Follow only what is right, loving, and good. You cannot go wrong when you allow the Spirit of Christ to guide you. Use these 3 simple keys.

Follow 3 Simple Keys for True Followers of Jesus

STM Bible Snack for True Followers of Jesus

Mark 8:34 [read Mark 8:34-38 (34); compare: Luke 9:23-26 (23) and Matthew 16:24-27 (24 and 27)]

And He called the crowd to Him, along with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wants to be my follower, he should deny himself [i.e., of always having his own way] and accept his cross [i.e., his responsibilities, with all their difficulties] and then he can become my follower. (AUV)

KJV: And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Follow me! Imagine Jesus walking up to you and saying those words. Have you heard Him say to you, follow me? This Bible lesson points out the simple keys to true discipleship.

Follow 3 Simple Keys

You must die to (deny) self and be willing to endure all that comes (take up your cross). Once you decide to do so, then you can be a true follower of Jesus.

1. Deny self

Is this asking too much? To turn down the appetites or desires of your flesh. Jesus set the example “Not my will, but yours…” (Luke 22:42).

Accept that you no longer belong to you. Jesus paid the price to set you free from the penalty for sin. “…The Son of Man came to give his life to save [as a ransom for] many people.” [Mark 10:45b (ICB)]

Colossians 3:5 [read Colossians 3:1-11 (5)]

So put to death the parts of your life that belong to the earth, such as sexual immorality, moral corruption, lust, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). (CEB)

KJV: Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

True self-denial

1 Timothy 6:6 and 8 [please read 1 Timothy 6:3-10 (6 and 8)]

You gain a lot when you live a godly life. But you must be happy with what you have. (NIRV) 8 So then, if we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us. (GNT)

KJV: But godliness with contentment is great gain. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

2. Take up his cross

Be ready to die, i.e., both in a spiritual way, to sin and physical death (martyr).

Romans 6:11 [read Romans 6:1-14 (11)]

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (ESV)

KJV: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

To take up your cross is to be willing to submit to and obey God. Ready to suffer and go through tests (difficult times).

3. Follow me (Jesus)

If you want to be a true follower of Jesus, do as He asks. Be prepared to make sacrifices as you obey God. You will get your reward if you follow His example (Matthew 16:27).

Luke 14:27 [read Luke 14:25-33 (27)]

Whoever does not carry his own cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow after Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] cannot be My disciple. (AMP)

KJV: And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

The choice is yours

Do you understand the 3 simple keys for true disciples of Jesus?

1. Deny self (allow God’s will for your life).

2. Carry your cross (be committed to God).

3. Follow Jesus (imitate Him, i.e., do as He did)!

Mark 8:35-36 [read Mark 8:34-38 (35-36)]

For whoever would [try to] save his life [i.e., by neglecting spiritual things] will lose it [i.e., miss out on the blessings of God]. But whoever [is willing] to lose his life [i.e., in commitment to God’s service] for my sake and [the work of] the Gospel’s sake, will save it [i.e., from the consequences of sin and separation from God]. 36 For what would it benefit a person to gain the whole world [i.e., of material things and pleasures] and give up his life [i.e., of spiritual blessings]? (AUV)

KJV: For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Accept Jesus as the expert for living this life. Take on His ways. Submit to the guidance of the Spirit of Christ (the Holy Spirit). Most of all obey His advice (the Word)! Follow the examples of Christ and His disciples. I pray that you have enjoyed and will make the most of this Bible snack. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺

Related studies/lessons/snacks for further spiritual growth:

Warning: Stop Thinking About Yourself And What You Want – an estimated 8-minute read.

Spiritual Guidance Has More Value When You Follow It – an estimated 14-minute read.

True Worship Is Not Tradition, But What Pleases God! – an estimated 25-minute read.

Control; Learn How To Handle Yourself In Better Ways! – an estimated 7-minute read.

By His Stripes We Are Healed Spiritually Not Physically – an estimated 7-minute read.

♥ Question for “Follow 3 Simple Keys for True Followers of Jesus”: Have you decided to follow Jesus?

See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.

I look forward to your feedback via comment at the bottom of the page or by emailing [email protected]. Have a fantabulous day!