- Introduction
- 1. Being a disciple of anyone costs something.
- 2. The greatest story, example and savior should cost something.
- 3. It is more than just coming, sitting, and doing nothing.
- 4. Discipleship has to consume our whole life.
- 5. The Church is not a social club where you show up once in a while so that you don't get kicked out.
- I. MATTHEW 16:24-26
- A. Jesus Used This Kind of Language Frequently.
- 1. When Jesus invited people, He invited them on a rough journey.
- 2. He never concealed what it means to be His disciple.
- 3. The message that He had could be disturbing (Luke 12:49-51).
- a. We live in an easy culture and forget that we are to be radical.
- b. Many have lost the drive that pushes a disciple.
- B. There Is a Movement Today to Make the Gospel More Comfortable and Relaxing Because People Do Not Want Radical Change.
- 1. People want to be a Christian but not that kind of Christian.
- 2. People want to be religious but not that religious.
- 3. Part-time Christianity is popular today.
- 4. People want a religion with no rules (opposed to authority).
- 5. Have you noticed the news media's contempt for strict Christianity?
- 6. Have you noticed the news media's acceptance of homosexuality?
- C. Jesus Never Took the Radical Edge Off His Message. Repent!
- 1. That means a radical change in mind and conduct.
- 2. It is not a minor change; it is a radical change!
- D. Radical? Matthew 8:18-22
- 1. We need to think about WHO WE ARE!
- 2. What does it mean to confess that Jesus is our Master and Lord?
- 3. It is shocking to see what it means to so many.
- 4. A story is told of a man that thought he loved God but found out that he didn't (Mark 10:17-22).
- a. Jesus didn't call him back.
- b. This is the way it has to be.
- E. A Man That Knew His Bible (Luke 10:25-37)
- 1. Not enough to listen, talk and think about it. You must do it!
- 2. We cannot deal with salvation just at the academic level.
- 3. We must practice what we hear, speak and think about.
- 4. Both of the men that we have read about would be welcome as members in many churches.
- 5. Jesus' attitude was of concern, for He knew there was no other way.
- 6. We cannot set before the world a watered-down gospel that fits our culture.
- 7. We sometimes hide the radical side of Christianity and concentrate on baptism.
- 8. With any contract, people need to understand what they are getting into.
- 9. It costs everything you have and are; it costs your heart.
- F. Three Things Required to Be a Disciple
- 1. Deny self
- a. This would certainly require giving up some things (Titus 2:11-12).
- b. Grace says quit taking poison (Galatians 5:19-22).
- c. To deny self means you have no connection to the person you used to be. Neither Christ nor you will allow it.
- d. This is scary! You are giving yourself away.
- e. Totally giving self to Christ.
- f. Your dreams, plans, values - they all have to go.
- g. Dreams, plans and values are in context of you belonging to Christ.
- h. You don't take a vacation from Christ.
- i. He is not a part of your life; He is your life.
- 2. Take up your cross
- a. Personal cross that identifies with Christ
- b. A cross is an instrument of death.
- c. A paradox: Jesus invites sinners to come and die to be a disciple.
- d. Cross is associated with shame, persecution and rejection (Matthew 10:34-38)
- e. Christian homes are great, but Jesus says you may become a Chrisian and it may be worse.
- f. This crucifixion takes place daily (I Corinthians 15:31; Colossians 3:5).
- g. You do this by setting your mind on heavenly values.
- 3. Follow me
- a. Many professing Christ are committed to a set of rules instead of Christ.
- b. A Christian follows the rules because they depict the Master.
- c. Being committed to a "system" is equal to Phariseeism.
- d. If committed to Christ, the rules will be observed.
- e. Following Him is being guided by those inspired writers that depict how to follow (II John 9).
- f. Peter says that Jesus left us an example to follow (I Peter 2:21).
- g. Did you notice the example? SUFFERING.
- h. II Timothy 3:12; I Peter 4:16
- i. Following His teaching requires two things:
- 1. Learn what is said.
- 2. Practice what you have learned.
- 4. We must study
- a. What concerns me about the listeners of preaching: I get too few questions about what was preached.
- b. There could be three different reasons:
- 1. They don't have any questions because they do not study.
- 2. They have their own ideas and are not willing to share.
- 3. Maybe they agree but don't think the preacher needs to be told.
- Conclusion
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