Witness Jesus’ Teaching on Commitment - Dustin McCrickard
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a prayer and quickly moved to a study of Mark 8:34, emphasizing that discipleship demands self‑denial, taking up one's cross, and following Jesus. Dustin explained that denying self involves rejecting fleshly desires, the lust of the eyes, and pride, using examples like a teen tempted on a hill and Paul’s shift from Pharisee to follower. He linked this teaching to the Great Commission in Matthew 28, showing that the cost of discipleship is also the call to make more disciples. Further discussion highlighted the danger of self‑centered worship and the importance of choosing a church that adheres to the Bible (referencing Acts 2). The class examined Philippians 3:4 to illustrate how even believers can fall into self‑righteous pride, and encouraged students to avoid putting themselves in tempting situations. The session concluded with practical applications, urging the youth to live out true commitment by denying personal selfishness and following Christ wholeheartedly.
Key Scriptures
If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospels will save it.