2. 31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32

4. God helps those who help themselves.

5. 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 16:24-28

6. True discipleship is demanding.

7. You must deny yourself.

8. Lord = a person who exercises absolute ownership rights.

9. You must take up your cross.
You must deny yourself.
You must take up your cross.

10. To take up your cross = being made to submit to the power you once resisted.

11. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it. 26 For what will it benefit someone if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will anyone give in exchange for his life?
Matthew 16:24-28

12. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”
Jim Eliot

13. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it. 26 For what will it benefit someone if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will anyone give in exchange for his life?
Matthew 16:24-28

14. 28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

15. 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will reward each according to what he has done. 28 Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Matthew 16:27-28

16. Jesus’ incentive plan is for you to receive an incorruptible inheritance that will never fade away.

17. God helps those who help themselves.

18. Jesus rewards those who put their faith in him and follow him.
TRUTH

19. The only way to true lasting prosperity is by denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Jesus.