Dedicated To The Men of God Who Preach the Word of God As It
Is To Men As They Are
"Preach The Word"
THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
Text: Matt. 16:24
INTRODUCTION: The greatest of privileges belong to Christ's disciple; but in order to be his disciple and to enjoy these privileges a price must be paid. What is that price?
I. SELF-REPRESSION
"Let him deny himself," said Jesus. This means to curb the lower self, to exercise self-restraint.
1. Of what? Ungodliness and worldly lusts. (Tit. 2:11_12)
2. Why? Self-denial is a law of development; he who disregards it ` does not grow. (I Cor. 9:25). It is a law of protection; he who ignores it does injury to his health. (I Cor. 9-27). The Lord denies us of sin for the same reason that a mother denies the child of poison.
II. SELF-SACRIFICE
"And take up his cross." There are three words which express the darker experiences of life, namely:
1. "Burden" - the inevitable cares and strains of daily life.
2. "Thorn" - a weakness or infirmity, mental or physical, which makes life miserable and duty difficult. (2 Cor. 12:7-10)
3. "Cross" - the pain we voluntarily suffer on behalf of others. Jesus' cross meant that (2 Cor. 11:24-28).
III. SELF- EXPRESSION
"And follow me." said Jesus. The life of a Christian is not only repression, but also expression; not only restraint, but also activity. It is the cultivation of the higher self. Let us ask :
1. How? We follow him "by faith." (2 Cor. 5:7; I Pet. 2:21-23) 2. Why? He is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)
3. Whither? To the Father's house. (John 14:1-3)
Mini-Sermon From Maze Jackson
