Jesus ministered to the multitudes, but at times he purposefully left them. He sometimes seemed to discourage people from following him. Jesus was not interested in nominal followers, but in truly committed disciples who had counted the cost and on whom he could depend.

Matthew 6:33 (Put Christ First)

33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Luke 9:23 (Put Christ First)

23

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

1 John 2:15,16 (Separate from the World)

15

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16

For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world.

Romans 12:2 (Separate from the World)

2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (Be Steadfast)

58

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Hebrews 12:3 (Be Steadfast)

3

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Mark 10:45 (Serve Others)

45

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

2 Corinthians 4:5 (Serve Others)

5

For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

Proverbs 3:9,10 (Give Generously)

9

Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;

10

then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

2 Corinthians 9: 6,7 (Give Generously)

6

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

7

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Acts 1:8 (Develop World Vision)

8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Matthew 28:19,20 (Develop World Vision)

19

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in ^[1] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

1. 19 Or into; see Acts 8:16; 19:5; Romans 6:3; 1 Cor. 1:13; 10:2 and Gal. 3:27.

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