March 10, 2024

Influencers

Week 2 – You’re Invited

Introduction

• Warm welcome as we resume our sermon series, Influencers.
• Continued reflection on the concept of discipleship, focusing on our journey of becoming disciples of Jesus.
• Reinforcing the premise: one’s perceived influence on others is directly tied to the influences one allows to shape one’s self.

1. Accept the Invitation to Follow (Matthew 11:28-30)

• Delve into the importance of discipleship, underscoring that it’s not merely about learning but also about embodying the teachings of Jesus.
• Explore the concept of “invitation over imposition” within the realm of Jesus’s followership.
• Unravel the thought that Jesus extends His invitation to everybody, completely devoid of any conditions or prerequisites.

“(28) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

2. Accept the Invitation to Rest

• Talk about the intense fatigue that stems from ceaseless efforts to please others.
• Highlight the notion of obtaining rest by submitting to Jesus, rather than feeling compelled to constantly earn others’ admiration.
• Express Jesus’s offer of rest, a gift that isn’t earned but freely given.

“(27a) “All things have been committed to me by my Father…” – Matthew 11:27 (NIV)

3. Accept the Invitation to a Lighter Life

• Reveal Jesus’s call to align with Him, lessening life’s difficulties by sharing them with Jesus.
• Discuss the transformation that materializes from a binding connection with Jesus, changing from our authentic self to a version more reflective of Him.

“(2) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Conclusion

• A recap of the 3 invitations.
• An encouragement to say yes to these invitations today and begin the transformational journey.