Week 1: Following Jesus

1. Following Him in My Life

Thoughts

Advertisers spend a fortune on getting their messages across. In 2020 in the UK alone, £23 billion was spent on advertising (statista.com). That's a staggering amount of money to be used to feed us so much information! When we gave our lives to Christ, we became part of a different advertising campaign. Not to promote ourselves, but to be a shining light to those around us; to spread the good news of what Jesus has done in our lives.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, the Apostle Paul explains that he didn't come with 'excellence of speech or of wisdom' as he proclaimed the testimony about God—anything but! Instead, Paul mentions words like 'weakness’, ‘fear’ and ‘much trembling.' He recognised that his life was not his own, and neither is ours. We are ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ, so we live not according to the pattern of this world but as examples of His Kingdom.

Paul didn’t preach 'with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power'. In order for our lives to be that example we rely on the Holy Spirit. None of us are perfect, so we lean on Him to provide the answers for a world that needs to know His saving grace. And the simplest way that we advertise Christ? To live the way He intended us to live.

Key Scriptures

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (NKJV)

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.1 Corinthians 6:20 (NKJV)

Further Scriptures

1 Corinthians 6:12-20; Philippians 1:12-20; Matthew 5:13-16

Recommended Resources

• Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, John Foxe

2. Following Him in My Family

Thoughts

From the very beginning, God has shown us he has a plan for families (Genesis 1:27-28, 2:21-24). As is the case in all areas of our lives, when we follow His blueprint we find His blessing. The Bible shows us many examples of families—both good and not so good—so we see that family life can be the best thing in our lives, but it can have its challenges. We know however that God has placed us in a family for a purpose.

When we place Jesus in the centre of our families we can grow, flourish and speak Jesus to our wider community. Joshua 24:15 says, ‘But as for me and my family we will serve the Lord.’ This gives us a great example of determination to serve God as a family, regardless of the culture of the time.

As we begin this New Year, let’s renew our resolve to honour God in our families and give Him the highest place. Know today that regardless of what has gone before, God still has fresh blessings to come as we follow Him in our families.

Key Scriptures

Dear friends, I warn you as "temporary residents and foreigners" to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.1 Peter 2:11-12 (NLT)

As the Scriptures say, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.Ephesians 5:31-3 (NLT)

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 (NLT)

Further Scriptures

Exodus 20:12; Psalm 78:4, 127:3-5, 133; Colossians 3:12-21; Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Corinthians 13

Recommended Resources

• The Church Family (sermon), Chip Kawalsingh
• Why Should I Raise My Kids in Church? (sermon), Paul Goffin

3. Following Him in My Community

Thoughts

We are all part of a local community. Some of our neighbours we know well, others less so. As believers in Christ we are called to love our neighbours, something that should be demonstrated in the way we lead our lives. Loving your neighbour isn't always easy, but it is something we can do.

Firstly, we can make sure that we nurture our own relationship with God so that we are an example of Christ to our neighbours.

Then, we can be an active member in our community. We can look out for our neighbours. Keeping an eye on the elderly, making sure that they are safe and well. We can also help practically—maybe you could do some odd jobs or cook a nice meal? Most importantly, we can speak to and get to know them!

Finally, we can pray for them.

It would be great to see our communities transformed by the power of God. Let's take up the challenge of playing our part.

Key Scriptures

For the commandments say, "You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet." These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law.Romans 13:9-10 (NLT)

It is a sin to despise one's neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.Proverbs 14:21 (NIV)

Further Scriptures

Proverbs 3:29; Matthew 19:17-20

Recommended Resources

• The Local Church Today, Bill Scheidler
• Everybody's Normal Till You Get To Know Them, John Ortberg

4. Following Him in My Work or Studies

Thoughts

We spend most of our time in either work or studies. Both bring about emotive memories of stress, joy, hurt, success, and a raft of other feelings. We often fall into the trap of thinking our work defines us. However, we must understand that we are here to serve God. Our identity is in Jesus, not in our work or educational successes.

We should be the example of Jesus in our day-to-day conduct. Colossians 3:23 says, ‘ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.’ Our conduct will be all that many will ever see of the Bible, so let your example be the best advertisement of Christ.

We see Jesus in His early years was sitting among the teachers in the temple and everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding (Luke 2: 47-48). Age is not a barrier to entry to study the Word. It was Scripture that took Jesus through the desert it is Scripture that will encourage you in your walk with the Lord.

Key Scriptures

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.Titus 2:7-8 (NIV)

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!Proverbs 16:16 (NIV)

Further Scriptures

1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 2:9-15; Proverbs 6:10-12

Recommended Resources

• Awaken the Dawn! The Joy of Early Morning Prayer, Ernest Gentile
• Devoted To God's Church, Sinclair B. Ferguson
• God, A Mocha & Me, Chip Kawalsingh
• Battle for the Mind, Chip Kawalsingh

5. Following Him in My City

Thoughts

The church is called to be a lamp that shines brightly in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-15). In Acts 2, the church is seen to be a vibrant part of Jerusalem, enjoying both God's blessing and the favour of the local population. This is the model for the church today. We are all a part of this city—it is where we live, where we study, where we work and where we socialise. We can be that shining lamp by being committed to our local church, by getting involved with the outreach activities and by living Godly lives that show those we mix with the difference that Christ makes.

Let's pray for our mayor and councillors, for wisdom and effectiveness. Let's pray for the local government workers who provide our essential services. Let's pray for the doctors, nurses, firefighters and police officers that look after our community. Let's pray that our city's businesses prosper and grow. And finally, let's pray that our church will be a beacon for Christ in our city!

Key Scriptures

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.Acts 2:46-47 (NLT)

But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did.Acts 8:4-6 (NLT)

Further Scriptures

Matthew 9:35-36; 1 Peter 2:13-14; Hebrews 12:14

Recommended Resources

• Partnership Guide (Session 16: City Harvesters), Chip Kawalsingh
• Blessed Are the Peacemakers (sermon), Chip Kawalsingh

6. Following Him in Faith

Thoughts

Faith is key in a believer's life. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Through faith, our trust, confidence and hope are evident. Through the actions that result from the words we confess, do we truly display whether we are living a God-led life? Is the will of God the driving force in your life?

For this to be true we need to know the heart of God, and this can only be found in His Word. By spending time in His Word and in prayer we can deepen our relationship with God and know Him more intimately. Faith is not a one-time check box we tick, it is a daily and continual exercise.

As we seek God, it increases and strengthens our faith to be sufficient for that day. We trust those we know. As we actively place our trust in God, we move beyond only hearing about God from others, to having our own personal encounters of His goodness, faithfulness, mercy, peace, provision and breakthrough.

Key Scriptures

So, faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.Romans 10:17 (NLT)

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God1 Corinthians 2:5 (NLT)

For we live by faith, not by sight.2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT)

Further Scriptures

Matthew 21:21-22; Mark 11:22-24; Ephesians 2:8-9, 6:16; Hebrews 11; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Romans 1:17

Recommended Resources

• Faith That Prevails, Smith Wigglesworth

7. Following Him in Tough Times

Thoughts

Following the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus dispersed the crowd and commanded His disciples to sail to the other side. Jesus himself went up on the mountain to pray.

If we follow Jesus, then life is not smoother for us here and now. A mature Christian understands that life is designed by Him to bring Him glory, not for our comfort. Obedience to God is key and we should not be distracted by our circumstances.

When the storm arose later on the lake the disciples were dismayed. Jesus could have immediately calmed the storm, but instead He let the wind and waves run wild until Peter, in faith, walked on the water to Him. At some point Peter looked at the waves, and when he focused on the situation—instead of Jesus—Peter became fearful. His faith weakened and he started to sink.

We are similar to Peter. The specific circumstances are irrelevant. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can be secure in spite of whatever troubles may afflict us.

Key Scriptures

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.Matthew 14:22-33 (NLT)

This is what the Lord says—Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven's Armies: "I am the First and the Last; there is no other God. Who is like me? Let him step forward and prove to you his power. Let him do as I have done since ancient times when I established a people and explained its future. Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!"Isaiah 44:6-8 (NLT)

You see, we don't go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies. So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you. But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, "I believed in God, so I spoke." We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.2 Corinthians 4:5-18 (NLT)

Further Scriptures

Micah 4:1-8; Amos 4:13; Psalm 96

Recommended Resources

• Giants Will Fall, Chip Kawalsingh
• Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering, Timothy Keller