david platt book follow me

3 min read 22-11-2024

Meta Description: Dive into a powerful exploration of faith and following God with David Platt's "Follow Me." This comprehensive review unpacks the book's core message, examines its impact, and offers discussion points for personal reflection and group studies. Discover why "Follow Me" continues to resonate with readers seeking a deeper understanding of Christian discipleship.

Introduction: Challenging Comfortable Christianity

David Platt's Follow Me isn't your typical devotional. It's a challenging, often uncomfortable, call to radical discipleship. This book, published in 2016, probes the heart of what it truly means to follow Jesus in a way that resonates deeply—even years after its release. Platt's message is clear: true following demands sacrifice, costly obedience, and a relentless pursuit of God's glory above all else. This isn't a passive faith; it's a life-altering commitment.

Understanding the Core Message: Radical Discipleship

Platt's Follow Me centers on the radical call to discipleship found in Matthew 16:24. He doesn't shy away from the difficult implications of this verse. He pushes readers to consider:

What does it truly mean to deny yourself? This isn't just about giving up minor conveniences. Platt challenges us to examine our priorities and commitments, asking whether we're truly placing Christ above all else.
What does it mean to take up your cross daily? This involves embracing suffering, persecution, and the potential for significant personal sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel.
What does it mean to follow Jesus? Platt argues that following Jesus isn't simply about attending church or living a morally upright life. It's about a complete surrender to God's will, wherever that may lead.

Key Themes Explored in Follow Me:

The Cost of Discipleship: Platt doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of following Christ. He confronts the reader with the realities of persecution, hardship, and the need for unwavering commitment.
The Centrality of the Gospel: The book repeatedly emphasizes the importance of the Gospel message and its transformative power in the life of a believer.
Missions and Global Engagement: Platt's passion for missions and global outreach is evident throughout the book. He challenges readers to consider their role in spreading the Gospel to the nations.
Personal Transformation: The ultimate goal of Follow Me is not simply intellectual understanding, but personal transformation. Platt encourages readers to actively apply the principles he discusses to their daily lives.

How Follow Me Impacts Readers

Many readers find Follow Me to be a transformative experience. It compels introspection, prompting readers to honestly evaluate their own level of commitment to Christ. Some may find the message challenging and even confrontational, yet many others report a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper dedication to their faith. The book's impact often includes:

A renewed focus on personal holiness: Readers are challenged to examine their lives and strive for greater conformity to Christ's character.
A heightened awareness of global needs: Platt's message ignites a passion for missions and reaching the unreached.
A deeper understanding of biblical principles: The book provides a fresh perspective on familiar scriptures, compelling readers to engage with the text on a deeper level.

Discussion Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Study

What aspects of Platt's message resonated most with you? Why?
What areas of your life require a greater commitment to following Christ?
How can you practically apply the principles of Follow Me to your daily life?
What are some specific ways you can participate in global missions?
How does Platt's message challenge your current understanding of discipleship?

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Follow Me by David Platt isn't a casual read. It's a call to action, a summons to a deeper, more radical relationship with Jesus Christ. While the message may be challenging, it is ultimately a message of hope, a reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel, and an invitation to wholeheartedly embrace a life of faithful following. This book remains relevant because it directly addresses the disconnect many believers feel between their faith and their actions. It compels a re-evaluation, prompting a commitment to live out the Gospel in a powerful and tangible way. It's a book that deserves to be read, discussed, and lived out.