Fans and Followers Pastor Chris Quinn

Fans & Followers

John 1:10-13

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

INTRODUCTION

The dictionary defines a “fan” as “an enthusiastic admirer, usually as a spectator. Meanwhile in difference a “follower” is defined as “one in service of another, one that follows the teachings or opinions, one that imitates another…a devotee.  One who gives full loyalty and support to another. Jesus never asked us to be a fan of His. He challenged us to follow Him! Let’s dive in an see how that was evident in scripture.

FANS

-       His fame spreads because of his teaching, preaching & healing (Matthew 4:23-24)

-       Astonished at His works (Matt 7:28-29, Mark 6:2, Matt 22:32-33, Mark 7:37, Mark 11:18, Luke 4:31-32, Luke 8:56,)

-       Great Multitudes Followed Him (Matt 4:25, Matt 8:1, Matt 8:18, Matt 12:15-16, Matt 13:1-2, Matt 15:29-31, Matt 19:1-2, Luke 5:13-15, Luke 14:25 , Mark 10:1) 

-       Show us a sign! (Matt 12:28, John 2:18)

FOLLOWERS

 Word etymology

            Hebrew

ahar (akh-ar’) – to come behind, after.

radap (raw-daf) – to pursue or chase, attend closely upon. 

yalak (yaw-lak) – proceed, move, walk. 

Greek 

duete (dyoo-teh)

§  Come hither; Come here  

§  Come, Come now! 

akoloutheo (ak-ol-oo-theh’-o) 

§  To follow one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him

§  To join as a disciple, become or be his disciple, side with his party.

§  To cleave steadfastly to one, conform wholly to his example, in living and if need be in dying also.

The Call to Follow

            Correct Answer (Matt 4:18-22, Luke 5:27-28)

            Wrong Answer (Matt 8:19-22, Luke 9:61-62)

The Cost to Follow

Priorities (Matt 10:34-39, Luke 18:18-23, Mark 10:28-30)

            Take up Your Cross (Matt 16:24, Luke 9:26)

            Follow Everyday! (John 8:12, John 10:27-28, John 12:24-26, 1 Peter 2:21)