2. The Framework Of Discipleship Matthew 16:24

3. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me’”

4. The Setting  The good confession (Matt. 16:13-16)  What others said (Matt. 16:14)  The disciples ought to know better by now (Matt. 16:15) Witnessed His power over nature (Matt. 8:23-27) Witnessed His power over demons (Matt. 9:32-33) Witnessed His power over death (Matt. 9:18-26)  Peter’s confession (Matt. 16:16) raises things to a new level

5.  They still were not completely ready  Jesus tells them of His impending death and resurrection (Matt. 16:21)  Peter refuses to accept this (Matt. 16:22)  Proper focus is necessary (Matt. 16:23) From a human standpoint, the death of Jesus was catastrophic From a divine standpoint it produced the ultimate glory  Reminds us to focus on the mind of God, not man (Isa. 55:8-9)

6. The Criteria  “Let him deny himself…”  This is not “deny himself certain things” It is not promoting asceticism It is a denial of self-centeredness It is a call for self-control.  Consider man’s entrance into the world Helpless & totally dependent on others Makes needs known loud and clear This gradually dissipates with maturity An appreciation for needs of others slowly develops

7.  Must fight the tendency toward self-interest Barclay says, “To obliterate self as the dominate principle of life and to make God the ruling principle” Cronin said, “The virtue of all achievement is victory over oneself”

8.  Jesus said that whatever hinders us from service to God must be set aside (Matt. 5:29-30; 18:8-9)  Paul says it as well (Gal. 2:20).  James says, “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4)

9.  “[Let him] take up his cross…”  Jesus knew that His disciples would suffer He had told them before (Matt. 5:10- 12; 10:16-18, 24-26, 36) He would tell them again (Jn. 16:1-2)  The road to heaven is going to be filled with landmines Can you do it? (Phil. 1:29) Take heart (1 Peter 3:14)

10.  “[Let him] follow me…”  Jesus has all authority (Matt. 17:5; 28:20)  Follow Him unswervingly (Lk. 9:57-62)  Be a doer of the word (James 1:22)