Faithful to the Finish

Text: Luke 9:57-62
 
Introduction: Who are you following? We all would like to believe that we are closely following Jesus. But actions and decisions really show that at times we are following our desires more than His. Anyway, see if you can find five (5) reasons in this passage of Scripture that give us reasons why we need to be, “DEVOTED DISCIPLES,” “COMMITTED CHRISTians,” and FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS.
 

1. Because of the “TEMPTATION of PROCRASTINATION”! (Luke 9:59-61)

“9And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.”

There is a grave danger in living in a world that is false and insecure. Disease, death, and demons are inevitable.
 

2. Because of the Unbeliever’s “FINAL DESTINATION”! (Luke 9:60)

“Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”

After hearing about the spiritual needs of India, the secretary of the meeting remarked: “There is a gold mine in India, but it seems almost as deep as the center of the earth. Who will venture to explore it?” “I will go down,” said William Carey, “but remember that you must hold the ropes.”

When God calls, He holds the ropes!
 

3. Because of Jesus’ “INVITATION”! (Luke 9:57, 58)

“And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”

Jesus gives an INVITATION to us when we are:
  • Hurting
  • Lonely
  • Grieving
  • Discouraged
  • Lost
  • Tired
  • Sick
  • Hungry
  • Helpless
  • Thirsty
  • Unfulfilled
  • Hopeless
  • Vision less
  • Apathetic
  • Backslidden
  • Empty
  • Directionless
  • Powerless
Can you hear Him calling?
 

4. Because of the “Great TRANSFORMATION”! (Luke 9:62)

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

From the INSIDE to the OUTSIDE, Jesus changes us.

Do you need a change?
 

5. Because of the Earth’s “EVACUATION”! (Luke 9:62)

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

The literal kingdom of God is not in operation at the present time, but it will be during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. Today is preparation. The rapture is next on God’s calendar.
 

Conclusion: We have only one shot at this thing called “life”!

Are you following our Lord’s will?
Are you being distracted?
Do you hear Jesus CALLING?
Let’s Follow Him, and be “FAITHFUL to the FINISH”!
 
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese