How to Truly Become a Disciple of Jesus

TL;DR

To truly become a disciple of Jesus, one must fully surrender and give up everything, as emphasized in Luke 14:27. This means not just being a Christian in name, but actively following Jesus' teachings and living a life of complete devotion. The journey involves counting the cost, understanding the depth of commitment required, and embracing the inheritance of abundant life promised to true disciples.

Transcript

Luke 14:27 it says and whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple Jesus says suppose one of you wants to build a tower won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it for if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it everyone who sees it will ridicule you sa... Read More

Key Insights

• True discipleship requires complete surrender to Jesus, beyond just identifying as a Christian.
• Jesus emphasizes the importance of 'counting the cost' before committing to being his disciple.
• Discipleship involves a lifestyle change, prioritizing God's work and teachings above personal desires.
• The inheritance of a disciple includes abundant life, peace, joy, and spiritual gifts.
• Being a disciple means actively participating in the spread of God's kingdom and supporting ministry work.
• Jesus' teachings in Luke 14 highlight the serious commitment required to be his disciple.
• The concept of discipleship includes living out one's purpose and contributing to God's work.
• Financial support and personal sacrifice are integral to advancing God's kingdom on earth.

Questions & Answers

Q: What does it mean to count the cost of discipleship?

Counting the cost of discipleship means understanding and accepting the full commitment required to follow Jesus. It involves evaluating the sacrifices needed, such as giving up personal desires and prioritizing God's work. This concept is highlighted in Luke 14, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of fully committing to being his disciple and being prepared for the challenges and responsibilities that come with it.

Q: How is being a disciple different from being a Christian?

Being a disciple involves a deeper level of commitment than simply identifying as a Christian. While a Christian believes in Jesus, a disciple actively follows his teachings and fully surrenders to his will. Discipleship requires a lifestyle change, complete devotion, and participation in spreading God's kingdom. It includes living out one's purpose and contributing to ministry work through personal sacrifices and financial support.

Q: What inheritance do disciples of Jesus receive?

Disciples of Jesus receive an inheritance that includes abundant life, peace, joy, and spiritual gifts. This inheritance is both eternal and present, offering a relationship with God and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Disciples are promised healing, freedom, and the ability to live out their purpose, contributing to God's kingdom on earth and experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus offers.

Q: Why is financial support important in discipleship?

Financial support is crucial in discipleship because it enables the spread of God's kingdom and the advancement of ministry work. Jesus' ministry relied on the support of disciples who contributed financially, allowing him to travel and preach. Similarly, modern disciples are called to support ministry efforts, ensuring that resources are available to reach more people with the gospel and facilitate events and activities that promote spiritual growth and transformation.

Q: What role do personal sacrifices play in being a disciple?

Personal sacrifices are integral to being a disciple, as they demonstrate a commitment to prioritizing God's work over personal desires. Disciples are called to give up their own dreams and ambitions, embracing a lifestyle that aligns with Jesus' teachings. These sacrifices may include time, resources, and comfort, reflecting a willingness to fully surrender to God's will and contribute to the spread of his kingdom.

Q: How does one live out their purpose as a disciple?

Living out one's purpose as a disciple involves actively participating in the spread of God's kingdom and using one's gifts and talents to serve others. Disciples are called to be vessels of God's love and power, sharing the gospel and supporting ministry work. This includes financial contributions, personal sacrifices, and engaging in activities that promote spiritual growth and transformation, ultimately fulfilling the calling to be a powerful witness for Jesus.

Q: What is the significance of Luke 14 in understanding discipleship?

Luke 14 provides a clear understanding of the commitment required for discipleship. Jesus emphasizes the need to 'count the cost' and fully surrender to his teachings. The passage highlights the seriousness of being a disciple, requiring individuals to prioritize God's work, make personal sacrifices, and embrace a lifestyle change. It serves as a reminder that true discipleship involves a deep, unwavering commitment to following Jesus and contributing to his kingdom.

Q: How can one contribute to God's kingdom as a disciple?

Contributing to God's kingdom as a disciple involves actively participating in ministry work, supporting the spread of the gospel, and using one's resources to further God's mission. This includes financial contributions to support church activities and events, personal sacrifices to prioritize God's work, and engaging in activities that promote spiritual growth and transformation. Disciples are called to be vessels of God's love and power, sharing the gospel and serving others with their gifts and talents.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Becoming a disciple of Jesus means fully surrendering and committing to his teachings, as emphasized in Luke 14. This involves a lifestyle change and prioritizing God's work above personal desires. Disciples receive an inheritance of abundant life, peace, and joy, and are called to actively participate in spreading God's kingdom.

• Discipleship requires counting the cost and understanding the depth of commitment. Jesus' teachings highlight the need for complete devotion and the importance of supporting ministry work. Financial contributions and personal sacrifices are essential to advancing God's kingdom.

• True discipleship is more than identifying as a Christian; it involves living out one's purpose, receiving spiritual gifts, and contributing to God's work. The journey includes embracing the inheritance promised to disciples and participating in the spread of God's kingdom.