Luke 14:25-35 | The Four L’s of Discipleship

Luke 14:25-35 | The Four L’s of Discipleship

Background Points

The three-dimensional definition of a disciple helps us understand what it means to be called by the Lord as one of His disciples.

1. Learner. Someone who studies under a teacher.
2. Follower. Someone who identifies fully with another.
3. Imitator. Someone who strives to take on the same character and approach to living as another.

The Four “L”s of Discipleship

1. Love: I have a deep love for God and for others (v.26)
   1. Application: When I truly love Jesus, He will transform every relationship I have with others when I make Him the foundation and the focus of each relationship.
2. Loyalty: I must make Jesus the priority in my life (vv.27-32)
   1. Application: My deepest devotion and commitment must be to Jesus. I no longer trust in worldly things but in Him alone. He died for me so I must be willing live for Him (2 Corinthians 5:15)
3. Lose Self: I must be all in for Jesus (v.33)
   1. Application: Jesus must be center and foundation of my life. I must not be content to be a spectator when it comes to spiritual things, I must be involved.
4. Listen: I must respond to God’s Word by faith (v.34-35)
   1. Application: The Gap between God’s will and my understanding is an opportunity for me to walk by faith. This is holy ground!

Summary of the Four “L”s: True discipleship entails a death to self that results in loving Jesus
and others at the cost of everything I possess, while giving birth in me to a spirit of willing
obedience.

Taking It to the Next Level

An outgrowth of our personal discipleship journey is a desire to be involved in the Great Commission. Christ’s Command to: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations.

Most folks are not called into full-time missionary service. That’s not the final word: We either go, or we send.

The choice is not whether to literally go or not. The choice is whether to be involved or not. It becomes a moral issue, a matter of obedience.

Grow Group Questions:

1. What are your thoughts about the three-dimensional definition of disciple?
2. Try to explain verse 26 in your own words.
3. How would you apply verse 27 to your own walk with Christ?
4. Why does Jesus compel people to consider all aspects of following Him before making their decision to follow Him?
5. Consider the 3-step process for bringing about lasting change (Desire; Decision; Decisive Action). How can you use this process to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus?
6. What are some hindrances that can affect our willingness to become involved in The Great Commission? How can we overcome them?