Pastor J.T. Kalejaiye - Followers Of Christ
TOPIC:
FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST
PRAECHER:
PASTOR J.T. KALEJAIYE
Who is a follower of Christ? A follower is someone who
follows another in regard to his or other idea or belief. He is someone who
accepts the leadership of another.
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Politicians have followers
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Musicians have followers
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Kings have followers
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Jesus too has followers Eph. 5:1.
Different people followed Jesus during his earthly ministry.
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Fishermen followed him
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Great multitude followed him
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Tax collectors followed him
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Blind men followed him
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Many children followed him
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Many men and women followed him.
These numerous followers of Christ can be classified into 6
groups
GROUP 1- THE
SPECTATORS
These spectators followed Jesus in order to watch the
miracles performed by HIM. Some of them followed Jesus because of bread and
butter. These spectators belong to the class called, “THE CROWD”, or “THE
MULTILTUDE” or “OTHERS”. Many of the witnesses the miracles of other but they
never experienced any. Among those spectators are bench warmers or church
goers. They were close to the pastors but they were far from CHRIST (proximity
but no encounter). ARE YOU A SPECTATOR?
GROUP 2- THE
COMMENTATORS
They followed Jesus. They were the ones talking or making
unpleasant comments about Jesus. They criticized, they lied against him, they
opposed HIM but Jesus never allowed their actions to bother him. Those who have
nothing to lose will help you lose what you have worked for. Therefore, ignore
them.
GROUP 3- THE
BENEFICIARY
They were followers of Christ who received miracles, blessings
or lessons from Jesus, Blind Bartimeus was a beneficiary. He received his sight
when he encountered Jesus. Mark 10: 46-52.
The 10 lepers were beneficiary. They were cleansed after
they encountered Jesus. Unfortunately, 9 of them went away after they received
their miracles. Luke 17: 12-19.
The woman with the issue of blood was a beneficiary. She was
made whole after she encountered Jesus. Mark 5: 25-34.
The man with 38 years infirmity was a beneficiary. He was
made whole after he encountered Jesus. John 5: 2-9.
The fact that one receives a miracle from Jesus doesn't mean
he will end well or finish strong. Don’t
seek after miracles but seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
after that miracles will follow. Matt 6:33.
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Seek the object first and shadow will be added
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Seek grace first and grade will follow.
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Seek the mantle first and title will follow.
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Seek revelation first and revenue will follow.
GROUP 4- THE ENEMIES
(THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ENEMIES)
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Some Pharisees.
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Some sadducees and others followed Jesus. They
followed him in order to tempt, betray or arrest him. E.g. Judas Iscariot who
was one of the 12 Apostles was one of the internal enemies that followed Jesus.
He received from the external enemies thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus (the
innocent blood) Matt 27:4.
If Judas Iscariot could be an enemy despite his position and
intimacy with Jesus, then those of you who are leaders, watch your back.
GROUP 5- THE WORKERS
OF THE AVAILABLE.
These people were followers of Christ who were available to
receive responsibilities from Jesus. Among the numerous followers of Christ,
Jesus called 12. They were referred to as APOSTLES.
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These 12 were available
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They were willing to take responsibilities
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They were empowered and
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They did exploits. They became a voice and not
an echo.
Luke 9:1-2.
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Jesus called the 12 together. They were
available.
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Jesus gave them responsibilities to preach the
kingdom and heal the sick.
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Jesus gave them the ability. ( he gave them
power and authority over demons)
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They began to do exploits. They moved from being
blessed to being a blessing.
Do you want to do exploits? Then be a worker.
GROUP 6 - THE
PREFFERD.
These few people were preferred above all others and were
treated specially. They were Peter, James and John. They usually followed Jesus
whenever Jesus had important places to visit. These people were more desirable
than others. They were Christ favorite.
Brethren, which of these group of followers do you belong?
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Are you a SPECTATOR?
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Are you a COMMENTATOR?
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Are you just a BENEFICIARY?
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Are you an ENEMY OF GOD?
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Are you among the few WORKERS?
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Are you one of the very few known as the
PREFERRED?
GOD IS NOT LOOKING FOR ABILITY, HE IS LOOKING FOR
AVAILABILITY. He is looking for people who are willing to work for him. ARE YOU
AVAILABLE TO WORK FOR GOD? Isaiah 6:8. Eternal reward awaits all workers. Matt
19; Isaiah 6:8. Eternal reward awaits all workers. Matt 19: 7-29.
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