Cost of discipleship

The cost of discipleship involves a denial of self-interests and desires

The cost involves self-denial

Matthew 16:24 KJV 1900

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

See also Mt 10:38; Lk 14:27

Self-denial means not living for oneself

Romans 14:7 KJV 1900

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

See also 2 Co 5:15; Ga 2:20; 1 Pe 4:2

The cost of discipleship is to be carefully considered

Luke 14:28–32 KJV 1900

For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

The cost of discipleship means total commitment to the will of God

Total surrender is required

Luke 14:33 KJV 1900

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

See also Php 3:7–8

The security of the world is to be resisted

Matthew 8:19–20 KJV 1900

And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Jesus Christ must have first priority

Luke 9:59–60 KJV 1900

And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

See also Mt 19:16–21; Col 1:18

Jesus Christ must come before family ties

Luke 9:61–62 KJV 1900

And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

See also Mt 10:37; Lk 14:26

The cost of discipleship is constant

Luke 9:23 KJV 1900

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

The cost of discipleship includes persecution

John 15:20 KJV 1900

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

See also Ac 14:22; 2 Ti 3:12

The cost of discipleship includes willingess to suffer and die for Jesus Christ’s sake

Matthew 10:38–39 KJV 1900

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

See also Mt 16:24–25; Jn 12:25