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Are We Participants or Spectators? Lesson 4: Michael Lewis October 29, 2006 |
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ARE WE SPECTATORS OR PARTICIPANTS
Lesson Four: “How to Follow”
1. The most basic invitation to Men and Women from
Jesus it to
F O L L O W.
Matt 4:19; Matt. ; 8 Matt 9 ; Matt 10; John10; 1 Cor. 11 ; 1 Peter 2:21
2. It begins with being a good follower of our S H E P H E R D S.
Heb 13:7; Heb 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5
A. Humility
B. The assumption of the best (1 Tim 5:19).
C. Sincere Listening
D. The gift of submission
E. The gift of joy
3. Remember we are a congregation of servant-leaders and S E R V A N T F O L L O W E R S.
Principle One: As the situation varies the leaders and followers in the church vary.
Principle Two: We are not in a power struggle with each other; we are a family on a common mission to a common destination… “To go to heaven and take as many with us as possible.”
4. Jesus told us we can learn important lessons from the B I R D S O F T H E A I R (Matt 6:26).
Lessons from Flying in Formation:
Fact 1: People who share a common direction get there quicker and easier because they are traveling with the thrust of one.
Fact 2: If we are wise, we will stay in formation with those who are headed in the same direction and be willing to accept the help of others as needed.
Fact 3: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and to share leadership.
Fact 4: In groups where there is encouragement there is much greater productivity.
Fact 5: It is important to stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.