Jesus – The Exacting Exclusivist
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 19:16-30 and Luke 14:25-33
What did Jesus come for? What does He call us to? What are you celebrating?
Intro: Salvation costs us nothing; discipleship costs us everything
1. The identity term “good” is redefined from doing good things, to a lifestyle of obedience to Jesus (Matt 19:16-22)
a) Good worth is only in God (Mark 10:18, James 1:17)
b) You can have good things and yet “lack” (vs 20)
c) Though ‘salvation is easy and free’, why is entering the Kingdom of God then so hard? (vs 23-24; Matt 7:13-14)
d) Jesus’ call is – give up everything that you love (vs 27, 29)
2. ‘Loving Jesus’ is more than an emotional acknowledgement of spiritual truths; it is a deliberate taking up of Jesus’ cross (Luke 14:25-33)
a) You love Jesus more than family and yourself (vs 25-26)
b) The cross is an invitation to death (vs 27)
c) Two requirements (3 parables):
o Weigh the cost
o Do not quit
d) The secret to true discipleship – renounce everything
3. Why would anyone respond?
a) You value Jesus’ work done for you – plain and simple!
b) The rewards are out of this world (Matt 19:29)
c) It’s in being a disciple that one “makes disciples” (Matt 28: 19)
Conclusion: The call to Salvation is a call to discipleship – death to self!
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Dec_25_2011
