Kingdom Discipleship | Michael Gossett | Luke 14:25-35

Well, uh, the fall is quickly Well, uh, the fall is quickly approaching. Uh, which means one thing approaching. Uh, which means one thing approaching. Uh, which means one thing in East Texas. Uh, it might get down in in East Texas. Uh, it might get down in in East Texas. Uh, it might get down in the 90s for a few more months. All the 90s for a few more months. All the 90s for a few more months. All right. And so, right. And so, right. And so, but here's what I love. It also means a but here's what I love. It also means a but here's what I love. It also means a couple other things. Okay. Um, couple other things. Okay. Um, couple other things. Okay. Um, college football is back. college football is back. college football is back. >> Um, Cowboys are back. Kind of. Uh, >> Um, Cowboys are back. Kind of. Uh, >> Um, Cowboys are back. Kind of. Uh, looked great last night. Didn't watch. I looked great last night. Didn't watch. I looked great last night. Didn't watch. I was in bed sleeping. Okay. But, uh, I was in bed sleeping. Okay. But, uh, I was in bed sleeping. Okay. But, uh, I hear they look pretty good. All right. hear they look pretty good. All right. hear they look pretty good. All right. So, listen, there's hope, all right, for So, listen, there's hope, all right, for So, listen, there's hope, all right, for the Cowboys. But not only that, listen, the Cowboys. But not only that, listen, the Cowboys. But not only that, listen, uh, Friday night lights are back, okay? uh, Friday night lights are back, okay? uh, Friday night lights are back, okay? I mean, so you have all these things. I I mean, so you have all these things. I I mean, so you have all these things. I mean, hunting season is here. And, you mean, hunting season is here. And, you mean, hunting season is here. And, you know, I always say the same thing every know, I always say the same thing every know, I always say the same thing every year. I'm like, man, this year, you year. I'm like, man, this year, you year. I'm like, man, this year, you know, my team's going to win the natty. know, my team's going to win the natty. know, my team's going to win the natty. This year, the Cowboys are going to go This year, the Cowboys are going to go This year, the Cowboys are going to go to the Super Bowl. This year, I'm going to the Super Bowl. This year, I'm going to the Super Bowl. This year, I'm going to kill that big buck and replace that to kill that big buck and replace that to kill that big buck and replace that baby deer in my office. I'm going to do baby deer in my office. I'm going to do baby deer in my office. I'm going to do all these things, right? Um all these things, right? Um all these things, right? Um and and the reality is is that whatever and and the reality is is that whatever and and the reality is is that whatever team you go to cheer for, whatever team you go to cheer for, whatever team you go to cheer for, whatever colors you put on, colors you put on, colors you put on, you know, there's a significant you know, there's a significant you know, there's a significant difference between those who are difference between those who are difference between those who are watching in the stands and those who are watching in the stands and those who are watching in the stands and those who are playing on the field. You know, playing on the field. You know, playing on the field. You know, spectators of any game spectators of any game spectators of any game have no real out uh uh there's no have no real out uh uh there's no have no real out uh uh there's no consequence of the outcome of the game, consequence of the outcome of the game, consequence of the outcome of the game, right? There's nothing really a right? There's nothing really a right? There's nothing really a spectator can do to change the outcome

spectator can do to change the outcome spectator can do to change the outcome of the game, but you have players on the of the game, but you have players on the of the game, but you have players on the field who actually do have a an field who actually do have a an field who actually do have a an opportunity to change the outcome of the opportunity to change the outcome of the opportunity to change the outcome of the game. game. game. And here's the the truth that we see of And here's the the truth that we see of And here's the the truth that we see of Luke 14:es Luke 14:es Luke 14:es 25-35. Jesus allows us to know Jesus allows us to know that a spectator of the kingdom that a spectator of the kingdom that a spectator of the kingdom has no real impact has no real impact has no real impact in the kingdom. in the kingdom. in the kingdom. Like there has to be this moment in your Like there has to be this moment in your Like there has to be this moment in your life. There has to be a moment in our life. There has to be a moment in our life. There has to be a moment in our lives of where we move from being a lives of where we move from being a lives of where we move from being a spectator of the kingdom of God to being spectator of the kingdom of God to being spectator of the kingdom of God to being a participant in the kingdom of God. And a participant in the kingdom of God. And a participant in the kingdom of God. And I believe that this is the gift of what I believe that this is the gift of what I believe that this is the gift of what Jesus does right here in Luke chapter Jesus does right here in Luke chapter Jesus does right here in Luke chapter 14. these verses 25 through35 is that it 14. these verses 25 through35 is that it 14. these verses 25 through35 is that it gives us three elements so that you and gives us three elements so that you and gives us three elements so that you and I can understand whether or not you are I can understand whether or not you are I can understand whether or not you are a spectator or a participant in the a spectator or a participant in the a spectator or a participant in the kingdom of God. And so I want to invite kingdom of God. And so I want to invite kingdom of God. And so I want to invite you, if you're willing and able, would you, if you're willing and able, would you, if you're willing and able, would you stand with me as we read this you stand with me as we read this you stand with me as we read this passage together, starting in verse 25, starting in verse 25, uh, going all the way through the end uh, going all the way through the end uh, going all the way through the end through 35. And it says this, starting through 35. And it says this, starting through 35. And it says this, starting in verse 25,

in verse 25, in verse 25, it says, "Now great crowds were it says, "Now great crowds were it says, "Now great crowds were traveling with him. traveling with him. traveling with him. So he turned and said to them, "If So he turned and said to them, "If So he turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his anyone comes to me and does not hate his anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and own father and mother, wife and own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my even his own life, he cannot be my even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. disciple. disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and Whoever does not bear his own cross and Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." come after me cannot be my disciple." come after me cannot be my disciple." For which of you wanting to build a For which of you wanting to build a For which of you wanting to build a tower doesn't first sit down and tower doesn't first sit down and tower doesn't first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has calculate the cost to see if he has calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, after enough to complete it? Otherwise, after enough to complete it? Otherwise, after he has laid the foundation and cannot he has laid the foundation and cannot he has laid the foundation and cannot finish it, all the onlookers will begin finish it, all the onlookers will begin finish it, all the onlookers will begin to ridicule him, saying, "This man to ridicule him, saying, "This man to ridicule him, saying, "This man started to build and wasn't able to started to build and wasn't able to started to build and wasn't able to finish." Or what king going to war finish." Or what king going to war finish." Or what king going to war against another king will not first sit against another king will not first sit against another king will not first sit down and decide if he is able to uh with down and decide if he is able to uh with down and decide if he is able to uh with 10,000 to oppose the one who comes 10,000 to oppose the one who comes 10,000 to oppose the one who comes against him with 20. against him with 20. against him with 20. If not, while the other is still far If not, while the other is still far If not, while the other is still far off, he sends a delegation and asks for off, he sends a delegation and asks for off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.

terms of peace. terms of peace. In the same way, therefore, every one of In the same way, therefore, every one of In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not renounce all his you who does not renounce all his you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple. possessions cannot be my disciple. possessions cannot be my disciple. Now salt is good, but if salt should Now salt is good, but if salt should Now salt is good, but if salt should lose its taste, how will it be made lose its taste, how will it be made lose its taste, how will it be made salty? salty? salty? It isn't fit for the soil or for the It isn't fit for the soil or for the It isn't fit for the soil or for the manure pile, they throw it out. Let manure pile, they throw it out. Let manure pile, they throw it out. Let anyone who has ears to hear listen. anyone who has ears to hear listen. anyone who has ears to hear listen. Heavenly Father, we ask you today, Heavenly Father, we ask you today, Heavenly Father, we ask you today, Lord, that in our limited time, Lord, that in our limited time, Lord, that in our limited time, in our li our limited understanding, in our li our limited understanding, in our li our limited understanding, in our limited knowledge of you, in our limited knowledge of you, in our limited knowledge of you, our limited our limited our limited need, our understanding of our need for need, our understanding of our need for need, our understanding of our need for you, God, in all of these things, in all you, God, in all of these things, in all you, God, in all of these things, in all of our limitations, we ask by the spirit of our limitations, we ask by the spirit of our limitations, we ask by the spirit of God of God of God who has no limitations who has no limitations who has no limitations Father, to open our eyes to your truth, Father, to open our eyes to your truth, Father, to open our eyes to your truth, God, that you would draw us unto God, that you would draw us unto God, that you would draw us unto yourselves, Father. Open our eyes so yourselves, Father. Open our eyes so yourselves, Father. Open our eyes so that we can understand, Father, whether that we can understand, Father, whether that we can understand, Father, whether or not we are really a participant or not we are really a participant or not we are really a participant as a disciple in your kingdom. And it's as a disciple in your kingdom. And it's as a disciple in your kingdom. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Well, you may be seated once again. Well, you may be seated once again. Well, you may be seated once again. So, you remember last week So, you remember last week So, you remember last week up to verse 24, it was all about kingdom up to verse 24, it was all about kingdom up to verse 24, it was all about kingdom vision. vision. vision. Like Jesus is laying it out like this is Like Jesus is laying it out like this is Like Jesus is laying it out like this is what kingdom vision is all about. That what kingdom vision is all about. That what kingdom vision is all about. That you would reject pride and that you you would reject pride and that you you would reject pride and that you would pursue the forgotten, that you would pursue the forgotten, that you would pursue the forgotten, that you would expand the table. And this is what would expand the table. And this is what would expand the table. And this is what we see. This is what we are running we see. This is what we are running we see. This is what we are running after as far as our purpose. But then after as far as our purpose. But then after as far as our purpose. But then Jesus takes it a step further and now Jesus takes it a step further and now Jesus takes it a step further and now goes from this is what you see goes from this is what you see goes from this is what you see to this is how you do it. to this is how you do it. to this is how you do it. Like this is how you you go from just Like this is how you you go from just Like this is how you you go from just looking at what the kingdom is supposed looking at what the kingdom is supposed looking at what the kingdom is supposed to be about to actually entering in and to be about to actually entering in and to be about to actually entering in and participating in the kingdom work with participating in the kingdom work with participating in the kingdom work with Christ. It is exactly the way Jesus Christ. It is exactly the way Jesus Christ. It is exactly the way Jesus opens up this entire passage. opens up this entire passage. opens up this entire passage. Because verse 25, it says that there Because verse 25, it says that there Because verse 25, it says that there were crowds were crowds were crowds that were traveling with him.

that were traveling with him. that were traveling with him. That's how it starts out to recognize That's how it starts out to recognize That's how it starts out to recognize that there are crowds traveling with that there are crowds traveling with that there are crowds traveling with Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. But Jesus puts a line in the sand But Jesus puts a line in the sand But Jesus puts a line in the sand and says that is not your calling. and says that is not your calling. and says that is not your calling. Instead, now in this line in the sand, Instead, now in this line in the sand, Instead, now in this line in the sand, he he basically calls everybody in and he he basically calls everybody in and he he basically calls everybody in and it says and he looks to the crowd and he it says and he looks to the crowd and he it says and he looks to the crowd and he starts giving instructions starts giving instructions starts giving instructions about what it really means to be a about what it really means to be a about what it really means to be a disciple. disciple. disciple. And the first thing that we see of And the first thing that we see of And the first thing that we see of whether or not we know that whether whether or not we know that whether whether or not we know that whether whether or not we are a spectator just whether or not we are a spectator just whether or not we are a spectator just onlooking the kingdom of God looking at onlooking the kingdom of God looking at onlooking the kingdom of God looking at what is happening in kingdom or are we a what is happening in kingdom or are we a what is happening in kingdom or are we a participant in the kingdom of god is participant in the kingdom of god is participant in the kingdom of god is that disciplehip calls for complete that disciplehip calls for complete that disciplehip calls for complete allegiance. allegiance. allegiance. Now three different times Jesus says the Now three different times Jesus says the Now three different times Jesus says the word disciple. In the Greek it is word disciple. In the Greek it is word disciple. In the Greek it is mathet.

That's how we transliterate from Greek That's how we transliterate from Greek to English. Okay, mathet. to English. Okay, mathet. to English. Okay, mathet. And what Jesus is describing is not And what Jesus is describing is not And what Jesus is describing is not someone who just travels along in the someone who just travels along in the someone who just travels along in the crowds. He's making a mark. He's helping crowds. He's making a mark. He's helping crowds. He's making a mark. He's helping people understand that it's more to it people understand that it's more to it people understand that it's more to it than just being a spectator. than just being a spectator. than just being a spectator. It is a complete allegiance to Christ. It is a complete allegiance to Christ. It is a complete allegiance to Christ. Meaning there are no divided loyalties Meaning there are no divided loyalties Meaning there are no divided loyalties in your heart. in your heart. in your heart. It is allin. It's not one foot in and It is allin. It's not one foot in and It is allin. It's not one foot in and one foot out. It's not when it is one foot out. It's not when it is one foot out. It's not when it is convenient or comfortable. convenient or comfortable. convenient or comfortable. It's not when you agree with everything. It's not when you agree with everything. It's not when you agree with everything. It is allin with Jesus. Complete It is allin with Jesus. Complete It is allin with Jesus. Complete allegiance. allegiance. allegiance. And that's why Jesus is talking about And that's why Jesus is talking about And that's why Jesus is talking about the crowd because if you and I were the crowd because if you and I were the crowd because if you and I were there in the first century there in the first century there in the first century and you are just observing the ministry and you are just observing the ministry and you are just observing the ministry of Jesus and then you see all these of Jesus and then you see all these of Jesus and then you see all these crowds going around and the crowds are crowds going around and the crowds are crowds going around and the crowds are getting bigger and bigger. It's obvious getting bigger and bigger. It's obvious getting bigger and bigger. It's obvious that the Jesus's name and his miracles, that the Jesus's name and his miracles, that the Jesus's name and his miracles, the work they have done is spreading the work they have done is spreading the work they have done is spreading throughout the towns and the regions.

throughout the towns and the regions. throughout the towns and the regions. And so people are curious about what And so people are curious about what And so people are curious about what this man is doing. They're curious about this man is doing. They're curious about this man is doing. They're curious about what he has to say. what he has to say. what he has to say. And you and I may in our observation And you and I may in our observation And you and I may in our observation just from the outside looking in may just from the outside looking in may just from the outside looking in may think to ourselves, man, this is a think to ourselves, man, this is a think to ourselves, man, this is a successful ministry. successful ministry. successful ministry. Like the disciples must have been like Like the disciples must have been like Like the disciples must have been like kind of, you know, bumping each other a kind of, you know, bumping each other a kind of, you know, bumping each other a little bit and be like, man, it's little bit and be like, man, it's little bit and be like, man, it's working. working. working. I mean, the crowds are getting bigger. I mean, the crowds are getting bigger. I mean, the crowds are getting bigger. In fact, they may even start pointing In fact, they may even start pointing In fact, they may even start pointing out to Jesus like, "Hey, Jesus, check out to Jesus like, "Hey, Jesus, check out to Jesus like, "Hey, Jesus, check out this person that's now in the crowd. out this person that's now in the crowd. out this person that's now in the crowd. That's they might be interested in what That's they might be interested in what That's they might be interested in what you're doing. And oh, by the way, Jesus, you're doing. And oh, by the way, Jesus, you're doing. And oh, by the way, Jesus, this is a very influential person, too." this is a very influential person, too." this is a very influential person, too." Like, they could really help your cause. Like, they could really help your cause. Like, they could really help your cause. They could really help you advance the They could really help you advance the They could really help you advance the kingdom. Jesus, this guy over here, he's kingdom. Jesus, this guy over here, he's kingdom. Jesus, this guy over here, he's got some deep pockets. He can fund the got some deep pockets. He can fund the got some deep pockets. He can fund the entire thing. Here's a rule for us.

Here's a rule for us. Religion Religion Religion pursues money. pursues money. pursues money. Jesus pursues hearts Jesus pursues hearts Jesus pursues hearts and he knows the intention of our and he knows the intention of our and he knows the intention of our hearts. hearts. hearts. And right here as he is drawing the line And right here as he is drawing the line And right here as he is drawing the line in the sand, what he is saying is, I'm in the sand, what he is saying is, I'm in the sand, what he is saying is, I'm not interested in having people just not interested in having people just not interested in having people just watch. watch. watch. I'm calling people to real disciplehip. I'm calling people to real disciplehip. I'm calling people to real disciplehip. A disciple is someone who has passed A disciple is someone who has passed A disciple is someone who has passed from death to life. from death to life. from death to life. It is somebody according to what Jesus It is somebody according to what Jesus It is somebody according to what Jesus says with Nicodemus in John chapter 3. says with Nicodemus in John chapter 3. says with Nicodemus in John chapter 3. It is someone who has been born again. It is someone who has been born again. It is someone who has been born again. It is an act of God. It is him who It is an act of God. It is him who It is an act of God. It is him who justifies. It is Christ himself who justifies. It is Christ himself who justifies. It is Christ himself who takes people from darkness to light, takes people from darkness to light, takes people from darkness to light, from death to life. And he says that from death to life. And he says that from death to life. And he says that this is a true disciple.

this is a true disciple. this is a true disciple. But in God's kindness, But in God's kindness, But in God's kindness, he helps us with these indicators of of he helps us with these indicators of of he helps us with these indicators of of awareness so that you and I could know awareness so that you and I could know awareness so that you and I could know so that you and I can be certain so that you and I can be certain so that you and I can be certain of whether or not we are spectators or of whether or not we are spectators or of whether or not we are spectators or participants in the kingdom. participants in the kingdom. participants in the kingdom. meaning whether or not you are a meaning whether or not you are a meaning whether or not you are a disciple on the outside disciple on the outside disciple on the outside or whether or not you are truly a or whether or not you are truly a or whether or not you are truly a participant, a disciple from the inside participant, a disciple from the inside participant, a disciple from the inside out out out that you are a part of the kingdom work that you are a part of the kingdom work that you are a part of the kingdom work of God. of God. of God. So as he draws this line in the sand, he So as he draws this line in the sand, he So as he draws this line in the sand, he says this like this is what complete says this like this is what complete says this like this is what complete allegiance looks like. Look at verse 26. allegiance looks like. Look at verse 26. allegiance looks like. Look at verse 26. He he says, "If anyone comes to me, He he says, "If anyone comes to me, He he says, "If anyone comes to me, does not hate his own father and mother, does not hate his own father and mother, does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters. wife and children, brothers and sisters. wife and children, brothers and sisters. Yes, Yes, Yes, do you see the crescendo that is taking do you see the crescendo that is taking do you see the crescendo that is taking place right here? And yes, even his own place right here? And yes, even his own place right here? And yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple."

life, he cannot be my disciple." life, he cannot be my disciple." You know, many times when we come to a You know, many times when we come to a You know, many times when we come to a text like this, we we flinch a little text like this, we we flinch a little text like this, we we flinch a little bit and then we automatically start bit and then we automatically start bit and then we automatically start thinking of ways of how we can soften it thinking of ways of how we can soften it thinking of ways of how we can soften it so that Jesus doesn't appear cruel so that Jesus doesn't appear cruel so that Jesus doesn't appear cruel or at least he doesn't appear to be or at least he doesn't appear to be or at least he doesn't appear to be speaking out of both sides of his mouth. speaking out of both sides of his mouth. speaking out of both sides of his mouth. Listen, Jesus doesn't need help. Okay, Listen, Jesus doesn't need help. Okay, Listen, Jesus doesn't need help. Okay, this is what Jesus is saying because it this is what Jesus is saying because it this is what Jesus is saying because it would be contradictory to a degree if would be contradictory to a degree if would be contradictory to a degree if you and I were like, "Okay, well, I now you and I were like, "Okay, well, I now you and I were like, "Okay, well, I now follow Jesus. You're dead to me." All follow Jesus. You're dead to me." All follow Jesus. You're dead to me." All right. I mean, that would be a little right. I mean, that would be a little right. I mean, that would be a little strange, strange, strange, especially since Jesus calls us when he especially since Jesus calls us when he especially since Jesus calls us when he says that the greatest commandment. says that the greatest commandment. says that the greatest commandment. He says to love the Lord with all your He says to love the Lord with all your He says to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and the heart, mind, soul, and strength, and the heart, mind, soul, and strength, and the second is like it. second is like it. second is like it. He doesn't say the second is the same. He doesn't say the second is the same. He doesn't say the second is the same. He says the second is like it that you He says the second is like it that you He says the second is like it that you should love your neighbor as yourself. should love your neighbor as yourself. should love your neighbor as yourself. How can we have the summation of all of How can we have the summation of all of How can we have the summation of all of the commands of scripture into this the commands of scripture into this the commands of scripture into this command that Jesus gave us? Love the command that Jesus gave us? Love the command that Jesus gave us? Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as Lord your God and love your neighbor as Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself. Oh, and unless you hate them, yourself. Oh, and unless you hate them, yourself. Oh, and unless you hate them, you cannot be my disciple.

you cannot be my disciple. you cannot be my disciple. In Exodus chapter 20 verse 12, I mean we In Exodus chapter 20 verse 12, I mean we In Exodus chapter 20 verse 12, I mean we see clearly that we are called to honor see clearly that we are called to honor see clearly that we are called to honor our father and mother. our father and mother. our father and mother. It's hard to honor and hate them at the It's hard to honor and hate them at the It's hard to honor and hate them at the same time. same time. same time. Ephesians chapter 5 verse 25 uh Paul is Ephesians chapter 5 verse 25 uh Paul is Ephesians chapter 5 verse 25 uh Paul is clear. Husbands you are to love your clear. Husbands you are to love your clear. Husbands you are to love your wives. wives. wives. Titus 2 chapter uh verse 4. Titus 2 chapter uh verse 4. Titus 2 chapter uh verse 4. Wives, you are to love your husbands. Wives, you are to love your husbands. Wives, you are to love your husbands. Even in Ephesians chapter 6 verse4, Even in Ephesians chapter 6 verse4, Even in Ephesians chapter 6 verse4, parents are called to love their parents are called to love their parents are called to love their children. And so, how do we see all of children. And so, how do we see all of children. And so, how do we see all of these commands? And then you hear this these commands? And then you hear this these commands? And then you hear this command from Jesus that we are to hate command from Jesus that we are to hate command from Jesus that we are to hate everyone around us, those who are everyone around us, those who are everyone around us, those who are closest to us. And if we don't, there's closest to us. And if we don't, there's closest to us. And if we don't, there's no way we can be a disciple of Jesus. no way we can be a disciple of Jesus. no way we can be a disciple of Jesus. We have to understand that in the We have to understand that in the We have to understand that in the context of what Jesus is talking about context of what Jesus is talking about context of what Jesus is talking about is he is making a difference of is he is making a difference of is he is making a difference of preference.

preference. preference. You know in the same way uh that the You know in the same way uh that the You know in the same way uh that the Bible talks about the love of Jacob for Bible talks about the love of Jacob for Bible talks about the love of Jacob for Leah versus Rachel. Leah versus Rachel. Leah versus Rachel. There's this there's this depiction of There's this there's this depiction of There's this there's this depiction of love and hate. love and hate. love and hate. But it then it says a little bit later But it then it says a little bit later But it then it says a little bit later about the love for Leah. And so what we about the love for Leah. And so what we about the love for Leah. And so what we see here in scripture is the way that see here in scripture is the way that see here in scripture is the way that this contrast is used is so that we know this contrast is used is so that we know this contrast is used is so that we know that there is a preference for something that there is a preference for something that there is a preference for something over something else. over something else. over something else. That there is an allegiance in totality That there is an allegiance in totality That there is an allegiance in totality for one direction and not another for one direction and not another for one direction and not another direction. What it is it is aligning all direction. What it is it is aligning all direction. What it is it is aligning all of our allegiance toward one direction of our allegiance toward one direction of our allegiance toward one direction who is Christ himself. And this who is Christ himself. And this who is Christ himself. And this allegiance and love for Jesus should be allegiance and love for Jesus should be allegiance and love for Jesus should be so great that everything else pels in so great that everything else pels in so great that everything else pels in comparison. comparison. comparison. It is not to love Jesus and abore your It is not to love Jesus and abore your It is not to love Jesus and abore your your parents and your wife or your your parents and your wife or your your parents and your wife or your husband or your children. Nothing like husband or your children. Nothing like husband or your children. Nothing like that. It is that your love for Christ is that. It is that your love for Christ is that. It is that your love for Christ is the beginning and the end of all things.

the beginning and the end of all things. the beginning and the end of all things. that apart from the love of Christ in that apart from the love of Christ in that apart from the love of Christ in you, it would be impossible for you to you, it would be impossible for you to you, it would be impossible for you to even express love and have love and to even express love and have love and to even express love and have love and to show love toward anyone else. show love toward anyone else. show love toward anyone else. It is fixing an understanding that is so It is fixing an understanding that is so It is fixing an understanding that is so often misleading especially in the often misleading especially in the often misleading especially in the modern evangelical church today modern evangelical church today modern evangelical church today that we can have a lot of different that we can have a lot of different that we can have a lot of different allegiances. allegiances. allegiances. Depends on the time of year. Depends on the time of year. Depends on the time of year. It depends on my situation. It depends on my situation. It depends on my situation. It depends on the circumstance that I'm It depends on the circumstance that I'm It depends on the circumstance that I'm facing. It depends on whether I'm in facing. It depends on whether I'm in facing. It depends on whether I'm in school or out of school. And all of school or out of school. And all of school or out of school. And all of these things around us determines our these things around us determines our these things around us determines our allegiance toward Christ. And this is allegiance toward Christ. And this is allegiance toward Christ. And this is what Jesus is really exposing. He's what Jesus is really exposing. He's what Jesus is really exposing. He's exposing the crowds that at the moment exposing the crowds that at the moment exposing the crowds that at the moment that everything gets hard or the that everything gets hard or the that everything gets hard or the teaching is difficult to understand that teaching is difficult to understand that teaching is difficult to understand that they just flee.

they just flee. they just flee. They're not really connected to Jesus. They're not really connected to Jesus. They're not really connected to Jesus. They don't really have an allegiance to They don't really have an allegiance to They don't really have an allegiance to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Then he takes it even further in verse Then he takes it even further in verse Then he takes it even further in verse 27 27 27 after he says and you can't even unless after he says and you can't even unless after he says and you can't even unless you hate your own life you hate your own life you hate your own life you can't be my disciple. you can't be my disciple. you can't be my disciple. He says whoever does not bear his own He says whoever does not bear his own He says whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cross and come after me cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. cannot be my disciple. cannot be my disciple. What Jesus is doing is he is saying that What Jesus is doing is he is saying that What Jesus is doing is he is saying that there for those who are really in Christ there for those who are really in Christ there for those who are really in Christ nothing can break that apart. nothing can break that apart. nothing can break that apart. Nothing can take that away. Nothing can take that away. Nothing can take that away. No amount of suffering, No amount of suffering, No amount of suffering, no amount of discomfort, no amount of discomfort, no amount of discomfort, no amount of trials or tribulation or no amount of trials or tribulation or no amount of trials or tribulation or confusion that sometimes we have in life confusion that sometimes we have in life confusion that sometimes we have in life is that none of that will stop you. It is that none of that will stop you. It is that none of that will stop you. It is complete allegiance that no matter is complete allegiance that no matter is complete allegiance that no matter what is happening around you what is happening around you what is happening around you that you are allin with Christ.

that you are allin with Christ. that you are allin with Christ. You see, that's what it really looks You see, that's what it really looks You see, that's what it really looks like. like. like. I mean, if you show up on Saturday I mean, if you show up on Saturday I mean, if you show up on Saturday to watch a football game or you watch it to watch a football game or you watch it to watch a football game or you watch it at your house, at your house, at your house, you know, we really appreciate you know, we really appreciate you know, we really appreciate what is happening on the field. what is happening on the field. what is happening on the field. It's not like we're offended. It's not like we're offended. It's not like we're offended. We really appreciate what is happening We really appreciate what is happening We really appreciate what is happening on the field, especially when things go on the field, especially when things go on the field, especially when things go our way. And what Jesus is making a difference And what Jesus is making a difference in, in, in, he said it is not enough to appreciate. he said it is not enough to appreciate. he said it is not enough to appreciate. It is not enough to simply not be It is not enough to simply not be It is not enough to simply not be offended by the things of God. Agreement offended by the things of God. Agreement offended by the things of God. Agreement is not enough. Allegiance is what is required. Allegiance is what is required. This is difficult. This is difficult. This is difficult. Jesus knows that it's difficult. In Jesus knows that it's difficult. In Jesus knows that it's difficult. In fact, it seems as if Jesus is trying to fact, it seems as if Jesus is trying to fact, it seems as if Jesus is trying to whittle the crowd down.

whittle the crowd down. whittle the crowd down. It's almost as if he is trying to talk It's almost as if he is trying to talk It's almost as if he is trying to talk people out of it because the next thing people out of it because the next thing people out of it because the next thing that he goes to is like, man, listen, that he goes to is like, man, listen, that he goes to is like, man, listen, disciplehip, like kingdom disciplehip, disciplehip, like kingdom disciplehip, disciplehip, like kingdom disciplehip, true disciplehip true disciplehip true disciplehip calls for costly commitment. It's almost as if Jesus is looking at It's almost as if Jesus is looking at the crowds, looking at the disciples and the crowds, looking at the disciples and the crowds, looking at the disciples and saying, "You need to figure out whether saying, "You need to figure out whether saying, "You need to figure out whether or not you really want to do this." I mean, there's a barrier, right, I mean, there's a barrier, right, between the stands and the stadium and between the stands and the stadium and between the stands and the stadium and the field. the field. the field. Look, I grew up going to Georgia games, Look, I grew up going to Georgia games, Look, I grew up going to Georgia games, the Sanford Stadium, the Sanford Stadium, the Sanford Stadium, and they call it between the hedges, and they call it between the hedges, and they call it between the hedges, right? Because There is a clear division right? Because There is a clear division right? Because There is a clear division of hedges from the stands to the field. of hedges from the stands to the field. of hedges from the stands to the field. And Jesus is almost pausing. He's And Jesus is almost pausing. He's And Jesus is almost pausing. He's calling a timeout here. And he's like, calling a timeout here. And he's like, calling a timeout here. And he's like, "All right, listen to me. I need y'all "All right, listen to me. I need y'all "All right, listen to me. I need y'all to figure this out.

to figure this out. to figure this out. I need you to really count the cost of I need you to really count the cost of I need you to really count the cost of what it means to go allin with me." what it means to go allin with me." what it means to go allin with me." That's what Jesus is doing. It's almost as if he is reminding them It's almost as if he is reminding them that maybe that maybe that maybe you should just walk away right now. you should just walk away right now. you should just walk away right now. Doesn't that seem strange to you? Doesn't that seem strange to you? Doesn't that seem strange to you? Doesn't it seem strange that that Jesus Doesn't it seem strange that that Jesus Doesn't it seem strange that that Jesus is it seems like he's trying to talk is it seems like he's trying to talk is it seems like he's trying to talk people out of following him? Well, people out of following him? Well, people out of following him? Well, that's not what he's doing. HE'S NOT that's not what he's doing. HE'S NOT that's not what he's doing. HE'S NOT trying to tell people, "Hey, don't trying to tell people, "Hey, don't trying to tell people, "Hey, don't follow me." That's not what he's doing. follow me." That's not what he's doing. follow me." That's not what he's doing. Jesus said uh we see this in John 10:10 Jesus said uh we see this in John 10:10 Jesus said uh we see this in John 10:10 that he came to give life and give it that he came to give life and give it that he came to give life and give it abundantly like Jesus wants you to have abundantly like Jesus wants you to have abundantly like Jesus wants you to have life. But he also wants you to know what life. But he also wants you to know what life. But he also wants you to know what that means exactly because we can be that means exactly because we can be that means exactly because we can be confused in our day and time of what it confused in our day and time of what it confused in our day and time of what it really means to follow Jesus. Following really means to follow Jesus. Following really means to follow Jesus. Following Jesus is not showing up on Sundays, Jesus is not showing up on Sundays, Jesus is not showing up on Sundays, serving when you have a chance, giving serving when you have a chance, giving serving when you have a chance, giving when you have something left over, and when you have something left over, and when you have something left over, and then hoping for the best in eternity.

then hoping for the best in eternity. then hoping for the best in eternity. That's not following Jesus. That's not following Jesus. That's not following Jesus. That's what we have whittleled it down That's what we have whittleled it down That's what we have whittleled it down to almost in this way that is degrading to almost in this way that is degrading to almost in this way that is degrading to the gospel of Jesus Christ. THAT'S to the gospel of Jesus Christ. THAT'S to the gospel of Jesus Christ. THAT'S WHY JESUS SAYS, "COUNT the cost WHY JESUS SAYS, "COUNT the cost WHY JESUS SAYS, "COUNT the cost because it's going to cost you your because it's going to cost you your because it's going to cost you your entire life. You don't get to hang on to entire life. You don't get to hang on to entire life. You don't get to hang on to things and then hang on to Christ. things and then hang on to Christ. things and then hang on to Christ. It's not how it works. It's not how it works. It's not how it works. Jesus says you cannot serve two masters. Jesus says you cannot serve two masters. Jesus says you cannot serve two masters. You can't have yourself in charge and You can't have yourself in charge and You can't have yourself in charge and Jesus in charge. Jesus in charge. Jesus in charge. When you come to Christ as a disciple, When you come to Christ as a disciple, When you come to Christ as a disciple, it is recognition it is recognition it is recognition that he is Lord of all and that includes that he is Lord of all and that includes that he is Lord of all and that includes you and it includes me. Jesus gives us you and it includes me. Jesus gives us you and it includes me. Jesus gives us two parables two parables two parables to help us understand this. to help us understand this. to help us understand this. He talks about a builder like, "Hey, who He talks about a builder like, "Hey, who He talks about a builder like, "Hey, who would ever lay a foundation and not would ever lay a foundation and not would ever lay a foundation and not consider the cost of the entire consider the cost of the entire consider the cost of the entire building?"

building?" building?" Like like you can't do that. you need to Like like you can't do that. you need to Like like you can't do that. you need to determine whether or not you can determine whether or not you can determine whether or not you can complete this thing. complete this thing. complete this thing. Then he says, "What king would ever go Then he says, "What king would ever go Then he says, "What king would ever go to war and and not figure out if he has to war and and not figure out if he has to war and and not figure out if he has enough resources to to maintain enough resources to to maintain enough resources to to maintain victory?" You know, John Sto has an incredible You know, John Sto has an incredible book. It's called basic Christianity. book. It's called basic Christianity. book. It's called basic Christianity. But in it, he talks about this. But in it, he talks about this. But in it, he talks about this. He says that that the church is full of He says that that the church is full of He says that that the church is full of halfbuilt towers, halfbuilt towers, halfbuilt towers, incomplete. It's what Dietri Bonhaofer describes in It's what Dietri Bonhaofer describes in the cost of disciplehip as cheap grace. the cost of disciplehip as cheap grace. the cost of disciplehip as cheap grace. John MacArthur says that it is easy John MacArthur says that it is easy John MacArthur says that it is easy belieism belieism belieism that it's this idea that we want the that it's this idea that we want the that it's this idea that we want the forgiveness forgiveness forgiveness that is offered from Christ to cover our that is offered from Christ to cover our that is offered from Christ to cover our sins. We recognize that we even we even sins. We recognize that we even we even sins. We recognize that we even we even need that. And so I want the forgiveness need that. And so I want the forgiveness need that. And so I want the forgiveness of my sins. I want the blessings of God, of my sins. I want the blessings of God, of my sins. I want the blessings of God, BUT I DON'T WANT TO GIVE UP my life.

BUT I DON'T WANT TO GIVE UP my life. BUT I DON'T WANT TO GIVE UP my life. Jesus says, "Count the cost." Really look at whether or not Really look at whether or not you are following him. you are following him. you are following him. I remember my first year of playing I remember my first year of playing I remember my first year of playing football in pads, full pads. I was so football in pads, full pads. I was so football in pads, full pads. I was so excited. I was in fifth grade. It was excited. I was in fifth grade. It was excited. I was in fifth grade. It was the same year I peaked as an athlete. the same year I peaked as an athlete. the same year I peaked as an athlete. And that's hurtful at how funny that was to that's hurtful at how funny that was to you because you're like, "Dude, yeah, I you because you're like, "Dude, yeah, I you because you're like, "Dude, yeah, I get it, man. I've seen that in you." Uh, get it, man. I've seen that in you." Uh, get it, man. I've seen that in you." Uh, it's my first year in pads. I was so it's my first year in pads. I was so it's my first year in pads. I was so excited. Couldn't wait to just knock excited. Couldn't wait to just knock excited. Couldn't wait to just knock somebody's teeth in. I'm not I'm not an somebody's teeth in. I'm not I'm not an somebody's teeth in. I'm not I'm not an aggressive person, but I was excited aggressive person, but I was excited aggressive person, but I was excited about that, right? And I remember I'm about that, right? And I remember I'm about that, right? And I remember I'm showing up to practice. Man, nobody ever showing up to practice. Man, nobody ever showing up to practice. Man, nobody ever told me how to tackle. I just showed up told me how to tackle. I just showed up told me how to tackle. I just showed up and I just wanted to hit somebody. and I just wanted to hit somebody. and I just wanted to hit somebody. And so I get in there and we're running And so I get in there and we're running And so I get in there and we're running this Oklahoma drill and I go to this guy this Oklahoma drill and I go to this guy this Oklahoma drill and I go to this guy and I'm like, "Oh, dude, you are mine."

and I'm like, "Oh, dude, you are mine." and I'm like, "Oh, dude, you are mine." And then I put my head down and I turned And then I put my head down and I turned And then I put my head down and I turned my neck this way and I put my shoulder my neck this way and I put my shoulder my neck this way and I put my shoulder right into his gut right into his gut right into his gut and I thought I'd ripped my shoulder out and I thought I'd ripped my shoulder out and I thought I'd ripped my shoulder out of the socket. of the socket. of the socket. For anybody's wife, that's not how For anybody's wife, that's not how For anybody's wife, that's not how you're supposed to tackle. All right? you're supposed to tackle. All right? you're supposed to tackle. All right? It's not how you're supposed to tackle. It's not how you're supposed to tackle. It's not how you're supposed to tackle. And I get up, man, and I'm like walking And I get up, man, and I'm like walking And I get up, man, and I'm like walking crooked, you know, and I couldn't show crooked, you know, and I couldn't show crooked, you know, and I couldn't show my dad because I worked for two years my dad because I worked for two years my dad because I worked for two years talking my dad and letting me do this. talking my dad and letting me do this. talking my dad and letting me do this. And so I'm walking like this and I'm And so I'm walking like this and I'm And so I'm walking like this and I'm kind of whimpering a little bit. And I kind of whimpering a little bit. And I kind of whimpering a little bit. And I remember, look, this is in the good old remember, look, this is in the good old remember, look, this is in the good old days when your coach could get on to days when your coach could get on to days when your coach could get on to you. You know what I'm saying? And my you. You know what I'm saying? And my you. You know what I'm saying? And my coach came up to me. He grabbed me. I'm coach came up to me. He grabbed me. I'm coach came up to me. He grabbed me. I'm in fifth grade. He grabs me by the face in fifth grade. He grabs me by the face in fifth grade. He grabs me by the face mask and he looks me. He said, "You need mask and he looks me. He said, "You need mask and he looks me. He said, "You need to quit whimpering and whining." to quit whimpering and whining." to quit whimpering and whining." You know what he told me? You know what he told me? You know what he told me? He said, "You need to figure out whether He said, "You need to figure out whether He said, "You need to figure out whether or not you want to be on this field." And I was like, "Dude, you can have it, And I was like, "Dude, you can have it, bro. I'm out of here." You know?

No, it's kind of one of those defining No, it's kind of one of those defining moments, you know? moments, you know? moments, you know? No, good coaches do that, No, good coaches do that, No, good coaches do that, like they help you go further than you like they help you go further than you like they help you go further than you think you can. think you can. think you can. And it's almost as if Jesus is grabbing And it's almost as if Jesus is grabbing And it's almost as if Jesus is grabbing everyone by grace, everyone by grace, everyone by grace, but by the face mask, pulling them in, but by the face mask, pulling them in, but by the face mask, pulling them in, saying, "You need to figure it out saying, "You need to figure it out saying, "You need to figure it out whether or not you want to be on the whether or not you want to be on the whether or not you want to be on the field." field." field." You see, disciplehip is the kingdom You see, disciplehip is the kingdom You see, disciplehip is the kingdom field field field for kingdom disciples. for kingdom disciples. for kingdom disciples. And he says this in warning. Remember And he says this in warning. Remember And he says this in warning. Remember Jesus says in this life Jesus says in this life Jesus says in this life you're going to have many troubles. you're going to have many troubles. you're going to have many troubles. He says foxes have holes holes. Birds of He says foxes have holes holes. Birds of He says foxes have holes holes. Birds of the air. They have their nests. But the the air. They have their nests. But the the air. They have their nests. But the son of man has nowhere to lay his head. son of man has nowhere to lay his head. son of man has nowhere to lay his head. You want to follow that? You want to follow that? You want to follow that? You better be certain because it's going You better be certain because it's going You better be certain because it's going to cost you everything.

You cannot You cannot cling to Christ cling to Christ cling to Christ and the things of this world at the same and the things of this world at the same and the things of this world at the same time. time. time. You can't. You can't. You can't. It does not work. It does not work. It does not work. And what Jesus is helping us understand And what Jesus is helping us understand And what Jesus is helping us understand is it's going to cost you your life, is it's going to cost you your life, is it's going to cost you your life, but what you gain in Christ, but what you gain in Christ, but what you gain in Christ, you would never want of your old life you would never want of your old life you would never want of your old life again. again. again. Do you see the picture that Jesus is Do you see the picture that Jesus is Do you see the picture that Jesus is painting us? Not, hey, count the cost of painting us? Not, hey, count the cost of painting us? Not, hey, count the cost of whether or not you can do this. count whether or not you can do this. count whether or not you can do this. count the cost of whether or not you can the cost of whether or not you can the cost of whether or not you can afford to be apart from Christ. And the afford to be apart from Christ. And the afford to be apart from Christ. And the answer is no. answer is no. answer is no. You cannot afford not to follow Jesus. You cannot afford not to follow Jesus. You cannot afford not to follow Jesus. He makes it clear in this division like He makes it clear in this division like He makes it clear in this division like Jesus is dividing the crowds from the Jesus is dividing the crowds from the Jesus is dividing the crowds from the disciples and you know people are like disciples and you know people are like disciples and you know people are like no Jesus uh united people. He didn't no Jesus uh united people. He didn't no Jesus uh united people. He didn't divide people. Okay bologoney okay you divide people. Okay bologoney okay you divide people. Okay bologoney okay you need to read your Bible because listen need to read your Bible because listen need to read your Bible because listen there are sheep and there are goats.

there are sheep and there are goats. there are sheep and there are goats. There are people on the broad path that There are people on the broad path that There are people on the broad path that is leading to destruction and there are is leading to destruction and there are is leading to destruction and there are people on the narrow path that leads to people on the narrow path that leads to people on the narrow path that leads to life. And Jesus is not dividing people life. And Jesus is not dividing people life. And Jesus is not dividing people for purposes of division. He is helping for purposes of division. He is helping for purposes of division. He is helping us understand where you truly are with us understand where you truly are with us understand where you truly are with Christ. Whether or not you have life or Christ. Whether or not you have life or Christ. Whether or not you have life or you're headed to an eternity in hell you're headed to an eternity in hell you're headed to an eternity in hell apart from Christ for all time. Listen, apart from Christ for all time. Listen, apart from Christ for all time. Listen, THIS IS THE GRACE OF GOD THAT HE WOULD THIS IS THE GRACE OF GOD THAT HE WOULD THIS IS THE GRACE OF GOD THAT HE WOULD ever expose where where our hearts ever expose where where our hearts ever expose where where our hearts really are. And he says, "You need to really are. And he says, "You need to really are. And he says, "You need to figure it out. Are you really a disciple figure it out. Are you really a disciple figure it out. Are you really a disciple or not? or not? or not? Or do you just appreciate the things Or do you just appreciate the things Or do you just appreciate the things about church? about church? about church? You appreciate Jesus. You appreciate Jesus. You appreciate Jesus. you agree with some of the things about you agree with some of the things about you agree with some of the things about Jesus until it gets into some hairy Jesus until it gets into some hairy Jesus until it gets into some hairy cultural stuff and then it's like, ah, cultural stuff and then it's like, ah, cultural stuff and then it's like, ah, yeah, let's just be quiet on this. You all in? You all in? Have you counted the cost?

Have you counted the cost? Have you counted the cost? This is why Paul makes this incredible This is why Paul makes this incredible This is why Paul makes this incredible statement in Philippians chapter 1 verse statement in Philippians chapter 1 verse statement in Philippians chapter 1 verse 21. says, "Listen, for me 21. says, "Listen, for me 21. says, "Listen, for me to live is Christ. to live is Christ. to live is Christ. To die." To die." To die." Oh, that's gain. Oh, that's gain. Oh, that's gain. Because whatever I had here, I consider Because whatever I had here, I consider Because whatever I had here, I consider rubbish rubbish rubbish for the surpassing value of Christ for the surpassing value of Christ for the surpassing value of Christ Jesus, my Lord. Jesus, my Lord. Jesus, my Lord. It is the immeasurable riches of Christ It is the immeasurable riches of Christ It is the immeasurable riches of Christ that he bestows on you, that he bestows on you, that he bestows on you, but it also sustains you. Kingdom disciplehip Kingdom disciplehip is costly, but it also calls for is costly, but it also calls for is costly, but it also calls for consistent perseverance. It seems a little strange It seems a little strange the way that Jesus closes this section. the way that Jesus closes this section. the way that Jesus closes this section. But obviously in God's providence and But obviously in God's providence and But obviously in God's providence and sovereignty, this is the perfect sovereignty, this is the perfect sovereignty, this is the perfect conclusion because he says in verse 34, conclusion because he says in verse 34, conclusion because he says in verse 34, he's like, "Hey, I y'all just think he's like, "Hey, I y'all just think he's like, "Hey, I y'all just think about salt for a second.

Salt is good, but if salt should lose Salt is good, but if salt should lose its taste, its taste, its taste, how will it be made salty? how will it be made salty? how will it be made salty? It isn't fit for the soil or for the It isn't fit for the soil or for the It isn't fit for the soil or for the manure pile. They throw it out. manure pile. They throw it out. manure pile. They throw it out. I mean, that's what Jesus is saying. I mean, that's what Jesus is saying. I mean, that's what Jesus is saying. Listen, it becomes absolutely worthless. Listen, it becomes absolutely worthless. Listen, it becomes absolutely worthless. And here's what is interesting. And here's what is interesting. And here's what is interesting. Because salt in its purest form, like a Because salt in its purest form, like a Because salt in its purest form, like a sodium chloride, listen, it cannot lose sodium chloride, listen, it cannot lose sodium chloride, listen, it cannot lose saltiness. saltiness. saltiness. What happens is is that anytime there What happens is is that anytime there What happens is is that anytime there are impurities that are added to the are impurities that are added to the are impurities that are added to the salt, that's when it begins to lose its salt, that's when it begins to lose its salt, that's when it begins to lose its saltiness. saltiness. saltiness. And so the illustration that Jesus is And so the illustration that Jesus is And so the illustration that Jesus is giving us is full circle here. He's giving us is full circle here. He's giving us is full circle here. He's like, listen, you cannot have multiple like, listen, you cannot have multiple like, listen, you cannot have multiple allegiances. allegiances. allegiances. You cannot live two lives. You cannot You cannot live two lives. You cannot You cannot live two lives. You cannot live a life quote unquote professing live a life quote unquote professing live a life quote unquote professing Christ Christ Christ without ever really possessing Christ. without ever really possessing Christ. without ever really possessing Christ. That's not how it works. That's why we That's not how it works. That's why we That's not how it works. That's why we have said often around here, listen, have said often around here, listen, have said often around here, listen, it's not about a profession of faith in it's not about a profession of faith in it's not about a profession of faith in Christ. It is about possessing faith in Christ. It is about possessing faith in Christ. It is about possessing faith in Christ. Like that's the difference Christ. Like that's the difference Christ. Like that's the difference between a spectator and a participant is between a spectator and a participant is between a spectator and a participant is someone listen a spectator man they're someone listen a spectator man they're someone listen a spectator man they're going to claim a win all day long. You going to claim a win all day long. You going to claim a win all day long. You ever heard that? Well, we won last week.

ever heard that? Well, we won last week. ever heard that? Well, we won last week. Did you play? Did you play? Did you play? No, you did not. You did not play. The difference is is someone who The difference is is someone who actually possesses actually possesses actually possesses faith in Jesus. faith in Jesus. faith in Jesus. And this is not about losing salvation. This is about understanding a life of This is about understanding a life of endurance and perseverance. endurance and perseverance. endurance and perseverance. It is the life in Christ that endures It is the life in Christ that endures It is the life in Christ that endures because you are not the one making it because you are not the one making it because you are not the one making it endure. endure. endure. You see that this is the beauty of the You see that this is the beauty of the You see that this is the beauty of the gospel that is never ending in your gospel that is never ending in your gospel that is never ending in your life. And and people have said, "Man, life. And and people have said, "Man, life. And and people have said, "Man, you preach about the gospel a lot." you preach about the gospel a lot." you preach about the gospel a lot." Yeah. Because it is everything. Yeah. Because it is everything. Yeah. Because it is everything. It is not just the way you are saved. It It is not just the way you are saved. It It is not just the way you are saved. It is the way you live. It is the way you is the way you live. It is the way you is the way you live. It is the way you endure. It is the way that we persevere endure. It is the way that we persevere endure. It is the way that we persevere to the end because it is all dependent to the end because it is all dependent to the end because it is all dependent upon the grace of God himself. It's not upon the grace of God himself. It's not upon the grace of God himself. It's not like I'm going to get up in the morning like I'm going to get up in the morning like I'm going to get up in the morning and grit my teeth and be like, "Okay, and grit my teeth and be like, "Okay, and grit my teeth and be like, "Okay, I'm going to keep being saved today."

I'm going to keep being saved today." I'm going to keep being saved today." No. The Bible says that you are saved by No. The Bible says that you are saved by No. The Bible says that you are saved by grace. You are being saved by grace and grace. You are being saved by grace and grace. You are being saved by grace and you will be saved by grace in the you will be saved by grace in the you will be saved by grace in the future. All dependent on the gospel of future. All dependent on the gospel of future. All dependent on the gospel of Jesus Christ that he who knew no sin Jesus Christ that he who knew no sin Jesus Christ that he who knew no sin became sin on our behalf so that we became sin on our behalf so that we became sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God. might become the righteousness of God. might become the righteousness of God. And in that moment when you become the And in that moment when you become the And in that moment when you become the righteousness when he gives you his righteousness when he gives you his righteousness when he gives you his righteousness and takes your sin, that righteousness and takes your sin, that righteousness and takes your sin, that is the moment that you become a disciple is the moment that you become a disciple is the moment that you become a disciple of Jesus Christ and not enlisted to the of Jesus Christ and not enlisted to the of Jesus Christ and not enlisted to the crowd in the stadium just watching crowd in the stadium just watching crowd in the stadium just watching things, but now you are enlisted in the things, but now you are enlisted in the things, but now you are enlisted in the army of Christ himself to be a army of Christ himself to be a army of Christ himself to be a participant to advance the kingdom of participant to advance the kingdom of participant to advance the kingdom of God and that is it. And the question is God and that is it. And the question is God and that is it. And the question is not, well, I don't know what to do not, well, I don't know what to do not, well, I don't know what to do because his word is clear. This is what because his word is clear. This is what because his word is clear. This is what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus. it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus. it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus. That you would enter in That you would enter in That you would enter in to this process of disciplehip.

That you would help That you would help people connect to Jesus and his church. people connect to Jesus and his church. people connect to Jesus and his church. that they would grow in his likeness. that they would grow in his likeness. that they would grow in his likeness. That you are helping people take their That you are helping people take their That you are helping people take their next step of faith and obedience in next step of faith and obedience in next step of faith and obedience in Christ and so that the glory of God and Christ and so that the glory of God and Christ and so that the glory of God and the gospel and the kingdom of God would the gospel and the kingdom of God would the gospel and the kingdom of God would continue to multiply throughout the continue to multiply throughout the continue to multiply throughout the earth. This is what all of us are called earth. This is what all of us are called earth. This is what all of us are called to by God's grace. to by God's grace. to by God's grace. And what we have to figure out And what we have to figure out And what we have to figure out is if I am just watching because there is no age of qualification because there is no age of qualification here here here like students don't have to wait until like students don't have to wait until like students don't have to wait until they graduate to get in the game. they graduate to get in the game. they graduate to get in the game. Senior adults don't graduate out of the Senior adults don't graduate out of the Senior adults don't graduate out of the field. field. field. Titus makes this clear. First Timothy, Titus makes this clear. First Timothy, Titus makes this clear. First Timothy, second Timothy, second Timothy, second Timothy, oh, and the rest of the Bible makes this oh, and the rest of the Bible makes this oh, and the rest of the Bible makes this clear clear clear that until Jesus calls us home that until Jesus calls us home that until Jesus calls us home or until he returns, every single day, or until he returns, every single day, or until he returns, every single day, regardless of age, regardless of regardless of age, regardless of regardless of age, regardless of qualification, every breath that you are qualification, every breath that you are qualification, every breath that you are given is to be used for the glory of God given is to be used for the glory of God given is to be used for the glory of God and the expansion of his kingdom.

and the expansion of his kingdom. and the expansion of his kingdom. The question for us is whether or not The question for us is whether or not The question for us is whether or not we're really participants. How would you know? How would you know? Well, are you sold out? Well, are you sold out? Well, are you sold out? Complete allegiance Complete allegiance Complete allegiance like you you've counted the cost and you're continuing in the faith. and you're continuing in the faith. Those are three markers Those are three markers Those are three markers of participant. of participant. of participant. Heavenly Father, will you help us to Heavenly Father, will you help us to Heavenly Father, will you help us to know for certain? know for certain? know for certain? Lord, whether or not Lord, whether or not Lord, whether or not we belong to you. Lord, I pray that we would not just rely Lord, I pray that we would not just rely on on on our own understanding, our own comfort, our own comfort, or our own conveniences to determine or our own conveniences to determine or our own conveniences to determine what being a disciple really is. I pray, what being a disciple really is. I pray, what being a disciple really is. I pray, Father, that your word alone would drive Father, that your word alone would drive Father, that your word alone would drive us us us in every way, in every way, in every way, God, that we'd be all about your God, that we'd be all about your God, that we'd be all about your kingdom.

kingdom. kingdom. So I pray for this church body right So I pray for this church body right So I pray for this church body right here, God, that if there is anyone who is God, that if there is anyone who is unsure unsure unsure of whether or not they're a real of whether or not they're a real of whether or not they're a real disciple, Father, I pray that today disciple, Father, I pray that today disciple, Father, I pray that today would be the day that you make it clear. would be the day that you make it clear. would be the day that you make it clear. God, either assure them of the work and God, either assure them of the work and God, either assure them of the work and the salvation that you have given them the salvation that you have given them the salvation that you have given them by your grace, or Father, today expose by your grace, or Father, today expose by your grace, or Father, today expose whether or not their heart is far from whether or not their heart is far from whether or not their heart is far from you. you. you. and that today would be the day of and that today would be the day of and that today would be the day of salvation salvation salvation in their lives. And that we would in their lives. And that we would in their lives. And that we would continue continue continue running after you running after you running after you in complete allegiance, counting the in complete allegiance, counting the in complete allegiance, counting the cost, but enduring to the end for the cost, but enduring to the end for the cost, but enduring to the end for the glory of Christ. And it's in his name we glory of Christ. And it's in his name we glory of Christ. And it's in his name we pray. Amen.