Start with the end in mind
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If we don’t start with the end in mind, we will never walk daily with Christ in a disciplined, fruitful, and sacrificial manner.
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What are you sacrificing?
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Supporting Scripture: Luke 9:26 (ESV)
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If we want to be part of Jesus’ eternal Kingdom, it will require sacrifice on a daily basis.
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We’ve been raised in our culture to believe the worldview that life is really all about me and that the center of the universe, the center of all gravity is ME, MYSELF, and I.
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YOU RULE!
Supporting Scripture: Genesis 3:4-5 (ESV)
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Supporting Scripture: Romans 6:23 (ESV)
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What does Jesus call us to sacrifice?
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SELF, THE WORLD, and OUR EGO
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Jesus calls is to sacrifice self.
Supporting Scripture: Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
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“We’ve made comfort the God of the western world. Then we wonder why our men don’t do uncomfortable things like eat right, work out, serve their wives like Christ, and walk into church on Sunday. men, it’s time to repent of our idolatry. It’s time to get uncomfortable.” – Jim Ramos
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If your walk with Jesus involves no personal sacrifice whatsoever, you might consider if you are really walking with Christ.
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Jesus calls us to sacrifice the world.
Supporting Scripture: Luke 9:25 (ESV)
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Supporting Scripture: Luke 9:44-46 (ESV)
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Jesus calls us to sacrifice our ego.
Supporting Scripture: Luke 9:26 (ESV)
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I’m a child of God, a disciple of Jesus, who is filled with the Holy Spirit.
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” – C.T Studd
Supporting Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
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Reflecting on Luke 9:18-27 and the theme of sacrifice for Christ can be deeply insightful. Here are some personal reflection questions that might help you explore the passage and its implications for your own life:
- Understanding Jesus’ Identity:
- How do you personally understand Jesus’ question to His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” (Luke 9:20)? What does your answer to this question reveal about your relationship with Him?
- How does recognizing Jesus as the Messiah impact your daily life and decisions?
- Embracing the Path of Sacrifice:
- In what ways does Jesus’ prediction of His suffering, rejection, and death (Luke 9:22) challenge your understanding of following Him?
- What does it mean for you to “take up your cross daily” (Luke 9:23)? Are there specific areas in your life where this call to sacrifice feels particularly relevant?
- Personal Sacrifice:
- Reflect on a time when you had to make a personal sacrifice for your faith. What was the experience like, and how did it affect your relationship with God?
- What are some areas of your life where you might be holding back from fully committing to Christ? What steps can you take to address these areas?
- Gaining and Losing:
- Jesus asks, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” (Luke 9:25). How do you interpret this statement in the context of your own life goals and ambitions?
- How can you prioritize eternal values over temporary gains in your daily decisions?
- Shame and Boldness:
- Jesus warns against being ashamed of Him and His words (Luke 9:26). Are there situations where you find it challenging to be open about your faith? What might help you overcome these challenges?
- How can you cultivate boldness in sharing your faith, even in the face of potential rejection or difficulty?
- The Cost of Discipleship:
- How does understanding the cost of discipleship (Luke 9:23) shape your perspective on your spiritual journey?
- Are there specific practices or habits you could adopt to deepen your commitment to Christ and embrace the sacrifices He calls you to?
- Role of Prayer and Reflection:
- How can prayer and reflection help you better understand and embrace the sacrifices required to follow Christ?
- What role does community and fellowship play in supporting you through the sacrifices and challenges of discipleship?
By pondering these questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus in a way that is both genuine and transformative.