Walking with Jesus
"If the LORD delights in a person's way, He makes their steps firm; though they stumble, they will not fall, for the LORD upholds them with His hand." (Psalm 37:23,24)
Walking with Jesus

The Grand Narrative: “A True Disciple is?” (Matt. 16:24-26)

“A True Disciple is?” (Matt. 16:24-26)

Published 19 Feb. 2026

Scroll down for “Lessons Learned…”

Designed for Personal Bible Study or for Bible Teaching

💥 SINS / FAILURES

  1. 1️⃣ Self-preservation can masquerade as wisdom while costing what matters most. (00:06:02–00:06:12) Support: Matt. 16:25–26; Luke 9:24; Mark 8:36.
  2. 2️⃣ Pride competes with discipleship; you can’t advance yourself and follow Jesus at the same time. (00:02:40–00:03:04) Support: Phil. 2:3–4; Jas. 4:6; Prov. 16:18.
  3. 3️⃣ Excuses and blame corrupt the heart and vocabulary of a disciple. (00:03:45–00:03:53) Support: Gen. 3:12–13; Prov. 28:13; 1 John 1:8.
  4. 4️⃣ Refusing accountability keeps sin hidden and growth stalled. (00:03:20–00:03:34) Support: Num. 32:23; Gal. 6:7; Heb. 4:13.
  5. 5️⃣ Resisting the Spirit’s transforming work locks you into self-focused living. (00:05:41–00:05:57) Support: Rom. 8:13; Eph. 4:30; Acts 7:51.

🏆 SUCCESSES / SPIRITUAL GROWTH

  1. 1️⃣ True discipleship begins with denying self—laying down agenda, priorities, and personal glory. (00:01:49–00:02:12) Support: Matt. 16:24; Gal. 2:20; Luke 14:33.
  2. 2️⃣ A disciple makes life’s purpose to elevate and honor Jesus above all else. (00:02:12–00:02:31) Support: Col. 3:17; 1 Cor. 10:31; John 3:30.
  3. 3️⃣ Healthy repentance is practiced: admit, confess, repent—then keep walking forward. (00:03:53–00:04:08) Support: 1 John 1:9; Prov. 28:13; Acts 3:19.
  4. 4️⃣ Forgiveness is chosen even when it’s hard—following Jesus’ example. (00:04:08–00:04:14) Support: Luke 23:34; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13.
  5. 5️⃣ Following Jesus is transformational: step by step you leave self behind and become like Him. (00:04:42–00:05:20) Support: Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18; John 15:4–5.

🧭 LEADERSHIP DYNAMICS

  1. 1️⃣ Jesus leads by clarity: He raises the bar and defines discipleship without softening the cost. (00:00:35–00:00:58) Support: Matt. 16:24–26; Luke 9:23; John 12:25.
  2. 2️⃣ Discipleship is trained over time—Jesus develops people, not just moments. (00:00:12–00:00:35) Support: Mark 1:17; John 15:16; 2 Tim. 2:2.
  3. 3️⃣ Accountability is public and personal: “carry the crossbeam” mentality—own it. (00:03:20–00:03:34) Support: Luke 14:27; 1 Pet. 4:17; Heb. 12:1.
  4. 4️⃣ Transformation requires intentional participation—endorse, embrace, don’t resist. (00:05:44–00:06:00) Support: Phil. 2:12–13; Gal. 5:16; Rom. 8:14.
  5. 5️⃣ Leadership ends with evaluation: live now with the end in view and eternity as the lens. (00:06:28–00:06:53) Support: Ps. 90:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Eccl. 12:13–14.