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Explore the importance of counting the cost of discipleship as highlighted in Scriptures such as Luke 9:23-25, 2 Timothy 3:12, and Colossians 3:23. Discover the eternal rewards awaiting those willing to endure suffering and hardship for Christ. The texts focus on the heavenly promises to those who put Jesus first and willingly bear their cross.
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Rewards of Heaven • WORTH the COST • Romans 8:18 • 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. • 2 Corinthians 4:17 • 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
The Cost of Discipleship • Jesus must come FIRST • Before SELF • Luke 9:23-24 • Before FAMILY • Luke 14:26; Matt. 10:34-37 • Before ANYTHING • Luke 9:25; Luke 14:33
The Cost of Discipleship • We must be willing to suffer for Christ • Bear our OWN cross • Luke 14:27 • Live in an UNGODLY world • 2 Timothy 3:12 • Endure Persecution • 1 Peter 4:12-13; Luke 6:27-28
The Cost of Discipleship • We must be willing to suffer for Christ • Endure Personal Weaknesses • 1 Cor. 9:27 • Disappointments of Others • 2 Cor. 11:29 • Time & Effort • Colossians 3:23
The Rewards of Discipleship • Paul’s Thoughts • A man who endured hardships • 2 Cor. 11:23-25 • Yet looked forward to: • A house not made with hands: 2 Cor. 5:1 • The riches of God’s grace: Eph. 2:7 • A glorious transformation: Phil. 3:20-21 • A crown of righteousness: 2 Timothy 4:8 • A heavenly kingdom: 2 Timothy 4:18
The Rewards of Discipleship • Peter’s Thoughts • A man who suffered hardships • 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 • Yet looked forward to: • An inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, reserved in heaven: 1 Peter 1:4 • A new heaven and new earth, in which righteousness dwells: 2 Peter 3:13:14
The Rewards of Discipleship • John’s Thoughts • A man who suffered tribulation and exile • Revelation 1:9 • Yet was blessed to be shown: • The bliss of those triumphant over tribulation: Rev. 7:9-10, 13-17 • The destiny of the redeemed, forever with God: Rev. 21:1-7; 21:22-22:5
Weighing our Options Few Years of Service with Pain & Hardships Eternal Life with our Lord and Father
Hebrews 10:35-36 • 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. • 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
What’s your Choice? • Lifetime of Eternal Punishment in Hell • Lifetime of Eternal Bliss in Heaven
Eternal Destruction • 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 • 7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, • 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: • 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Eternal Life • Romans 6:23 • For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. • Matthew 25:46 • ….but the righteous into life eternal. • John 10:28 • And I give unto them eternallife; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Heir of Eternal Life • John 1:11-13 • 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. • 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: • 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Heir of Eternal Life • Galatians 3:25-27 • 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. • 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. • 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.