Come Follow Me Pt 1 by Mike Cunningham - July 19 2026

Review: What is DISCIPLESHIP?

God’s preferred method of:

1. TEACHING the faith to us

2. REPRODUCING the faith in us.

3. PASSING ON the faith through us.

In our study of the 4 Invitations of Christ to Discipleship, we are now beginning to unpack the 3rd invitation, “Come and Follow Me.”

There's a Distinction between “Come Follow Me” as physical following, and “Come Follow Me” as identification and putting into practice Jesus teachings and priorities.

The IMPORTANCE of being established in our IDENTITY as followers of Christ, before we charge into our “works” for Christ.

Come and Follow Me: JESUS CALLS US TO PARTICIPATE in his Kingdom.

Luke 8:20-21 “Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

Jesus is calling us into PARTICIPATION! What does it mean to PARTICIPATE in the works of God IN A HEALTHY WAY? Let's share your thoughts on what the difference between healthy “works” and unhealthy “works”.

Healthy:

• Just “showing up” is half the battle, not to “be seen”, being faithful in the “small, ordinary things tasks”, not waiting until we are perfectly ready.  (Our TCC congregational suggestions.)

• Considers how it affects others around us;

• rooted in prayer and faith;

• humility;

• of the Spirit;

• may be a bit out of our comfort zone forcing reliance on Christ;

  
  

  Unhealthy:

• flows out of pride;

• duty and obligation but no joy;

• inconsiderate of how it affects others around us;

• done in human power;

• too big or too fast;

• flash in the pan but no staying power;

• solo and not in community.

These provide a backdrop for our future discussions around this topic. Our goal is not to produce a bunch of “GOOD WORKS” as a congregation, as much as a HEALTHY OUTFLOW OF OUR IDENTITY AS CHILDREN OF GOD AND A COMMUNITY OF FAITH. There always needs to be a “continual checking” what and where our obedience is flowing out of!

CLOSING EXAMPLE:

King David as a shepherd boy in out in the field.

1 Sam 13:14 “But now your (Saul) kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people.”

What does it mean David was “after” God’s own heart?

There are 2 definitions of “after”

1) following the nature of, or the pattern of.

2) pursuing and/or seeking to gain.

Both of these are important. What “formed” or “informed” David’s heart?

David was out in the field doing very lowly, servant-like things. Caring for animals, spending time with God, learning to trust, exercising boldness and faith, practicing, meditating, worshipping.

Zech 4:10 “Do not despise the day of small things.”

David’s biggest work of preparation, which he didn’t even know he was doing, or what he was doing it for, was hidden out in a field somewhere. Where he was alone with God and having his heart set in the right place. Where his faith was being built, experience after experience. It was faithfulness in the day of “small things” that prepared him for greater things.

Let us be faithful in allowing God “set a good foundation” for whatever he is calling us into down the road. Let us not think about the works God wants us to do, without first considering and practicing the right motives, and character, and faith that is necessary to cause any actions we are going to lean into to be truly “spiritual” rather than just “from and to and through” ourselves!