Over the past few days I’ve talked about being a deliberate disciple for Jesus Christ. First, I discussed that we need to be church “doers” and not just church “goers.” Second, I outlined God’s plan and how we must submit to His plan, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable it may be. Finally, I discussed the first step in being a deliberate disciple for Jesus Christ: be a servant to the people, just like Jesus.
In my opinion, these are all worthy topics, but our sinful human nature wants to know what it’ll cost us. Time? Money? Resources? Friends?
Today I want to focus on Luke 6:40—The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.
As a Christ follower, we cannot expect to be treated any better than Jesus. He was betrayed, beaten, and died a painful death. So, what’s the cost for us? The cost is simple—we must deny ourselves and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; Luke 14:27). Jesus’ greatest sermon ever preached, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), is our roadmap for how we should live, and therefore, how we should disciple. As Christ’s disciples, we can be assured that we will face adversity, persecution, and hatred. So, back to what you really want to know, the cost of following and being Jesus’ disciple. Pastor Howard Culbertson summed it up pretty well in an article published in the Standard in February 1980:
“There is no cheap price tag on true discipleship. No discounts are offered. No shortcuts have been discovered. Discipleship is much more than a course to be mastered and a grade to be earned. It’s much more than a list of facts to be memorized; it’s more than keeping a daily journal.
Certainly, we must study what it means to be a disciple. The content of the Sermon on the Mount must be mastered if we are to live it. Journals or notebooks and other tools can help us in developing our personal spiritual discipline.
But being a true disciple is a total lifestyle. Having learned something of what it means to be a disciple doesn't mean we have arrived. It means we can now begin. Living the Sermon on the Mount is something that must be redone fresh every day. There's nothing cheap about that kind of discipleship. It will cost you the rest of your life.”
Certainly, we must study what it means to be a disciple. The content of the Sermon on the Mount must be mastered if we are to live it. Journals or notebooks and other tools can help us in developing our personal spiritual discipline.
But being a true disciple is a total lifestyle. Having learned something of what it means to be a disciple doesn't mean we have arrived. It means we can now begin. Living the Sermon on the Mount is something that must be redone fresh every day. There's nothing cheap about that kind of discipleship. It will cost you the rest of your life.”
Pastor Culbertson made some pretty good points: discipleship is a full-time job and one that you must joyfully participate in every single day. Discipleship is a lifestyle. Discipleship is a choice that we must make—daily—to further the Kingdom.
The good news (yes, there is good news) is that Jesus is right there with us, every single step of the way. 1 Corinthians 10:13 discusses how God will not allow us to be tempted more than we can bear. Don’t get caught up on the word “tempted” because the Greek word for “temptation” and “tempted” can also mean “tested.” As deliberate disciples for Jesus Christ, we will be tested. We must keep our hand on the plow and continue to focus ahead (Luke 9:62)—Jesus is right there with us.
Discipleship is hard; however, like all things good (showing people the love and grace of Christ, for example), the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
I encourage you this week to study your Bible and get close to God. Invite a friend to church or your house and share with them how God has transformed your life. Discipleship starts now…let’s get to work!
Yours in Christ,
Jeremy
Yours in Christ,
Jeremy