What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? In the gospels, there are seven instances where Jesus distinguishes what a disciple of his would look like. His last "if...then" statement is that if you abide in my word, you will have everlasting life. He warns there will be a temptation to hold other voices above scripture and to choose which parts to obey. But Jesus says a true disciple will have no higher authority than His word.

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? In the gospels, there are seven instances where Jesus distinguishes what a disciple of his would look like. In this series, we investigate what Jesus called his followers to from his own words. 

Jesus warns that being a follower of his will divide families. "Whoever comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." The first trait of a disciple is that their love for Jesus is unparalleled and above anything or anyone else. 

Corinth is one of the cities Paul wrote to and visited the most in the New Testament. To close his letter, Paul delivers a final warning reaffirming himself against false teachers and reminds the Church that joy and suffering highlight dependence and strength in Christ. 

Corinth is one of the cities Paul wrote to and visited the most in the New Testament. Paul's dreams and visions authenticate him as an apostle of Christ. Yet the thorn in his flesh, a possible physical ailment, was not removed so that he might not boast in himself. To close his letter, Paul reminds the Church that joy and suffering highlight dependence and strength in Christ. 

The early church was very vulnerable to false teachings because the New Testament was still being written. The Corinthians fell victim to false apostles boasting in works and religion. In the third part of 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his apostleship among these false teachers and refutes their claims. Paul saw Jesus and was called by Jesus himself to preach the one true gospel and to boast in Christ alone.

The early church was very vulnerable to false teachings because the New Testament was still being written. In the third part of 2 Corinthians, Paul defends his apostleship amidst many false teachers. Paul saw Jesus and was called by Jesus himself to preach the one true gospel and boast in Christ.

Corinth is a wealthy city, and Paul is encouraged as the Corinthians put together an offering for the church in Jerusalem. In chapters 8 and 9, Paul gives encouragement for giving and reminds the Corinthians that generosity flows from the gospel. While the Old Testament and New Testament giving consists of tithes, offerings, and generosity, each has nuances. Wealth is relative, and cheerful giving is a sign of a mature believer. 

The highest expression of love is not unconditional acceptance; it is inviting others to hold to the Word of God. Paul did just that when he wrote a "severe" letter that had the potential to offend and end relationships, as he called the Corinthians out of their sin. In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul is pleased to know that they have responded to his letter with sorrow by the Spirit rather than sorrow by the flesh. Sorrow in the flesh brings guilt and shame, whereas sorrow in the Spirit convicts and causes repentance. 

Is Jesus an accessory we add to our life? Or does He completely take over and transform us? In chapter six, Paul writes to Corinthians who believe in a false gospel and are trying to live a changed life in the flesh. Paul implores them to come out of hiding, repent, and return. True believers' lives, affections, and behaviors are reoriented toward Christ.