August 29, 2021

The Cost of being a Disciple

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Luke 14:25-35
Service Type:

Introduction

Some words of Scripture are quite radical

We must lay aside everything
Do we try to rationalise this – it is about discipleship and not salvation?

Questions:

Does Jesus separate discipleship from salvation?
Why should we shy away from this demand?

A very challenging passage:

Salvation is not easy

It is not a matter of just praying a prayer
There must be understanding of the choice and the cost of following Him
Personal example

Jesus is saying that people need to use their minds

Christianity is first and foremost of the mind
The will then responds to this truth
Jesus taught people to think and weigh up, not be impulsive or rash

Hard teaching next to glorious teaching in Scripture

Last week: the parable of the great supper
After this He has multitudes following Him

He is concerned they understand the cost of following Him
v26-27

Overview:

Being a disciple
The cost of being a disciple

v26, 27, 33 – the terms of being a disciple

Emphasised 3 times
v35 – Jesus does not want the people to remain blind

Being a disciple

To learn from your master and put this into practice

A disciple is not above their master

The first disciples

Called to leave their profession
Luke 5:1-11 – Peter and co left all
Luke 5:27-28 – Levi left his livelihood but not his house
Luke 18:28-30 – Jesus promises a reward for those who have sacrificed

Example

Do we need to forsake all?

Mary & Martha and other Christians kept their homes
Paul often stayed in the homes of believers
1 Cor 7 – stay in your calling (job/relationship state)

No – but it should be at God’s disposal

Have a light hold
Quote

How much?

You are asking the wrong question
Example

Luke 9:23-25

Deny yourself – you renounce yourself and surrender to Him
Not the cost of discipleship separate from salvation but the terms of salvation

Luke 9:57-62

Jesus has no physical security

He is trusting His heavenly Father

Do not use family situations as an excuse to follow God

Whether a burial
Whether turning back

It is not part time but a whole way of life

Someone who follows the Lord Jesus

“Dulos” – a slave
A free offer of salvation
He offered Himself as Lord and Saviour
Not to preach a half message – you must count the cost

The cost of being a disciple

To call people to think

The person sits down – 2 examples in v28 and v31

Explanation

No ‘pressing a person into the kingdom’
Personal example
A radical decision

Christ must come first

Before our family and other relationships:

Not to hate – Scripture clearly calls us to love

Jesus is using this word metaphorically

He is Lord – allegiance to Him comes first

You love Him above all your dreams and desires

The cost to some Christians is very great – examples

Christ must come before ourselves

Example of Paul
Matt 13:44-46

Christianity is not an insurance but a great treasure

The cost:

Example of Rosaria Champagne Butterfield
Are you prepared to crucify yourself?

Consider the example of marriage

Enter carefully into the kingdom of heaven

Salt – v34-35

Has your life become insipid?

Are you holy?
What about life – do you love sin?
Are you abiding in Jesus?
Is the savor of God in your life?

The discipline or the wrath of God

They did not finish
Have you ‘closed’ with Christ?

Come as you are but understand the cost