Designed For Us to Follow

Summary

In this Palm Sunday sermon, JMT emphasizes that believing in Jesus requires actively following Him daily. Using the metaphor of switching from 'Team Me' to 'Team Jesus,' he explains that we naturally wake up each day wearing the 'jersey of selfishness' and must consciously choose to take it off and follow Christ's example. The sermon explores Jesus' identity as God's Messiah, His death and resurrection, and His call for disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. The pastor warns against trying to save our comfortable lives while avoiding true discipleship, emphasizing that whoever tries to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Jesus' sake will find it.

The message concludes with three practical responses: deciding to follow Jesus for the first time, restarting daily habits of choosing Christ over self, and sharing the gospel with others. The pastor uses visual aids including a pillow and basketball jersey to illustrate how we must daily choose to leave selfishness behind and put on Christ-like living, making room for meaningful relationships and service to others.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit's leading and to honestly examine our lives in light of Your truth. Lord, we pray that You would speak to each person here according to their need - whether they need to take that first step of faith, recommit to daily following You, or find courage to share Your love with others. Guide our discussion and help us to encourage one another as we seek to follow Jesus more faithfully. In His name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one item of clothing or accessory that you wear that represents something important to you (like a team jersey, wedding ring, or favorite shirt), and what does it represent?

Key Verses

1. Luke 9:18-27

2. Romans 6:4-7

Questions

1. When Jesus asked 'Who do you say that I am?', Peter answered 'God's Messiah.' How would you answer that question about Jesus' identity in your own words?

2. The pastor used the metaphor of switching from 'Team Me' to 'Team Jesus.' What are some practical ways selfishness shows up in our daily lives that we need to 'take off'?

3. Jesus said we must 'take up our cross daily.' What do you think this looks like in practical, everyday terms for a modern follower of Christ?

4. The sermon mentioned that 'selfishness kills relationships.' Can you share an example (without naming names) of how putting others first has strengthened a relationship in your life?

5. Jesus warned that 'whoever wants to save his life will lose it.' What are some 'comfortable' things in our lives that we might be trying to save that could actually hinder our spiritual growth?

6. The pastor mentioned three ways people might respond: follow Jesus for the first time, restart daily habits of following Him, or tell somebody about Jesus. Which of these resonates most with where you are right now?

7. How can we help each other remember to 'take off selfishness' daily when it's so natural to wake up focused on ourselves?

8. What's one specific area of your life where you feel God calling you to deny yourself and follow Jesus more closely?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific daily habit or routine where you can practice 'taking off selfishness' and putting others first. It could be as simple as asking your family members how their day was before talking about your own, serving someone without expecting recognition, or choosing to listen more than you speak in conversations. Each morning when you wake up, consciously choose to 'switch jerseys' from Team Me to Team Jesus in this area.

Key Takeaways

1. If you believe in Jesus, you must follow Jesus - belief without action is incomplete

2. Following Jesus requires daily denying ourselves and taking up our cross, not just a one-time decision

3. We naturally wake up each day on 'Team Me' and must consciously choose to switch to 'Team Jesus'

4. Taking off selfishness isn't just hard work - it makes room for meaningful relationships and God's good work in our lives

5. Trying to save our comfortable lives while avoiding true discipleship leads to spiritual loss

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder that following You is both a one-time decision and a daily choice. Help us to wake up each morning ready to take off the jersey of selfishness and put on Your love and service to others. Give us strength to deny ourselves daily and courage to take up our cross. We pray that our lives would reflect Your love and that others would see You in us. Help us to be faithful in the small, daily choices that demonstrate our commitment to follow You. May we never grow tired of telling others about Your holiness, love, and worthiness. Transform our hearts and use us to draw others into Your family. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.