SF032 - THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP (Matthew 8 18-22)

Matthew 8:18-22

Introduction

What does it mean to be a Christian?

What must a person “do” to be saved?

What will it cost to follow Christ?

Can a person be deceived into believing they are saved when in fact they are not?

1A. The Danger of a Careless Confession (8:19-20)

The scribe was respected among the Jews for his love and knowledge of the scriptures. He was a leader in the religious establishment of his day.

1B. What the scribe confessed (8:19)

He confessed his respect for Jesus.

“Teacher,” a term of great respect.

He was enthusiastic about Jesus’ ministry.

“I will follow You wherever You go”

He was eager to follow Christ.

He was determined to follow Christ.

He was willing to follow Christ anywhere.

2B. What the Lord revealed (8:20)

The Lord revealed the scribe’s superficial confession.

Ø The man’s confession was based on the miracles Jesus had performed not on the message Jesus had proclaimed.

The Lord revealed the scribe’s self-reliant faith.

“I WILL follow,” no prayer for God’s grace.

2A. The Danger of Delayed Devotion (8:21-22)

1B. What the man proposed (8:21)

The man’s asking for permission to bury [his] father, however, did not mean that his father was already dead. The phrase was a common Near Eastern figure of speech that referred to a son’s responsibility to help his father in the family business until the father died and the inheritance was distributed. Obviously such a commitment could involve a long period of time, thirty or forty years or more if the father was relatively young. (MacArthur)

What the man was proposing was to wait until a convenient time to serve the Lord.

2B. What the Lord requires (8:22)

The Lord requires immediate obedience.

Luke 6:46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?”

2 Corinthians 6:2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

The Lord requires complete allegiance

Matthew 6:24 " No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Application

1. Would it not be better to do than to promise?

2. Would it not be better always to pray than to promise?

3. Is Jesus worth the price?

4. Does grace enable us to take Christ with all the consequences?

5. Will you also believe in him, dear friend?

6. Will you trust him?

7. Will you take him to be your Leader and your Lord for ever?

God make it to be so this very day! God make this your spiritual birthday, for his dear Son’s sake! Amen.

Matthew 8:18-22

1A. The Danger of a __________ Confession (8:19-20)

1B. What the scribe ___________________ (8:19)

He confessed his ________________ for Jesus.