Discipleship (2 of 3)

Luke 14:25-35

Intro: As we continue the series on discipleship, we need to remember that being a disciple is something that never has its objectives met. Once again, let’s look at the definition of a disciple-someone who follows the teachings, training and instruction of another. In our case, those who are saved by the blood of the lord Jesus Christ are His disciples. As I said before being a disciple is not a calling it’s not a choice but it should be a desire. How can we possibly accept Jesus as Lord and savior and not be willing to be like Him. To accept Jesus as Lord is to accept Him as master, to accept Him as master is to accept Him as teacher, to accept Him as teacher is to accept His training and instruction. Tonight in message, two of our series I would like to look at counting the cost of discipleship. Notice with me

& Jesus must come first

(a) Christ doesn’t contradict other teaching

(b) Serving Christ does mean sacrifice

1. Oneself-Be willing to prioritize what needs to be done

2. Relationships-To family, friends, employers and even church

(c) To be understand why Jesus must come first we must realize how Christ uses the word “hate.” The word “hate” isn’t used to describe an emotion such as feeling hurt or angry towards. But rather the word “hate” is used to describe the refusal to submit to the authority of another. God is to be our only authority, our family; friends etc. should be our co-workers for Christ, not our object for service. Serving Jesus and seeking His will should be our common goal.

& Be Identified with Christ

(a) Means to be obedient

1. As Christ was obedient to the will of God (the cross) we should be obedient to the will of Christ.

(b) Means to identify with rejection

1. If we are going to be obedient to the Christ who was rejected by the world, it’s just a matter of time until we face rejection also. We can’t follow His teaching and expect anything else. Examples; the world teaches- at any cost, selfishness, self-centered, me first attitude, do unto others first, take all I can. But the Lord teaches- love, care, concern, others first, giving and sacrifice. Folks it easy to see how following Christ will lead to rejection.

& Being a disciple requires planning and forethought

(a) Christ uses the illustration of building a tower to count the cost. When you build anything, planning is a must. Likewise, when we build our testimony, our ministry, our service and our discipleship planning is a must.

(b) Christ uses the illustration of a king going to war. What He is telling us is that we need a strategy, don’t go into battle without being prepared. If the previous teaches us to plan this illustration should show us we need a strategy to work our plan. Our war isn’t against flesh and blood, it’s against principalities and powers.

Conc. Be a disciple requires us to take responsibility. We are responsible for placing things in proper order, leading by example, being identified with our teacher the Lord Jesus Christ; for planning and working His plan. In our personal lives first and in our families and churches next. Being a disciple isn’t a work load its just being responsible for what God has ask His church to do…