THE COST OF FOLLOWING CHRIST

THE COST OF FOLLOWING CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 8:18-22

Key Verse: “And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me…” (Matthew 8:21-22)

Supporting Texts: Luke 9:23-25, Philippians 3:7-8, Mark 10:21-22, 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Matthew 16:24-26

Description: This study reveals the demands, sacrifices, and commitment required to truly follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 8, Jesus encountered two individuals who expressed willingness to follow Him, but both were confronted with the reality of the cost of discipleship. Jesus made it clear that following Him is not merely emotional enthusiasm but a life of surrender, priority, and commitment.

Many people desire the blessings of Christ but are not always prepared for the demands of obedience, sacrifice, and self-denial. True discipleship requires placing Christ above personal comfort, family expectations, worldly attachments, and personal ambitions.

Jesus never hides the cost of following Him because genuine commitment must be based on truth, not convenience. The Christian journey is one of surrender, endurance, and loyalty to Christ above all else.

1. FOLLOWING CHRIST REQUIRES TOTAL SURRENDER

Discipleship begins with surrendering personal control.

a) Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 8:22)
Following Christ demands immediate obedience and willingness.

b) Self-denial is essential for discipleship (Luke 9:23)
Believers must daily lay aside personal desires to follow God’s will.

c) Christ must be Lord over every area of life (Romans 12:1)
True worship involves offering one’s entire life to God.

d) Partial commitment is not true discipleship (Revelation 3:16)
Lukewarm faith is unacceptable in the Kingdom of God.

Biblical Example:
Abraham left his homeland immediately when God called him, demonstrating full surrender to divine instruction (Genesis 12:1-4).

2. FOLLOWING CHRIST MAY REQUIRE SACRIFICE

Discipleship often involves letting go of comfort and attachment.

a) One man wanted to bury his father first (Matthew 8:21)
Jesus revealed that even important personal matters must not delay obedience.

b) Sacrifice is part of spiritual commitment (Philippians 3:7-8)
Paul counted all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ.

c) Earthly attachments must not replace devotion to Christ (Mark 10:21-22)
The rich young ruler struggled because he valued possessions more than Jesus.

d) Faithfulness may require hardship and endurance (2 Timothy 2:3-4)
Soldiers of Christ must be willing to endure difficulties.

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

3. FOLLOWING CHRIST DEMANDS PRIORITY AND URGENCY

Christ must come first in all decisions.

a) Jesus emphasised immediate obedience (Matthew 8:22)
Delayed obedience can become disobedience.

b) God’s Kingdom must take first place (Matthew 6:33)
Spiritual priorities must override worldly concerns.

c) The call of Christ requires urgency (Hebrews 3:15)
God’s invitation should not be delayed or ignored.

d) Discipleship demands decisive commitment (Joshua 24:15)
Every believer must choose whom they will serve.

Biblical Example:
Elisha immediately left his farming occupation to follow Elijah when called (1 Kings 19:19-21).

4. FOLLOWING CHRIST BRINGS ETERNAL REWARD

The cost of discipleship leads to eternal glory.

a) Those who follow Christ receive eternal life (John 10:27-28)
Jesus promises everlasting life to His faithful followers.

b) Temporary sacrifice leads to eternal reward (Matthew 19:29)
God rewards those who give up earthly things for His sake.

c) Suffering with Christ leads to glory (Romans 8:17)
Sharing in Christ’s suffering results in sharing His glory.

d) Faithful disciples receive crowns of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
God honours those who finish their race faithfully.

Biblical Example:
The apostle Paul endured hardship, persecution, and sacrifice but received eternal reward for his faithfulness (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

CONCLUSION

Jesus made it clear that following Him has a cost. It requires surrender, sacrifice, priority, and unwavering commitment. True discipleship is not based on convenience but on total devotion to Christ.

Though the path may involve difficulty and sacrifice, it leads to eternal life, glory, and reward. Those who choose to follow Christ fully will never regret their decision, for the reward far outweighs the cost.

PRAYER POINTS

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

2. Father, remove every distraction that competes with my devotion to You in Jesus name

3. Lord, help me to surrender every area of my life to You in Jesus name

4. Father, strengthen me to obey You immediately without delay in Jesus name

5. Lord, help me to value You above every earthly possession in Jesus name

6. Father, give me courage to endure every sacrifice for Your sake in Jesus name

7. Lord, keep my heart focused on eternal reward and not temporary gain in Jesus name

8. Father, help me to remain faithful in my journey with You in Jesus name

9. Lord, let nothing separate me from following You completely in Jesus name

10. Father, reward my faithfulness with eternal life and glory in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall receive grace to follow Christ wholeheartedly!

2. Every distraction pulling you away from God is removed!

3. Your commitment to Christ shall grow stronger daily!

4. You shall not miss your eternal reward in Jesus Christ!

5. God shall strengthen you to endure every sacrifice for His sake!

6. Your spiritual focus shall remain fixed on Christ alone!

7. Every hindrance to your discipleship journey is broken!

8. You shall walk in obedience, faithfulness, and spiritual maturity!

9. God shall reward your commitment with testimonies and glory!

10. You shall finish your Christian race faithfully and victoriously!