Dr. Jim Shaddix was senior Professor of Preaching at SEBTS. Dr. Daniel Akin welcomes listeners and introduces Jim Shaddix (0:00-0:35). Shaddix asks the congregation to turn to Matthew 28; he focuses on defining discipleship (0:36-3:46). He decides to “unpackage” the essence of discipleship: there are three components (3:47-6:34). First, discipleship begins with accepting Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of the world, but one must be careful in celebrating because this is only the beginning of discipleship (6:35-13:09). Second, knowing that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior involves the Cross, for the Gospel is incomplete without the Cross (13:10-21:27). The Cross is part of the Gospel that we cannot live without, as it is the power of salvation (21:28-23:40). Shaddix reveals that in addition to realizing that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior who died on the Cross, a third component to discipleship exists (23:41-24:04). This key component is “denying oneself and unashamedly living for Jesus” (24:05-30:37). Taking up one’s cross leaves no room for things of tomorrow; we must only follow Jesus (30:38-33:30). All three components define the true essence of discipleship, and thus, are all required to achieve discipleship (33:31-36:07). Shaddix concludes by saying that discipleship centers on carrying one’s cross as a follower, not just a friend, of Jesus (36:08-37:27). He then gives a word of prayer (37:28-38:07). Dr. Akin gives a final word (38:07-39:25).
