Our theme in 2020 is “experiencing the fullness of Christ.” As a result, this year, I will be preaching many sermons about Jesus from the pulpit. Several of these sermons will deal with the topic of “discipleship.”
Our first sermon on this topic will be a study of the words of the Lord in Luke 9:23-24. In this text, Jesus presents three costs of authentic discipleship.
Deny Yourself
- To successfully follow Jesus, we must “deny” ourselves. This statement is a paradox. The Lord often used them to explain profound spiritual truths (Luke 9:24; John 9:41; Matthew 20:16).
- The word “deny” that Jesus uses means “to disown.” It is the same word used to describe Peter’s actions in Matthew 26:69-75).
- The topic of “self-denial” permeates its way throughout the New Testament (Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:7).
- Are we willing to put the Lord’s will first and foremost in our lives?
Take Up the Cross
- Taking up the cross involves suffering (Luke 9:22; Revelation 2:10; 1 Peter 4:16). We have to be willing to suffer for the cause of Christ!
- Taking up the cross also involves sacrifice (Romans 12:1). We have to be willing to give up our will to put Jesus first.
- Taking up the cross is not serving the Lord when it is convenient. It is not personal preference or serving Jesus only if it doesn’t get in the way of things that I want to do.
Follow Jesus
- This is precisely what Peter, Andrew, James, and John did (Mark 1:16-20).
- Following Jesus requires sincere devotion. It involves loyalty and allegiance. It is the opposite of what we find in Matthew 26:69-75.
- Following Jesus requires trust. We must trust the Lord’s instructions, even when they may be hard for us to obey (Proverbs 3:5-7).
- Following Jesus requires sticking with Him no matter what (John 6:66-68). We must never leave or desert Him!
Conclusion:
Are you doing the things necessary to be committed to Jesus?
