9. Real Discipleship Part II

Text

Luke 14:25-35

Introduction

Last week we discussed some principles of discipleship that were given to us from the Lord and recorded in Luke chapter 14.

In Review:

What is a disciple?

The word simply means scholar or student. One who receives instruction from another.

Last week we learned that Discipleship is an integral part of the Local Church. We discussed 3 elements of discipleship:

1. Love for the Master - "hate not his father, and mother..."

2. Service for the Master - "bear his cross"

3. Surrender for the Master - "forsaketh not all that he hath"

We have looked at the Imperatives now we shall consider the Intent.

In other words... why is Jesus calling us to discipleship?

What is the purpose of discipleship?

Isn't it enough to just be saved and know we are forgiven?

Can anyone be a disciple?

Often when we look at this text we see ourselves as the builder and the general but G. Campbell Morgan suggests that Jesus is the builder and the king. He is looking out at his children and asking for those who would be willing to be used in a greater capacity. When you consider

He said:

Matthew 16:18 KJV 1900

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

In this one verse we have the building and the battling.

"I will build my church"

"the gates of hell shall not prevail"

The intent of discipleship is the formation of Rock hard soldiers that are salty!

I. The Intention to Build- (Stones)

"intending to build a tower"

Illustration: Bro Zamora and his building project- all of the details that went into that project.

A. The Foundation Stone

Christ is the foundation stone

Acts 4:10–12 KJV 1900

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

1 Peter 2:6 KJV 1900

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

"shall not be confounded" - or shall not be put to shame!

Matthew 16:18 KJV 1900

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

B. The Formation Stones

We are also stones- formation stones

1 Peter 2:5 KJV 1900

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:7 KJV 1900

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

"built up"

The Lord is teaching us that he intends to use us to build with and he is letting us know that he does not intend to use 2nd rate material. Discipleship is serious business and cannot be accomplished with inferior building materials. If you desire to be a disciple you must understand the intent to be used as a stone!

He wants us to be:

1. Solid Stones

"Stablish"

Its where we get our word "established"

STABLISH, verb transitive [Latin See Stab.] To fix; to settle in a state for permanence; to make firm.

1 Peter 5:10 KJV 1900

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Can you be relied upon?

2. Steadfast Stones

"be ye stedfast"

1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV 1900

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

3. Steady Stones

"tossed to and fro"

Illustration: Like a flag that is just flying whatever way the wind is blowing!

Ephesians 4:14 KJV 1900

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Not only does the Lord intend to use us as stones to build with, but as soldiers to battle the enemy!

II. The Intention to Battle-(Soldiers)

"going to make war"

Soldiers are ready at a moments notice to be called on to fight and it is another reminder of the intent of discipleship.

2 Timothy 2:4 KJV 1900

No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

A. Its a Worthy Fight - what more could you do with you life?

"a good warfare"

Is there any such thing as a good war? Some have been more popular than others down through the centuries....

1 Timothy 1:18 KJV 1900

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

B. It's a Weary Fight - we will need to endure

Galatians 6:9 KJV 1900

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2 Corinthians 11:27 KJV 1900

In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

2 Timothy 2:3 KJV 1900

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:3 KJV 1900

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

C. It's a Winning Fight - Christ has already promised victory

1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV 1900

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 5:4–5 KJV 1900

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

We have seen the intention to be used as stones and to be called on as soldiers but there is a final aspect of discipleship we must also consider. The Lord intends for a disciple to be salt.

III. The Intention to Brine-Salt

"salt is good"

Illustration: What is a brine and why is it used?

A. Salt is Profitable- (It Has Value)

Salt gives flavor to things and makes people thirsty.

Matthew 5:13 KJV 1900

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Warren Wiersbe states:

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Thirteen: The Man Who Came to Dinner (Luke 14)

Jesus had already told His disciples that they were “the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). When the sinner trusts Jesus Christ as Saviour, a miracle takes place and “clay” is turned into “salt.” Salt was a valued item in that day; in fact, part of a soldier’s pay was given in salt. (The words salt and salary are related; hence, the saying, “He’s not worth his salt.”)

B. Salt is Pungent - (It adds flavor)

Illustration: A Steakhouse with no salt- Indeed salt is good. Can you imagine going to a restaurant and ordering a juicy steak- (even an expensive one like you might find at Ruth's Chris Steak House) - then the waiter brings it to your table and its sizzling on the 500 degree plate, then you look for the salt and there is none at the table. You ask the waiter and he says "I'm sorry sir, we're all out". Now I don't know about you, but I would be furious! WHAT IS A STEAK WITHOUT SALT???

We could ask a similar question- what is an unsalty- christian? "good for nothing"

Modern salt is pure and does not lose its flavor. Salt in Jesus day would lose its flavor if it came into contact with the earth. Once its saltiness was gone there was no way to restore it.

C. Salt is Preserving

Salt is a preservative- and Gods people are here to slow the growth of evil in this dark world.

2 Thessalonians 2:7 KJV 1900

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

Conclusion

We need to remember the imperatives for discipleship as well as the intent. There are things we must do ...Can anyone be a disciple? The answer is no. Only those who will forsake all!

But, there is also a reason- the intent.

1. That we would be Stones

2. That we would be Soldiers

3. That we would be Salty

May it be our desire to pay the price of discipleship!!