Anchor Verses:

1 Corinthians 3:12–15, Matthew 5:29–30, Galatians 5:22–25

Focus Statement:

Jesus never invited us to momentary conversion but to a lifelong apprenticeship. Following Him means reordering every part of our lives, yielding daily to the Holy Spirit, and dealing aggressively with sin. This is not about behavior management—this is about full surrender.

Introduction: The Invitation to Follow

  • Salvation = Justification + Sanctification + Glorification
    • Justification: At the moment of salvation, God declares us righteous by faith in Jesus, freeing us from the penalty of sin.
    • Sanctification: From salvation until death, the Holy Spirit shapes us into the image of Christ, freeing us from the power of sin.
    • Glorification: At Christ’s return or our entry into eternity, we will be made perfect and freed forever from the presence of sin.
  • Jesus didn’t say “convert,” He said “come, follow me.”
  • Christianity isn’t a checkbox—it’s an apprenticeship.
  • Following Jesus is a complete reordering of priorities.

Add A Note

From Justified to Sanctified:

  • Being justified is the beginning, not the finish line.
  • Sozo = saved + healed — salvation is holistic (p. 94).
  • Sanctification is the Spirit’s ongoing work in us.
  • Ask: Are you yielding to the Spirit or resisting Him?

Add A Note

What Are You Building?:

  • 1 Corinthians 3:12–15 – Fire will reveal what we’ve built.
  • Paul assessed the churches—what would he say about ours?
  • A Spirit-formed life produces lasting fruit; man-made religion burns up.
  • Without the Spirit, we end up bitter, empty, and exhausted.

Add A Note

Deal Aggressively with Sin:

  • Matthew 5:29–30 – Jesus calls for radical removal, not passive tolerance.
  • Sin isn’t a bad roommate—it’s a home invader.
  • Don’t manage it, kill it.
  • You either deal with sin, or it will deal with you.

Add A Note

Walking it Out:

  • Galatians 5:22–25 – Love, joy, peace… is that what people taste when they encounter you?
  • Apprenticeship should produce peace, not performance anxiety.
  • Are you letting the Spirit bear fruit, or are you trying to fake it on your own?
  • What would Jesus say if He wrote a letter to your life?

Add A Note

Sermon Questions

  • Have I mistaken belief for apprenticeship? What’s the difference in my daily life?
  • What am I building with—Spirit-led obedience or self-made effort?
  • Is there any sin in my life that I’ve tried to manage instead of eliminate?

Add A Note

Email my notes