I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
A Sermon based on
the hymn by Sadhu Sundar Singh
Introduction
“I Have Decided to
Follow Jesus” is more than a hymn—it is a declaration of personal
conviction and courage. It originated from the testimony of an Indian
Christian facing death for his faith. His final words became the lyrics
we now sing, often attributed to Sadhu Sundar Singh. The song’s origin
in sacrifice gives it a special power—it was not penned in peace but
forged in persecution. The hymn's message is simple but bold: to follow
Jesus without turning back, even if no one else joins you.
Each stanza
reinforces the truth that discipleship is an intentional, often costly
decision. Jesus said, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). To
follow Christ is to leave the world behind, to walk a narrow path, and
to set our hearts on things eternal. In a world filled with compromise
and indecision, this hymn calls us to unwavering loyalty. Let us examine
each stanza in the light of Scripture and renew our commitment to never
turn back.
Stanza 1
“I have decided to
follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus—
No turning back, no turning back.”
This stanza
emphasizes a firm, personal decision. It echoes Joshua’s declaration:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). This is
not about group consensus—it is about personal obedience. Jesus said in
Matthew 16:24, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny
himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” The repetition in the hymn
stresses determination, and the closing line—“No turning back”—reflects
Luke 9:62, where Jesus warns that those who look back are not fit for
the kingdom.
Stanza 2
“Though none go with
me, I still will follow,
Though none go with me, I still will follow,
Though none go with me, I still will follow—
No turning back, no turning back.”
True discipleship is
not dependent on the crowd. Even if others abandon Christ, the disciple
must remain faithful. The apostle Paul wrote, “At my first defense no
one stood with me… but the Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (2
Timothy 4:16–17). This stanza reminds us of Matthew 10:37–39, where
Jesus taught that loyalty to Him must come before all earthly ties. Even
if we walk alone, we are not truly alone—Christ walks with us.
Stanza 3
“The world behind
me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me—
No turning back, no turning back.”
This verse expresses
a break with worldly priorities. Galatians 6:14 says, “The world has
been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Following Jesus means
forsaking worldly ambitions and embracing the way of the cross. As Luke
14:27 says, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me
cannot be My disciple.” We do not look back longingly at what we’ve left
behind—we fix our eyes on Jesus and press forward (Philippians 3:13–14).
Chorus (Refrain)
“No turning back, no
turning back.”
This repeated phrase
is a pledge of perseverance. John 6:68 captures this spirit when Peter
says to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal
life.” There is no life outside of Christ. To turn back is to turn
toward destruction. Hebrews 10:39 affirms, “But we are not of those who
shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the
preserving of the soul.”
I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
Sermon Outline:
Introduction
-
Author: Sadhu
Sundar Singh
-
Origin rooted in
Christian martyrdom
-
Theme:
Discipleship, personal conviction, no retreat
-
Key Scripture:
Luke 9:23
Stanza 1 – A
Personal Decision
-
Joshua 24:15 –
“As for me and my house”
-
Matthew 16:24 –
Take up your cross
-
Luke 9:62 – Not
fit who looks back
Stanza 2 –
Standing Alone
-
2 Timothy
4:16–17 – No one stood with me, but the Lord did
-
Matthew 10:37–39
– Loyalty to Christ over all others
-
Hebrews 13:5 –
“I will never leave you”
Stanza 3 –
Forsaking the World
-
Galatians 6:14 –
Crucified to the world
-
Luke 14:27 –
Bear your cross
-
Philippians
3:13–14 – Press toward the goal
Chorus –
Persevering Faith
Call to Action
Have you made the
decision to follow Jesus? Not just with words, but with a life of
obedience? He calls you to leave the world behind, take up your cross,
and follow Him daily. Believe in Christ (John 8:24), repent of your sins
(Acts 2:38), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized
into His death and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Once you follow Jesus—never turn back.
Scripture Reference List
Luke 9:23 – Take up
your cross daily
Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my house”
Matthew 16:24 – Deny self and follow
Luke 9:62 – No one who looks back is fit
2 Timothy 4:16–17 – The Lord stood with me
Matthew 10:37–39 – Cost of discipleship
Hebrews 13:5 – God will never forsake
Galatians 6:14 – Crucified to the world
Luke 14:27 – Carry your cross
Philippians 3:13–14 – Press toward the goal
John 6:68 – “You have the words of eternal life”
Hebrews 10:39 – Do not shrink back
John 8:24 – Believe
Acts 2:38 – Repent
Romans 10:9–10 – Confess
Romans 6:3–4 – Baptism into Christ
Song History
“I Have Decided to
Follow Jesus” originated in India and is believed to be inspired by the
final words of a Christian convert who faced execution for his faith.
Though its authorship is traditionally attributed to Sadhu Sundar Singh,
the melody and story trace back to the northeastern state of Assam. The
song has been widely sung across the world and embraced by the churches
of Christ for its clear call to commitment, obedience, and perseverance
in the footsteps of Jesus.
Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
