THE DEMANDS OF DISCIPLESHIP
Luke 9:57-62

Introduction:    (Illus: strange ways churches today entice people to come to there services). Today God still sends out the same call…to follow Jesus! The word disciple describes a follower of Jesus Christ (not one who just joins the church). Have you decided to follow Jesus? Notice three would be followers in our text that need to hear the demands of discipleship.

I.          COUNT THE COST (VV.57-58)
Notice the big talk (of a man caught-up in the moment). His problem was that he didn’t know where Jesus was going. God’s way:

            A.        Involves Sacrifice

            B.        Includes Satisfaction

II.         RESPOND UNCONDITIONALLY (VV.59-60)
“Follow me” = trust & obey. Believe what God says and do what God says – that is the hallmark of a Christian disciple. There can be:

            A.        No Compromise

            B.        No Half-Hearted Commitment 

III.       LOOK FORWARD (VV.61-62)

            A.        Speaks Of Contentment

Don’t look back - no man can plough straight if he keeps looking back.

            B.        Speaks Of Continuance

Keep going – keep preaching, singing, teaching, ministering etc.

Are you following Jesus? Have you counted the cost? Are you will to put your hand on the plough and say…wherever He leads I’ll go?

Question: How can I know that I’m a true follower (disciple) of Jesus Christ?

Answer is a question: What is your number one passion? Whatever you’re passionate about is what you’ll serve!

Conclusion:     May the Spirit of God help us to rise to the demands of discipleship.