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[0:00] The 8th of January. What makes a Christian fit for purpose? Our passage today, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of John, do you love me? Feed my lambs, follow me.

[0:17] John chapter 21 verses 15 to 19. Four lessons in this little passage of John's gospel answer that question at the top of the page.

[0:28] They could be used as a check on our own lives as followers of Jesus in today's world. The first lesson is basic to all the others. Jesus asked Peter, do you love me? And do you love me more than these? Meaning his dearest friends.

[0:47] To be a Christian is to love Jesus with all that that implies, in obedience, in humility, in gratitude. Love for Jesus comes first. The second lesson we hear is the need to follow Jesus.

[1:01] A fit for purpose Christian follows Jesus by learning from Jesus what he wants us to be and to do. He has given us the Bible in prayer to help us in this. The third lesson is to serve the Lord Jesus.

[1:17] He said to Peter, feed my lambs, tend my sheep. A fit for purpose Christian is called to serve Christ in whatever capacity that service may take.

[1:28] The fourth lesson is a hard one. It is to be prepared to suffer for Christ. It may be costly to love and follow Jesus. Peter found this.

[1:39] But weigh that against all that Jesus has done for us. And a prayer. Dear Lord Jesus, help me to be a fit for purpose Christian, to bring honour to your name.

[1:54]  Amen.