1. Matthew 16:24-26; John 10:27 Following Jesus 1

2. Matthew 16:24-26 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” 2

3. “Follow Me” “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” - John 10:27 “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him” - Matt. 4:18-20 3

4. “Follow Me” “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” Matthew 19:16-21 “This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me” - John 21:15-19 4

5. Introduction The text clearly shows what one can and cannot do to follow Jesus. Only following Jesus can lead one to eternal life! John 14:6; 3:3-5; Mark 16:15-16 No salvation in any other NAME! “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” - Acts 4:12; Matthew 28:18-20 Must follow the example of Christ! “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” - 1 Peter 2:21 5

6. We Must Follow Jesus In… Love - John 13:34 Compassion - Mark 6:34 Humility - Matthew 26:39; Philippians 2:5-8 Speaking as God Commanded - John 8:28; 12:48-50 Work - John 9:4 Seeking the Lost - Luke 19:10; John 12:46 Generosity - Matthew 20:28; Galatians 1:3-5; Ephesians 5:2 True Obedience - Hebrews 5:8-9 Hating Iniquity - Hebrews 1:9 6

7. One Does Not Follow Jesus Who… Hates His Brother - 1 John 3:15; 4:20 Lacks Compassion - 1 Peter 3:8; 1 John 3:17 Exalts Self - Luke 18:9-14; Romans 12:3 Teaches/Believes Doctrines of Men: Matthew 15:7-9; Galatians 1:8-9;Colossians 2:8; 1 Peter 4:11 Refuses to Work - 1 Corinthians 15:58; James 1:25 Has No Concern For the Lost - Mark 16:15; Galatians 6:1 Is Covetous - Ephesians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Neglects or Refuses to Obey - 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 Compromises with the World or Error: Romans 8:5-8, 13; Ephesians 5:11 7

8. Conclusion: Follow Paul’s Example “Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me” 1 Corinthians 4:16 “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children” Ephesians 5:1 “Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us” 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” 1 Corinthians 11:1 8