Introduction for Context…
The Bible contains 66 books, and the first five books of the bible (Genesis through Deuteronomy) are called the Torah, which you may have also heard called the Pentateuch referring to the five books of moses, or the law of God, or the law of Moses. In the Torah, Moses mentions something called (Hebrew) the Shelosh Regalim (שלוש רגלים). This is translated as “three legs” and is a reference to the three pilgrimage festivals where God commands that all of the males are to appear before the Lord three times a year. The Shelosh Regalim is mentioned multiple times in the Torah, Exodus 23:14-17, 34:23-24, and Deuteronomy 16:16-17. The three festivals are Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Weeks, also known as Pentecost), and Succot (Tabernacles). The first festival, Passover is presented in the Torah to the powerful deliverance of God to bring a nation out of another nation, to deliver Israel from bondage and set the people free (According to Exodus 12 God delivered both Jew and Gentile out of bondage, note the parallel to Paul’s words in his epistles in the NT text.). We have the NT parallel with what Jesus did for us during that time period, providing deliverance from bondage to sin, and giving us life everlasting.
The Second festival, Shavuot (Pentecost, derived from the Greek word meaning fiftieth), this represents the journey of Israel from Egypt all of the way to the mountain of Sinai which took 50 days and hence the name (weeks / fiftieth) and its importance. Guess what Today is? Today is Day 49 from Passover this year which occurred on April 12, 2025, therefore tonight at sundown the festival of Shavuot (or Pentecost) begins, so Happy Shavuot everyone! We note that at Shavuot (Pentecost) God gave his instructions (commands) to His people so they would know how to live as God’s people. In addition to this, remember the prophetic word of Jeremiah in Jeremiah 31:31-35 on how God will make a new covenant in which he will write his law on our hearts. In the NT text, Acts 2, we are told it was on Shavuot the disciples were gathered together, and the Holy Spirit of God was given to them. The Holy Spirit was given to bring to remembrance scripture (John 14:26 and the writing on the heart Jeremiah 31) and provide us with the presence of God in us to empower us to live our lives for God’s glory, which essentially means we will obey God’s commands thus fulfilling the Jeremiah 31 prophecy.
The Third festival is Succot (Tabernacles) which is representative of God tabernacling with His people. We get parallels in the NT text to Jesus being born during the festival in Bethlehem and to what we read in John 1:1-14 how the Word of God come and tabernacled with mankind in a body that was created by God, due to Mary being found with child, meaning that she had not known a man.
So, today I did not specifically write a sermon about the Shelosh Regalim (Pilgrimage festivals) but there was something that is interesting in regard to what the Lord wants us to think about today. The question: why did He give the command of the Shelosh Regalim, and more specifically the command to present oneself before the Lord three times a year? The reason is because God wants us to be intentional about our faith and our relationship with Him! This is why I titled the sermon for this week “Being Counted Worthy of the Kingdom and Being Intentional in Our Faith.”
I want to begin with a short story about a Roman General and the Roman Emperor Nero. The General’s name was Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo.
Early Life and Career
Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo was born around 7 AD into a prominent Roman family. His father, also named Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, had been a consul, indicating the family’s significant status in Roman society. Corbulo’s rise to prominence began with his campaigns in Germania. Appointed as the legate of Lower Germany by Emperor Claudius in 47 AD, Corbulo was tasked with stabilizing the volatile region and protecting the Roman Empire’s borders from the Germanic tribes. He undertook a rigorous program to restore discipline and morale (confidence, enthusiasm, discipline) within the legions, emphasizing strict adherence to Roman military standards. His efforts culminated in a series of successful engagements that significantly bolstered Rome’s control over the region. His most notable achievement during this period was the establishment of a fortified line along the Rhine River, a strategic defensive measure that deterred further incursions by the Germanic tribes. Corbulo’s actions in Germania demonstrated his tactical expertise and his ability to inspire and lead his troops effectively, earning him a reputation as a formidable military commander. In Roman history, a general’s victories and wealth that was acquired during his military campaigns were brought back to Rome and wealth was used to gain political power, even to having opportunity to the throne as Emperor.
Conflict with Nero
Despite his military successes, Corbulo’s growing influence and popularity posed a threat to Emperor Nero. Nero, known for his paranoia and suspicion of potential rivals, became increasingly wary of Corbulo’s power. The general’s strict adherence to Roman military traditions and his unwavering loyalty to Rome further provoked Nero’s fears, as these qualities highlighted the stark contrast between Corbulo’s virtuous character and Nero’s tyrannical rule.
In 67 AD, Nero summoned Corbulo back to Rome under the pretense of rewarding him for his service. However, upon his arrival, Corbulo was met with an imperial decree ordering him to fall on his sword. (To die for the kingdom) Demonstrating the same unwavering discipline and loyalty that had defined his career, Corbulo complied with the emperor’s command, withdrew his sword and shouted the word “Axios” (meaning “I am worthy”) and then he fell on his sword!
The term “Axios“ holds significant meaning. Originating from the Greek word ἄξιος (axios), which translates to “worthy” or “deserving,” it was an accolade of honor and respect within the Roman military.
What I want to discuss today is “As the children of God do we have this kind of attitude and character in life and faith?” Are we willing to die for Christ?
In the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus lays out the radical cost of discipleship. Let’s look at a few scriptures: Matthew 10:38; 16:25; Mark 8:34-35; Luke 9:24-26; 14:27.
Matthew 10:38
10:38 “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. (NASB)
Matthew 16:25
16:25 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. (NASB)
Mark 8:34–35
8:34 And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 8:35 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. (NASB)
Luke 9:24–26
9:24 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. 9:25 “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? 9:26 “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (NASB)
Luke 14:27
14:27 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. (NASB)
The central theme in these verses is the concept of taking up the cross, which means that that whoever does not lay his life down for Christ (die for Christ), he or she is unworthy to follow in His footsteps! In both Matthew 10:38 and Matthew 16:25, Jesus uses the imagery of carrying one’s cross, which literally implies dying to self, suffering, and enduring hardships for the sake of following Him, and literally like the Roman soldier declaring AXIOS for the kingdom and then fell upon his sword simply because the emperor requested it! Look at what Jesus is saying here in these verses, He is stating the exact same thing, in Matthew 10:38, that anyone who does not take up their cross and follow Him is “not worthy” of Him. Matthew 10:38 is a powerful statement about commitment and discipleship. When Jesus says, “He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me,” He is calling us to a life of complete devotion.
In its historical context, the cross was a symbol of suffering, sacrifice, and even death. So, when Jesus speaks of taking up one’s cross, He is essentially saying that following Him requires a willingness to die. To be “worthy” of Him means embracing this call wholeheartedly—not just in belief or with our lips, but also in action.
This verse challenges us to reflect on our dedication. Are we merely spectators of the faith? Do we simply just say we are Christians because we go to church on Sunday? What Jesus is speaking about here is that we are to be fully committed disciples who are willing to follow Jesus even when the path is difficult? It’s about prioritizing Christ above all else, even above personal comfort or security. This is analogous to that Roman General who was ordered to die for the kingdom! This signifies a readiness to literally lay down one’s life for the Lord God of Israel and His Messiah Jesus! A willingness to endure suffering, rejection, and even persecution for our faith as a true disciple. In the historical context, carrying a cross was associated with execution and complete surrender, meaning that following Jesus is not about seeking comfort or wealth, but embracing a life that involves sacrifice.
Matthew 16:25 builds on this theme, showing that those who seek to preserve their own life—holding onto worldly pleasures, or security, or avoiding the challenges of faith—will ultimately lose it. However, those who willingly give up their life for Jesus’ sake, meaning surrendering personal ambitions, pride, and control, will find true life in Him. This passage reminds all of us that the real reward comes not from preserving one’s earthly life but from faithfully following Christ, even when it leads to difficulty or loss. Surrendering personal ambitions, pride, and control in a way that aligns with a Christian biblical lifestyle is a deeply transformative process. It requires faith, humility, and an intentional commitment to live according to God’s will as opposed to living according to one’s own desires.
How do we embrace this kind of surrender to the Lord God Almighty?
- Daily Prayer and Reading the Scriptures Seeking God’s Will – Regularly pray for God’s guidance, asking Him to reveal His plans rather than simply pursuing personal goals. Jesus modeled this in His prayer in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42).
- Being Humble and Depending on God – Pride often pushes people to rely solely on themselves. True surrender means acknowledging that all talents, successes, and provisions come from God. James 4:10 encourages believers to “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
- Serving Others Selflessly – Jesus taught that true greatness comes through serving others (Mark 10:45). Letting go of personal ambition sometimes means prioritizing others’ needs, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply being present for those in need.
- Letting Go of Material Attachments – Matthew 6:19-20 reminds us to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. For example, seeking to have the most expensive car because of pride and what others think about you. Surrendering control includes trusting God with finances and career decisions rather than seeking status or wealth for personal gain.
- Forgiving Others and Releasing Grudges – Pride often keeps people from forgiving. Surrender means choosing grace over resentment, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:14-15.
- Obedience to God’s Commands – This speaks to having a surrendered life that follows biblical principles even when we go through difficulty or when obeying God is countercultural. This could mean resisting temptation, not going along with the crowd, practicing integrity at work, or standing firm in faith when facing criticism. Being a good worker, a high performer, is very important, since this is what others see. If we are a bad worker, a poor performer, this is a reflection on us and it is also a reflection on what we believe by faith, because we are ambassadors of Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:20)
- Embracing Trials with Faith – Rather than avoiding hardships, surrender involves trusting that God is working through our struggles for a greater purpose, as Romans 8:28 reminds.
Surrender is not passive; it is an active choice to let the Lord God Almighty lead us by His Spirit. Note that the taking up and carrying one’s cross is a metaphor for living with total commitment to Christ, even if it means enduring suffering, opposition, or personal sacrifice. It is a call to put Christ above all else, trusting that the life found in Him far outweighs anything lost for His sake.
Paul speaks frequently about the concept of “dying to Christ” as a metaphor for total surrender and transformation through faith in Jesus. For example:
- Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” This verse expresses the profound personal transformation believers experience when they commit fully to Christ—dying to their old selves and embracing a new life in Him.
- Romans 6:6 – “Our old self was crucified with Him, so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” Paul also speaks about taking up the cross and teaches that through Christ’s crucifixion, believers undergo a spiritual death to their sinful nature, enabling them to live in righteousness. We literally have the presence of God in our lives which empowers us to live our lives for Him!
- Romans 6:11 – “So you too consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” This reinforces the idea that believers must see themselves as having died in order to embrace their new life in Christ.
- Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul reflects on how life itself should be devoted to Christ, and even death is seen as a victory because it brings believers into eternal communion with Him.
- Colossians 3:3 – “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Here, Paul highlights that the believer’s life is no longer their own but is to be fully entrusted to Christ.
Each of these passages emphasizes that “dying to Christ” is about physically turning from and overcoming sin. This is a transformation that begins on the inside, with the presence of God in our hearts through the indwelling of the Holy spirit. It is by the power of God that we are transformed and consequently let go of our personal control, worldly desires, and sinful tendencies in order to fully embrace the new creation that we are in Jesus. Together, these passages form a robust NT teaching that following Christ requires the ultimate sacrifice, a life surrendered in obedience, self-denial, and genuine love. This is what it means to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to embrace a lifestyle that mirrors the sacrificial love of Jesus. These verses also challenge us to consider whether we are actually willing to set aside self-interest for the sake of Christ and His message. Have you ever actually tried to communicate to someone else how important it is to know Jesus, and the gospel message?
The author of Hebrews clearly stated in Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (NASB) Our willingness to live our lives according to God’s word demonstrates the true intention of the heart! This verse challenges us to determine whether our lives truly live up to what we claim we believe!
We note what Jesus is teaching us is that there absolutely must be a clear and intentional decision to enter into the kingdom of God!
In Romans 12:1 Paul echoes this when he exhorts us to offer our bodies as a “living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,” a vivid picture that calls for a total commitment—a daily, all-encompassing dedication that mirrors the ultimate sacrifice Christ made. This is consistent with Galatians 2:20 where Paul declares, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me,” which speaks to the profound personal transformation that comes from identifying so completely with Jesus that one’s life is lived for Him rather than for self. These things call for a little bit of self-reflection. Does my life truly represent what I claim to believe by faith? Does my life demonstrate that I actually believe what the Scriptures say?
Moreover, in Philippians 2:5-8, Paul challenges believers to adopt the same mindset that characterized Christ’s humility and obedience—even to the point of dying on the cross—using Christ’s self-emptying as the supreme example for all who claim Him as Lord. Together, these passages underscore a recurring NT theme: the life of a believer is not merely to follow Christ passively but to embody His sacrificial love and willingness to lay down one’s own life for the sake of the gospel.
The Scriptures speak against passively living the gospel message.
What I mean by “passive” is that it is not “active.” Passively living the gospel message is related to only being a Christian in word and not in deed. What do we conclude about the one who says they believe in Jesus and the God of Israel but his or her life is not representative of truly being a follower of Christ?
Jesus Himself spoke about “counting the cost” of following Him in Luke 14:28-33. In this passage, He gives two examples: a man who wants to build a tower and a king preparing for battle. Both must first calculate whether they have the resources to complete their task. Jesus uses this illustration to emphasize that discipleship isn’t something to enter lightly—it requires full commitment, even to the point of sacrificing personal desires, possessions, and relationships if necessary. In Luke 14:33, He concludes: “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Note again how this is emphasizing the intentional decision to enter into the kingdom of God. These passages again challenge us to truly consider the sacrifices involved in following Christ. Do you see this playing out in your life today?
Let’s take an example from Hebrews 12:2-8.
Hebrews 12:2–8
12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 12:3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 12:4 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; 12:5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; 12:6 FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.” 12:7 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 12:8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. (NASB)
Here, Hebrews 12:4 speaks of resisting sin to the point of bleeding. Hebrews 12:4 challenges believers to press forward in faith, even when resisting sin requires suffering. It echoes the call to take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23) and follow Christ wholeheartedly. Hebrews 12:5-8 frames suffering and discipline as evidence of belonging to God’s family. Just as earthly fathers discipline their children, God disciplines His followers, refining them through trials. This discipline is a form of dying to self—laying down pride, personal ambitions, and sinful desires for the kingdom of God and for God’s glory.
We also note the intentional decision to enter into the kingdom of God may be found in the Passover!
Passover this year was yesterday evening (April 12, 2025). We note that there is a high level of intentionality in this Moedim. For instance, Exodus 12:48 (12:48 “But if a stranger sojourns with you, and celebrates the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near to celebrate it; and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person may eat of it.” NASB). This command required that any stranger wishing to partake in the Passover must be circumcised, marking a clear, intentional entry into the covenant community. This illustrates the cost of the covenant. And we note this is gentile inclusion in the covenant community of Israel! (Exodus 12:38 and the mixed multitude God delivered) The idea “If a stranger sojourns with you” is a reference to a gentile who is living among the people of Israel. This commandment illustrates for us how mere association or proximity was insufficient to partake in the covenant blessings of God. (This is analogous to those who just attend church, are word only Christians, but their lives don’t demonstrate faithfulness to God!) A demonstratable commitment was and is needed to participate fully in the life and blessings granted by God. If you are wondering why God is not blessing your life, or why your prayers are not being answered, no matter what it might be, the simple answer could be related to this very thing we are talking about here today! Have you demonstrated in your life the clear intent to enter the kingdom of God through faith? Or has your life been more filled with pride and the pleasures of sin? (Note David wrote in Psalms 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear;” NASB)
Take for example the person who claims they live biblical values and principles, but turns on their television every evening and watches and accepts the woke ideologies and LGBTQ programming, immorality and even pornography, without a thought to the biblical standards we are to live by? (i.e. Being unrepentant and not being mindful of sinfulness.)
The point is that our citizenship in heaven through Christ transcends cultural or national boundaries and is not acquired by birthright alone but is instead marked by a transformed heart and a committed life of faith. Our lives are to be marked by transformation, turning from the ways of the nations and walking in God’s holy and righteous ways as the people of God! Both the OT and NT teaches that believers (both Jew and Gentile) become part of a heavenly kingdom, as Jesus prayed “Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-13), we note how we are citizens in heaven, and so we should be living as if we are citizens in heaven here on earth. These scriptures call us to live by values and principles far superior to those of the world. Our inclusion in God’s family is by faith, but we must also embrace this radical transformation that God wants to do in our lives according to the Scriptures! Embracing the radical reorientation of who we are fundamentally is what is so powerful about God’s word that causes us to have the inner change, which is called the circumcision of the heart, which is symbolized by the physical act of circumcision in Exodus. In essence, our new citizenship in Christ invites us to both enjoy the privileges of being part of God’s kingdom and to live in a manner that reflects the transformation that God our Father is doing in our lives!
In Conclusion, What must we do? I will conclude with 1 John 1:5–2:6
1 John 1:5–2:6
1:5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 1:7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2:2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 2:3 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 2:4 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 2:5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 2:6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. (NASB)
We note what John is saying here is not just about standing for truth and righteousness, but rather do we truly believe the bible and what it says? This is how the verse states that if we walk in the light and practice the truth the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin! Are we able to recognize and admit that we are sinful and fall short of the kingdom of God? These are questions we should be asking ourselves daily! Life as a Christian is not easy, there is a heavy cost! (Luke 14:28-33) Do we have this attitude and mindset to be willing to fall on our sword for Christ like the Roman general did declaring, AXIOS? Like John said in 1 John 1:6, do you “say” you have fellowship with God, but yet walk in darkness? This requires personal reflection and inspection! I thank God our Father in heaven for sending His Son Jesus so that we can have eternal life! John says we have an advocate with the Father, that Jesus is the propitiation for our sins, and we receive the forgiveness of sins in Him! Note also what John says in 1 John 2:3 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 2:4 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. This is exactly what I have been talking about today, we must be intentional in our faith to enter the Kingdom of God! Faith requires faithfulness! Faithfulness means that we are to live our lives according to God’s Word! Today is the day to repent and turn from unrighteousness! Can you declare today that your life has this characteristic of AXIOS “I am worthy” for the Lord Jesus Christ?
Let’s Pray,
Heavenly Father, in all honesty, we want to be able to declare AXIOS, we want to have this kind of character in our lives… speaking of my own life Lord, there are times when life is so challenging to live according to your Word. Please help us to live our lives for you. We ask for your presence and transformative power in our lives to overcome sin and to live our lives for your glory! Father, forgive us of our sins because of what Jesus did on our behalf! We believe what the Scriptures say and now we want our lives to reflect that! Please empower us Lord to live our lives for your Glor and for the Kingdom of God! We give you all of the glory, the honor, and the praise! In Jesus name we pray, Amen!
