The Cost of Discipleship

I. DISCIPLESHIP IS NOT DESIGNED TO HELP GOD, BUT TO HELP US:

1. We have opportunity to tap the infinite resources of God.
2. Our lives can have significance rather than mediocrity.
3. Yet, Jesus warns us to count the cost – our lives.

II. COUNTING THE COST (Luke 14:1-35).

1. “They were watching Him closely” (Luke 14:1).
   • People watched Jesus to see if He was genuine.
   • What do people see as they watch you?
2. “In front of Him was a certain man suffering” (Luke 14:2).
   • Jesus was constantly in touch with the needs of people.
   • What needs do you see around you that would involve some risk in order to meet?
3. “Do not take the place of honor” (Luke 14:8).
   • People will notice your humility as you take the lower seat.
   • The result is our feeling good, not bad (Luke 14:10): The commands of God are not arbitrary, but designed for our best.
4. “He who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
   • It is not an issue of simply satisfying our desires, but that they need to be satisfied His way.
   • We want what God has promised, but we are unwilling to pay the price.
     • A person cannot get without giving.
     • A person cannot live without dying.
     • What is the price you must pay to live in humility?
5. “They all alike began to make excuses” (Luke 14:18).
   • Why would anyone reject the invitation to God’s table (1 Corinthians 2:6-8)?
   • Property, possessions and passion all got in the way. What has gotten in the way for you?
   • The cost involved in following Christ.
     1. What is the cost in becoming a Christian (Ephesians 2:8-9)?
     2. What is the cost in becoming a disciple (Ephesians 2:10)?
6. “Great multitudes were going along with Him” (Luke 14:25).
   • It is often in vogue to speak a word for Jesus (politicians, sports heroes, etc).
   • The multitudes followed, but “The sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him” (Luke 15:1).
   • There is a spirit of desperation within the disciple. At what point in your life have you been desperate?
7. “First sit down and calculate the cost” (Luke 14:28).
   • The spies sent into the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14).
     • How was the cost too high for them (Numbers 13:32-33)?
     • They were walking by sight, not by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). How have you been walking by sight?
     • They had an undue concern for their families (Numbers 14:3, Luke 14:26). What about for you?
   • Two illustrations of counting the cost: tower and battle (Luke 14:28-32).
8. “If even salt has become tasteless” (Luke 14:34).
   • Is Jesus describing a believer who refuses to be a disciple?
   • Going back on a commitment is good for nothing.
     1. You can’t save him (he is).
     2. You can’t use him (he’s unavailable).

III. DESTROY ALL AVENUES OF RETREAT:

1. What does that statement mean to you?
2. When Cortez landed at Vera Cruz (1519), he sought to conquer Mexico. He set fire to his eleven ships, and his 700 men had only one direction to go.
3. Are you willing to pay the price to follow Jesus (Luke 14:27)?
4. In what ways do you need to make changes to be available for God and His mission for your life?