Follow Me | Cost of Discipleship | Devotionals

Devotional: When you decide to follow Jesus, you take the first step on the discipleship pathway. This initial step is crucial as it marks the beginning of your journey as a disciple. You might feel like an immature or young disciple, but remember, you are a disciple nonetheless. Embrace this new identity and the core tenets of the faith. Admit you are a sinner, believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and confess Him as your Savior and Lord. This foundational step sets the stage for your growth and maturity in Christ.

Verse: Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' - Matthew 16:24

Question: Have you taken the first step of faith by admitting, believing, and confessing Jesus as your Savior? If so, how does this foundational step influence your daily life?

Quote: When you follow Jesus, when you take that step of faith, you're a disciple. You might be an immature disciple or a young disciple, but you're a disciple.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to follow You. Help me to embrace my identity as Your disciple and to grow in my faith each day. Amen.

Devotional: As you continue on the discipleship pathway, it's essential to understand the importance of community. We are not meant to walk this path alone. Building a sense of belonging through community, worship, and service is vital. Being part of a community helps us grow, learn, and support one another. It provides a space where we can share our struggles, celebrate our victories, and encourage each other in our faith journey.

Verse: For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. - Matthew 16:25

Question: How can you actively participate in your faith community to support and be supported by others on their discipleship journey?

Quote: Community is such an important part of becoming a disciple. We are disciples together, not in isolation.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of community. Help me to be an active participant in my faith community, supporting and encouraging others as we grow together in Christ. Amen.

Devotional: The call to discipleship is a call to grow from an immature faith to a mature one. This involves moving from the simpler things of the faith to the deeper, meatier aspects. Continuous learning through Sunday school, Bible study, and one-on-one mentorship helps believers mature in their faith. As you grow, seek to understand your spiritual gifts and the importance of baptism. These steps are crucial in your journey towards becoming a mature disciple of Christ.

Verse: For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? - Matthew 16:26

Question: What steps can you take to move from an immature faith to a mature one, embracing the deeper aspects of your faith?

Quote: The call to go from an immature faith to a mature one, from being able to take in the milk or the simpler things of the faith, not to put down on that, but the draw and the call to take on the meatier things of the faith.

Prayer: Lord, help me to grow in maturity and knowledge of You. Guide me as I seek to understand the deeper aspects of my faith and to live them out daily. Amen.

Devotional: Following Jesus comes with a cost. Jesus doesn't ask us to make small sacrifices; He calls us to pick up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow Him. This means putting aside our desires and ambitions to seek His will in all things. It's a daily decision to choose His path over our own. While this may seem daunting, remember that true life is found in losing our life for His sake. The road that appears to lead to death actually leads to life.

Verse: Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.' - Matthew 16:24

Question: What does it mean for you to deny yourself and take up your cross daily? How can you live this out in practical ways?

Quote: Jesus doesn't say, get a paper cut for me. He says, pick up your cross. Deny yourself. That's what it looks like to be a follower, a disciple.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to understand the cost of following You and to willingly take up my cross each day. Give me the strength to deny myself and to seek Your will in all things. Amen.

Devotional: The ultimate goal of the discipleship pathway is to become a mature disciple-maker who can guide others on their journey. This involves evangelism training to share your faith effectively and leadership development to ensure the growth and sustainability of the church. As you continue to grow in maturity and knowledge of Christ, seek to be formed by Him in all aspects of your life. Remember, discipleship happens in a moment and over a lifetime. Commit to this lifelong journey and help others do the same.

Verse: For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. - Matthew 16:25

Question: How can you take steps to become a disciple-maker, guiding others on their journey of faith?

Quote: Discipleship happens in a moment and over a lifetime.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide me as I seek to become a disciple-maker. Help me to share my faith effectively and to lead others in their journey towards maturity in Christ. Amen.