Embracing Discipleship: Love, Cost, and Bold Proclamation

 

Summary

In my sermon today, I delved into the profound implications of following Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of the Kingdom of Heaven, which is at hand. I began by reflecting on the nature of Jesus' ministry, highlighting His miraculous acts such as healing the sick, cleansing lepers, raising the dead, and casting out devils. These acts were not just miracles but also a roadmap, setting a precedent for His disciples, whom He empowered to do the same. This empowerment was a gift, freely given, and it was meant to be freely shared, illustrating the principle of divine generosity that underpins the Kingdom of Heaven.

As I moved through the sermon, I discussed the practical aspects of discipleship, where Jesus instructed His followers not to burden themselves with money or excessive provisions. This instruction was about reliance on God and the hospitality of those who are receptive to the message of the Kingdom. The focus was on the spiritual mission, unencumbered by material concerns, which highlighted a trust in divine provision.

I also touched on the challenges and persecutions that come with proclaiming the Kingdom. Jesus did not sugarcoat the reality of opposition; instead, He offered a stark depiction of the hardships His disciples would face, including betrayal and hostility, even from close family members. Yet, in these trials, the enduring presence of God and the ultimate vindication of God’s messengers were assured. The message was clear: the cost of discipleship is high, but the spiritual rewards are eternal.

Furthermore, I explored the theme of identity and transformation, using the metaphor of sheep among wolves to describe Christians in the world. This imagery was powerful in conveying the idea of vulnerability and the need for divine protection. Yet, it also called for a transformation from a mindset of fear to one of bold proclamation, from sheepishness to the boldness of the Kingdom’s ambassadors.

In conclusion, the sermon circled back to the love and protection of God, which surpasses all understanding. I shared personal anecdotes about my grandchildren to illustrate the tangible and unconditional nature of God’s love, which is reflective of how we are to love and be loved as part of God’s family.

### Key Takeaways:
1. The Principle of Divine Generosity - Just as Jesus empowered His disciples to heal and share the Kingdom freely, we are called to live lives of generosity. The Kingdom of Heaven operates on the principle of freely receiving and freely giving, which challenges our worldly notions of scarcity and transaction. This principle is not just about material goods but about the free flow of spiritual gifts as well. [14:44]

2. The Cost of Discipleship - Following Jesus is not without cost. As He prepared His disciples for the hardships ahead, He was clear that the path of discipleship could lead to social, familial, and even physical strife. This reality check serves to fortify our commitment, knowing that our trials are known to God and that our perseverance speaks to the depth of our faith and the truth of our transformation. [31:32]

3. Identity and Witness - The metaphor of being sheep among wolves not only highlights our vulnerability but also our mission. We are called to be wise and harmless, to navigate a world that is not our home with the integrity of the Kingdom. Our true identity is found in how we embody the values of the Kingdom, even in hostile environments. [23:38]

4. Unconditional Divine Love - The love of God is foundational to our faith and our witness. It is a love that embraces and uplifts, that notices the smallest sparrow and knows the number of hairs on our head. This love is what we are called to model in our relationships, showing a piece of the divine nature in our interactions. [38:18]

5. Proclamation Amid Persecution - The call to proclaim the Kingdom from the rooftops, even in the face of persecution, is a call to courage. It is about the fearless declaration of truth, trusting that God’s message through us will not return void. This boldness in proclamation is a testament to our faith and a beacon to those still searching for the truth. [35:54]

### Chapters:
0:00 - Welcome
00:56 - Introduction and Announcements
02:15 - Reflections on Divine Love
07:27 - Reading from Matthew Chapter 10
11:01 - The Empowerment of the Disciples
14:44 - The Free Gift of the Kingdom
17:29 - Instructions for Missionary Conduct
22:58 - Identity: Sheep Among Wolves
31:32 - The High Cost of Following Jesus
35:12 - Proclaiming the Kingdom Amid Persecution
38:35 - The Assurance of God’s Love and Attention
41:47 - The Inevitable Challenges of Discipleship
49:20 - The Impact of Our Witness on the Young

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 10:1-42 - This passage covers Jesus empowering His disciples, instructing them on their mission, and preparing them for the challenges they will face.

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific powers did Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 10:1? How were they expected to use these powers? ([11:01])
2. According to the sermon, what were the disciples instructed not to take with them on their journey? What was the reason behind this instruction? ([16:12])
3. How does the metaphor of "sheep among wolves" describe the disciples' mission and the challenges they would face? ([20:19])
4. What does Jesus say about the value of sparrows and how does this relate to God's care for His disciples? ([36:23])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the principle of freely receiving and freely giving in His instructions to the disciples? How does this principle challenge our modern views on generosity? ([14:44])
2. How does the sermon explain the cost of discipleship, especially in terms of social and familial relationships? What does this imply about the nature of true commitment to Christ? ([31:32])
3. In what ways does the metaphor of "sheep among wolves" call for a transformation in the mindset of believers? How can this transformation be practically achieved in today's world? ([22:24])
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of unconditional divine love through personal anecdotes? What does this reveal about our relationship with God and others? ([02:15])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the principle of divine generosity. How can you practice "freely receiving and freely giving" in your daily life, not just materially but also spiritually? ([14:44])
2. The sermon discusses the high cost of discipleship, including potential opposition from close family members. Have you experienced any form of opposition or sacrifice in your journey of following Christ? How did you handle it? ([31:32])
3. Considering the metaphor of "sheep among wolves," what are some practical steps you can take to be wise and harmless in a world that may be hostile to your faith? ([22:24])
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on God's provision and the hospitality of others. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision in your life? ([16:12])
5. Reflect on the personal anecdotes shared in the sermon about the pastor's grandchildren. How can you model God's unconditional love in your relationships with family and friends? ([02:15])
6. The call to proclaim the Kingdom amid persecution requires courage. What are some ways you can boldly share your faith, even in the face of potential opposition or discomfort? ([35:54])
7. How can you ensure that your identity as a follower of Christ is evident in your daily interactions and decisions? What specific actions can you take to embody the values of the Kingdom? ([23:38])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Divine Generosity
The Kingdom of Heaven operates on a principle of divine generosity, which challenges the conventional views of scarcity and transaction. This principle is vividly illustrated by Jesus' actions and teachings, where He empowered His disciples to heal and share the Kingdom freely. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this generosity in every aspect of our lives, not just in material giving but also in the sharing of our spiritual gifts. This approach to life transforms our interactions and deepens our communal bonds, fostering an environment where the spiritual and material needs of others are met with the same openness and love that we receive from God. [14:44]

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38 ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice divine generosity today in a way that challenges your usual approach to giving?

Day 2: The True Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus intimately involves embracing the hardships that come with being His disciple. This path is not devoid of challenges; it includes social, familial, and even physical strife. However, these difficulties serve a greater purpose, fortifying our commitment and proving the depth of our transformation. This reality check is not meant to discourage but to prepare and strengthen us, ensuring that our faith is not merely superficial but deeply rooted and resilient in the face of trials. [31:32]

"And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 10:22 ESV)

Reflection: What hardships are you facing currently that could be shaping you into a more committed disciple?

Day 3: Identity and Mission in a Hostile World
As Christians, we are likened to sheep among wolves, a metaphor that underscores our vulnerability in a hostile environment. Yet, this is also a call to mission, to navigate the world with wisdom and integrity, embodying the values of the Kingdom. Our true identity is revealed in how we handle this vulnerability— not by retreating in fear, but by engaging boldly, wisely, and harmlessly, reflecting the Kingdom's values in every interaction. [23:38]

"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you better embody the wisdom and harmlessness of the Kingdom in your daily interactions?

Day 4: The Foundation of Divine Love
The unconditional love of God is foundational to our faith and our witness. It is a love that notices the smallest details and cares deeply for each of us. This divine love is what we are called to model in our relationships, showing a piece of the divine nature in how we interact with others. By embracing and demonstrating this love, we not only strengthen our own faith but also provide a beacon of hope and comfort to those around us. [38:18]

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3:1 ESV)

Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's unconditional love in a tangible way to someone in your community today?

Day 5: Proclaiming Amid Persecution
The call to proclaim the Kingdom boldly, even in the face of persecution, is a testament to our faith and a beacon to those still searching for the truth. This fearless declaration, despite opposition, underscores our trust in God’s message and its power. It challenges us to step out in faith, ensuring that the truth of the Gospel is heard far and wide, regardless of the personal cost. [35:54]

"But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." (2 Timothy 2:9-10 ESV)

Reflection: What fears might be holding you back from proclaiming the Gospel more boldly, and how can you overcome them?

Quotes

"When you have sheep that are called to be sheep, but they've been raised by wolves, they begin to be wolves, they begin to be wolfish in their nature. So they're sheep in wolf's clothing. And when you proclaim the message of the kingdom to them, finally some of them are going to get it and go, wait a minute, I've been living an identity that I never should have been living." [22:58]( | | )

"If we put the true principles of the word of God in action in our life, it will change the world. That's what's going to change the world. Your political party ain't going to change the world. The only thing that's going to change the world is Christ. And the way it's going to happen is Christ in you." [24:21]( | | )

"Everything I've whispered in your ears, shout it from the rooftop. Why? Because he is in the process of redeeming humanity. He's in the business of redemption. So he says, I want, they may be mean, they're gonna kill you, they're gonna hate you, but I love them anyway." [35:25]( | | )

"Not even a sparrow falls and he doesn't notice. And he's got the very hairs of your head counted. So don't be afraid therefore because you are far more valuable to him than the sparrows." [38:18]( | | )

"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. If you've been with us on this journey through these last few chapters, these last several Sundays, you'll see that the pattern that he gives them is the pattern that they have watched him do." [13:57]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?