MONTHLY STUDY LESSON
Introduction
Jesus never wanted to accept disciples under false pretenses, so he always let them know what was the price of discipleship. Jesus was attractive and winsome. He did not want crowds to follow him without an appreciation of what they would have to give up. Jesus wanted to separate the casual from the consecrated disciples.
We sing, "It pays to serve Jesus." That is true enough, but it also costs to serve Jesus. What are the prices too high for the "summer soldier and sunshine patriot"? What are the barriers to discipleship?
A. The first would-be disciple in our passage would not follow because he would have to give up some creature comforts. What about you?
B. The gospel is simple, but it is not easy. It calls people to move to a mission field or give of their treasure.
C. There are many people willing to be in the army as long as they only march in parades. Very few are willing to march into battle.
D. The gospel may very well make you comfortable in some areas. More than making you a happy person though, the gospel wants to make you a fulfilled person.
II. There is the barrier of misplaced priorities.
A. The second would-be disciple felt the call of family ties over the call to discipleship. (Note: Jesus was not denying this man a chance to go to his father's funeral. He used an expression which meant "Wait until my father dies.")
B. Some, like this man, make family the focus of their lives.
C. Some make work the focus of their lives.
D. Some make leisure the focus of their lives.
E. Some make self the focus of their lives.
F. Where is God in all of this?
G. Not all these things are bad in themselves, but become bad when they keep us from being Jesus' disciple.
A. We often try to put off any decision whatsoever.
B. We often put off decisions because they are limiting.
C. We often put off decisions because they are risky.
D. Not to decide is to decide, and it is a way to say, "No."
E. Too many people don't so much decide against Jesus as fail to decide for him.
Conclusion
Yes, there are benefits to living the Christian life. Those benefits are significant. Those benefits do not come except to those who will pay the price. Remember, ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.
Illustrations
G. K. Chesterton said, "Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and not tried."
A moping soldier, walking aimlessly, was confronted by his sergeant, "What are you doing?" asked the sergeant. "Just procrastinating sergeant," said the soldier. "O.K. then," said the sergeant, "just so I know you are busy."
It was Dietrich Bonhoffer who reminded his readers that when Jesus calls us, he calls us to come and die. Bonhoffer's most famous work was entitled The Cost of Discipleship
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email or write to:
Dan Steinruck
2741 Briarpatch Lane
Powhatan, VA 23139
Phone (804) 598-4675
FAX (804) 598-1468
