Following Jesus (2) – ‘COMMITMENT’

COMMITMENT: TOTAL OR NOTHING
(Luke 9:57-62)
A Message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 14 September 2008

“True discipleship is an all out commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Gordon McDonald.

The word “COMMIT” means: to bind or involve oneself, pledge, promise, etc.

Commitment is the key to discovering the blessings of God.

Jesus is on a great search for people who will make an unswerving commitment to follow Him.

I. INCOMPLETE COMMITMENT PRODUCES INCONSEQUENTIAL CHANGES
1. The Problem with Mere Involvement / Impulsive Commitments (Luke 9:57-58).
2. The Problem of Misplaced Priorities / Inadequate Commitments (9:59-60).

3. The Problem of Misdirected Focus / Insincere Commitments (9:61,62).

II. TOTAL COMMITMENT PRODUCES TOTAL RESULTS (9:62)
“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
To be a disciple of Jesus you must be committed to him above everything else

1. Results are usually in proportion to Commitment
Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.

2. The Power of a Committed Life (Rom. 12:1-2)
24/7 Commitment/ Complete Commitment: Making a Difference James 1:8

As followers of Jesus Christ, He is the only reason for living.

There’s a cost involved with real commitment. It takes a decision, dedication, and dependence. But the question we need ask ourselves is not “Am I able to follow Jesus completely?” But rather “Am I willing to follow Jesus completely?”

CONCLUSION
It is absolutely impossible to live a Christian life without having a complete commitment to following Christ. Commitment is the Key. The moment YOU definitely commit yourself, then God moves also, and a whole stream of events erupt. All manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, persons and material assistance which come your way begin to flow towards you – the moment you make a commitment.