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The Phases of Christian Discipleship

Matthew 16-24-28

The Jews of Christ's day looked for a coming King, a Son of David, who would over throw their enemies and rule over Israel and the world in Glory and splendor. BUT first must come the cross as Matthew writes in verse 21 of Matthew 16. This forms the background for the call of Christ for disciples to accept the cross also for themselves.

There are two basic philosophies of life. One is that of Nietzsche, the German philosopher, who said, "Assert yourself." This produced Hitler, who drenched the world with blood. The other is that of Jesus Christ, who said, "Deny yourself." He shed His blood to save a world and to bring peace on earth.

Our Lord give us three keys to Christian discipleship:

1. The Denial Of Self

V. 24 "Let him deny himself"
A. Self-Denial is required by our relationship to God
"No one can serve two master"
B. Self-Denial is required by our relationship to man
Jesus said, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
C. Self-Denial is required by the example of Christ
He lived constantly a life of self-denial
D. Self-Denial is a price to great for most people to pay

2. The Death of Self

V. 24 "Take up his cross"
The New Testament shows us that self-crucifixion is the price for power and the secret of victory. Just as Christ carried His own cross and was crucified on it, every Christian must have their calvary of self-crucifixion. It is not I, but Christ!

3. The Determination of Self

V. 24 "Follow Me"
Self-determination is given its test by perseverance. We must keep following Jesus regardless if all seems to go against us. This is the test of a true disciple of Christ. The Apostle Peter failed, but learned from his failure to take advantage of a second opportunity.

All of us have failed, but we can learn like Peter to rise above our failure and defeat to become devoted disciples of our Lord. It is the true disciples of our Lord that are making a difference in our world!

Charles Kirby