MATTHEW 16: The D.T.F PRINCIPLE

 

In this world, we have so many principles in life that we live by. Like celebrate your success, follow your passions, make the best use of your time, stay away from doubt and fear, feed your brain with positive thoughts and so on..

 Principles are rules that guide our life. Extension of values converted into actions. Principles that get you want out of life. It is essentially our recipes for success – as citizens of this world.

 Spiritually, the moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we’ve become citizens of God’s Kingdom. Our identity had been shifted to become children of God who follows and obeys the father. And our purpose in life shifts from..

 SELF to SERVICE

TEMPORARY TO ETERNAL,

OUR PLANS TO HIS PURPOSE.

 ALL LEADING FOR US TO HAVE THE IMAGE OF CHRIST.

 Following Christ has a cost.

Jesus has given us a principle for us to follow Him. Making us align to God’s purposes.

 

The D.T.F PRINCIPLE

 

SCRIPTURE

 ²⁴ Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

 

 OBSERVATION

 Jesus told His disciples..

 Jesus is addressing His twelve disciples directly-specifically after rebuking Peter.

 

DISCIPLE –  a devoted follower and learner of Jesus

Whose:

-          Trusting in His teaching

-          Imitating His life

-          Committing to His mission

 

If anyone would come after me,

-          Jesus extends this requirement to all future followers, not just the original twelve.

 

If anyone would come after me, let him (needs action).. deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

 

3 key action principles

D – eny

T- ake up

F- ollow

 

Jesus lays out the cost of being His disciple. He makes it clear that following Him isn’t about seeking comfort or ease-it involves sacrifice and commitment.

 THIS CALL IS FOR ALL WHO DESIRE TO FOLLOW JESUS.

A CALL TO SURRENDER DAILY.

 APPLICATION.

 

 (D.T.F PRINCIPLE)

 

1.      DENY HIMSELF

 -          Abandoning SELFish desire, SELF-centeredness, SELF as the center of life to live for God’s purposes.

 Jesus denied Himself by consistently placing less importance of His own human will, desires and rights to the will of God the Father. Just like Jesus, we too have to deny ourselves.. Self denial is not meant to destroy us, but to align our life with a higher purpose.

 And our PURPOSE is to be CHRISTLIKE. In order to be like Jesus – where there is humility, obedience and submission, we need to constantly, deny ourselves.

  Let’s deny the thoughts that is on our heads that we are that we are still weak, lazy, unworthy, unlovable, unable to do things for God. Let’s deny that we are in this world and can still do unpleasant things. Believe that we have been changed from OLD to NEW self. Believe that HIS WORD IS ALIVE, ACCURATE and TRUSTWORTHY. Believe that you and I are just like Jesus, who undergo series of pain, trials, struggles, sacrifices, and overcomers and victorious in the end. Believe that you are not alone in this journey and that you are able to do things God would like you to do and that God is always with you.

 

DAILY, LET US ..

 o   RENEW OUR MIND WITH THE WORD OF GOD.

o   DAILY SURRENDER

o   DIE TO SELF

o   CREATE MORE TIME FOR GOD.

o   PRIORITIZE OTHERS BEFORE YOUR OWN.

   

2.      TAKE UP HIS CROSS

 To take up our cross is to totally die to our own self and flesh,& totally surrender to God and His will with being obedient and in walking by faith with love whereas we will bear the fruit of the Spirit rather than doing the works of the flesh. Galatians 5:19-23.

 Jesus is telling us that we must be willing to endure hardship in this life for our faith in Him.

 “God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.” - James 1:12

 o   SUBMIT TO GOD’S WILL DAILY.

o   ENDURE SUFFERING

o   DAILY SACRIFICE

o   SUBMISSION TO GOD’S WILL

 3.      FOLLOW ME (JESUS)

(Join me, walk with me, come after me, accompany me)

 - walking the path He walked which includes humility, obedience and faithfulness.

 o   It means to adopt His way of life, values and mission, leaving behind previous lifestyles, careers and priorities.

o   It is making Jesus the leader, or manager of your life.

o   It means actively loving, serving and sacrificing for others.

o   It is a continuous, daily decision to follow, not a one-time event.

 We are blessed to have different ministries in the church in which we can show our ways to follow Jesus. In evangelism and mission minsitry wherein this is the heart of Jesus for lost souls where he preach the gospel, heal the sick and cast out demons. Prayer which is the backbone of the church which shows dependency of Jesus to the Father. Education ministry- Jesus commanded us to teach what we have learned from Him and also disciple others. Jesus also insisted on welcoming the children for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them as well. In finance that teaches us to become a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to us. And also, worshipping God in Spirit and in Truth through a singing hymns and songs for He is worthy to be praise.

 Praise God, for we know that we just don’t belong to one of the ministries of the church but he exposes us in all ministries. These ministries help us know who Jesus is. It also helps us to act, walk, behave like Jesus. It helps us to keep align with God’s purpose in our lives.

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 Following Jesus is costly, sacrificing one’s old life for Him, leads to TRUE, ETERNAL LIFE.

 This verse reminds us that following Jesus is not always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. It calls us to surrender our lives to God’s purposes, trusting that His love and grace are sufficient for whatever challenges we face.

  

PRAYER,

 Heavenly Father,

Help us to surrender our self centeredness and to place our trust completely in your plan for our lives. Give us strength and courage to take up our cross and endure hardships. Empower us to live a life that reflects your love, grace, and your unwavering commitment to your people. Thank you for your grace, your guidance and your love.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

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PASTORA PAULA – JCRC CAMBODIA