Shane Gooch: Luke 9:23-25
Sermon Notes: True Discipleship
…make disciples of all nations – Mt 28.19
We can’t fulfill the Great Commission unless we know what true discipleship is
Context
Who is this man? – Lk 5.21; 7.20-21, 49; 8.25; 9.9
Who do you say that I am? – Lk 9.18-20
It’s not what you think
What we need to hear – Lk 9.23
Self-Denial
Self-denial is secular heresy
We need to deny ourselves in the way that Peter denied Christ – Lk 22.54-62 (also Mt 26; Mk 14; John 18)
We are totally depraved – Phil 3.7-11
Christ died for us; will we die for him? – Lk 9.24-25
‘Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling’
Suffering
In the most graphic terms possible, Jesus was calling for a willingness to endure hatred, hostility, rejection, reproach, persecution, shame, even the most horrible death; to say no to self and no to safety for His sake. – John MacArthur
Are you willing to endure the road to Calvary?
Our cross is not something trivial, but a willingness to identify ourselves as his not matter the cost. – Lk 9.26
Submission
Mt 7.21; Lk 6.46
God is sovereign but man is responsible – Eph 2.8-10
Our obedience demonstrates our love – John 14.15-24
We are not without help
It is by ongoing submission to Christ that we demonstrate we are his, glorify God and bear witness to the world. – John 15.8-17
Follow, follow, follow, follow, follow, follow, follow me
Conclusion
Is this a picture of you?
Is this the ‘good news’ that you proclaim?
‘And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ – Mt 28.20
True discipleship is costly; but the reward is priceless