Cost of Discipleship

esus defines what it means to be a disciple. THREE NON_NEGOTIABLES **Vs 26 Love Him so supremely that all other true loves seem like hate. **Vs 27 Carry one's cross and follow Him, like villagers may have seen men being asked to carry a cross and were not seen again. **Vs 33 Forsake all that one has |||||

TWO ILLUSTRATIONS **Vs 28-30 Building a tower and counting the cost **Vs 31-32 Going to war and counting the cost |||||

WHAT IS THE TRUE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP? [1.] REAL COST PAID BY JESUS: Whatever else it may cost, think about what it cost Him. Isaiah 53, Phil 2:5-8, Heb 12:1-3. Died on the cross that we can go free. Our cost is nothing in comparison. [2.] REAL COST PAID BY US IN FOLLOWING JESUS: Mark 8:35, "Discipleship is a series of deaths (Kent Hughs)" 2Cor4:7-11 We are knocked down but not knocked out. Acts 7 Stephen. Luke 9:23 Daily deaths. "A religion that costs nothing is worth nothing. A cheap Christianity, without a cross, will prove in the end a useless Christianity, without a crown. (J.C.Ryle)" [3.] IT'S ALWAYS WORTH PAYING THE COST "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. (Jim Elliott)" Matt 7:13-14, Matt 13:44-46. 2Cor 4:17-18 light momentary affliction Vs eternal weight of glory.  [4.] THE REAL COST OF NOT FOLLOWING JESUS: Heb11:22-25, Mark 8:36-37 'forfeit his soul', 2Thes 1:6-10 Suffer eternal destruction away from the presence of the Lord.