Call to Come, Call to Follow, Call to Be
Pastor J. Magpantay
Call to Come, Call to Follow, Call to Be
I. Introduction:
• We are familiar with the miracles and teachings of Jesus that drew the multitudes.
o But Jesus did more than attract crowds… He made disciples.
o Furthermore, He commanded His disciples to make disciples, not just in Israel, but in all the earth.
II. Text:
Mt 4:18-22 ESV
Matthew 16:24 ESV
III. Connect:
o We might not be able to fly like Mike…but we’re destined for something that’s much greater than that…
…something that will impact people's lives for God…
…in this life and for the rest of eternity!
o In essence…
…The first call on my life is to be with Jesus and to be sent by Him to bring freedom and life to others.
…and that’s the essence of discipleship!
• Jesus is calling us to take this trip with Him because the truth is…
…each one of us need to heed to the call of Jesus…
…”to come to Him…
… follow him…
…and to be fishers of men”
But why is discipleship important?
Is it really necessary to make disciples?
• Discipleship is important because we want people to become fully committed followers of Christ.
o Discipleship helps believers…
… to grow in their faith,
…to grow in maturity and wisdom,
…and build their faith on a strong foundation
… so that they can then disciple and lead others towards Christ.
Discipleship, according to Jesus is a call…
1. Call to “Come”
o The first step in being a disciple is to “come to Jesus”!
A. Jesus deserves it:
Col 1:15-20.
o Jesus’ confidence to call the first disciples is based on who He is and not who the disciples are!
▪ Jesus knows his divinity…and the disciples humanity!
o We respond to the call of God not because of what we can promise that we’ll do for Him…
…but simply because Jesus is worthy!
o Jesus has the ultimate claim over our lives
B. Jesus demands it
1 Peter 3:15 ESV
o First, we should set aside our hearts as the place where Christ is fully honored as the Lord
o When we set apart Christ as Lord, it will change us.
1 Peter 3:15 MSG
Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master.
• Peter Forsyth: “The duty of every soul is to find not its freedom but its master.”
C. Jesus delivers us:
Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
2. Call to Follow (Come follow me)
Mark 8:34-37 English Standard Version
“…let him deny himself”
o Follow Jesus before self
Proverbs 3:5-6 English Standard Version
“…take up his cross”
o Follow Jesus before comfort
3. Call to Be (“Be Fishers of Men”)
o Discipleship is the willingness to embrace what God purposed you to be.
John 15:16a
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last”
IV. Conclusion:
Matthew 28:18-20 ESV
• Discipleship is relationship
• And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
o In essence…
…The first call on my life is to be with Jesus and to be sent by Him to bring freedom and life to others.
…and that’s the essence of discipleship
Second City Church