What It Means To Follow Christ
Understanding True Discipleship and the Christian Life
Quick Summary
- Following Christ means making Him Lord, not just Savior
- Discipleship involves denying self, taking up your cross daily, and following Jesus
- It's a relationship, not just a religion—knowing Christ personally
- True followers obey Jesus' teachings and commands
- The Christian life requires surrender, sacrifice, and transformation
- Following Christ is costly but infinitely rewarding
1. Jesus' Definition of Discipleship
"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.'"
Luke 9:23-24Jesus didn't mince words about what it means to follow Him. Let's break down His definition:
Deny Yourself
What it means: Say "no" to your own desires, ambitions, and will when they conflict with God's
In practice: Your preferences don't rule—God's purposes do. Self dies so Christ can live through you.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20)
Take Up Your Cross
What it means: Willingly embrace suffering, hardship, and sacrifice for Christ's sake
In practice: The cross was an instrument of death. Daily dying to self, worldly comforts, and sinful patterns.
"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24)
Follow Me
What it means: Go where Jesus leads, obey His commands, imitate His character
In practice: Jesus is not just your ticket to heaven—He's your Lord, Master, and Leader you actively follow.
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27)
2. The Cost of Following Christ
Jesus was transparent about the cost. Discipleship isn't free—it demands everything.
| What You Give Up | What You Gain |
|---|---|
| Your own way and will | God's perfect will and purpose |
| Worldly comfort and ease | Eternal reward and treasure |
| Living for yourself | Abundant life in Christ |
| Temporary pleasures of sin | Joy that never fades |
| Approval of the world | Approval of God |
| Independence and pride | Dependence on God and humility |
"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?"
Luke 14:283. Seven Marks of a True Follower
1. They Obey Jesus' Teachings
True followers don't just hear—they do. Obedience proves love.
"If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15)2. They Love One Another
Love for fellow believers is the identifying badge of discipleship.
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35)3. They Bear Fruit
Genuine faith produces visible change—transformed character and good works.
"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples" (John 15:8)4. They Remain in God's Word
Followers are students—constantly learning, growing, abiding in Scripture.
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples" (John 8:31)5. They Forsake All for Christ
Nothing competes with Jesus for first place—not family, possessions, or ambitions.
"Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples" (Luke 14:33)6. They Endure to the End
True faith perseveres through trials, temptations, and persecution.
"The one who stands firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13)7. They Make Disciples
Followers become fishers of men—sharing Christ and making disciples.
"Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19)4. Relationship vs. Religion
❌ Religion (What Jesus Rejects)
- External rituals without heart change
- Following rules to earn salvation
- Going through motions without love
- Legalism and pride
- Christianity as behavior modification
- Knowing about Jesus, not knowing Him
✅ Relationship (What Jesus Desires)
- Inner transformation by the Spirit
- Obeying out of love and gratitude
- Authentic worship from the heart
- Grace and humility
- Christianity as heart transformation
- Knowing Jesus personally and intimately
5. Practical Steps to Follow Christ Today
Surrender Daily
Each morning, yield control of your life to Jesus. Pray: "Not my will, but Yours be done."
Read & Obey Scripture
Spend time in God's Word daily. Don't just read—apply what you learn immediately.
Die to Self
When your desires conflict with God's, choose His way. Say "no" to sin daily.
Pray Continually
Maintain constant conversation with God. Ask for His guidance in decisions.
Love Sacrificially
Serve others even when it's costly. Love enemies, forgive offenders, give generously.
Make Disciples
Share your faith. Invest in others' spiritual growth. Don't keep Jesus to yourself.
Remember:
- Following Christ is all or nothing—He demands everything but offers Himself
- Discipleship is costly, but the reward is eternal
- It's about relationship, not religion
- True followers obey, love, bear fruit, and endure
- You can't follow Christ and follow the world simultaneously