What It Really Means to Follow Christ: Discipleship Beyond Sunday Morning

Hey Guys,

“And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” – Luke 9:23 (NASB)

For many, Christianity has been reduced to a Sunday morning experience. They attend church, listen to a sermon, sing worship songs, and then return to life as usual. But Jesus never called His followers to part-time discipleship. He didn’t say, “Follow Me when it’s convenient” or “Follow Me on Sundays.” He said, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

True discipleship is a daily commitment to Christ. It is not just about attending church but about living for Him in every area of life. So what does it really mean to follow Jesus beyond Sunday morning?

1. Following Christ Means Denying Yourself
Jesus said, “He must deny himself.” This goes against everything our culture teaches. The world says, Follow your heart. Jesus says, Deny yourself. The world says, Do what makes you happy. Jesus says, Surrender your life to Me.

Self-denial means that Jesus is not just part of our lives—He is our life. It means:

• Letting go of our own ambitions and seeking His will first (Matthew 6:33).
• Surrendering our sinful desires and choosing holiness (Galatians 5:24).
• Obeying Christ, even when it costs us something (John 14:15).

To truly follow Christ, we must die to self and live for Him.

2. Following Christ Means Taking Up Your Cross Daily
Jesus didn’t say, take up your cross occasionally or when you feel like it. He said, “Take up his cross daily.”

In Jesus’ day, the cross was not a symbol of inspiration—it was a symbol of death. When He called His followers to take up their cross, He was calling them to a life of total surrender.

Taking up your cross daily means:

• Suffering for the sake of Christ – Being willing to endure rejection, criticism, or hardship because of our faith (2 Timothy 3:12).
• Dying to sin – Putting to death the sinful nature and walking in righteousness (Romans 6:11).
• Living sacrificially – Loving others, serving the church, and giving our lives for the sake of the gospel (Philippians 2:3-4).

Following Christ is not about comfort—it’s about commitment. Every day, we must choose to die to self and live for Him.

3. Following Christ Means Living Out Your Faith Beyond Sunday
Too many Christians see their faith as something they practice at church rather than something they live out every day. But Jesus calls us to follow Him at all times, in every place, and in every situation.

How do we follow Christ beyond Sunday morning?
A. In Our Homes

• Leading our families in prayer and Bible study (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
• Raising our children to know and love the Lord (Proverbs 22:6).
• Treating our spouses with love and respect (Ephesians 5:22-33).

B. In Our Workplaces

• Working with integrity and excellence as a witness for Christ (Colossians 3:23).
• Sharing the gospel with coworkers (Matthew 5:16).
• Avoiding gossip, dishonesty, and compromise (Ephesians 4:29).

C. In Our Communities

• Loving our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31).
• Serving the poor, widows, and orphans (James 1:27).
• Sharing the gospel with the lost (Matthew 28:19-20).

A true disciple doesn’t leave Jesus at the church door. A true disciple follows Him into every aspect of life.

4. Following Christ Means Persevering Until the End
Many start the journey of discipleship, but not all endure. Some follow Christ when life is easy but turn away when trials come (Luke 8:13). But Jesus calls us to faithfulness—to keep following Him no matter what.

How do we stay faithful?

• Stay in God’s Word – The Bible is our guide and strength (Psalm 119:105).
• Pray without ceasing – Stay connected to the Lord daily (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
• Surround yourself with other believers – Fellowship and accountability help us stay strong (Hebrews 10:24-25).
• Keep your eyes on eternity – Remember that the rewards of following Christ far outweigh any suffering (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Conclusion: Will You Truly Follow Christ?
Following Christ is not a one-time decision—it is a daily commitment. It is more than a Sunday routine; it is a way of life. Jesus is calling you to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Him.
The question is: Will you?

Let today be the day you move beyond Sunday morning Christianity. Let today be the day you fully surrender and follow Christ with your whole heart—every day, in every area of your life.

Serving Him,

Bro. Joey