Disciple: The Cost of Not Following Jesus
Disciple: The Cost of Not Following Jesus
Speaker: Pastor Lee Cummings
Date: September 19, 2020
Today as we look across the landscape of Western culture, is it possible that we have an incomplete view of what it means to truly “follow Jesus?” DISCIPLE will define and distinguish the difference what it means to be a disciple of Jesus vs. a casual Christian and help each of us find the road forward as a disciple.
In Week 2’s sermon titled, The Cost of Not Following Jesus, Pastor Lee reads the story of the rich, young ruler from Luke. We learn about obstacles we run into when following Jesus, along with what we can do to stay the course.
Focus Scripture
Luke 18:18-25 (ESV)
“And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” 21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Sermon Highlights
Jesus knew the rich, young rulers intention when he was asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
There’s several things that keep us from seeing Jesus:
1. Wealth and the lure of money.
2. Youth and our sense of endless potential.
3. A Ruler with power and position.
You cannot serve God and money.
What Jesus will call you to give up may be significantly different than what you’re expecting.
What you have now may last for a moment, but won’t be there in eternity.
Are you willing to pay the price to follow Jesus?
Jesus wants your absolute surrender.
The price of following Jesus is losing what you have now.
The prize of following Jesus is eternity.