Embracing the Cost and Journey of Discipleship

 

Summary

In today's sermon, I explored the transformative journey of discipleship, emphasizing the necessity of following Jesus to experience God's protection, provision, and purpose. I began by recounting the story of Elisha's calling in 1 Kings 19:19-21, where he left his life of comfort to follow Elijah, symbolizing the surrender required to truly follow Christ. This act of leaving behind his former life to take up a new mantle under Elijah's tutelage was a powerful illustration of the cost of discipleship.

I shared my personal experience of seeking discipleship, initially misunderstanding it as a structured program rather than a relational journey. My pastor's approach to discipleship through inviting me to join him in various ministry activities taught me that discipleship is about following a leader who is following Christ, learning through observation and participation.

I emphasized that discipleship is not a passive process but an active pursuit of becoming like Jesus in our unique contexts. It requires a willingness to follow God's terms, not our own, and to surrender our control to His authority. I used the example of my daughter's first cell phone to illustrate the conditions that come with following Jesus, just as there were conditions for her phone use.

Throughout the sermon, I drew parallels between discipleship and everyday learning experiences, such as playing "Simon Says" or learning to write, to show that we are all capable of following Jesus if we have followed others in different aspects of our lives. I highlighted the examples of Joshua, Elisha, and the New Testament disciples to show that following a leader is a biblical pattern for spiritual growth.

I also addressed the challenges of discipleship, referencing Jesus' uncompromising call to follow Him in Luke 9:59-62. This passage underscores the urgency and priority of discipleship over all other commitments. I warned against conditional discipleship, where one follows Jesus only when it is convenient or comfortable.

As I concluded, I reassured the congregation that following Jesus is simpler and more rewarding than leading, as it comes with divine protection, provision, and purpose. I encouraged everyone to consider the cost of not following Jesus and to embrace Him as Lord, not just as a teacher. I urged the congregation to continue being changed by following Jesus daily, promising that this path leads to a new mantle, miracles, and a divine mandate.

Key Takeaways:

1. Discipleship is a costly pursuit that requires leaving behind comfort and familiarity for the sake of following Jesus. Elisha's decision to follow Elijah, leaving his wealth and status, exemplifies the surrender and commitment necessary to step into God's calling for our lives. ([21:46 ])

2. Following Jesus means surrendering control and allowing Him to be the ultimate authority in our lives. Just as Elisha burned his plowing equipment and cooked the oxen, we too must make a decisive break from our old ways to fully embrace the path of discipleship. ([29:11 ])

3. True discipleship involves a transformation that is both internal and external. Elisha's journey from a farmer to a prophet who performed miracles and counseled kings illustrates the profound change that occurs when we follow God's chosen leaders and ultimately God Himself. ([35:02 ])

4. The conditions we place on our willingness to follow Jesus can hinder our experience of His fullness. We must be willing to follow Him even when it is not convenient, comfortable, or clear, trusting that His way is the only way to true life. ([10:58 ])

5. Discipleship is not a static state but a dynamic process of being continually changed and molded into the image of Christ. As we follow Jesus and the godly examples He places in our lives, we will grow from glory to glory, becoming the people God designed us to be. ([35:02 ])

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 19:19-21 - The calling of Elisha by Elijah.
2. Luke 9:59-62 - Jesus' uncompromising call to follow Him.
3. John 10:7-10 - Jesus as the door to abundant life.

#### Observation Questions
1. What did Elisha do when Elijah threw his mantle on him? (1 Kings 19:19-21)
2. In Luke 9:59-62, what were the responses of the individuals Jesus called to follow Him?
3. According to John 10:7-10, what does Jesus promise to those who enter through Him?
4. How did the pastor describe his initial misunderstanding of discipleship? [01:38 ]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elisha decided to burn his plowing equipment and cook the oxen before following Elijah? What does this symbolize? (1 Kings 19:19-21)
2. How does Jesus' response to the individuals in Luke 9:59-62 challenge our modern understanding of commitment and priorities? [18:54 ]
3. What does it mean for Jesus to be the "door" in John 10:7-10, and how does this relate to the concept of discipleship?
4. How did the pastor's experience with his own pastor reshape his understanding of discipleship? [02:09 ]

#### Application Questions
1. Elisha left behind his life of comfort to follow Elijah. What comforts or familiarities might God be calling you to leave behind to follow Him more closely? [21:46 ]
2. Jesus emphasized the urgency and priority of following Him in Luke 9:59-62. Are there any conditions or priorities in your life that are hindering your full commitment to Jesus? How can you address these? [18:54 ]
3. The pastor mentioned that discipleship is about following a leader who is following Christ. Who in your life can you follow as they follow Christ, and how can you engage more actively in this relational journey? [04:00 ]
4. Reflect on the pastor's story about his daughter's first cell phone and the conditions that came with it. What are some "conditions" or disciplines you need to embrace to follow Jesus more faithfully? [06:35 ]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of being continually changed and molded into the image of Christ. What specific steps can you take this week to allow God to transform you more into His likeness? [35:02 ]
6. The pastor warned against conditional discipleship. Are there areas in your life where you follow Jesus only when it is convenient or comfortable? How can you move towards unconditional discipleship? [10:58 ]
7. Considering the pastor's emphasis on the cost of not following Jesus, what might you be missing out on by not fully committing to Him? How can you take a step towards embracing Jesus as Lord in your daily life? [40:55 ]

Devotional

Day 1: Surrender to Divine Calling

The journey of discipleship begins with a conscious decision to leave behind the familiar and step into the unknown, trusting that God's plan is greater than our comfort. Elisha's choice to follow Elijah, forsaking his oxen and plow, is a testament to the radical commitment required when responding to God's call. This act of surrender is not merely about leaving physical possessions but also about abandoning old identities and securities. It is a deliberate step away from self-reliance and towards a life of faith and dependence on God. The transformation that follows is not just a change in activity but a complete shift in being, where one's values, priorities, and purpose are realigned with God's will. This surrender is the first step towards a life marked by divine encounters and kingdom work.



"And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah and said, 'Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.' And he said to him, 'Go back again, for what have I done to you?' And he returned from following him and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him." (1 Kings 19:20-21 ESV)



Reflection: What are the 'oxen and plow' in your life that you need to leave behind to fully embrace God's calling? How can you take a step towards that surrender today? [21:46]



Day 2: Embracing God's Authority

True discipleship requires relinquishing control and submitting to Jesus as the ultimate authority in one's life. This submission is not a one-time event but a daily practice of choosing God's will over personal desires and plans. It involves recognizing that the path laid out by Jesus may challenge comfort zones and defy human logic. The story of Elisha burning his plowing equipment and cooking the oxen represents a point of no return, a complete break from the past that allows for full commitment to the journey ahead. This decisive action signifies a trust in God's provision and guidance, even when the next steps are unclear. Embracing God's authority means living with the conviction that His ways are higher and His plans are better, even when they lead through valleys of uncertainty or sacrifice.



"Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 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?" (Luke 14:27-28 ESV)



Reflection: In what areas of your life are you struggling to give God full authority? What practical steps can you take to submit those areas to Him today? [29:11]



Day 3: Transformation Through Discipleship

Discipleship is a transformative process that reshapes both the inner self and outward actions. It is not merely about acquiring knowledge or performing religious duties; it is about becoming a new creation in Christ. The metamorphosis from Elisha's role as a farmer to a prophet who performed miracles and advised kings demonstrates the profound change that discipleship can bring. This transformation is not instantaneous but unfolds as one follows God's chosen leaders and, ultimately, God Himself. It is a journey marked by learning, growth, and increasing conformity to the image of Christ. As one walks this path, the evidence of God's power and presence becomes more apparent, not only to the disciple but also to those around them.



"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins." (Mark 2:22 ESV)



Reflection: How has your journey of discipleship transformed you so far, and what areas of your life do you feel God is currently reshaping? [35:02]



Day 4: Unconditional Commitment to Follow

Following Jesus without reservation or condition is essential to experiencing the fullness of life He offers. Conditional discipleship, where one follows only when it is convenient or comfortable, limits the depth of relationship and growth possible with Christ. The call to follow Jesus is an all-in proposition, requiring a steadfast commitment that does not waver in the face of trials or uncertainties. It is a journey that demands faith and trust, even when the destination is not fully revealed. This level of commitment is what allows a disciple to experience the richness of God's grace and the power of His presence in every aspect of life.



"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.'" (Luke 14:28-30 ESV)



Reflection: What conditions have you placed on your willingness to follow Jesus, and how can you begin to remove those conditions today? [10:58]



Day 5: Continual Change in Christ

Discipleship is a dynamic and ongoing process that involves being continually molded into the likeness of Christ. It is not a state of arrival but a journey of constant evolution and growth. As disciples, the goal is to reflect more of Jesus in every area of life, learning from His teachings, emulating His character, and embracing His mission. This process of change is not always easy or comfortable, but it is the pathway to becoming the individuals God has designed us to be. It is through this continual transformation that disciples find their true identity, purpose, and fulfillment in Christ.



"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV)



Reflection: What does being continually changed into the image of Christ look like in your daily life, and what is one step you can take today to further this transformation? [35:02]

Quotes

"To follow God means that you follow his authority and you don't get intimidated by everybody else and you don't listen to everybody else—their demands, their desires, their wants—not even your own, not even your flesh because your flesh will cry out for control. But following him means to allow him to be in charge of your life and that means your schedule, that means your pocketbook, that means your time, that means your attention, that means everything." [32:21 ]( | | )

"It's a lot easier to follow than it is to lead. If you're the leader, you're responsible for everything. You got to coordinate everything, you got to plan everything. Following Jesus is so much easier than we make it. Jesus calls us to follow him and if we do, we're going to get that protection, provision, and purpose that we desperately want." [39:56 ]( | | )

"Consider not only what you're giving up to follow him but what you're giving up if you don't follow him. Consider what you may never see or never experience because you chose to say no to the Lord Of Glory and follow Jesus as Lord, as you follow him not just as teacher." [40:55 ]( | | )

"Discipleship is the process of becoming who Jesus would be if he were you. So following Jesus is very simple: live your life as if Jesus were living it as you. His word, his will, his way applied to your circumstances, applied to your conversations, applied to your life will bring you into his purpose and power." [42:29 ]( | | )

"Following Jesus and the people that God places in your life, and then the other side of that is, at some point, God is going to position you to disciple someone else, to apprentice someone else, to lead someone else in their Journey of Faith where they will be following you instead of you following them." [05:34 ]( | | )

"Following him and as we follow him we demonstrate that we truly are his children. So walk in the will of God, follow Jesus, follow those that He entrusts you to, and then you pour into those he entrusts to you. Keep following, keep serving, and in the end, you're going to receive a new mantle, you're going to see miracles, and you're going to receive a new mandate for your life from God." [38:30 ]( | | )

"Elisha turned back from him, took yoke of oxen and slaughtered them, and boiled their flesh using the oxen's equipment and gave it to the people and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah and became his servant. Like I said before, when we meet Elisha, he's on his land, he's farming his father's land, he could have taken over the family business and history may not have even remembered his name." [35:02 ]( | | )

"Counting the cost to follow Jesus, it's going to cost you something to follow him. You're going to give up stuff, you're going to let go of stuff, but if you want to, if you want everything that he offers you, all that he wants to give to you, then what you really need to think and really need to consider is what it means to take up your cross and follow him." [24:40 ]( | | )

"Jesus said to them again, most assuredly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All whoever came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters by me, he will be saved, and he will go in and out and find pasture." [08:47 ]( | | )

"To receive the protection and the provision and the purpose of the Lord, you have to go in the place that Jesus appoints. You get it where he puts it, not where you want it. He's the doorkeeper; you go in and out at his discretion. He's the door; he's the one you go in by him or you go out by him. There's no other way." [09:50 ]( | | )

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Transcript
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