December 31. Follow Me
J.R. Miller emphasizes that true spiritual growth culminates in the personal commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly, trusting Him to lead through all circumstances.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller invites listeners to conclude the year by embracing the call of Jesus to 'Follow Me.' He reflects on the importance of moving beyond mere knowledge of Christ to a committed life of discipleship, trusting Jesus to lead through all challenges. Miller encourages believers to leave the past year with gratitude and repentance and to enter the new year with renewed resolve and confidence in Christ’s guidance.
Text
"When he had spoken this, he said unto him, Follow me!" John 21:19
We have come now to the last day of the year. For a whole year in these daily readings, we have been walking with Christ. Is there any better word with which to close this book and close the year than this last invitation of Jesus, "Follow me!" This is the true outcome of all learning of Christ. Mere knowledge, though it be of spiritual things, avails nothing — except as it leads us to follow Christ.
We have seen Jesus in all the different phases of His life. We have heard many of His words. Now it remains only for us to follow Him. The outcome of seeing and knowing — should be holy living and doing. The last day of the year suggests also the same duty.
Who is satisfied with his life as it appears in retrospect from these evening shadows? The past, however blotted, must go as it is; we cannot change it, and we need not waste time in regretting. But the new year is before us, and if we would make that better than the stained past, it must be by following Christ more closely.
To follow Christ is to go where He leads — without questioning or demurring. It may be to a life of trial, suffering, or sacrifice — but it does not matter; we have nothing whatever to do with the kind of life to which our Lord calls us. Our only simple duty is to obey and follow. We know that Jesus will lead us only in right paths, and that the way
He takes slopes upward and ends at the feet of God!
The new year on which we are about to enter is unopened, and we know not what shall befall us; but if we follow Christ we need have no fear. So let us leave the old year with gratitude to God for its mercies, with penitence for its failures and sins, and let us enter the new with earnest resolve in Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Reflect on the past year and spiritual journey
- Recognize the importance of following Christ beyond knowledge
- Understand the invitation to follow Jesus as the ultimate call
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II
- The nature of following Christ involves obedience without question
- Following Christ may lead through trials and sacrifices
- Trust that Jesus leads in right paths toward God
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III
- Leave the past year with gratitude and repentance
- Enter the new year with resolve to follow Christ more closely
- Embrace the unknown future with confidence in Christ’s guidance
Key Quotes
“Mere knowledge, though it be of spiritual things, avails nothing — except as it leads us to follow Christ.” — J.R. Miller
“To follow Christ is to go where He leads — without questioning or demurring.” — J.R. Miller
“The new year on which we are about to enter is unopened, and we know not what shall befall us; but if we follow Christ we need have no fear.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Commit daily to follow Christ’s leading without hesitation or doubt.
- Reflect on past failures with repentance and gratitude, then focus on growing closer to Jesus.
- Face the uncertainties of the future with confidence in Christ’s guidance and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'follow Christ' according to the sermon?
To follow Christ means to obey His call without hesitation, trusting Him to lead through all circumstances, including trials and sacrifices.
Why is knowledge alone insufficient in the Christian life?
Knowledge of spiritual things is meaningless unless it results in holy living and active obedience to Christ.
How should believers view the past year?
Believers should accept the past with gratitude for mercies and penitence for failures, without regret or wasted time.
What attitude should Christians have toward the new year?
Christians should enter the new year with earnest resolve to follow Christ more closely and without fear, trusting His guidance.