STEPS UNTO FOLLOWING JESUS (Part1)

A. Understanding His Mind (Prov. 23:7; Phil. 2:5)

This is the first step we must take in order to follow Jesus and walk in His steps. There is need for us to understand His mind, what is behind His action, what made Him to do what He did, how He looks at situations. Our steps in following Jesus will be arbitrary, meaningless and unnecessarily difficult unless we understand the thoughts behind His actions. This is necessary because as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

i. Discuss the mind Jesus had that made Him to take the steps He took. Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 12:2-4; 1 Jh. 3:16; Rom. 5:7-8; Heb. 2:17; Lk. 23:34; 1 Cor. 1:27-29.

"Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside His mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. And He humbled Himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross."  Phil. 2:5-8.

What attitude do you discover in Christ here? It is that of humility, that of meekness. Even though he was God, he did not cling to His right as God. That is meekness. You can confirm this in Lk. 9:53-56; Jh. 18:10-11; Lk.23:35-39; Matt. 27:12-14. He never used His right as God to defend SELF. Even to come down to the earth in human form He had to put aside His rights as God. He willingly laid it aside and did not cling to His right as God even up to the time He was being crucified. You cannot continue to cling to your right and think you are following Jesus. You have rights….. But at every point and in every situation, you must be willing to release your rights in other for the will of God to be done. Men may cheat you and deny you your right. You will do well and be like Jesus by releasing and refusing to cling to your right.

ALSO SEE SALVATION BEFORE SERVICE

It was humility of heart that made Jesus to lay aside His glory and power and take upon Himself the form of a man. He bent down to serve man (even though He was God) and He went further in humility to allow ordinary human beings to crucify Him though He was without sin. He could have shown them His power and punish then in revenge, But He did not. God would have counted that as pride if He did. Could you be manifesting your authority and power to revenge and defend yourself in the face of provocation and still think that you are a follower of Jesus? How will God’s purpose for your life be fulfilled that way? That will render your salt tasteless and hinder you from being effective in serving God.

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR 2017 YOUTHS WEEK, SEE DETAILS HERE

It is necessary to understand and cultivate this mind, this attitude of meekness and humility and let it be rooted in us if we must follow Jesus effectively. You can also see an attitude of Love, longsuffering, forgiveness, mercy, faithfulness, loneliness of mind exhibited by the Lord Jesus. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” Then, following Jesus will be easy and His burden Light.

QUESTIONS

1. What are the things you must do to understand the mind of Jesus?

2. From our teaching, what is the reason behind the action of Jesus in going to the cross and in His sufferings by men (Heb. 12:2-4)

3. How can we apply Jesus actions to our lives as Christians?

4. How can we lay down our lives for our brethren? (1 Jh. 2:16-17)

5. What should be our reactions when we pass through difficulties and trials from the world (Lk. 23:34)

6. What is the level of humility necessary for Christians in authorities and leaders in diverse sphere of life (1 Cor. 1:27-29; Lk. 9:53-56; Jh. 18:10-11; Lk.23:35-39; Matt. 27:12-14)