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Set Apart For Christ

August 3, 2014

Topic: Anniversary Services Passage: Luke 9:1–23

Introduction

This was the time where many religious leaders were jealous of Jesus Christ, and also the time he started training his 12 disciples. However, even as he was training them, he never lost sight of the multitude. When Jesus saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion as he saw sheep needing a shepherd. Hence, Jesus trained these 12 to be the foundation of the church.

Now the disciples needed a lot of training. Jesus did not send them to an academic exercise, but he exposed them to a lot of on-job training:

  • "Jesus was praying alone": the disciples were "with Him", this is what we have to do. Speaking to God alone, while amongst others.
  • Christ was also teaching them how to pray. When Jews pray, they pray out loud. These disciples could hear Jesus pray. In this way, they could learn how to pray


Jesus asked them "Who did the multitudes say that I am?"

  • "John the Baptist", "Elijah", "Prophets of the old": there is something supernatural about him
  • "who do YOU say that I am?": you who have been with me day and night, you who have seen me with enemies and friends, you who heard my teaching
  • "you are the Christ of God"
  • this is full of deep meaning for people raised in the Old Testament
  • Christ is Greek for Messiah: this one is more than a Man, but will be God dwelling among Man
  • he will as a priest, offering himself as a sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God
  • the Jewish messiah will come as king with ultimate authority


Jesus taught them that their kingdom is not of this world

  • the person who is set apart for Christ must recognise who he is, God! Fulfilling hundreds of prophecies
  • Jesus had practical lessons: trusting him for every area of need is being set apart for Christ
  • when he set them out for mission, they were not to take with them means of self-defence, not to take with them personal items, not even good supply
  • they will remember that God has provided for his people for the many long years
  • Jesus was teaching them to trust them with their personal needs


If you want to be set apart for Christ, you need to meet the needs of others

  • they, like Jesus can expect opposition: you take up your cross and follow me
  • living in a Roman Background, they knew what this means - Shame.
  • Christ was forced to carry his own cross.
  • in the process of being a disciple, you will face opposition and persecution
  • we might need to re-examine our modern lifestyle