THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 8:34-38

Key Verse: “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

Supporting Texts: Luke 9:23-26, Matthew 10:38-39, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 3:7-8, Romans 12:1-2

Description: This study reveals that following Christ requires sacrifice, self-denial, and total commitment.

INTRODUCTION

In Mark 8:34-38, Jesus presents one of the most challenging truths of the Christian faith, the cost of discipleship. He makes it clear that following Him is not a casual decision but a life of sacrifice and surrender. Discipleship demands more than belief; it requires a complete reordering of priorities.

Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. This statement would have been deeply significant to His audience, as the cross symbolised suffering, rejection, and even death. It was a call to lay down personal desires and embrace God’s will fully.

This passage teaches that true discipleship involves a cost, but it also leads to eternal gain. When we surrender our lives to Christ, we exchange temporary comforts for eternal rewards. The call to follow Jesus is a call to live a life of purpose, commitment, and sacrifice.

1. DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES SELF-DENIAL

Following Christ begins with denying self and surrendering personal desires.

a) Self-denial means surrendering personal will (Mark 8:34)
To deny oneself is to consciously choose God’s will over personal preferences, ambitions, and desires, allowing Christ to take full control of one’s life.

b) Self-denial involves daily commitment (Luke 9:23)
This is not a one-time decision but a continuous lifestyle where a believer consistently chooses obedience to God above self-interest.

c) Self-denial breaks the power of the flesh (Galatians 5:24)
When we deny ourselves, we crucify sinful desires and align our lives with the leading of the Spirit.

d) Self-denial leads to spiritual growth (Romans 8:13)
As we put to death the deeds of the flesh, we grow in maturity and become more like Christ.

Biblical Example:
Jesus in Gethsemane (Luke 22:41-42) demonstrated self-denial by submitting to the Father’s will.

2. TAKING UP THE CROSS INVOLVES SACRIFICE

The cross represents a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of Christ.

a) The cross symbolises sacrifice (Mark 8:34)
Taking up the cross means embracing a life that may involve suffering, rejection, or inconvenience for the sake of following Jesus faithfully.

b) The cross requires endurance (Hebrews 12:2)
Just as Jesus endured the cross, believers are called to remain steadfast through trials and challenges.

c) The cross identifies us with Christ (Galatians 2:20)
Carrying the cross signifies that our lives are no longer our own, but fully surrendered to Christ.

d) The cross produces eternal reward (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Temporary afflictions are working for us a far greater and eternal glory.

Biblical Example:
Paul’s sufferings (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) show the reality of carrying the cross for Christ.

3. TRUE DISCIPLESHIP DEMANDS TOTAL COMMITMENT

Following Christ requires wholehearted devotion without compromise.

a) Discipleship is a choice (Mark 8:34)
Jesus said “whosoever will,” indicating that following Him is voluntary but requires full commitment from those who choose it.

b) Commitment involves losing self to find life (Mark 8:35)
Those who are willing to lose their lives for Christ will ultimately find true and abundant life.

c) Divided loyalty is dangerous (Matthew 6:24)
One cannot serve two masters; true discipleship demands undivided allegiance to Christ.

d) Commitment defines identity (Philippians 1:21)
A committed disciple lives with the mindset that “to live is Christ,” making Him the centre of everything.

Biblical Example:
The rich young ruler (Mark 10:21-22) failed to follow Christ fully because he was unwilling to commit completely.

4. ETERNAL VALUE OUTWEIGHS EARTHLY GAIN

The rewards of discipleship far exceed any earthly sacrifice.

a) Earthly gain is temporary (Mark 8:36)
Gaining the whole world is meaningless if it results in the loss of one’s soul, highlighting the temporary nature of worldly success.

b) The soul is of eternal value (Mark 8:37)
Nothing in this world can be exchanged for the soul, emphasising the importance of eternal priorities.

c) Loyalty to Christ determines eternal destiny (Mark 8:38)
Those who are ashamed of Christ will face consequences, while those who stand for Him will be honoured.

d) Eternal rewards are guaranteed (Revelation 22:12)
God rewards faithfulness, ensuring that sacrifices made for Him are never in vain.

Biblical Example:
Moses choosing God over Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-26) shows valuing eternal reward above temporary pleasure.

CONCLUSION

The call to discipleship is a call to surrender, sacrifice, and commitment. It is not an easy path, but it is the most rewarding one. Jesus does not hide the cost; He makes it clear that following Him requires everything.

However, the rewards of discipleship far outweigh the cost. When we deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ, we gain eternal life, purpose, and fulfilment. May we respond to His call with wholehearted devotion and unwavering commitment.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, give me the grace to deny myself daily in Jesus name

2. Father, help me to take up my cross and follow You faithfully in Jesus name

3. Lord, strengthen me to endure every challenge in my walk with You in Jesus name

4. Father, remove every attachment that hinders my commitment in Jesus name

5. Lord, help me to prioritise eternal values over earthly gains in Jesus name

6. Father, grant me a heart of total surrender to You in Jesus name

7. Lord, empower me to remain steadfast in my faith in Jesus name

8. Father, let my life reflect true discipleship in Jesus name

9. Lord, help me not to be ashamed of You before men in Jesus name

10. Father, lead me into a life of purpose and obedience in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in true discipleship and commitment!

2. You shall receive grace to deny yourself and follow Christ!

3. You shall not fall away from the path of righteousness!

4. Your life shall reflect total surrender to God!

5. You shall endure and overcome every challenge!

6. You shall prioritise eternal values above worldly gain!

7. You shall not be ashamed of Christ!

8. You shall fulfil your divine calling faithfully!

9. Your sacrifices shall yield eternal rewards!

10. You shall walk in victory and purpose all your days!