Session 1: David Platt's "Follow Me": A Comprehensive Exploration of Radical Discipleship
Title: David Platt's "Follow Me": A Guide to Radical Discipleship and Authentic Christianity
Meta Description: Delve into the transformative message of David Platt's "Follow Me," exploring its call to radical discipleship, costly obedience, and a life surrendered to Christ. Discover key themes, critiques, and the lasting impact of this influential book.
Keywords: David Platt, Follow Me, Radical Discipleship, Costly Discipleship, Authentic Christianity, Christian Living, Missions, Gospel, Spiritual Transformation, Biblical Obedience, Spiritual Warfare, Global Missions, Church Growth, Practical Christianity
David Platt's "Follow Me: A Call to Die. A Call to Live." isn't just another book on Christian living; it's a clarion call to reconsider the very foundations of our faith. Published in 2016, this powerful work challenges the comfortable complacency often found within modern evangelicalism, urging readers to embrace a radical discipleship that mirrors the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The book's significance lies in its uncompromising honesty and its passionate appeal for a faith lived out beyond the confines of personal comfort and convenience.
Platt, a renowned pastor and author, doesn't shy away from confronting difficult truths. He challenges the consumeristic tendencies within the church, urging a re-evaluation of our priorities and a commitment to living lives of sacrificial love. The book's core argument centers on the necessity of costly discipleship – a life fully surrendered to Christ's purposes, regardless of personal cost. This isn't merely about attending church services or engaging in charitable giving; it's about a profound transformation of heart and a commitment to following Jesus wherever He leads, even into uncomfortable and challenging situations.
The relevance of "Follow Me" in today's world is undeniable. In a culture increasingly focused on self-gratification and immediate reward, Platt's message serves as a much-needed corrective. His emphasis on global missions and the plight of the world's unreached populations compels readers to confront their own complacency and consider their role in spreading the Gospel. The book's powerful anecdotes, biblical insights, and personal reflections make it accessible to a broad audience, inspiring both seasoned Christians and those new to the faith to examine their lives and embrace a deeper commitment to Christ.
While some critics have raised questions about the practicality of certain aspects of Platt's vision, the book's impact remains undeniable. It has sparked widespread conversations within the church about the nature of discipleship, the call to missions, and the importance of living a life that reflects the values of the kingdom of God. "Follow Me" serves as a potent reminder that true Christianity is not a passive religion but an active and sacrificial commitment to following Christ wherever He leads, regardless of the cost. It's a challenging but ultimately life-giving message that continues to resonate with readers seeking a more authentic and meaningful faith.
Session 2: Book Outline and Chapter Explanations
Book Title: David Platt's "Follow Me": A Deeper Dive into Radical Discipleship
Outline:
I. Introduction: Introducing David Platt and the context of "Follow Me," outlining the book's central theme of radical discipleship and its challenge to modern Christianity.
II. Redefining Discipleship: Examining Platt's critique of comfortable Christianity and his call for a return to the costliness of following Jesus, drawing on biblical examples.
III. The Cost of Discipleship: Exploring the various sacrifices involved in radical discipleship – financial, relational, and even physical – and how these reflect the life of Christ.
IV. Global Missions and the Unreached: Analyzing Platt's emphasis on global missions and the urgent need to reach the world's unreached populations, challenging readers to participate in this vital task.
V. Practical Application: Providing practical steps for readers to apply the principles of radical discipleship to their daily lives, fostering a life of obedience and service.
VI. Overcoming Obstacles: Addressing common challenges and objections to radical discipleship, offering encouragement and guidance to those seeking to live a life fully surrendered to Christ.
VII. Conclusion: Summarizing the key themes of the book and leaving the reader with a renewed call to embrace radical discipleship and a life of authentic faith.
Chapter Explanations:
I. Introduction: This chapter will introduce David Platt and his background, providing context for his message in "Follow Me." It will highlight the book's central theme – the urgent need for radical discipleship – and its challenge to the often comfortable and complacent nature of modern Christianity. The introduction will also briefly overview the key arguments and themes explored in subsequent chapters.
II. Redefining Discipleship: This chapter will delve into Platt's critique of what he considers "cheap grace," contrasting it with the costly discipleship exemplified by Jesus and his followers in the Gospels. It will explore how modern Christianity has often diluted the true meaning of discipleship, focusing on personal comfort rather than sacrificial obedience. Biblical examples like the life of Paul will be used to illustrate the genuine cost of following Christ.
III. The Cost of Discipleship: This chapter will explore the various facets of costly discipleship, going beyond simply giving money or time. It will discuss the potential sacrifices involved in relationships, careers, personal comfort, and even physical safety, emphasizing that true discipleship often requires surrendering deeply held desires and priorities.
IV. Global Missions and the Unreached: This section will focus on Platt’s passionate call to global missions and the moral imperative to reach the unreached populations around the world. It will present statistical evidence showcasing the urgent need for mission work, challenge the reader to examine their role in spreading the gospel, and offer practical ways to become involved in global mission efforts.
V. Practical Application: This chapter will transition from theoretical discussion to practical application. It will provide concrete steps that readers can take to integrate the principles of radical discipleship into their daily lives, fostering a lifestyle characterized by obedience, service, and selfless love. This will include examples of tangible actions readers can take.
VI. Overcoming Obstacles: This chapter addresses common objections and challenges that individuals may encounter when seeking to live a life of radical discipleship. It will acknowledge the difficulty and offer practical strategies for overcoming obstacles, providing encouragement and spiritual guidance to navigate challenges and remain steadfast in their commitment.
VII. Conclusion: This final chapter will summarize the key arguments and themes of the book, reiterating the urgent call to embrace radical discipleship. It will leave the reader with a renewed sense of purpose and a challenge to actively pursue a life of authentic faith, fully surrendered to Christ's will.
Session 3: FAQs and Related Articles
FAQs:
1. What is the main argument of David Platt's "Follow Me"? The core argument is that modern Christianity has often become too comfortable and complacent, straying from the costly discipleship exemplified by Jesus. Platt calls for a return to a radical, sacrificial following of Christ, prioritizing God's kingdom above personal comfort.
2. How does "Follow Me" differ from other books on Christian living? Unlike many books focused on self-improvement or achieving personal success within a Christian framework, "Follow Me" emphasizes the costliness and sacrifice inherent in true discipleship. It challenges readers to prioritize God's purposes above their own desires.
3. What are some of the criticisms of "Follow Me"? Some critics argue that Platt's vision is overly idealistic or impractical for the average Christian. Others question the balance he strikes between personal sacrifice and community engagement.
4. What is the significance of Platt's emphasis on global missions? Platt highlights the urgent need to reach the world's unreached populations with the Gospel. He argues that a genuine commitment to Christ necessitates a commitment to spreading the Gospel globally, actively participating in mission work.
5. How can readers practically apply the principles in "Follow Me" to their lives? The book suggests practical steps like reassessing priorities, re-evaluating financial commitments, engaging in prayerful discernment, and seeking opportunities to serve others, both locally and globally.
6. What are some of the key biblical passages used in "Follow Me"? The book draws extensively on the Gospels, particularly Jesus' teachings on discipleship and the parables about the kingdom of God. Passages relating to missions and service are also prominent.
7. Is "Follow Me" suitable for new Christians? While challenging, "Follow Me" can be beneficial for new Christians as it prompts a thorough examination of faith's core principles. It encourages a deeper understanding of what it truly means to follow Christ.
8. What kind of impact has "Follow Me" had on the church? The book has sparked significant conversations about the nature of discipleship, the urgency of global missions, and the need for authentic Christian living. It has challenged many churches to re-evaluate their priorities and approaches to missions.
9. Where can I find more resources on radical discipleship? Many other books and articles explore radical discipleship. Searching for resources on missionary work, global outreach, and sacrificial living will offer a range of additional perspectives.
Related Articles:
1. The Cost of Discipleship: Examining Jesus' Call to Radical Obedience: Explores the biblical basis for costly discipleship, using examples from the life of Jesus and his apostles.
2. Global Missions: An Urgent Call to Reach the Unreached: Discusses the urgency of global missions, providing statistics on unreached populations and practical ways to participate.
3. Redefining Success: Finding Fulfillment in God's Kingdom, Not Self-Achievement: Examines the dangers of defining success based on worldly standards and advocates for a kingdom-centered perspective.
4. Overcoming Obstacles to Radical Discipleship: Finding Strength in Weakness: Addresses common challenges faced by those seeking to live a life of radical discipleship and offers spiritual encouragement.
5. Practical Steps Towards a Life of Radical Obedience: Simple Actions, Transformative Impact: Provides concrete steps and practical advice for readers to integrate the principles of radical discipleship into their daily lives.
6. Cheap Grace vs. Costly Discipleship: Understanding the Difference: Defines "cheap grace" and contrasts it with the authentic, costly discipleship demanded by Jesus.
7. The Role of Prayer in Radical Discipleship: Seeking God's Guidance and Strength: Highlights the importance of prayer and spiritual disciplines in sustaining a commitment to radical discipleship.
8. Living a Life of Sacrifice: Giving Up to Gain Everything: Explores the counter-intuitive nature of sacrifice, showing how surrendering to God's will ultimately leads to greater joy and fulfillment.
9. Community and Radical Discipleship: The Importance of Mutual Support and Accountability: Emphasizes the crucial role of community in sustaining a commitment to radical discipleship and provides guidance on building supportive relationships.
