Study Questions
1. Read Luke 14:25-35, What does Jesus mean when He says that His disciples must “hate” their father, mother, family, and even their own life? How do the surrounding teachings of Scripture about loving our families, loving others, and loving our enemies help us understand this strong statement? What is being asked of us? see also Luke 9:59-62
2. Jesus tells His followers to “carry his own cross.” What would that phrase have meant to the original audience, and what does it mean for a Christian today? What are some ways following Christ might require us to sacrifice our reputation, comfort, ambitions, or personal desires? see also Luke 9:23-26 and Luke18:18-27
3. Why do you think Jesus places the two illustrations of the tower and the king in the middle of His teaching about discipleship? What does “counting the cost” look like before—and after—we commit ourselves to following Christ?
4. Scripture often describes salvation as a gift while passages like this one as well as many others express the cost of following Christ. How can these two truths both be true? How might an incorrect understanding of “free gift” lead someone toward what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called “cheap grace”?
5. There are many aspects of our relationship and identity in Christ expressed in scripture. Three very important aspects that are woven throughout the New Testament are being a disciple, family, and church/body.
What does each identity require from us? How do these identities move Christianity beyond simply attending church or believing certain things?
6. Ephesians 4:15–16 describes the church as a body in which “each individual part” contributes to the growth of the whole body. What happens to a church when believers fail to participate, serve, disciple others, or pursue unity? Conversely, how can actively participating in a local church help us grow as disciples?
7. What is one thing in your life that may be competing with Christ for first place—your family, possessions, reputation, comfort, career, relationships, or even your own plans?
This week, prayerfully ask God, “What am I unwilling to give up if You asked me to?” Then identify one concrete step you can take to demonstrate that your identity and allegiance belong to Christ and His church