Choosing Something Greater

January 8, 2023

 

INTRODUCTION

Begin a series: A Process of Becoming

Mission of the Church: Leading people to become fully devoted followers of Christ

Importance of a good process–it helps develop a better product

 

KEY POINT: Intentional growth often requires letting go of something good for something better

 

TEXT: Mark 1:14-18

 

The coming of Jesus makes transformation possible (v. 14-15)

His work on the cross, his resurrection, and his sending of the Holy Spirit enable us to experience better lives

 

The invitation of Jesus leads to something greater (vv. 16-17)

Putting Jesus at the center of one’s life, to allow him to direct and lead

DOMAINS: spiritually, physically, mentally, relationally, vocationally, financially, etc.

 

The invitation was not from something bad but an invitation to something better

 

Our decisive response to Jesus is essential (v. 18)

Invitation demands decision

 

Learning to say yes to his process of becoming

The big YES: choosing to be a follower of Jesus

The daily YES: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

 

The first step in the process: clarifying the focus

 

Determining a focus

Importance of narrowing the focus:

In this season of my life: what is the key area I need to grow in?

 

Describing its potential impact

Allowing hope to flourish

 

Deciding to follow Jesus for transformation

Saying YES to Jesus: willingness to follow Him

Write it down, commit it in prayer, and share it with another

 

RESPONSE: Lord Jesus, I choose to follow you. Help me become the person you are calling me to be. Help me grow in this area!