Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Reveal the ways that we want to follow Jesus but also hesitate to fully commit.

God wants to restore us and to remake us into being the men we were intended to be and to experience the world in the way that we were intended to experience it, but many of us are missing out on this because we’re holding back.

What are some of the things that get in the way?

Are you bothered by how harsh Jesus is here?

In a culture where churches do everything they can to attract and to not offend, how do you feel about Jesus here?

Proposition: Following Jesus requires us to count the cost and to make a definitive decision.

So what do we mean by counting the cost and what does a definitive decision look like?

1.

The “Says All the Right Things” Disciple (9:57-58)

Explain it — What does that mean?

He’s seen the miracles, he’s heard the buzz, he wants in on the action.

He’s ready to change the world but he’s misunderstanding the method.

Explain it — What does that mean?

Illustrate it — Is it really true?

Apply it — Following Jesus requires willing sacrifice.

2. The “As Soon as I Get My Life Together” Disciple (9:59-60)

Explain it — What does that mean?

As soon as I get my life together or as soon as I sow a few more wild oats.

“I know its right and I’m going to do it” (but you wait).

Looking after an old parent is good but there’s something better.

He who doesn’t hate mother and father is not fit for the kingdom.

There may have been something in it for him.

An inheritance.

I want to enjoy this moment first.

Let the dead bury the dead — He’s pointing out that this guy is doing what everyone else does.

The kingdom requires something entirely different.

Illustrate it — Is it really true?

Apply it — Following Jesus requires immediate obedience.

3. The “One Foot In; One Foot Out” Disciple (9:61-62)

Explain it — What does that mean?

Don’t look back.

(Lot’s wife = she didn’t want to leave the life they had.

she was hesitant;

Illustrate it — Is it really true?

Apply it — Following Jesus requires unwavering allegiance.

Christ

* How does this text point us to Christ, and how does that motivate us to change and respond to this passage/principle?

How does Christ motivate this principle?

How does this text point us to Christ, and how does that motivate us to change and respond to this passage/principle?

Explain his reference to himself as the Son of Man (3rd person) instead of just saying “I”

Jesus was and is fully invested in the redemption of humanity and the restoration of creation.

We see it in the sacrifice of becoming human, living a life of trusting obedience and not looking back when death was staring him in the face.

The resurrection proves that all this was not done in vain and provides us with the hope that any cost paid here is going to be worth it.

()

Jesus was and is fully invested into the restoration of His beloved children, we see it when He entered into Mary’s womb, to His sacrificial death, to Him conquering the grave.

Conclusion

So what?

Provide the vision for how our lives/world would be different if we would just apply this truth from Scripture.

This is the inspiration part of the message.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Life with Christ will not let you down.