Revised and expanded with Scripture
By Josimar Salum
Introduction: The Call to True Commitment
Commitment is more than a decision; it is a covenant. According to the dictionary, it is the act of entrusting or pledging oneself to something or someone. In our case, commitment to Jesus is the voluntary surrender and binding of ourselves to God and His will.
Ask yourself:
• Do I truly give myself, my life, and all I have to Jesus?
• Am I so bound to Him that there is no turning back?
• Is my life aligned with His mission, not just His blessings?
Following Jesus demands total commitment to His person and His purpose. But we live in a generation of superficiality—relationships, convictions, and even faith are often shallow and disposable.
2 Timothy 3:1–5 (NKJV) warns that in the last days, men would be “lovers of themselves… having a form of godliness but denying its power.”
We must ask:
• Are our friendships disposable?
• Is our faith cultural or covenantal?
• Are we members of an organization, or of Christ’s living Body?
Many today leave churches like canceling a gym membership. When trials or offenses arise, people walk away from years of spiritual fellowship as if it meant nothing. But the call to follow Christ is not about personal comfort—it’s about covenant loyalty.
1. A Disciple Begins with Repentance
To be a disciple, you must first repent—a radical change of mind and direction, not just sorrow for wrong deeds, but a turning away from sin at the root.
Isaiah 55:6–9 (NKJV):
“Let the wicked forsake his way… Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him…”
Repentance is not merely feeling bad for sin—it is surrendering your thoughts, worldview, and identity to God’s truth. We were not only sinners; we were sin—corrupt at the root.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV):
“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Jesus died to make us righteous. His call is not only to forgive but to transform us.
Luke 24:46–47 (NKJV):
“…that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations…”
Acts 2:38 and Acts 3:19–21 emphasize this same truth:
• Repentance brings forgiveness
• Forgiveness brings refreshing
• Refreshing prepares us for restoration
Repentance is the foundation of discipleship.
2. A Disciple Believes and Loves Jesus
Faith is more than intellectual agreement; it is trust, rooted in love.
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV):
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He shall direct your paths.”
John 3:16 (NKJV):
“…whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Belief in Christ flows from love for Him. We trust only those we love. True faith does not waver with circumstances.
Luke 10:27 (NKJV):
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… and your neighbor as yourself.”
A disciple loves God deeply and trusts Him completely.
3. A Disciple Follows Jesus Daily
Following Jesus isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily dying to self.
Luke 9:23 (NKJV):
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
You cannot follow Jesus and live for yourself. Discipleship is costly.
Luke 14:26–27, 33 (NKJV):
“Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple… Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”
You cannot be His disciple unless you’re willing to lose everything for Him—reputation, possessions, relationships, even your own life.
Mark 10:29–30 (NKJV):
“There is no one who has left house or family… who shall not receive a hundredfold now… and in the age to come, eternal life.”
But the reward is Christ Himself—eternal life, and fellowship with God.
4. A Disciple Seeks God’s Kingdom First
Discipleship is not about being blessed, but about being faithful. It is not about what we get, but who we become.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV):
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Many seek God for what He can give them. But true disciples seek Him because He is worthy—He is the treasure.
Matthew 6:25–34 shows that worry has no place in the life of a disciple. God knows our needs. We must seek His Kingdom, not His provisions.
Conclusion: Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen
Matthew 22:1–14 (NKJV):
Jesus told of a king who prepared a wedding feast, but those invited made light of it. Some ignored the call, others mocked and killed the messengers. Only those who responded were worthy. Even then, one man came without the proper garment—he accepted the invitation, but not the transformation.
You may be called, but if you do not come clothed in righteousness—repentant, believing, and obedient—you will be cast out.
Final Challenge:
• Are you truly committed to Jesus, or are you a casual believer?
• Have you repented, believed, and decided to follow Him at any cost?
• Are you bound to Him in an unbreakable covenant?
#ASONE
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