InstaStudy

The Path of True Discipleship: Denying Self, Taking Up the Cross, and Following Jesus

This study explores the profound call of Jesus in Matthew 16:24, examining the essential requirements for those who truly desire to follow Him: self-denial, embracing sacrifice, and unwavering obedience to His divine leadership.

1. The Call to Discipleship

1.1 The Invitation to Follow

Verses: Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; John 12:26
  • Jesus extends a personal invitation to all who desire a deeper relationship with Him.
  • Following Jesus is a conscious, voluntary choice, not a passive act.
  • This invitation signifies a complete reorientation of one's life towards His divine purpose.

1.2 The Nature of True Discipleship

Verses: John 8:31-32; Luke 14:26-27; John 13:34-35
  • True discipleship involves abiding in His word and continuing in His teachings.
  • It requires prioritizing Jesus above all earthly relationships and possessions.
  • Love for one another, as commanded by Jesus, is a hallmark of His followers.

1.3 The Cost of Following

Verses: Luke 14:28-33; Matthew 10:37-39; Philippians 3:7-8
  • Following Jesus demands a careful consideration of the sacrifices involved.
  • It may require forsaking personal ambitions, comforts, and even life itself.
  • The value of knowing Christ far outweighs any earthly loss.

2. Denying Self

2.1 What Self-Denial Means

Verses: Matthew 16:24; Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20
  • Self-denial is crucifying the old nature and its sinful desires.
  • It means surrendering personal will, desires, and ambitions to the will of God.
  • This is a daily, conscious choice to put Christ first in every aspect of life.

2.2 Renouncing Worldly Desires

Verses: 1 John 2:15-17; Colossians 3:5-6; Titus 2:11-12
  • The love of the world and its fleeting pleasures is incompatible with following Jesus.
  • We are called to put to death earthly desires like greed, lust, and malice.
  • God's grace teaches us to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age.

2.3 Submitting to God's Will

Verses: Luke 22:42; Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 10:7
  • Jesus Himself exemplified perfect submission to the Father's will.
  • We are to present our bodies as living sacrifices, transformed by the renewing of our minds.
  • Our ultimate purpose is to do the will of Him who sent Jesus.

2.4 The New Identity in Christ

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10
  • Through self-denial, we shed the old self and are made new in Christ.
  • We are to put on the new man, created in righteousness and true holiness.
  • This transformation reflects the image of our Creator.

3. Taking Up the Cross

3.1 Understanding the Cross

Verses: Matthew 16:24; Galatians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 1:18
  • The cross represents suffering, sacrifice, and identification with Christ's death.
  • It is a symbol of absolute commitment and surrender to God's plan.
  • For those who are being saved, the message of the cross is the power of God.

3.2 Embracing Suffering for Christ

Verses: 1 Peter 4:12-13; Romans 8:17; Philippians 1:29
  • Discipleship often involves enduring trials and persecutions for Jesus' sake.
  • Sharing in Christ's sufferings leads to sharing in His glory.
  • It is a privilege to suffer for the sake of the Gospel.

3.3 Daily Sacrifice

Verses: Luke 9:23; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 15:31
  • Taking up the cross is not a one-time event but a daily commitment.
  • It involves continually offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God.
  • Paul's example shows a daily dying to self for the sake of the Gospel.

3.4 The Purpose of the Cross

Verses: Hebrews 12:2; John 12:24; Galatians 5:24
  • Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, our salvation.
  • Like a grain of wheat, our willingness to die to self brings forth much fruit.
  • Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

4. Following Jesus

4.1 Walking in Obedience

Verses: Matthew 16:24; John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6
  • Following Jesus means actively obeying His commands and teachings.
  • Love for Jesus is demonstrated through keeping His words.
  • Those who claim to abide in Him ought to walk just as He walked.

4.2 Emulating Christ's Life

Verses: 1 Peter 2:21; Philippians 2:5-8; Ephesians 5:1-2
  • Jesus left us an example to follow in His footsteps.
  • We are to have the same mind as Christ, characterized by humility and selflessness.
  • We are called to imitate God as dear children, walking in love.

4.3 The Role of the Spirit

Verses: John 14:26; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16
  • The Spirit, which is the Spirit of Jesus, empowers us to follow Him.
  • Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
  • Walking in the Spirit enables us to overcome the desires of the flesh.

4.4 The Ultimate Goal of Following

Verses: John 17:3; Philippians 3:10-11; Revelation 14:4
  • The ultimate goal is eternal life, which is knowing the one true God, Jesus Christ.
  • We strive to know Him and the power of His resurrection, sharing in His sufferings.
  • These are they who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.