THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 9:57-62

Key Verse: “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” — Luke 9:62

Supporting Texts: Matthew 16:24-26, Philippians 3:7-8, Hebrews 12:1-2, 1 Kings 19:19-21, Galatians 2:20

Description: True discipleship demands complete surrender, unwavering focus, and total commitment to Christ.

INTRODUCTION

Discipleship is more than a casual association with Jesus; it is a life of commitment, sacrifice, and wholehearted devotion. Many desire the blessings of following Christ, but not everyone is willing to embrace the cost that comes with it. Jesus made it clear that following Him requires prioritising Him above comfort, relationships, and personal ambitions.

In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus encountered three individuals who expressed a desire to follow Him. However, their responses revealed hesitation, excuses, and divided loyalties. Jesus used these encounters to teach that discipleship requires total commitment without distraction or delay.

This passage challenges believers to examine their level of commitment. Following Jesus is not about convenience; it is about surrendering everything to Him and staying focused on the path He has set before us.

1. DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES SACRIFICING COMFORT

Following Jesus may require leaving behind personal comfort and security.

a) The Cost of Following (Luke 9:57-58)
Jesus declared that He had no permanent dwelling. Disciples must be willing to embrace discomfort.

b) Letting Go of Earthly Security (Matthew 6:19-20)
True disciples store treasures in heaven, not on earth.

c) Counting the Cost (Luke 14:28)
Commitment requires understanding the sacrifices involved.

d) Eternal Perspective (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
Temporary discomfort leads to eternal glory.

Biblical Example: The disciples left their nets and livelihoods immediately to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22).

2. DISCIPLESHIP DEMANDS PRIORITY OVER RELATIONSHIPS

Christ must come before all human relationships.

a) Urgency of the Call (Luke 9:59-60)
Jesus emphasised the urgency of the Kingdom over personal obligations.

b) Supreme Love for Christ (Matthew 10:37)
Loving Christ above family is essential for true discipleship.

c) Undivided Loyalty (Deuteronomy 6:5)
God requires wholehearted love and devotion.

d) Kingdom First (Matthew 6:33)
Seeking God’s Kingdom takes precedence over all else.

Biblical Example: Abraham obeyed God’s command regarding Isaac, demonstrating that his loyalty to God was supreme (Genesis 22:1-12).

3. DISCIPLESHIP REJECTS DELAY AND EXCUSES

Procrastination and excuses hinder spiritual progress.

a) Immediate Obedience (Luke 9:61)
One man wanted to delay his commitment. Jesus calls for prompt response.

b) Avoiding Distractions (Hebrews 12:1)
Disciples must lay aside every weight that hinders them.

c) Focus on the Call (Philippians 3:13-14)
Pressing forward requires letting go of the past.

d) No Room for Excuses (Exodus 4:10-12)
God equips those He calls; excuses are unnecessary.

Biblical Example: Elisha immediately followed Elijah, leaving everything behind without delay (1 Kings 19:20-21).

4. DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES UNWAVERING FOCUS

A true disciple remains committed without looking back.

a) No Looking Back (Luke 9:62)
Looking back signifies divided attention and lack of commitment.

b) Fixing Eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)
Staying focused on Christ ensures perseverance.

c) Perseverance in Faith (Matthew 24:13)
Endurance is key to receiving the reward.

d) Total Surrender (Galatians 2:20)
A disciple’s life is fully yielded to Christ.

Biblical Example: Lot’s wife looked back and suffered the consequences, illustrating the danger of divided focus (Genesis 19:26).

CONCLUSION

The cost of discipleship is high, but the reward is eternal. Jesus calls for total commitment, leaving comfort, prioritising Him above all, rejecting excuses, and maintaining unwavering focus. Discipleship is not for the half-hearted; it is for those who are willing to give their all.

Make a decision today to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Lay aside every distraction, surrender every area of your life, and commit fully to Him. As you do, you will walk in purpose, fulfilment, and eternal reward.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me the grace to follow You wholeheartedly in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to let go of every comfort that hinders my commitment in Jesus name.

3. Holy Spirit, strengthen my devotion to Christ above all else in Jesus name.

4. Father, remove every distraction from my life in Jesus name.

5. Lord, help me to prioritise Your Kingdom in all I do in Jesus name.

6. Father, give me the strength to obey You without delay in Jesus name.

7. Lord, keep my focus on You and not on the past in Jesus name.

8. Father, help me to remain steadfast in my walk with You in Jesus name.

9. Lord, empower me to live a life of total surrender in Jesus name.

10. Father, let my life reflect true discipleship and commitment in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in total commitment and devotion to Christ.

2. Every distraction in your life is removed permanently.

3. You shall prioritise God above all else without compromise.

4. Your life shall reflect unwavering focus and dedication.

5. You shall not look back but move forward in faith.

6. Every excuse hindering your progress is eliminated.

7. You shall endure and receive your eternal reward.

8. Your commitment to Christ shall bring divine fulfilment.

9. You shall live a life fully surrendered to God.

10. From today, you shall follow Jesus without hesitation or distraction.