Understanding the Assignment The Cost of Discipleship: Understanding and Committing to Christ's Call Luke 14: 25-33
Sermon Resources
Sermon Summary
Title: Understanding the Assignment The Cost of Discipleship: Understanding and Committing to Christ's Call
Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the challenging nature of discipleship as presented by Jesus in Luke 14. It emphasizes the need for intentional planning and commitment in one's spiritual journey, drawing parallels between building a tower, preparing for war, and following Christ. The sermon highlights the importance of spiritual disciplines as means of grace, while ultimately stressing that true discipleship requires complete trust in God, even when the path is uncertain.
Key Points:
Discipleship requires prioritizing God above all else, even family
Spiritual growth needs planning and preparation, like "mise en place" in cooking
John Wesley's "ordinances of God" (spiritual disciplines) are tools for deepening faith
True discipleship may come at a great cost, potentially even one's life
Trusting God completely, even in uncertainty, is essential for discipleship
5-Day Personal Devotional
Day 1: The Cost of Discipleship Reading: Luke 14:25-33
Devotional: Jesus' words about the cost of discipleship can be challenging. He calls us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, even family. This isn't about hating loved ones, but about recognizing the supreme importance of following Christ. Today, reflect on what it means to "carry your cross" in your daily life. Are there comforts or attachments you need to let go of to follow Jesus more fully? Remember, true discipleship requires careful consideration and wholehearted commitment. Pray for the strength to count the cost and follow Christ unreservedly.
Day 2: Faith in Action Reading: James 2:14-26
Devotional: James reminds us that "faith without works is dead." This echoes the sermon's emphasis on putting our faith into practice. It's not enough to simply believe; our faith should transform how we live and interact with others. Today, consider how you can be Christ's hands and feet in your community. Is there a practical way you can show God's love to someone in need? Remember, our actions often speak louder than our words when it comes to sharing the gospel. Ask God to reveal opportunities for you to live out your faith tangibly.
Day 3: God's Presence in Suffering Reading: Romans 8:18-39
Devotional: Life's challenges can sometimes make us question God's love or presence. Yet Paul assures us that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus. This passage reminds us of God's constant presence, even in our darkest moments. Reflect on times when you've felt God's comfort in suffering. How has adversity deepened your faith? Remember, like the young people mentioned in the sermon who face unique challenges, we all encounter difficulties. But God promises to be with us through it all. Pray for the ability to trust God's love and presence, especially in tough times.
Day 4: Spiritual Disciplines for Growth Reading: 1 Timothy 4:7-16
Devotional: The sermon mentioned John Wesley's emphasis on spiritual disciplines or "ordinances of God." Paul similarly encourages Timothy to "train yourself to be godly." Spiritual disciplines aren't about earning salvation, but about creating space for God to work in our lives. Consider which spiritual practices help you grow closer to God. Is it regular Bible study, prayer, fasting, or worship? Choose one discipline to focus on this week. Ask God to use these practices to deepen your relationship with Him and increase your effectiveness in ministry.
Day 5: Living Out Our Baptismal Vows Reading: Romans 6:1-14
Devotional: The sermon reminded us of our baptismal vows, including rejecting evil and confessing Jesus as Savior. Paul's words to the Romans expand on the meaning of baptism – we're united with Christ in His death and resurrection, empowered to live a new life. Today, reflect on your baptism or your commitment to Christ. How are you living out that commitment daily? Are there areas where you need to more fully "count yourself dead to sin but alive to God"? Pray for the Holy Spirit's power to live out your baptismal identity, resisting evil and serving Christ faithfully in all areas of life.
Small Group Guide: "Understanding the Assignment"
Opening Prayer: Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace) Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Key Takeaways:
Discipleship requires intentional planning and preparation.
Following Jesus may mean prioritizing Him above all else, even family.
Spiritual disciplines are important tools for growing in faith.
True discipleship involves trusting God completely, even when the path is unclear.
Discussion Questions:
The sermon mentions young people growing up in a different world than previous generations. How might this impact their approach to faith and discipleship? How can we better connect with and understand younger generations?
Jesus uses hyperbole when he talks about "hating" family to follow him. What do you think He means by this? How do we balance family commitments with our commitment to Christ?
The sermon discusses several spiritual disciplines or "ordinances" outlined by John Wesley. Which of these do you currently practice? Which ones do you find challenging and why?
How do you interpret Jesus' comparisons of discipleship to building a tower or going to war? What might these analogies teach us about the nature of following Christ?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer is quoted as saying, "Not to know where you are going is the true knowledge." How does this relate to faith and discipleship? Have you experienced times of uncertainty in your faith journey?
The sermon mentions "understanding the assignment" in relation to discipleship. What do you think it means to truly understand what God is calling us to do as disciples?
Practical Applications:
Choose one spiritual discipline mentioned in the sermon (public worship, private prayer, Scripture study, fasting, or participating in communion) to focus on this week. Share your experiences with the group next time.
Reflect on your baptismal vows (if applicable). How can you live them out more fully in your daily life?
Consider areas where you might need to "plunge into deep waters beyond your own comprehension" in your faith. What steps can you take to trust God more fully in these areas?
Identify one way you can prioritize your relationship with God this week, even if it means saying no to something else.
Closing Prayer: Close by having group members share prayer requests and praying for one another's discipleship journeys.
