Where Loving Him More Than Your Family is the Only Way to Win! It’s a Cross-Fit: The Workout Plan That’ll Have You Carrying Wood and Your Emotional Baggage!
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Welcome, dear friends, to this blessed gathering at our beloved community church. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or have been with us for years, we are truly grateful to share this moment with you. Each of you holds a special place in this congregation, and we’re excited to grow together in faith and fellowship today.
Announcements
- Community BBQ: Join us next Sunday after service for a delightful community BBQ right here at the church grounds. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with one another.
- Bible Study Groups: Don’t forget, our Bible study groups meet every Wednesday at 7 PM. Come dive deeper into God’s word with us.
- Youth Retreat: Exciting news for our young members! The annual youth retreat will take place next month. Registration is open now.
- Volunteers Needed: We’re looking for volunteers to help with our upcoming Thanksgiving Food Drive. Please see Lisa after service if you’d like to participate.
Section 2. Call to Worship
Our call to worship today is inspired by the words of Jesus in Luke 14:25-33. This passage challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship and invites us to follow Him wholeheartedly. As we enter into this time of worship, let’s bring our focus entirely on God, giving Him our undivided attention and praise.
- Responsive Reading:
- Leader: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, even their own life – such a person cannot be my disciple.”
- Congregation: “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
- Hymn: Let’s lift our voices as we sing “Take My Life and Let It Be,” focusing our hearts on total surrender to God’s will.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We gather here today in your presence, grateful for the opportunity to worship and seek your guidance. Open our hearts to hear your word and transform our lives, so we may follow you more faithfully. Fill us with the courage to embrace the cost of discipleship and the joy that accompanies walking in your ways. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Introduction
Our time of praise and worship is a special moment to lift our hearts together to God. Let us join our voices in song, led by our talented worship team, as we celebrate His goodness through both contemporary worship songs and cherished traditional hymns. May this be a time where we feel connected with Him and with each other.
- Contemporary Song: “10,000 Reasons”
- Traditional Hymn: “How Great Thou Art”
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Introduction
Today’s Scripture Reading is from Luke 14:25-33. In this passage, Jesus speaks to a large crowd about the true cost of being His disciple. As we reflect on His words, let us open our hearts to understand the depth of commitment He asks of us and the profound rewards of living in alignment with His teachings.
The Events in the Passage
Jesus addresses His followers candidly, emphasizing the sacrifices required to genuinely follow Him. He uses powerful metaphors to illustrate the need for putting discipleship above all else, even above family and personal desires.
NIV Bible Verse: Luke 14:25-33
The Cost of Being a Disciple:
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:
26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, even their own life – such a person cannot be my disciple.
27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?
29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you,
30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.
33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Intercessory Prayer
Gracious Heavenly Father,
We come before You acknowledging the weighty call of discipleship. Guide us in the wisdom to comprehend the sacrifices You require and grant us the strength to embrace them every day. We pray for our community, that each person may find inspiration in Your Word to follow You with genuine dedication and love. Lead us to support one another as we carry our individual crosses, uniting us in purpose and faith.
Congregational Prayer Response
Congregation: Lord, teach us to count the cost and to follow You fully, trusting in Your promises and seeking first Your kingdom in all that we do.
Section 7. Offering
Message About Tithes and Offerings
As we prepare to give our tithes and offerings, let us remember that this act is not just a duty but a profound expression of our trust and worship. Through giving, we acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God, and we joyfully return a portion to further His work.
Prayer of Thanks
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the resources You have blessed us with. May our offerings today be a reflection of our gratitude and be used to honor You, strengthen our community, and extend Your love into the world. Bless the hands and hearts that give generously. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Introduction to Special Music
We are blessed today to enjoy a special music presentation by our talented choir. This song is a beautiful reminder of God’s unwavering love and the strength we find when we surrender to His will. Allow the music to inspire you and draw you nearer to His presence.
Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools
Let this experience today spark a deeper exploration of what it means to be a true disciple of Christ. Utilize the tools and teachings we’ve shared to guide and sustain you in your journey of faith.
Gain Access to the Complete Short Powerful Sermon
For those eager to delve deeper, access our resources online for the full teaching of today’s message, designed to enrich and equip you in your spiritual walk.
Free Bible Study: The Ultimate Discipleship Challenge: Are You Ready to Count the Cost?
The Journey of Choice: A Story Unfolds
Imagine standing among a bustling crowd as Jesus speaks, His eyes meeting yours with a tender yet piercing gaze. He speaks about discipleship, about carrying your cross – words that weigh heavily on your heart. In that moment, you realize that following Jesus isn’t just a casual decision but a life-changing journey. You feel the stirrings of transformation, the beginnings of a deeper connection, a faith that calls you to a higher purpose. As you reflect, you see not only the cost but the immeasurable joy and fulfillment that comes with true discipleship.
Join Today’s Transformation Movement
We’ve crafted this Bible study message with love, aiming to inspire you and your congregation. Picture sharing this with your church, witnessing their hearts being touched and lives transformed by the Word of God. Your support, through either purchase or membership, fuels this ministry, allowing us to continue offering resources that enrich and encourage spiritual growth.
Supporting Offer:
For a gift of only $4.99, unlock our Bible Study Tie-In today, or become a member for unlimited access to our entire library. Try our 7-Day Free Trial to explore, download, and teach transformative sermons each week.
➔ Purchase the Complete Sermon Here: $4.99
Prayer of Blessing:
May Jesus envelop you and your family with His boundless grace in this precious season of life.
Access Paid Content:
Section 10. Sermon Outline
Sermon Title: “Counting the Cost: The Heart of Discipleship”
Outline of Luke 14:25-33
I. The Call to Discipleship (Verses 25-27)
Explanation: Jesus speaks plainly: following Him requires total devotion. He sets the stage by addressing the large crowds, emphasizing that true discipleship involves denying oneself and carrying one’s cross. It’s not about superficial commitment but about making Jesus the number one priority in our lives.
My Thoughts: This section reminds me that Jesus doesn’t candy-coat the cost of following Him. He’s inviting us into a relationship of radical love and sacrifice. It’s a challenge, but one that leads to the greatest joy.
Personal Commentary: When I reflect on this part of the passage, I realize that genuine discipleship demands a willingness to surrender everything – our time, our desires, even our comfort – to Him. That’s where true transformation begins.
Discipleship Reflection: Are we ready to daily deny ourselves and take up our cross? Is our commitment to Christ more than words but a true heart’s surrender?
Ask Yourself: What is holding me back from fully following Jesus today?
II. The Cost of Building and War (Verses 28-32)
Explanation: Jesus uses two vivid examples: building a tower and preparing for war. Both require careful planning and counting the cost beforehand. He’s saying that spiritual growth and discipleship are investments that demand serious prioritization and preparation.
My Thoughts: I think about how easy it is to start strong but then falter when challenges appear. Jesus is warning us to count the cost so we won’t be discouraged or discouraged others by starting without commitment.
Personal Commentary: This reminds me to evaluate my own spiritual commitments – am I building on a solid foundation? Am I prepared for the battles I will face in faith?
Discipleship Reflection: Are we intentionally planning to grow, or are we drifting aimlessly? Thinking about the price helps us stay grounded in our walk with Christ.
Ask Yourself: Am I truly prepared to invest in my spiritual growth for the long haul?
III. Surrendering Everything for Discipleship (Verses 33)
Explanation: Jesus makes it clear: discipleship is a total surrender – giving up all our possessions, our own plans. Only when we relinquish everything can we truly follow Him.
My Thoughts: This part convicts me; it’s a reminder that superficial faith can’t sustain us. Complete surrender is where true life begins – where we experience His fullness.
Personal Commentary: It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. When I let go of my grip on material things or personal ambitions, I discover a richer, more fulfilling life in Christ.
Discipleship Reflection: What are we holding on to that hinders us from full surrender? How can we practice giving everything to Jesus daily?
Ask Yourself: What do I need to let go of today to follow Jesus more fully?
Section 11. The Sermon
Heading: “Counting the Cost of Following Jesus: Embracing Discipleship”
1. The Call to Discipleship (Verses 25-27)
Following Jesus begins with a heart of surrender. It’s more than just saying yes – it’s a daily choice to put Him first. I think about how that plays out in our lives. Sometimes, we want the benefits of being Christians without the sacrifice involved. But Jesus reminds us that true discipleship requires denying ourselves and carrying our cross. It’s about choosing Him above all else, even when it’s tough.
Personal thoughts: I’ve found that when I genuinely put Jesus first, the other things fall into their rightful place. Discipleship isn’t about perfection but about commitment.
Commentary: Our deepest joy lies in surrender. When we make Jesus the priority, our burdens become lighter because He carries us.
Reflection: Are we willing to surrender everything daily, or do we cling to what we think is ours?
Ask yourself: What’s one thing I need to surrender today to follow Jesus more fully?
2. The Cost of Building and Preparing (Verses 28-32)
Jesus’ illustrations of building a tower and preparing for war serve as powerful reminders that growth and faith require planning. Building anything worthwhile – whether a life of faith or a successful project – requires foresight and sacrifice.
Personal thoughts: I’ve seen many start strong but falter when challenges arise. Jesus urges us to count the cost beforehand so we aren’t caught off guard.
Commentary: Building a strong faith foundation is no different – it takes intentional effort and perseverance. When we prepare our hearts and minds to face difficulties, we grow stronger and more resilient.
Discipleship: Planning and counting the cost keeps us anchored in our faith journey. Without it, we risk burnout or disappointment.
Reflection: Are we living with purpose and intentionality in our faith? Are we preparing ourselves for the battles ahead?
Ask yourself: How am I intentionally investing in my spiritual growth today?
3. Total Surrender: The Heart of Discipleship (Verse 33)
Jesus concludes with a powerful statement: no one can be His disciple unless they are willing to give up everything. This isn’t about becoming perfect but about having a heart open and willing to relinquish control. When we surrender all, we find true freedom and fulfillment.
Personal thoughts: Letting go of possessions and expectations is challenging, but it’s in that surrender that we find Jesus truly begins to lead our lives.
Commentary: Real discipleship calls us to trust Jesus more than our circumstances or material possessions.
Discipleship: I encourage you to evaluate what holds you back from total surrender – fear, pride, greed? And ask Jesus to help you let go.
Reflection: What’s one thing you can surrender today that will bring you closer to Jesus?
Ask yourself: Am I truly willing to surrender everything for Him?
Section 12. Final Thoughts
Reflecting on Luke 14:25-33, we see that discipleship isn’t a half-hearted commitment – it’s a lifelong journey of surrender, planning, and trusting Jesus completely. The path may be difficult, but the reward is an intimately transformed life. Moving forward, let’s ask God to strengthen our resolve, help us count the true cost, and give us a willing heart to follow Him wholeheartedly every day. Remember, Jesus never calls us to something He hasn’t already empowered us to do.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your challenging words that call us to a life of authentic discipleship. Help us to count the cost honestly and follow You wholeheartedly. Strengthen our hearts to surrender everything we have for Your glory. Fill us with Your peace and courage as we commit anew to walking in Your ways. May Your grace sustain us and Your love transform us. We ask this in Your mighty name. Amen.
Section 13. Closing Hymn or Worship Song
Let’s stand together now as we sing our closing hymn. I invite you to lift your voices in worship, uniting our hearts in praise before we leave today. This song is a declaration of our commitment to follow Jesus fully, no matter the cost.
Section 14. Benediction
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and give you peace. As you go forth today, carry the truth of His Word in your heart, and may His grace empower your every step. Go in the love of Christ, knowing He is with you always. Amen.
[/wp_eStore_APR]
