Curious/Convinced/Committed/Conformed/Crowned-Disciples are those having the same values, attitudes, and actions as their Master

To repent in light of the coming Kingdom:  stop living as if this world is the only one there is and start living for the return of the King who judges the unfaithful and rewards the faithful (Isaiah 40:1-10; Luke 3:4-14).

I. The PURPOSE of our lives must be determined from the Perspective of Eternity (1:14-20)

A. People are more important than fish (Luke 4 depart from me a sinner)

B. It displeases God to follow your desires/family/career more than you follow Christ  [Independence is the Essence of Sin]

C. If you are a follower of Christ you'll be a fisher of men in company with other disciples (2Tim 2:22)

D. Crowbar questions: What do you mean? How do you know it’s true? So what? What if you’re wrong? What proof do you require?

II. The POWER for Holiness in our lives must come from the Promises (Word) of God (21-28)

A. The truth must set us free or we’ll remain in chains (John 8:32; 1Thess 2:13)

B. Our commitment to Holiness is reflected in our commitment to assimilating the Truth in our lives (See QT 7/04)

III. The PRIORITIES of our lives must be ordered and forged by Prayer (29-39)

A. Reaffirming our Purpose (daily, prayerfully, early and continually) is the only way to avoid being swept into the riptide of temptation (power, pleasure, possessions) and tyranny of the urgent

B. Determining God's will for the issues of your day and then making a Declaration of Dependence is the only way to live by faith (Heb. 11:6)

IV. The PRACTICE of our lives must be that of Perfect Obedience   (1:40-2:13)

A. Once we've determined God's will, we must pursue it in spite of internal and external opposition

B. Imperfect obedience hinders God's desire on earth

C. Perfect obedience brings glory to God

V. Our PEOPLE PARADIGM: Perfect the Saints, Party with Pagans, Persevere with Pickle-suckers (2:13-3:6)

A. Jesus' (and Paul's) pattern was to teach/instruct/train believers (Col. 1:28-29) toward maturity

B. Jesus interacted with non-believers who were curious, but rejected believers who wanted to remain so

C. Our interaction with others should be to move them along the path from Curious to Crowned

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. What do people/Christians value in NYC? How do you know? What should be the top values of a Christian?

2. Why are there so few fishers of men?  Why is the decision to follow Jesus difficult? What helps you follow?

3. Where do most believers stop following on the Curious...Crowned path? Why? Where are you? Evidence?

4. What's the purpose for your existence/daily life? What do you need to help you fulfill/achieve your purpose?

5. Is your interaction with others for your benefit or their benefit? Temporal or eternal?

6. How ready are you for the coming King? What paths need to be straightened? What potholes need filling?