for God to nurture. Jim reiterates that carrying one’s cross means dying to self, prioritizing God’s will over personal desires. He emphasizes that Jesus must be first in a disciple’s heart, warning that treating faith as secondary or attending church sporadically risks eternal consequences. Quoting Revelation, Jim notes Jesus’ preference for disciples to be either hot or cold in their faith, not lukewarm, as lukewarm believers face rejection. He concludes this part of the sermon by announcing that the discussion will continue in the evening session and extends an invitation for anyone to accept Jesus as their personal Savior and become His disciple, encouraging them to come forward during the closing hymn.