Take Up Your Cross: The Cost of Discipleship

All month I’ve been pressing this simple truth: Jesus didn’t call us Christians; He called us disciples. That means apprenticeship, not occasional attendance. Today I invited us to count the cost. From Matthew 16:24–27 and Philippians 3:10, we heard that following Jesus means denying self, taking up the cross daily, and walking behind Him. The cross is not a poetic name for an inconvenience we prefer to keep; in the first century, the cross only meant one thing—death. So I asked: am I a disciple, or just a seat-filler? Disciples die to self so that Christ can live through them. Seat-fillers chase benefits while dodging obedience.

Denying self means my life no longer belongs to me. I don’t get to custom-order a pain-free path like a drive-thru menu. I won’t volunteer for pain, but I will consent to love, forgive, and obey even when it costs me. The devil keeps a list, but he’s not my assignment—obedience is. My job is to stand still, stay surrendered, and let the Lord fight my battles. That surrender shows up practically: giving from the heart, serving without spotlight, and choosing relationship with Christ over titles and positions.

Taking up the cross daily is not grim religion; it’s the gateway to abundant life. Old things pass away not by willpower but by union with Jesus. Every morning we recommit because warfare adapts. We love enemies not because mistreatment is acceptable, but because God blesses the obedient and turns curses into classrooms. In that dying, resurrection power meets us: the same Spirit who raised Jesus lifts us out of dead places and gives us the strength to say no when it counts. Heaven is not a fairy tale payoff; it’s the destiny of the crucified and risen life—there’s a seat with your name on it, and nobody else can sit there because nobody else lived your obedience.

So I called us to choose: don’t be a churchgoer; be a disciple. Abide in the Word, ask by faith, and expect God to supply what aligns with His will. The gates of hell will not prevail. We prayed protection over our young brother because when the enemy stalks, the church surrounds. We will keep lifting Jesus high, taking up our cross, and following Him—daily, gladly, all the way home.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Deny self, take up cross daily. Dying to self is not self-hatred; it is the courageous choice to surrender control so Christ’s life can lead yours. The cross is not a label for a hard week but a willingness to let your plans, pride, and preferences be crucified. Only the crucified will find the life they tried to save. [41:51]
• 2. Distinguish disciples from seat-fillers. Seat-fillers want privileges without apprenticeship; disciples accept formation that often looks like loss before it looks like gain. The difference shows when trouble comes—one runs, the other follows Jesus into costly obedience. Ask honestly which path your decisions have been choosing. [42:23]
• 3. Surrendered love reshapes enemies and suffering. Loving enemies is not enabling abuse; it is refusing to let hatred disciple your heart. You confront evil while remembering people are not the ultimate enemy. Love keeps your spirit clean so God can fight for you without you fighting like the devil. [45:43]
• 4. Resurrection power follows crucified living. We long for power but often resist the path that carries it. The Spirit who raises also nails—He puts to death the old imagination so new life can be trusted with authority. Don’t chase outcomes; consent to the cross and watch resurrection find you. [58:08]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [32:29] - Discipleship: calling and cornerstone
• [33:12] - Counting the cost to follow
• [34:20] - Matthew 16:24–27 reading
• [41:19] - What “take up your cross” is not
• [41:51] - Cross in the first century: death
• [42:23] - Seat-fillers versus true disciples
• [46:38] - Saved by grace, daily dependence
• [49:24] - Representing Jesus with holy lives
• [49:51] - Recommitment: following Christ every morning
• [50:59] - Only one way, beyond lip service
• [52:23] - Old self dies; new vision
• [53:29] - Hope of heaven fuels endurance
• [62:05] - Intercession for a young man
• [65:29] - Benediction and gratitude

1. In Matthew 16:24–27, what clear sequence does Jesus give for anyone who would come after Him? What paradox does He state about saving and losing life?
2. In Matthew 16:26–27, what two piercing questions does Jesus ask about gaining the world and losing the soul, and what future event frames His warning and promise?
3. What common misunderstandings of “take up your cross” were named, and how were they corrected? [41:19]
4. What contrast was drawn between “seat-fillers” and “disciples,” and how does that difference show up when trouble comes? [42:23]

1. If the first-century cross only meant death, what does it mean in real life to “die daily” so Christ can live through a person’s decisions, words, and habits? [41:51]
2. “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” was linked to obedience, not chasing the devil. How might surrender and non-retaliation be an act of bold faith rather than passivity? [38:59]
3. Philippians 3:10 ties knowing Christ to both resurrection power and the fellowship of His sufferings. Why does the road to real power run through suffering, and how could dodging the cross keep someone spiritually weak? [35:11]
4. Matthew 16:27 promises the Son of Man will reward each according to his works. How should that promise shape grace-driven obedience without turning into trying to earn salvation?

1. Where have you been trying to custom‑order a pain‑free path? What would denying self look like there this week—one specific act of obedience you will choose even if it costs you? [36:07]
2. Where is God asking you to give, serve, or forgive without the spotlight? Name one concrete act you will do from the heart in the next seven days. [39:48]
3. Who is one person you’d call an enemy or a chronic critic? What boundary is wise, and what is one specific way you can actively love them so hatred doesn’t disciple your heart? [45:43]
4. Daily recommitment: what simple rhythm will help you take up your cross each morning—Scripture you’ll abide in, a short prayer you’ll pray, or an accountability text you’ll send? Start tomorrow and share your plan. [49:51]
5. Where are you tempted to fight in your own strength? Describe what “stand still, stay surrendered, and let the Lord fight” would look like in that exact situation this week. [38:59]
6. Name one “old thing” the Spirit is putting to death in you. How will you cooperate with Him to say no when it counts, and who will check in with you about it? [52:48]
7. Who around you is under attack and needs the church to surround them? What step will you take this week to intercede, encourage, or give practical help? [01:02:05]