Counting the Cost: Commitment in Discipleship

Central Idea: True discipleship demands a wholehearted commitment that places Jesus above all else, involving self-denial and willing sacrifice. Counting the cost means understanding that following Christ is not easy but necessary for eternal reward.

INTRODUCTION

We live in a world that often seeks convenience and ease.

We want the benefits without the burdens, the rewards without the effort.

But when it comes to following Jesus, the path is clearly marked: it requires a profound and personal commitment.

Today, we're going to explore what it truly means to "count the cost" of discipleship, examining the unwavering commitment Jesus expects from those who would call themselves His followers.

OBJECTIVES

Jesus Said, “You Cannot Be My Disciple If You Won’t Learn and then Do.”

Jesus Said, “You Cannot Be My Disciple If You Won’t Suffer for Me.”

Jesus Said, “You Cannot Be My Disciple If You Won’t get Off the Fence.”

1. Jesus Said, “You Cannot Be My Disciple If You Won’t Learn and then Do.”

Matthew 7:26–27 ESV

And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Luke 8:21 ESV

But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

John 13:17 ESV

If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

James 1:22 ESV

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Disciples are more than people who learn by means of lectures, sermons, and books.

Disciples are people who learn by doing:

Students sit at desk, listen and learn

An apprentice is hands-on, learning and applying knowledge received

We go to church, listen to sermons, read Christian books, attend Sunday School, or home fellowships, so we gain knowledge.

But if we’re going to be disciples, we must apply it too. If we aren’t, then our knowledge isn’t helping much.

2. Jesus Said, “You Cannot Be My Disciple If You Won’t Suffer for Me.”

Luke 14:26–27 ESV

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

We have so much familiarity with the cross that when Jesus said this, we miss some of the significance.

We put crosses in our churches.

We put crosses in our business brands or logos when we want people to know we’re Christians.

We hang crosses from the rear view mirror in our cars.

We have crosses in our homes.

We have framed pictures of crosses with beautiful poems and verses next to them.

We wear crosses as jewelry or adornments. We put them on necklaces or key chains.

We wear clothing that has crosses embroidered on it.

This was not the case in Roman times

Philippians 1:29 ESV

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

We want our sins forgiven

We want eternal life

We want to be in heaven

We want glorified bodies

3. Jesus Said, “You Cannot Be My Disciple If You Won’t get Off the Fence.”

Joshua Wanted the Israelites to Get Off the Fence (Jos 24:14)

Elijah Wanted the Israelites to Get Off the Fence

1 Kings 18:21 ESV

And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.

Jesus Wanted the Laodiceans to Get Off the Fence (Rev 3)

Luke 14:33 ESV

So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

Not Poverty, But Detachment: This isn't necessarily a call to literal destitution for every disciple. Rather, it speaks to a radical detachment from material possessions. Our identity, security, and hope must not be found in what we own.

Possessions as Potential Idols: Wealth and possessions can easily become idols that compete with our devotion to God. Jesus challenges us to recognize that true security and abundance come from Him alone.

Stewards, Not Owners: We are stewards of God's blessings, not ultimate owners. Our possessions are to be used for His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom, not for our own selfish accumulation.

CONCLUSION

Counting the cost of discipleship is not about making following Jesus harder; it's about making it real. It's about understanding that Jesus calls us to a life of radical commitment, a commitment that prioritizes Him above all else, willingly embraces suffering for His name, and detaches itself from the allure of worldly possessions. Are you willing to count the cost? Are you willing to embrace the cross, love Jesus supremely, and surrender all for His Kingdom? The call is clear, and the reward is eternal life with Him. Let us commit today to be true disciples, having counted the cost and found Christ worthy of it all.