Understanding the Cost of Discipleship

I had mentioned last week that faith would be this weeks topic, but some additional examples came to mind to help establish understanding of the cost of discipleship. Luke 14:33 clearly states that "whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple". "All that you have" means whatever things are important to you that Jesus knows will be a hindrance to becoming complete in Him. The great thing is that Jesus will show you what those things are as He reveals what He wants to replace that with. Acts 5:1-11 gives the account of Ananias and Sapphira lying in the presence of the Holy Spirit and "breathing their last". This is certainly not the most recent incidence of someone lying in church, yet because the presence of God was so strong upon the apostles, even that which happens regularly brought judgement. He is a holy God and a consuming fire! Verse 12-14  states " and through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all in one accord in Solomon's Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly, and believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women".  None of the remaining liars and likewise dared join the the apostles because the cost of discipleship had been made clear to them: they had to be WILLING to turn from their wicked ways and receive the salvation unto righteousness in Christ Jesus! Obviously they were not willing! Yet the account clearly states that others did count the cost and were added to the Lord. It is interesting to note that the failure/withdrawal rate from medical school is very low.  The accepted students know the cost will require serious devotion to study over an extended period of time. Their lives will be changed by the devotion necessary to matriculate successfully to the desired end- an MD degree. On the other hand, the lack of completion rate in community colleges is much higher. In many cases, the student has not counted the cost of completion yet wants the same trappings as the medical student- the opportunity for a successful career.   It is imperative for the individual making a decision to receive the Lord's salvation to understand what the cost is and that they have been provided the seed for completion in Him- a measure of faith! It is His promise that, if you understand the cost of discipleship and are willing to take appropriate action, He will provide the grace to become complete in Him!   I think folks would be well-served to understand this truth before they decide. Jesus said that it is better to be cold than lukewarm. Cold is dead to Christ and knows it. Lukewarm is a little bit hot and a little bit cold but THINKS it is OK. Jesus says He would rather have you cold, and know it, even more so HOT and know it.

Welcome to the Narrow Gate Ministry

Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to life, there are few who find it. (Matt.7:13,14)

 

Then one said to Him, "Lord, are there few who are saved?" And He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many I say to you will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying 'Lord, Lord open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you and where you are from,'  "then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' But He will say, "I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.' (Luke 13:23-27)

 

Question is, to how many of us does this Word apply? Clearly, the people in context feel they are ready for eternity with Jesus Christ. How can there be such a gaping discrepancy between what Jesus knows and the feelings of the workers of iniquity? They addressed Jesus as Lord and the scripture plainly says that no one can call Jesus Lord except by the Holy Spirit. I certainly never did until I had been born again!

 

I understand the answer to be found in Luke 14:25-33. Jesus speaks of the cost of coming to Him:

 

1) father, mother, wife , children, brothers, sisters or the individual's life cannot be more influential than He

2) the individual must be willing to bear the cross that His perfect will requires

3) the act of receiving the foundation of salvation without understanding what will be required.  Jesus fully intends to build this spiritual house to completion

4) be willing to forsake that which he thinks he has for what Jesus has in store

 

If you did not understand these Words at the time you entered into His Kingdom, do you understand and walk in them now? Many are in this boat. Would not it be swift to know these things before so as not to become lukewarm!

 

The purpose of this ministry is assist individuals to and through the narrow gate! Although "difficult is the way" as we come to the end of ourselves, victory in Jesus fulfills mightily for our spirit, soul, body, vocation and a good land!   The fullness of the Father's salvation in Christ!

 

Where the process begins is understanding what faith is, as I am convinced that the measure of faith precedes even the new birth.

 

Next time: Starting with Faith