V. WHAT MUST I DO?

3. Obey the Lord Jesus

Read Matthew 21:28-32; Romans 6:1,2,15-23; Luke 14:25-34

We have seen that we cannot earn our salvation by human attempts at obedience to the Law. However, that does not mean we can trust in Jesus to forgive our sins and then keep on sinning! To believe in Jesus requires trust in Jesus as Lord as well as Saviour. So we put our faith in him as we determine to follow him in the way we live.

1. Read Matthew 21:28-32. Which of the two sons was obedient? (Matthew 21:28,29)

2. Jesus addressed this story to the religious leaders (see Matthew 21:23). Who did Jesus say was getting into the kingdom ahead of them? (Matthew 21:31).

3. What did the religious leaders fail to do which these other people had done? (Matthew 21:32)

4. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for not repenting and believing. He did this by telling this story about two sons. One son represented the religious leaders; the other stood for the sinners. Which son represented the sinners? So what was Jesus saying was the proof that they had really repented and believed?

5. Read the passage in Romans. As human beings, we have to be slaves. But we can choose who our master is. What are the two choices? (Romans 6:16)

6. How does Paul describe the transition from not being a Christian to becoming one? (Romans 6:17,18)

7. What is the result of being a slave to sin? What is the result of being a slave of God? (Romans 6:21-23)

8. Read Luke 14:25-34. Jesus is likening the decision to follow him, to building a tower or preparing to go to war. What will wise men do before they embark on such ventures? (Luke 14:28-32)

9. Jesus is encouraging would-be disciples to count the cost before following Jesus. What conditions does Jesus set on becoming a disciple? (Luke 14:26,27,33) [When Jesus says “hate”, he is not contradicting other scriptures which command us to love. He is strongly emphasizing the fact that no other relationship can stand in the way of our commitment to him.]

10. To take up our cross is to follow in his footsteps. How are those footsteps described in Luke 22:41,42? So what should be the prayer of a follower of Jesus?

Have you counted the cost of becoming a follower of Jesus? In what areas do you think he is asking you to obey him? Thank him for the life that he gives as you seek to walk in his ways.