COSTLY CHRISTIANITY
November 15, 2024

COSTLY DISCIPLESHIP.jpg

“Now great crowds were traveling with him. So he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. “For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?” —Luke 14:25-28

CHRISTIANITY IS MORE THAN AN

WITH JESUS

“Now great crowds were traveling with him. So he turned and said to them” —Luke 14:25.

COSTLY CHRISTIANITY DEMANDS OUR

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.” —Luke 14:26

IN ESSENCE: Jesus says boldly, and without hesitation or reservation – If you are going to follow me, I’m going to have to have first place in your life. Anything less is

.

The greatest danger of idolatry comes not from things that are bad – but things that are good. When a good thing becomes the best thing, an

thing has taken place.

COSTLY CHRSTIANITY DEMANDS MY

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” —Luke 14:27

To be His disciple is to recognize that His death on the cross is not only the

for our sins; it is the for our lives.

Raising your hand, or getting baptized, or getting involved in a small group—all wonderful things but none of those things is the essence of true discipleship.

Supreme affection for Jesus and total allegiance to Jesus is.

Is that what you are ready for? Is that what you committed to?

Discussion Questions to follow up today’s sermon with:

What does it mean to “bear your cross” in today’s world? How might this be different or similar to the original audience’s understanding?

What are some of the “costs” of discipleship you experience or observe today?

How does being a disciple of Jesus affect your priorities, relationships, finances, career, and other aspects of life?

This passage emphasizes the cost of discipleship, yet following Jesus is also about grace, not works. How do you balance the tension between grace and commitment?

What does it look like to follow Jesus wholeheartedly without becoming burdened by the fear of failure?