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08-10-08 “What it Means to be an Authentic Follower of Jesus Christ” (Montia)
Matthew 16:24-28

Consistent living marks follower of Jesus Christ
Not perfection; Is process of authenticity

Conversion: Moment I am changed
Sanctification: I am being saved, and am in the Process of being holy
A journey of becoming a disciple, getting rid of things, gaining things
It is in this process that we struggle to become authentic followers of Jesus Christ
Glorification: Christ changes me, and I get new eternal body
Created and acting like Him in His image

1. STARTS WITH SELF-DENIAL
If self drives the boat, is the central author of your faith, you are not going toward holiness
v.24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
The ability to think outside of who you are
A child is born as the center of the world, then discover that world is bigger than them as the center as they grow and mature
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24).

Pulls us off the throne of our lives
Forces us to consider others first
All these toys are mine, but I can share > Not just share, but initiate giving

***Authenticity Check***
Am I focused on my needs, desires, etc. or on others?
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2. CONTINUES WITH THE CROSS
v.24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Jesus bore our sin, with the power to deny us, without sin himself
Jesus bore the cross on Calvary for us
If you would follow me, you need to take up the cross like I did
Paul develops this more fully, saying the Church has been given a variety of gifts to operate as a unit as we are together.
Luke 14:27 “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Magnolia Piano Movers Union; Peretto Principle (80-20)
When you choose not to move in this process, it causes everyone around you to have a greater load than they were meant to carry.
Cross bearing means we share the load
Mathew 10:38 “and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
We must be willing to give up:
Power: the load you are called to bear is more than you can handle; all the power you can get is not enough; only through Christ can you accomplish this
Prestige:
Possessions: Time, Talents, Treasures to Jesus; it’s not mine – I’ll let you use it Jesus!

***Authenticity Check***
Am I willing to shoulder the burden Christ has for me to carry?
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3. DEMANDS OBEDIENCE
v.24
Move beyond information, and stuffing knowledge into your head; the shepherd knows his sheep, and the sheep know his voice.
John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 12:26 “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My father will honor the one who serves me.”
Obedience is the genuine mark of a disciple.
The process of holiness, sanctification; the journey of becoming like Christ through obedience
Obeying the ___ of Christ allows us to truly find ourselves.
v.25 “For whoever wants to save his live will love it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”

***Authenticity Check***
Am I following Christ in every area of my life or am I choosing partial obedience?
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4. HAS ITS REWARDS
v.27 “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angles, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.
After conversion, a natural desire to work for God; it doesn’t make sense otherwise
We do not achieve heaven by our works, but we enjoy it because of our works
Authentic followers of Jesus look forward to His return.
If you have done the work you have been called to well, you are not afraid when your account is called for review – you are excited for your reward.
If you have not, you’re sweating it.

***Authenticity Check***
Am I ready for Jesus to return any moment?
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You’re not playing church; not playing games with God; you’re ready NOW!