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.

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 14:25-33

Supporting Texts: Matthew 16:24-26, Philippians 3:7-8, Mark 10:28-30, 2 Timothy 3:12

INTRODUCTION:
Discipleship is not just about following Christ; it comes with a cost. Jesus made it clear that those who follow Him must be ready to deny themselves, take up their cross, and prioritise His kingdom above all else. True discipleship demands sacrifice, commitment, and endurance. Many want the benefits of Christianity but are unwilling to pay the price. In this sermon, we will examine what it truly costs to follow Jesus.

1. TOTAL SURRENDER TO CHRIST

a) Forsaking All for Christ (Luke 14:33)
A disciple must be willing to let go of anything that competes with Christ.

b) Denying Self and Taking Up the Cross (Matthew 16:24)
Discipleship requires daily surrender and self-denial.

c) Letting Go of Worldly Attachments (Philippians 3:7-8)
Paul counted all things as loss for the sake of Christ.

d) Willingness to Obey Christ at All Costs (John 14:15)
Love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience.

e) Biblical Example: The rich young ruler could not follow Jesus because he was unwilling to give up his wealth (Mark 10:17-22).

2. PERSECUTION AND OPPOSITION

a) The World Will Hate You (John 15:18-20)
Jesus warned that His followers would face rejection.

b) Expect Persecution for Your Faith (2 Timothy 3:12)
True disciples will suffer for righteousness' sake.

c) Standing Firm Amidst Trials (James 1:2-4)
Trials strengthen our faith and character.

d) Endurance Until the End (Matthew 24:13)
Only those who persevere will receive the reward.

e) Biblical Example: The early apostles faced persecution, imprisonment, and even death for following Christ (Acts 5:40-42).

3. SACRIFICING PERSONAL COMFORTS

a) Leaving Behind Personal Plans (Mark 10:28-30)
True disciples must be willing to give up their ambitions for Christ.

b) Serving God with Your Time and Resources (Romans 12:1)
Discipleship requires a lifestyle of sacrificial service.

c) Following Christ Despite Hardships (Luke 9:57-58)
Jesus had no place to lay His head, yet He called people to follow Him.

d) Prioritising the Kingdom Over Material Possessions (Matthew 6:33)
Seek first the kingdom, and all other things will follow.

e) Biblical Example: Paul abandoned his former life as a Pharisee to fully follow Christ (Galatians 1:15-16).

4. UNWAVERING LOYALTY TO CHRIST

a) Loving Christ Above Family and Friends (Luke 14:26)
Our love for Christ must be greater than any earthly relationship.

b) Staying Faithful in Times of Temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13)
True disciples do not compromise their faith.

c) Unashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16)
A disciple boldly proclaims Christ regardless of opposition.

d) Willingness to Suffer for Christ (Acts 21:13)
Paul was ready to die for the name of Jesus.

e) Biblical Example: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol despite the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:16-18).

5. REWARD FOR TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

a) Eternal Life with Christ (Matthew 19:29)
Those who sacrifice for Christ will receive a hundredfold reward.

b) Divine Provision and Security (Psalm 37:25)
God takes care of those who follow Him.

c) Power and Authority in Christ (Luke 10:19)
True disciples walk in divine power and victory.

d) The Joy of Fulfilling God's Purpose (John 15:11)
Discipleship brings the joy of knowing we are pleasing God.

e) Biblical Example: Peter left everything to follow Jesus but received spiritual and earthly blessings (Mark 10:28-30).

CONCLUSION:
Following Jesus comes with a price, but the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. True discipleship requires surrender, endurance, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to Christ. Are you willing to pay the cost? If you want to experience the fullness of God’s blessings, you must be ready to follow Him wholeheartedly.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the grace to fully surrender to You.

2. Father, strengthen me to endure every challenge in my walk with You.

3. I receive the grace to remain faithful, even in times of persecution.

4. Lord, remove every worldly attachment hindering my devotion to You.

5. Holy Spirit, empower me to prioritise Your kingdom above all else.

6. I reject every distraction keeping me from true discipleship.

7. Lord, make me a vessel for Your purpose and glory.

8. I declare that I will not compromise my faith for worldly gains.

9. Father, let me experience the rewards of following You.

10. Lord, help me to be a true disciple who impacts others for Your kingdom.