“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” – Luke 9:23
Self-Denial in Our Faith
When we choose to follow Jesus, we are called to practice self-denial. This means putting aside our own desires and ambitions for the sake of serving Him. It is a reminder that our journey in faith isn’t just about us; we need to make sacrifices for the greater good. As a community of believers, we understand that denial of self can be challenging, yet it is a necessary part of following Christ. When we think of the cost of following Jesus, we realize how important it is to align our interests with His purpose. This subtopic inspires us to see our personal sacrifices as an active engagement in faith that brings us closer to God.
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'” – Matthew 16:24
Mark 8:34
“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'” – Mark 8:34
Luke 14:27
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:27
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” – Romans 12:1
Counting the Cost of Discipleship
Discipleship requires us to count the cost before we commit to following Jesus. It’s essential for us to understand the sacrifices we might have to make. By weighing our commitment to Christ against our worldly attachments, we can make informed choices that reflect our dedication to Him. As we consider being disciples, we ought to reflect on everything we possess, including relationships and ambitions, and gauge how they align with our faith. We remind ourselves that walking this path brings both challenges and rewards, strengthening our faith along the way.
Luke 14:28
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” – Luke 14:28
Luke 14:31
“Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?” – Luke 14:31
Matthew 19:21
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.'” – Matthew 19:21
Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.” – Luke 12:33
Philippians 3:8
“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” – Philippians 3:8
Perseverance in Trials
Following Jesus is not always easy; there are trials and challenges along the way. We must be prepared to face difficulties that test our faith and commitment. During these times, we come closer to understanding the immense love and grace God has for us. As we journey through challenging circumstances, it is essential to lean into our faith and remember that perseverance through trials builds strength and character. We support each other, encouraging one another to keep our eyes on Jesus, who walked that path before us.
James 1:2-3
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” – James 1:2-3
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
2 Timothy 2:12
“If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us.” – 2 Timothy 2:12
Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” – Romans 8:18
1 Peter 5:10
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Love for God Over Worldly Pursuits
Choosing to follow Jesus requires us to love God above all else. The love we cultivate towards God helps us prioritize our spiritual life over worldly distractions. As we learn to value these heavenly treasures, we support each other in focusing on what really matters. Our faith encourages us to simplify our lives by letting go of what draws us away from God’s love and guidance. We become living testimonies of our commitment to place Christ at the center of our lives.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” – Matthew 6:24
1 John 2:15
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” – 1 John 2:15
Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:20
Matthew 10:37
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” – Matthew 10:37
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Community and Support in Following Jesus
As we carry our cross and follow Jesus, we should not do it alone. The journey of faith is best shared within a community. Together, we can support one another through challenges and hardships. Building strong relationships in faith allows us to collectively bear the costs of following Jesus. Jesus calls us to love one another and to uphold each other, helping us find strength in unity. Our fellowship becomes a source of encouragement and motivation, reminding us we are never alone in this walk.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20
The Eternal Reward of Following Jesus
As Christians, we are assured that our sacrifices in following Jesus are never in vain. The hope of eternal life and the promise of being united with Him forever is our ultimate reward. Through all the challenges and costs we face, we stand firm in the assurance that these trials are temporary, and our faith leads to eternal glory. By focusing on our heavenly rewards, we gain the strength to persevere. We remind one another that, in the end, the bond we form with Christ transcends all earthly struggles.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17
Matthew 5:12
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:12
1 Peter 1:4
“To an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” – 1 Peter 1:4
Revelation 2:10
“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” – Revelation 2:10
Final Thoughts
Following Jesus comes with its own set of challenges and sacrifices. We learn that the cost of discipleship involves self-denial, counting the cost, remaining steadfast through trials, and prioritizing our love for God over worldly pursuits. We find strength in community and support each other during tough times. As we navigate this path, let us never forget the eternal rewards waiting for us. Living for Jesus often feels heavy, yet is profoundly rewarding. As we stand together as a community in faith, let’s keep our eyes on the ultimate prize, knowing that our sacrifices bring us closer to Him.
We encourage you to explore more about the scriptures that reflect the cost of following Jesus. These scriptures inspire us to deepen our faith and commit ourselves to Christ. If you want to learn about other important aspects of our faith, consider reading about gaining the world and losing your soul or forsaking family.