2. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matt. 16:24 Learner, pupil, follower A follower of Christ

3. “Let him deny himself ” Denying ungodliness Worldly lusts

4. 15. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.

5. “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1 Cor.9:27

6. “take up his cross” Not: old age, poverty, sickness

7. Luke 9:23 “daily” Cross - our duty

10. “And Follow Me” Look to Jesus as an example He bore the heavy end of the cross

11.  Not just restraint  Life of activity  Active and aggressive

12.  Go before Christ  Turn aside from Christ  Follow from afar

13.  Follow in nearness  Obey His word  Follow His steps

14. “And Follow Me” Keep on following

15. “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;” Ps. 32:10 “For the wages of sin is death”. Romans 6:23 “The way of transgressors is hard.” Prov. 13:15

16. Self restraint = deny himself Self sacrifice = take up his cross Self expression = follow me

17. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matt. 16:24

18. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249evanscoc@bellsouth.netwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Evening April 18, 2010