Transcript Introduction 1. The disciples were discouraged and disappointed even after Jesus’ resurrection 2.

Introduction
1. The disciples were discouraged and
disappointed even after Jesus’ resurrection
2. They returned to fishing
3. Then the risen Lord appeared before them
4. Commissioned them saying, “follow me…”
5. He is the Lord of Easter
6. This Easter His commission for the church is
that we follow Him
7. How do we follow the Lord of Easter?
1. Supreme love for Christ, v. 15 -17
A. Peter, do you love me more than these?
I. More than… others who also loved Jesus
II. Peter once declared that he would never deny
the Lord, (Mark 14:27-31)
III. After denying the Lord, Peter is not so quick to
declare superior commitment
IV. Those who love Christ genuinely don’t boast
nor compare with others
Supreme love for Christ, Contd…
B. More than… you love these men?
I.
Jesus is asking Peter whether he wants to be
the leader among others or Jesus’ servant?
II. Disciples were used to bicker over positions
constantly
III. Jesus taught that His disciples must “hate” (by
comparison) father, mother, wife, children,
brothers, sisters (Luke 14:26)
IV. Commitment to Christ is more important than
man’s approval
Supreme love for Christ, Contd…
C. More than… you love these things?
I. Security of earthly possessions
II. You don’t have to have money to love it!
III. Must be willing to leave “comfort zones” of
life, and love Christ supremely in every area
2. Carrying the cross willfully, v. 18 -19
A.
B.
C.
D.
Jesus’ prophesy: Martyrdom of Peter
Cross the most shameful form of execution
Choosing of the crucified life is volitional
“Now in fact all who want to live godly lives
in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2
Timothy 3:12)
E. Shouldn’t be surprising, (1 Peter 4:12-13)
3. Unconditional obedience, v. 20 -22
A. God’s will: always in agreement with the word
and the Holy Spirit
B. Calling Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22)
I. God’s plan did not allow for human sacrifice
II. Abraham believed even if Isaac dies, God will
raise him from the death because Isaac was
the promised son, (Hebrews 11:17-19)
III. Abraham proved that he loved God more
than the blessing
Unconditional obedience, Contd…
C. A positive attitude towards God’s will
I.
Jonah obeyed but did not agree with God’s
decision to spare Nineveh, (Jonah 4)
II. Peter had to adjust his thinking concerning
ministry to Gentiles, (Acts 10)
III. Paul found his greatest delight in following
Christ at any cost, (Philippians 3)
Unconditional obedience, Contd…
D. His way is the best, (James 1:17)
I. Perfect (Psalm 18:30)
II. Beyond human comprehension, (Isaiah 55:8-9,
Romans 11:33)
III. Trustworthy (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Wrapping it up…
A. Reserve your supreme love for Christ
I. Love Him more than every one else that loves
Him also
II. Love Him more than you love your family,
friends etc
III. Love Him over your titles, positions and
material possessions
Wrapping it up…
B. Carry your own cross
I.
Faithfulness to faith means how you perform
under pressure
II. Deny your self ego: I, Me, Mine, My self
III. Be willing to be embarrassed for the sake of
Christ?
IV. Crucified life style: For the true disciple, death
is a gain but to live is for Christ (Philippians
1:21)
Wrapping it up…
C. Unconditional obedience
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Obey your leaders (spiritual and secular) in
the Lord
Wicked men obey out of fear; good men, out
of love – Aristotle
No body can display perfect obedience to
God in his/her own strength
Peter tried on his own only to fail
That’s why we must depend on God’s grace
Conclusion…
A. This Easter lets remember that what
matters is not the Easter itself but the
person behind it
B. God is calling us to follow our Lord and
savior Jesus Christ whole heartedly
C. Would you like to invite Jesus to be the
Lord of your life and savior of your soul
if you haven’t done it yet?