The Cost(s) of Discipleship 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.” 2:5 – “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according the rules.”

2 nd 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