Embracing the Cost and Joy of Discipleship

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Vulnerability in Mission

In the Christian walk, one is called to step out into the world with the full knowledge of potential spiritual dangers. This vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to the strength and protection provided by Jesus Christ. As lambs among wolves, believers are reminded that their mission is not to overpower or outwit the opposition but to stand firm in their faith, knowing that the Lion of Judah watches over them. This imagery of lambs and wolves is not meant to instill fear but to prepare the heart for the reality of spiritual warfare, encouraging a reliance on divine strength over personal might. The path may be fraught with challenges, but the presence of Jesus ensures peace and courage in the face of adversity. [07:40]

"But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth." (2 Timothy 4:17)

Reflection: How does recognizing your vulnerability as a 'lamb' alter the way you approach sharing your faith in potentially hostile environments?

Day 2: Trusting God's Provision in Obedience

The directive to carry no money, food, or extra clothing is a radical call to trust in God's provision. This level of trust requires a departure from self-reliance and a move towards a faith that is lived out in daily dependence on God. It is an active trust that compels one to step out in obedience, confident that God will provide at the point of need. This trust is not about naivety; it is about recognizing that the One who calls is faithful and will not abandon His people as they carry out His work. It is a trust that frees from the burden of worry, allowing one to focus on the mission at hand with the assurance that their needs will be met by God's gracious hand. [27:36]

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

Reflection: What is one step of obedience you can take today, trusting that God will provide for your needs as you do so?

Day 3: Proclaiming Peace Amidst Varied Responses

The gospel is a message of peace, yet it is often met with mixed reactions. As believers share the good news, they must be prepared for both acceptance and rejection. The 'sons of peace' are those who welcome the message and embrace reconciliation with God. However, not all will receive the gospel warmly. In the face of rejection, one is called to shake the dust from their feet, moving forward without bitterness or discouragement. This act is not one of judgment but a release, entrusting the individual's response to God. The focus remains on the faithful delivery of the gospel, leaving the outcome in God's sovereign hands. [31:10]

"And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you." (Matthew 10:13)

Reflection: How can you maintain a heart of peace and forgiveness towards those who reject the message of the gospel you share with them?

Day 4: The Gravity of Rejecting the Gospel

The rejection of the gospel is not a matter to be taken lightly. Jesus warns of the severe consequences that await those who hear the message and yet refuse to repent. This sobering reality is not meant to evoke fear but to impress upon believers the urgency of their mission. It is a call to view each opportunity to share the gospel as a moment of profound significance, understanding the eternal implications for those who hear. This knowledge should not lead to despair but to a renewed commitment to share the gospel with clarity and compassion, praying earnestly for the hearts of the listeners to be opened. [39:55]

"For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?" (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

Reflection: How does the understanding of the serious consequences of rejecting the gospel motivate you to share your faith more earnestly?

Day 5: Joy Rooted in Eternal Salvation

The true joy of a believer is not found in earthly achievements or spiritual victories but in the assurance of salvation. When the disciples returned from their mission rejoicing over their authority over demons, Jesus redirected their joy to the fact that their names were written in heaven. This eternal perspective is what grounds a believer's joy, providing a steadfast hope that transcends the temporary highs and lows of life. It is a joy that is untouchable by the world's standards, rooted in the unshakeable reality of being known and loved by God. This knowledge should shape one's priorities and fuel a deep, abiding rejoicing. [44:24]

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy in your salvation, allowing it to shape your daily life and interactions with others?

Sermon Summary

In our journey through the Gospel of Luke, we have arrived at a pivotal moment where Jesus imparts crucial instructions to His disciples, setting clear expectations for the Christian life. As we delve into Luke 10:3, we are confronted with the stark reality of spiritual danger. Jesus sends us out as lambs among wolves, a vivid image that underscores our vulnerability in a world hostile to the gospel. Yet, this is not a cause for despair but a call to embrace our mission with urgency and dependence on God.

The first part of our exploration reveals that being a disciple of Christ is inherently risky. There is no illusion of safety or comfort in following Jesus. Instead, we are called to identify with Him, who was led to the slaughter in silence, and to expect a similar path of opposition and affliction. This reality check serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship.

Moving to the second part, we find the promise of provision. Jesus instructs His disciples to carry no money, food, or extra clothing, and to avoid distractions. This directive is not about impracticality but about cultivating a deep-seated trust in God's timely provision. It is a lesson in faith, teaching us to rely on God for our daily needs and to trust that He will provide as we carry out His work.

The third part addresses the responses to gospel proclamation. Jesus prepares His disciples for both acceptance and rejection. He assures them that they will encounter 'sons of peace'—those receptive to the message of reconciliation with God. Conversely, there will be those who reject the gospel, and the disciples are to shake the dust from their feet as a testimony against them. This act signifies the serious consequences of rejecting Christ, emphasizing the gravity of the gospel message.

In conclusion, we are given a reason for real joy. The disciples return from their mission rejoicing over their authority over demons, yet Jesus redirects their joy to something far more profound—their names written in heaven. This eternal security surpasses any earthly success or spiritual victory, grounding our joy in the unshakeable reality of our salvation.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What specific instructions does Jesus give to His disciples in Luke 10:3-4 about what they should and should not take with them? ([22:53])
According to Luke 10:5-6, what are the disciples supposed to say when they enter a house, and what determines whether their peace will rest on the house or return to them? ([29:04])
In John 10:27-30, what assurances does Jesus give about His sheep and their security?
How does Jesus describe the relationship between His disciples and the world in Matthew 10:16?

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus emphasize the urgency of the mission by instructing His disciples to greet no one on the road? What does this tell us about the nature of their mission? ([23:34])
How does the imagery of being "lambs among wolves" shape our understanding of the Christian life and its inherent risks? ([09:15])
What does Jesus mean when He says that the disciples should rejoice that their names are written in heaven rather than in their spiritual victories? How does this shift our focus? ([44:24])
How does the promise of God's provision in Luke 10:4-7 challenge our typical approach to security and self-sufficiency? ([27:36])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt like a "lamb among wolves" in your Christian walk. How did you handle the situation, and what could you have done differently to rely more on Jesus, the Lion of Judah? ([21:34])
Jesus instructs His disciples to trust in God's provision rather than their own resources. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision in your daily life? ([27:36])
The sermon mentioned the serious consequences of rejecting the gospel. How does this truth impact your sense of urgency in sharing your faith with others? ([39:55])
Jesus redirects the disciples' joy from their spiritual victories to their eternal security. What are some ways you can shift your focus from temporary successes to the assurance of your salvation? ([44:24])
Considering the instruction to avoid distractions and stay focused on the mission, what are some specific distractions in your life that you need to minimize to better serve God's purpose? ([23:34])
How can you identify and support "sons of peace" in your community who are receptive to the gospel message? ([31:10])
Reflect on the pastor's story about the dangers of spiritual pride and isolation. How can you stay connected to your Christian community to avoid these pitfalls? ([17:45])

Sermon Clips

1) "The longer I'm a Christian, the more I appreciate Jesus' honesty in the expectations. I appreciate his honesty." [22:53] (Download) 2) "Jesus is teaching these disciples to trust that he will provide for their needs as those needs arise." [24:48] (Download) 3) "The Christian paganism that is a plague to Christianity... my desire to have so much now I don't need God then is just absolutely faithless in its orientation." [26:58] (Download) 4) "The gospel... is an offer of peace with God through unconditional terms of surrender. It is the gospel that is before it is anything else a call to lay down your arms." [31:10] (Download) 5) "God has Persons Of Peace, sons of Peace... my prayer is that each and every person hearing my voice this morning will receive this gospel of peace by repentance and Faith." [31:55] (Download) 6) "The more clearly the gospel has been preached, the greater responsibility we bear for rejecting it." [39:55] (Download) 7) "Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. That's always the reason to Rejoice." [44:24] (Download) 8) "Jesus provides for them, he protects them, and they're wildly successful... they return to Jesus excited to share everything that they seen happen." [40:59] (Download)

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