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The Cost(s) of Discipleship. 2 nd Timothy 2:3-7. 2 nd Timothy 2:3-7. 2:3 – “Share in suffering as a good solider of Jesus Christ.” 2:4 – “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”
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The Cost(s) of Discipleship 2nd Timothy 2:3-7
2nd Timothy 2:3-7 • 2:3 – “Share in suffering as a good solider of Jesus Christ.” • 2:4 – “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” • 2:5 – “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according the rules.”
2nd Timothy 2:3-7 • 2:5 – “It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.” • 2:6 – “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”
The Cost of Discipleship – Living A Life Of Devotion To Christ • The soldier’s purpose – to please his commanding officer • The Christian’s purpose – to please Jesus Christ • The soldier pleases his commanding officer how? Not getting entangled in civilian affairs • Believer’s please Jesus Christ how? Not getting entangled in civilian affairs
The Cost of Discipleship – Living A Life Of Devotion To Christ • Travel light • Believers are on a journey through this life • Lay aside unnecessary baggage • Throw away activities that take away from devotion to Christ.
The Cost of Discipleship – Living A Life Of Discipline • An athlete had to train • The Christian trains • An athlete had to compete by the rules • So they would not be disqualified • So they would gain the victor’s crown • Believers obey Christ’s rules • Believers obey Christ – never perfectly, but is our goal • Believers gain a crown in heaven
The Cost of Discipleship – Living A Life Of Discipline • Get on a training regimen • Get in shape spiritually • Stick to your spiritual training regimen • How do you structure your life and weekly schedule? • Around your desires and activities?? OR • Around spiritual things???
The Cost of Discipleship – Living A Life Of Diligence • The farmer works hard • Tilling, sowing, planting, weeding, • The Christian works hard • Service for Christ • The hardworking farmer shares in the crops • Bountiful harvest • The hardworking Christian shares in the crops • Unsaved becoming believers, believers maturing, our own maturity, overflowing peace and joy
The Cost of Discipleship – Living A Life Of Diligence • No pain, no gain • Hard work leads to gain • Hard work spiritually leads to spiritual gain
Conclusion • Make your Christian life 3D • Devotion, discipline, diligence • Remember your prize awaits you • Realize that resources are available • The Bible, God’s promises, the Holy spirit, Christian friends • Remember Christ’s suffering on your behalf • Remember the cross