Luke 14:26-35 - Reasons NOT to be a Disciple - July 1, 2012

0.     Before becoming a disciple, you should count the cost.  Luke 14:28-32

We are not able to serve God because He is holy:  Joshua 24:19-20

If we choose to serve God anyway, then we are responsible to be Holy:  Joshua 24:21-24

1.     You would not want to be a disciple because it disrupts your family relationships.  Luke 14:26

You will be hated for following Christ:  Matthew 10:21-25

When loved ones tempt you to stop following Christ, choose God:  Deuteronomy 13:6-8

2.     You would not want to be a disciple because it leads to persecution.  Luke 14:27

You will be persecuted because Jesus was:  John 15:20

Not only will we be persecuted, but, when we are persecuted, we are supposed to bless our persecutors:  Romans 12:14, 1 Corinthians 4:12

3.     You would not want be a disciple because it costs you everything.  Luke 14:33

For some people, having nothing is a prerequisite for salvation:  Mark 10:21

Giving God everything is always a co-requisite of salvation:  Matthew 16:26

The reasons to become a disciple:  Luke 14:34-35

Answers to the challenges of relationships:

We can love and influence our non-believing family:  Exodus 20:12, 1 Peter 3:1-4

Answers to the challenges of persecution:

If we are persecuted with Christ, we rejoice with Him & have His Spirit:  1 Peter 4:12-14

Answers to the challenges of giving all to God:

If we give all to God, we will not have to worry about our needs:  Matthew 6:30-33

Advantages of being a disciple:

We recognize that there is no viable alternative: John 6:66-69

If we are a disciple, our service is not by our own strength:  Zechariah 4:6b