LATEST ARTICLE DETAILS

Forsake All and Follow Him: Obeying the Call of the Spirit By Major Frank Materu

Key Scripture:

“And he said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” — Matthew 4:19–20

________________________________________

Introduction

From the beginning of the Gospel age until now, there has been a clear and unmistakable call issued by God to humanity: the call to follow Jesus Christ. This call is not merely an invitation to attend church services or to adopt a religious identity. Rather, it is a summons to a transformed life — a life marked by surrender, obedience, and devotion to the will of God. Many hear this call in the days of their youth, when their hearts are tender and their spirits are sensitive to the voice of God. Yet tragically, many resist that call, choosing instead the path of carnality, worldly ambition, and personal desire.

To follow Jesus requires more than casual interest. It demands sacrifice, commitment, and the willingness to forsake all else that competes with God’s will. The first disciples demonstrated this truth when they left their nets immediately upon hearing Christ’s call. They did not delay, negotiate, or make excuses. They obeyed. Their obedience positioned them in the perfect will of God and made them instruments through which the Gospel would reach the nations.

In contrast, many people delay obedience because they are persuaded by the desires of the flesh and the pressures of society. They pursue careers, relationships, and ambitions that seem right in their own eyes, yet they neglect the call of God. Though they may maintain a form of religion, they lack a living and vibrant relationship with Him. Over time, this neglect leads to emptiness and regret, as they realize they have missed the path God intended for them.

This lesson explores the seriousness of God’s call, the dangers of resisting it, and the blessings of wholehearted obedience. It serves as both a warning and an encouragement — a warning against the deception of carnality and an encouragement to follow Jesus with all one’s heart.

________________________________________

The Call to Forsake All

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” — Luke 14:33

________________________________________

The call to follow Jesus is a call to forsake all. This does not necessarily mean abandoning every earthly responsibility, but it does mean placing God’s will above all personal desires. Jesus made it clear that discipleship requires total surrender. Anything that competes with obedience to God must be relinquished.

The first disciples understood this principle. When Jesus called them, they left their livelihoods and followed Him without hesitation. Their example demonstrates the urgency and seriousness of God’s call. They recognized that nothing in this world was more valuable than obedience to Christ.

Today, many people attempt to follow Jesus while still holding onto their own ambitions and desires. They seek to balance their own plans with God’s will, but true discipleship does not allow for divided loyalties. One cannot serve both God and the flesh. The call of Christ demands wholehearted devotion.

When people resist this call, they often do so because they fear loss. They fear losing comfort, security, or approval from others. Yet in reality, obedience to God leads to true fulfillment, while disobedience leads to emptiness.

________________________________________

The Danger of Resisting the Call in Youth

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” — Ecclesiastes 12:1

________________________________________

Youth is often the time when God’s call is most clearly heard. During these years, individuals are faced with choices that shape the course of their lives. Some choose obedience, while others choose to follow their own desires.

Those who resist God’s call in their youth often do so because they are influenced by carnality. They pursue relationships, careers, and pleasures that seem appealing at the time. Yet these pursuits often distract them from the purpose for which God created them.

As the years pass, the consequences of these choices become more apparent. Many who once ignored God’s call find themselves burdened by responsibilities they were never meant to carry. They may experience success in worldly terms, yet they feel an inner emptiness that cannot be satisfied by material achievements.

This emptiness is the result of living outside the will of God. No amount of worldly success can replace the peace and fulfillment that come from obedience to Him.

________________________________________

The Reality of Divine Calling

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” — Romans 11:29

________________________________________

God’s calling is not temporary or conditional. When He calls a person, that call remains. It does not disappear simply because it is ignored. Instead, it continues to press upon the heart, reminding the individual of the path they were meant to follow.

This reality can be both comforting and sobering. It is comforting because it means that it is never too late to obey God. Yet it is also sobering because it means that one cannot escape the responsibility of that call.

Those who eventually choose to obey must first acknowledge their past disobedience. They must repent and turn back to God with sincerity and humility. Only then can they begin to walk in the purpose for which they were created.

________________________________________

The Conflict Between Flesh and Spirit

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.” — Galatians 5:17

________________________________________

The struggle between flesh and Spirit is a reality for every believer. The flesh seeks comfort and self-gratification, while the Spirit calls for sacrifice and obedience. This conflict often determines whether a person will follow God or their own desires.

Those who yield to the flesh may find temporary satisfaction, but they ultimately experience spiritual emptiness. The desires of the flesh can never bring lasting fulfillment because they are contrary to the will of God.

In contrast, those who yield to the Spirit experience peace and purpose. Though the path of obedience may involve sacrifice, it leads to true joy and fulfillment.

________________________________________

The Cost and Reward of Obedience

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” — 2 Timothy 3:12

________________________________________

Obedience to God is not without cost. Those who follow Jesus often face opposition and misunderstanding. They may be criticized or rejected by others who do not understand their commitment.

Yet the rewards of obedience far outweigh the costs. Those who follow Christ experience the peace of knowing they are in God’s will. They also receive the promise of eternal life and the joy of hearing God say, “Well done.”

The example of Stephen demonstrates this truth. Though he suffered persecution and death, he remained faithful to God. His obedience secured his place in heaven and demonstrated the power of unwavering faith.

________________________________________

The Danger of Living a Divided Life

“No man can serve two masters.” — Matthew 6:24

________________________________________

One of the greatest dangers in the Christian life is attempting to serve both God and the flesh. A divided life leads to instability and spiritual weakness.

Those who live this way often maintain an outward appearance of religion while lacking true devotion to God. They attend church and participate in religious activities, yet their hearts remain distant from Him.

True discipleship requires wholehearted commitment. It requires choosing God’s will above all else and living each day in obedience to Him.

________________________________________

The Blessing of Following Jesus

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27

________________________________________

Following Jesus brings blessings that cannot be found anywhere else. Those who follow Him experience His guidance, protection, and peace.

Even in difficult times, they can trust that God is with them. He makes the way clear and provides the strength needed to overcome obstacles.

This relationship with God is the greatest treasure a person can possess. It is the source of true peace and lasting joy.

________________________________________

Summary

The call to follow Jesus is a call to surrender, obedience, and devotion. Many hear this call in their youth but resist it because of worldly desires. Though they may pursue their own ambitions, they often find themselves burdened and unfulfilled.

God’s calling remains, and those who choose to obey must repent and turn back to Him. The conflict between flesh and Spirit is real, but those who yield to the Spirit experience peace and purpose.

Obedience may involve sacrifice, but it leads to eternal reward. Those who follow Jesus wholeheartedly will find true fulfillment and lasting joy.

________________________________________

Conclusion

The choice to follow Jesus is the most important decision a person can make. It determines not only the course of one’s life but also one’s eternal destiny.

God calls each person to walk in His way, and He desires obedience rather than rebellion. Those who choose to follow Him will find peace and purpose, while those who reject His call will experience emptiness and regret.

The path of obedience is not always easy, but it is always worthwhile. It leads to a life of meaning and an eternity in God’s presence.

________________________________________

The Call to Action

Now is the time to respond to God’s call. Do not delay or make excuses. Take time to seek the Lord and ask Him to reveal His will for your life.

If you have resisted His call in the past, repent and turn back to Him. Choose to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and commit your life to His service.

Walk in obedience each day and trust God to guide your steps.

________________________________________

Final Word of Encouragement

God is faithful to those who follow Him. He will guide you, strengthen you, and sustain you as you walk in His will.

Even when the path is difficult, you can trust that He is with you. He will make the way clear and give you the strength to continue.

Better to suffer for the truth than to live a lie. Choose the path of obedience and experience the joy of walking with God.

________________________________________