FollowershipFollowership Precedes LeadershipPrecedes Leadership

Thirukumar VethanayagamThirukumar Vethanayagam

22ndnd October, 2009 October, 2009

KhammamKhammam

Why Jesus?Why Jesus?• Lacked purpose in life – intellectual dilemma ?!

• A historical figure who rose again• Christ’s sacrifice appropriated through faith• Universal – God looks at the heart (Jn 3:16)• Supernatural - Gift of the Holy Spirit• A relationship NOT a religion• Abundant life in Christ (Jn 10:10)

My TestimonyMy Testimony• Prayed, “I want to try you, Jesus” • Adopted Psalm 27:4 as my life verse• A disciple first, then a disciple-maker

• A rebel for God - trusting and obeying• Every day journey in waiting and yielding• Going one step beyond sight (II Cor 5:7)• God’s stories of guidance and providence• No regrets what so ever

Does God have a story or two about you?

I Pet 2:21IN HIS STEPS Psalm 51:10-13

Our Calling – Followership before LeadershipOur Calling – Followership before LeadershipI Cor 11:1; I Pet 5:3; I Cor 9:27; Jn 21:22

• Everyone’s calling is unique Jn 10:27; Eph 4:1-5:21; Phi 1:27; Rom 12:1-3; Col 1:9-12

• Called to do the will of God out of love Matt 7:21;Jn 14:23,24;Jn 21:15-19;Eph 1:3-6;I Pet 2:15-17

• Chosen to do good works and bear fruit Matt 5:16; Eph 2:10;Jn 15:16;Gal 5:22;Rom 1:13;Jam 3:17

• Destined to godliness with contentment I Tim 6:6-19; Hab 3:17-19; Rom 8:28-29

• God-pleasers versus Men-pleasers Jn 8:29;II Cor 5:9;Gal 1:10;Eph 6:6;Lk 16:13;Psa 118:8

• Do not love the world Jn 17:14;I Jn 2:15-17;II Tim 4:10;Gal 6:14;Jam 4:4-6

• Not my will, but Your will Matt 26:39; Jn 4:34; 6:38; Heb 5:7-11; II Cor 12:9

Some Warnings

Secret of a true follower - Abiding in ChristSecret of a true follower - Abiding in Christ John 15:1-16John 15:1-16; Psalm 91; Psalm 91

• Seek Him first – Matt 6:33, Phi 3:7-10

• Renew your mind – Rom 12:2, Col 3:2, II Cor 4:4

• Meditate on God’s Word – Josh 1:8, Psa 1:1-3

• Pray without ceasing – I The 5:17, Eph 6:18

• Attitude of gratitude – Col 2:7,4:2;Eph 5:20;Phi 4:11;I The 5:18

• Spirit-controlled – Eph 5:18, I The 5:19, I Jn 2:15-27; Act 7:51

• Desire to avoid temptation – Matt 6:13, Jam 1:2,3, I The 5:22

• Be ready to suffer – Phi 1:29, Heb 5:8, 12:1-4, I Pet 4:12-16

• Be joyful – Jn 15:11, Phi 4:4, Col 1:24, I The 5:16

Daniel’s ExampleDaniel’s Example

• Peter – Matt 4:19,20; Jn 6:68; Jn 21:17; I Pet 3:15,16

• Paul – Acts 26:14-20; Gal1:11-17; II Cor 5:14; Acts 24:16

• SMA – Dan 3:16-18• You & me – Lk 7:47; Lk 9:23-26; Lk 9:57-62; Lk 14:25-35

• Purposed to please God over King: Dan 1:8; Psa 118:9

• Confidence in God but reliance on man: 1:12; 2:16-18

• Ascribed due credit to God: 2:28, 6:22

• Took a stand for God before evil men: 5:21-23; 6:10

• Lived an exemplary life: 5:14; 6: 3

• Daniel suffered: 6:16

• Others were influenced: 2:23,36; 3:16-18; 4:37; 5:11; 6:20,26

• Daniel prospered: 6:28, Gen 39:23