Counting the Cost of True Discipleship

Devotional

Day 1: Prioritizing Love for Jesus

Jesus calls us to love Him so deeply that our love for others pales in comparison. This isn't about literal hatred but about prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else. Our love for Jesus should be the driving force in our lives, influencing all our actions and decisions. This kind of love requires a deep commitment and a willingness to place Jesus at the center of everything we do. It challenges us to evaluate our priorities and ensure that our devotion to Him is unwavering.

In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship, making it clear that following Him is not a casual commitment. He uses strong language to illustrate the magnitude of the love and dedication required. This passage calls us to reflect on our own lives and consider whether our love for Jesus truly surpasses all other loves. Are we willing to make sacrifices and put Him first, even when it means making difficult choices? [01:22:54]

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

Reflection: Think about your daily routine and relationships. Is there an area where you need to prioritize your love for Jesus more? What practical steps can you take today to ensure He remains at the center of your life?

Day 2: Carrying Our Cross

Discipleship involves carrying our cross, symbolizing the trials and sacrifices we must endure. Jesus knew the hardships His followers would face, and He calls us to be prepared for the cost of following Him. This journey requires us to deny ourselves and fully commit to His path. Carrying our cross means embracing the challenges and suffering that come with being a disciple, trusting that Jesus will provide the strength and grace needed to persevere.

The metaphor of carrying our cross is a powerful reminder that discipleship is not always easy. It involves a willingness to endure hardship and make sacrifices for the sake of following Jesus. This can include facing opposition, giving up personal desires, and enduring suffering. However, it is through these trials that our faith is strengthened, and we grow closer to Jesus. By carrying our cross, we demonstrate our commitment to Him and our trust in His plan for our lives. [01:25:24]

Matthew 16:24 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'"

Reflection: What is one specific trial or sacrifice you are currently facing as a follower of Jesus? How can you embrace this challenge and trust in Jesus' strength to carry you through it?

Day 3: Counting the Cost

Before committing to discipleship, we must count the cost. Jesus uses the analogies of building a tower and a king going to war to illustrate the need for careful consideration and preparation. Discipleship is not a casual commitment; it demands our all. Jesus wants us to understand the seriousness of following Him and to be fully aware of the sacrifices and challenges involved. This means taking the time to reflect on our readiness and willingness to give our whole selves to Him.

Counting the cost involves a deep, honest evaluation of our lives and priorities. It requires us to consider whether we are truly prepared to follow Jesus, even when it means giving up comfort, security, and personal ambitions. Jesus' analogies remind us that just as a builder plans before constructing a tower and a king strategizes before going to war, we too must thoughtfully and prayerfully consider the implications of discipleship. This process helps us to be more intentional and committed in our walk with Christ. [01:26:58]

Luke 14:28-30 (ESV): "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'"

Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your commitment to Jesus. Are there areas of your life where you have not fully counted the cost of discipleship? What steps can you take to ensure you are fully prepared to follow Him?

Day 4: Being Salt of the Earth

As disciples, we are called to be like salt, enhancing and preserving the world around us. Losing our "saltiness" means losing our effectiveness as His followers. We are to positively impact those around us, bringing out the best in them and extending life. This metaphor highlights the importance of living out our faith in a way that influences and uplifts others, making a tangible difference in our communities and beyond.

Salt has unique properties that make it valuable for flavoring and preserving food. Similarly, as followers of Jesus, we are called to bring out the best in others and preserve the goodness in the world. This means living lives of integrity, compassion, and love, and being a positive influence in our relationships and communities. When we lose our "saltiness," we lose our ability to make a meaningful impact. Therefore, it is essential to stay connected to Jesus and allow His love and truth to flow through us, so we can fulfill our purpose as His disciples. [01:33:44]

Matthew 5:13 (ESV): "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet."

Reflection: In what ways can you be "salt" in your community today? Think of one specific action you can take to positively impact someone around you and bring out the best in them.

Day 5: Relinquishing Control

True discipleship requires us to relinquish control and fully surrender to Jesus. This involves recognizing our inability to control everything and submitting to His Lordship. Only in surrendering do we find greater purpose and fulfillment in life. Letting go of control can be challenging, but it is essential for experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus offers. When we trust Him with our lives, we open ourselves to His guidance, wisdom, and blessings.

Relinquishing control means acknowledging that we are not the masters of our own destiny. It requires humility and trust in Jesus' sovereignty and goodness. By surrendering our plans, desires, and fears to Him, we allow Him to lead us on a path that is far greater than anything we could imagine. This act of surrender is not a one-time event but a daily practice of trusting Jesus and seeking His will in every aspect of our lives. As we let go of control, we experience the peace and joy that come from knowing that our lives are in His capable hands. [01:41:16]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone! It's wonderful to see you all here, especially on a rainy day. Today, we celebrate the spirit of community and the incredible support we receive from one another. Amy and I have experienced this firsthand with the birth of our second daughter, Zalia, and the overwhelming generosity we've received from this church family. This sense of community is vital, especially when life gets tough.

Today, we delve into the essence of discipleship, focusing on Luke 14:25-35. Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that following Him requires us to prioritize our love for Him above all else, even our families and our own lives. This isn't about literal hatred but about the magnitude of our love for Jesus, which should surpass all other loves. Jesus also talks about carrying our cross, a metaphor for the trials and sacrifices we must endure as His followers.

We explored the importance of counting the cost before committing to discipleship. Jesus uses the analogies of building a tower and a king going to war to illustrate the need for careful consideration and preparation. Discipleship is not a casual commitment; it demands our all.

Jesus also speaks about salt, emphasizing that as His disciples, we are to be agents of change in the world. Salt enhances flavor and preserves, symbolizing how we should positively impact those around us. Losing our "saltiness" means losing our effectiveness as His followers.

In essence, true discipleship is about loving Jesus above all else, counting the cost, and living out our purpose as agents of change. This journey requires us to relinquish control and fully surrender to Him. As we sing "I Surrender All," let's reflect on the areas of our lives that we need to submit to His Lordship.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Prioritizing Love for Jesus: Jesus calls us to love Him so deeply that our love for others pales in comparison. This isn't about literal hatred but about prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else. Our love for Jesus should be the driving force in our lives, influencing all our actions and decisions. [82:54]
2. Carrying Our Cross: Discipleship involves carrying our cross, symbolizing the trials and sacrifices we must endure. Jesus knew the hardships His followers would face, and He calls us to be prepared for the cost of following Him. This journey requires us to deny ourselves and fully commit to His path. [85:24]
3. Counting the Cost: Before committing to discipleship, we must count the cost. Jesus uses the analogies of building a tower and a king going to war to illustrate the need for careful consideration and preparation. Discipleship is not a casual commitment; it demands our all. [86:58]
4. Being Salt of the Earth: As disciples, we are called to be like salt, enhancing and preserving the world around us. Losing our "saltiness" means losing our effectiveness as His followers. We are to positively impact those around us, bringing out the best in them and extending life. [93:44]
5. Relinquishing Control: True discipleship requires us to relinquish control and fully surrender to Jesus. This involves recognizing our inability to control everything and submitting to His Lordship. Only in surrendering do we find greater purpose and fulfillment in life. [01:41:16]
### [101:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[69:33] - Overcoming the Rain
[70:02] - Celebrating Community
[70:51] - The Importance of Generosity
[71:43] - The Value of Community
[72:36] - Parenting and Presence
[74:02] - The Illusion of Control
[74:50] - Mary and Martha: Choosing the Better Part
[75:51] - The Heart of Discipleship
[76:43] - The Cost of Discipleship
[78:07] - Jesus' Words on Discipleship
[79:35] - Reading from Luke 14:25-35
[82:08] - Prioritizing Love for Jesus
[85:24] - Carrying Our Cross
[86:58] - Counting the Cost
[93:44] - Being Salt of the Earth
[101:16] - Relinquishing Control
[106:23] - Invitation to Surrender
[107:46] - Prayer of Commitment

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Jesus mean when He says we must "hate" our family and even our own life to be His disciple? How is this term used figuratively? ([01:22:54])
What are the two analogies Jesus uses to illustrate the importance of counting the cost of discipleship? ([01:26:58])
How does Jesus describe the role of His disciples as "salt of the earth"? What are the implications of losing our "saltiness"? ([01:33:44])
What does it mean to carry our cross as Jesus describes in Luke 14:27? ([01:25:24])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus emphasize the need to prioritize our love for Him above all other relationships? How does this affect our daily lives and decisions? ([01:22:54])
How can the analogy of building a tower help us understand the commitment required for true discipleship? What does it mean to "count the cost"? ([01:26:58])
In what ways can we lose our "saltiness" as disciples, and how can we maintain our effectiveness in positively impacting those around us? ([01:33:44])
What does it mean to relinquish control and fully surrender to Jesus? How does this concept challenge our natural desire for autonomy? ([01:41:16])

Application Questions

Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where your love for Jesus is not the highest priority? How can you realign your priorities to reflect a deeper love for Him? ([01:22:54])
Think about a recent trial or sacrifice you have faced. How did you handle it, and what does it mean for you to "carry your cross" in that situation? ([01:25:24])
Before making a significant commitment, do you take the time to "count the cost"? Share an example of a time when you did or did not do this and the outcome. ([01:26:58])
Identify a specific way you can be "salt" in your community this week. How can you enhance and preserve the lives of those around you? ([01:33:44])
Are there areas in your life where you struggle to relinquish control? What steps can you take to surrender these areas to Jesus and trust in His Lordship? ([01:41:16])
How can you practically demonstrate the love of Jesus to your family and friends in a way that shows your ultimate commitment to Him? ([01:22:54])
Consider someone in your life who may need encouragement or support. How can you be an agent of change for them this week, reflecting the love and teachings of Jesus? ([01:33:44])

Sermon Clips

1. "But, you know, we just want to say we are so blessed by this community. When we came to Harmony, we didn't know what true community could look like. And then when we came, we were just, there's like, man, there's friends here. There's people here that we love and that we just feel so connected to. And so we're just so blessed to be in this home, in this house, in this community." [01:10:51] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And I actually just don't understand how people can do life without community. Like, seriously. Like, life can be tricky. Life can be hard. But when you have a community around you, it's just that much sweeter." [01:11:43] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And it's so easy to live in this false reality, right, that we can control everything in life. Is that just me? Okay, cool. You're just a bit quiet there. You know, we think we can just solely be in control. And it's actually this humanistic sense of autonomy. You know what I'm talking about. We just want to control everything all the time. We want to be in control." [01:14:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Salvation will cost you nothing. Discipleship will cost you everything. Salvation is free. We hear about that every week. It's the free gift of salvation that Christ purchased for us. It's free. But discipleship will cost you everything." [01:17:28] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "And so Jesus is saying, you know, you better be sure of your love for me. You better be sure of your love for me. Deny yourself, lose yourself. But in me, you will find something much greater. And this is what the upside down kingdom is all about." [01:25:24] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "And in the same way, If you were going to be a disciple, you should probably know what it's going to cost you. Man, some of you were coming this morning expecting an airy-fairy word. You ain't getting that. This word is all about counting the cost. And this is what Jesus is talking about here. He's saying, consider what you say before you do. Walk the walk." [01:27:54] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "And so Jesus is saying true disciples are called to be like salt. You bring out the flavor in the world. You mask the odd bad smell. And Jesus is saying as a disciple, you're like salt. You preserve others. You bring out the flavor. You flavor in others. You enhance those around you. You literally extend life. You create change. This is his challenge to us, to be like salt." [01:34:50] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And, you know, Dietrich Bonhoeffer said this amazing thing. He said, And this is a lot of what Jesus is saying in this passage here. He's saying count the cost of being a disciple and then pick up your cross. And we saw that flip in verse 34 where Jesus talks about being a disciple to be a disciple maker. Can I just say? Discipleship is always twofold. It is always being a disciple." [01:35:59] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "And here at Harmony, our mandate, our mission statement is to transform the world with the good news of Jesus. At Harmony, we want to have global impact, not just to pump up our name, make us feel better. Global impact doesn't look like just sending Gideon and Catherine to Europe and say, hey, have a blast, go preach the gospel over there, and that's our part, you know. Discipleship at a grassroots level looks like loving and stewarding the one who's in charge." [01:39:26] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "But if I could draw it back to the start of my word, it all starts with recognizing our inability to be in control. You've got to give that up. You've got to give up the right, the need to be in control all the time. Matthew 16, 25 says, If you try to hang on to your life, you're going to lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And only in relinquishing my control and counting the cost and picking up my cross daily, do I actually find a greater purpose in life." [01:41:16] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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