The Beginning of the Journey; John 12: 20-26
John 12: 20-26
Bro. Tim Baker
First Baptist Church Festus/Crystal City, MO
Download: February 3, 2008 AM Audio, mp3
I. The Decision of Baptism
A. A command to obey
1. The great commission. Matthew 28.18-20
2. The Apostles followed the commission. Acts 2.38
a. In their preaching the gospel
b. In commanding baptism
3. It is the first real act of faith to follow as a Believer.
B. A declaration of faith Acts 8:35-39
1. You are declaring what Christ did for you. 8.36
2. You are declaring that you are not ashamed of Him. 8.37
3. You are identifying yourself with Him as a disciple.
II. The Determination of Discipleship
A. A decision to follow
1. Misdirection will occur if there is not a distinct decision to follow Him. Mark 1:16-20
2. Peter went from being a fisherman to a fisher of men because of the training he received as a disciple.
B. An understanding of cost
1. Jesus spoke about the cost of following Him. John 12:25
2. Peter, Andrew, James and John left all they had to follow Him Luke 5:11
III. The Duty of a Disciple John 12.26 - If anyone serves me…
A. To learn from the Master
1. The twelve disciples spent all of their time with Christ during His public ministry.
2. Christ personally invested Himself in them.
3. We are to allow others to invest themselves in us by:
a. Placing ourselves in an environment of learning.
b. Making a deliberate choice to associate with those who can teach us.
c. Allowing those influences help us grow in our discipleship.
B. To honor Him through our life
1. Every disciple, except for Judas, honored Christ with their service and faith.
2. Honor your king!
Posted by Valerie on February 3, 2008