The Cost of Discipleship: Actions Over Words

Devotional

Day 1: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

True discipleship is demonstrated through actions, not just words.

In Matthew 21, Jesus shares the parable of the two sons to illustrate the importance of actions over mere verbal commitments. One son initially refuses to work in the vineyard but later repents and goes, while the other son agrees to go but does not follow through. This parable underscores that true obedience to God is shown through our actions and a genuine change in behavior. Repentance is not just about feeling sorry but about making a tangible shift in how we live our lives. Jesus calls us to live out our faith through our deeds, reflecting our commitment to Him in every aspect of our lives. [47:13]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: Think of a recent promise or commitment you made to God. How can you take concrete steps today to fulfill that promise through your actions?

Day 2: Prioritizing Jesus Above All Else

Our relationship with Jesus must take precedence over all other relationships.

In Luke 14, Jesus uses strong language to emphasize the necessity of prioritizing our relationship with Him above even our closest family ties. This radical reorientation of priorities is a fundamental aspect of discipleship. Jesus calls us to supplant all other relationships with our commitment to Him, which may require difficult sacrifices and a reordering of our lives. This teaching challenges us to examine where our true loyalties lie and to ensure that Jesus is at the center of our lives, guiding our decisions and actions. [52:55]

Matthew 10:37-38 (ESV): "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."

Reflection: Reflect on your current relationships. Is there any relationship that you have placed above your relationship with Jesus? What steps can you take to re-prioritize Jesus in your life today?

Day 3: Counting the Cost of Discipleship

Understanding the sacrifices involved in following Jesus is crucial.

Jesus uses the parables of the builder and the king in Luke 14 to emphasize the importance of counting the cost before committing to follow Him. Discipleship is not a casual commitment; it requires careful consideration and a willingness to give up everything. Jesus warns against starting this journey without fully understanding the sacrifices involved, as this can lead to failure and ridicule. True discipleship demands a total commitment and a readiness to face the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Jesus. [58:40]

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: Consider a significant decision you are facing. Have you counted the cost of what it means to follow Jesus in this decision? What sacrifices might be required, and are you willing to make them?

Day 4: The Symbolism of the Cross

Carrying our cross means making sacrifices and placing Jesus at the center of our lives.

When Jesus instructs us to carry our cross, He is calling us to a life of sacrifice and reprioritization. This is not merely about enduring suffering but about placing Jesus at the center of everything we do. Carrying our cross symbolizes the daily sacrifices we must make to follow Him, including giving up our own desires and ambitions to align with His will. This teaching challenges us to examine our lives and identify areas where we need to make sacrifices to truly follow Jesus. [56:52]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you need to make a sacrifice to follow Jesus more closely. What practical steps can you take today to carry your cross in this area?

Day 5: The Cost of Discipleship According to Bonhoeffer

Discipleship demands our entire life, as emphasized by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer's teachings remind us that while salvation is a free gift, discipleship demands our entire life. This profound truth encapsulates the essence of Jesus' message: true discipleship requires a total commitment and a willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of following Him. Bonhoeffer's statement, "Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life," challenges us to examine our commitment to Jesus and to be willing to give up all for His sake. This teaching calls us to a deeper level of devotion and sacrifice in our walk with Christ. [01:16:20]

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"

Reflection: Reflect on Bonhoeffer's statement. What does it mean for you personally that discipleship will cost you your life? How can you begin to live out this level of commitment today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound and challenging teachings of Jesus regarding the cost of discipleship. We began with a prayer, acknowledging the depth of Jesus' love and the blessings He bestows upon us, and expressing our desire to live out the words we sing in worship. We celebrated the completion of our Courtyard Fund and reminded everyone about the upcoming member meeting, emphasizing the importance of community and commitment.

We then delved into the parable of the two sheep, illustrating how actions speak louder than words. This parable set the stage for Jesus' teaching in Matthew 21, where He emphasizes the importance of repentance and action over mere verbal commitments. Jesus' message is clear: true discipleship requires more than just words; it demands a change in behavior and a commitment to follow through on our promises.

We transitioned to Luke 14, where Jesus presents a series of teachings and parables that underscore the cost of following Him. He uses strong language, urging us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, even our closest family ties. Jesus' call to "carry our cross" is a call to sacrifice and reprioritize our lives, placing Him at the center.

Jesus further illustrates this with the parable of the builder and the king, both of which emphasize the importance of counting the cost before committing to follow Him. He warns against starting a journey of discipleship without fully understanding the sacrifices involved, as this can lead to failure and ridicule.

The sermon concluded with a reflection on the teachings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who famously said, "Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life." This powerful statement encapsulates the essence of Jesus' message: while salvation is a gift, true discipleship requires a total commitment and willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of following Jesus.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Action Over Words: Jesus' parable of the two sons in Matthew 21 highlights that true obedience to God is demonstrated through our actions, not just our words. Repentance and a change in behavior are essential aspects of genuine discipleship. [47:13]
2. Prioritizing Jesus Above All Else: In Luke 14, Jesus calls us to place our relationship with Him above even our closest family ties. This radical reorientation of priorities is a fundamental aspect of discipleship, requiring us to supplant all other relationships with our commitment to Jesus. [52:55]
3. Counting the Cost of Discipleship: Jesus uses the parables of the builder and the king to emphasize the importance of understanding the sacrifices involved in following Him. Discipleship is not a casual commitment; it requires careful consideration and a willingness to give up everything. [58:40]
4. The Symbolism of the Cross: Carrying our cross, as Jesus instructs, symbolizes the sacrifices we must make to follow Him. It is not merely about enduring suffering but about reprioritizing our lives and placing Jesus at the center of everything we do. [56:52]
5. The Cost of Discipleship According to Bonhoeffer: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's teachings remind us that while salvation is a free gift, discipleship demands our entire life. This profound truth challenges us to examine our commitment to Jesus and to be willing to sacrifice all for the sake of following Him. [01:16:20]
### [76:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:28] - Opening Prayer
[31:00] - Courtyard Fund Update
[31:50] - Upcoming Member Meeting
[32:47] - Communion Introduction
[33:50] - Communion Instructions
[34:51] - Offering and Generosity
[35:57] - Prayer for Forgiveness
[43:37] - Parable of the Two Sheep
[47:13] - Parable of the Two Sons
[51:17] - Teaching on Discipleship
[52:55] - Prioritizing Jesus
[56:52] - Carrying Our Cross
[58:40] - Counting the Cost
[68:17] - Parable of the King
[72:21] - Teaching on Salt
[76:20] - Bonhoeffer's Insight
[82:43] - Invitation to Pray

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21, what were the responses of the two sons to their father's request, and what did each son ultimately do? [47:13]
According to Luke 14:26, what does Jesus say is required to be His disciple? [52:55]
In the parable of the builder in Luke 14:28-30, what does Jesus emphasize about starting a project without counting the cost? [58:40]
How does Jesus use the symbolism of the cross in Luke 14:27 to describe the sacrifices required for discipleship? [56:52]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus prioritize actions over words in the parable of the two sons, and how does this relate to genuine discipleship? [47:13]
What does it mean to "hate" one's family in the context of Luke 14:26, and how does this teaching challenge our understanding of family relationships? [52:55]
How does the parable of the builder in Luke 14:28-30 illustrate the importance of understanding the sacrifices involved in following Jesus? [58:40]
What does Dietrich Bonhoeffer's statement, "Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life," mean in the context of the sermon? [01:16:20]

Application Questions

Reflecting on the parable of the two sons, can you identify a time when your actions did not align with your words? How can you ensure that your actions reflect your commitments to God? [47:13]
Jesus calls us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, even our closest family ties. How can you practically reorient your priorities to place Jesus at the center of your life? [52:55]
Have you ever started a project or commitment without fully understanding the cost? How can you apply the lesson from the parable of the builder to your spiritual journey? [58:40]
What are some specific "crosses" you need to carry in your life to follow Jesus more closely? How can you embrace these sacrifices as part of your discipleship? [56:52]
Dietrich Bonhoeffer's teaching challenges us to examine our commitment to Jesus. What are some areas in your life where you need to make sacrifices to follow Jesus more faithfully? [01:16:20]
Jesus warns against starting the journey of discipleship without understanding the sacrifices involved. What steps can you take to better prepare yourself for the cost of following Jesus? [58:40]
Reflect on the symbolism of the cross in your life. How can you reprioritize your daily activities to ensure that Jesus remains at the center of everything you do? [56:52]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Lord Jesus, we experience your love in a deep and significant way. Because you don't owe us anything. And yet you love us. And you do bless us. And you are with us. And you do give us peace and comfort and guidance and wisdom and provision. All pouring out of your love and generosity towards those who love you." [29:28] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "As we do a practice together as a community of giving, it's a reminder that we are to be a people of generosity. It's a reminder. That our gifts and what we give, our generosity, our faithfulness, is a reminder, it's a spiritual practice, that our possessions, our things, one, don't control us, that you are God and money is not." [34:51] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus tells us a similar story. He tells us a story in Matthew 21. This is towards the end of Jesus's life. He's done the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and his authority is being challenged. This is days before the crucifixion. And Jesus asks the question, what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first son. Son, go and work today in the vineyard. I will not, he answered. But later he changed his mind and went." [47:13] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "See, Jesus is continuing this theme of prioritizing action over words, deeds over proclamations, that the way of following Jesus does require us to do something, to be active and truthfully, it tends to be harder than what we think it will be." [48:57] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Salvation is free. Discipleship will cost you your life. See, salvation is free. Discipleship will cost you your life. Later in his writing, he says, when Jesus calls a person, he bids them to come and die. To die to self." [01:16:20] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The cross that you carry is everything that you give up and reprioritize behind Jesus in your life but rather than the cross being a symbol of pain and suffering the cross is a symbol of sacrifice that you are carrying the sacrifices that you have made in order to follow Jesus." [56:52] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Have you counted the costs like actually counted the cost of following Jesus this is what Jesus is trying to get to he knows that what he just taught is a hard teaching he knows that it comes across as a little extreme and so he follows up with this parable inviting people encouraging people telling people count the cost and quite frankly most don't." [01:02:32] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "It's easy to accept the free gift of salvation, but it's hard to come to terms with the cost of discipleship. That just earlier, Jesus was teaching about a story of a banquet and all these people accepted the first invitation. We can call that the free gift of salvation. But then when he called on them to actually show up and participate in the kingdom, it was crickets." [01:20:26] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus is like, don't be foolish. Salt's going to lose its saltiness. Seriously. Otherwise, what's the purpose? See how churches shrink? Because here's what's true. It's easy to accept the free gift of salvation. It's easy to accept the free gift of salvation. It's easy to accept the free gift of salvation, but it's hard to come to terms with the cost of discipleship." [01:18:34] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Although I believe that the benefits of following Jesus brings a joy that we cannot fully explain or that we can fully even like communicate. There's a peace and a comfort and a non-conflict. There's a peace and a comfort and a non-conflict. There's a non-anxiousness of the way of following Jesus. But I gotta tell you, there's gonna be things out in the world that seem a whole lot more fun." [01:24:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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