THE COSTS AND BLESSINGS OF
FOLLOWING JESUS
Purpose
To ensure that we have done a good job of teaching and that our friends have done a good job
of learning, prior to their baptism. We also want to emphasize the blessings that occur in our
lives when we decide to follow Jesus.
LUKE 14:25-33 | COUNT THE COST
» Jesus is very concerned that we count the cost of following him.
» He uses two parables to communicate his concerns – the tower builder and the over-matched
king.
» We must be prepared to surrender absolutely to Jesus.
QQ: Why do you want to become a disciple?
LUKE 8:11-15 | THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER
» People respond differently to God’s Word, even those who initially receive it with joy and
enthusiasm (Luke 8:13).
» Like the rocky and thorny soils, many things can prevent us from continuing in the faith and
stop us short of finishing the Christian race.
» Two things can derail our faith – pressures from outside and desires from within.
» The key to persevering in our faith is to hear, retain and obey the word.
THE COSTS
Note: In this section, we will do a quick review of key points from each of the seven previous studies.
QQ: Do you believe that the Bible is God’s Word? Are you willing to make it the standard for your
life from this point on?
QQ: What are some of the things that you most admire about Jesus?
QQ: Is there any sin of which you are unwilling to repent? What will be your most daunting challenges
in this area?
QQ: What does the cross mean to you?
QQ: Are you prepared to walk the narrow road and follow Jesus in specific ways? What do you
think will be most challenging to you (openness, commitment to the body, evangelism, potential
family conflict)?
QQ: What is your understanding of baptism?
QQ: Are you prepared to be fully committed to God’s family, the church? Do you have any questions
or concerns about the normal church schedule?
THE BLESSINGS OF FOLLOWING CHRIST
QQ: What do you see as the greatest blessings of following Christ?
ACTS 2:36-39
» The complete forgiveness of every sin ever committed – a totally clean slate.
» The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
– Power to live a new life (John 14:15-17).
– Experiencing the immediate presence of God within us.
ACTS 2:42-47
» Priceless truths from God’s Word – inspiration and practical direction for all aspects of
our lives (Psalm 119:97-104).
» Worship – praising God, communion and fellowship.
» Daily relationships – deep and meaningful friendships.
QQ: How have your relationships with disciples been a blessing up to this point? How do
these relationships compare with those you have outside the church?
» Purpose in life – helping other people to find God.
QQ: Who are the people you’d like to share the good news with?
1 CORINTHIANS 15:50-57
» The promise of resurrection from death – the hope of eternal immortality.
» A perfect, imperishable body.
FINAL QUESTIONS
QQ: Is there any issue about which you are unclear?
QQ: Do you understand that this is a lifelong decision?
QQ: Do you have any reservations about following Jesus?
QQ: When do you want to be baptized?
FOLLOWING JESUS
Purpose
To ensure that we have done a good job of teaching and that our friends have done a good job
of learning, prior to their baptism. We also want to emphasize the blessings that occur in our
lives when we decide to follow Jesus.
LUKE 14:25-33 | COUNT THE COST
» Jesus is very concerned that we count the cost of following him.
» He uses two parables to communicate his concerns – the tower builder and the over-matched
king.
» We must be prepared to surrender absolutely to Jesus.
QQ: Why do you want to become a disciple?
LUKE 8:11-15 | THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER
» People respond differently to God’s Word, even those who initially receive it with joy and
enthusiasm (Luke 8:13).
» Like the rocky and thorny soils, many things can prevent us from continuing in the faith and
stop us short of finishing the Christian race.
» Two things can derail our faith – pressures from outside and desires from within.
» The key to persevering in our faith is to hear, retain and obey the word.
THE COSTS
Note: In this section, we will do a quick review of key points from each of the seven previous studies.
QQ: Do you believe that the Bible is God’s Word? Are you willing to make it the standard for your
life from this point on?
QQ: What are some of the things that you most admire about Jesus?
QQ: Is there any sin of which you are unwilling to repent? What will be your most daunting challenges
in this area?
QQ: What does the cross mean to you?
QQ: Are you prepared to walk the narrow road and follow Jesus in specific ways? What do you
think will be most challenging to you (openness, commitment to the body, evangelism, potential
family conflict)?
QQ: What is your understanding of baptism?
QQ: Are you prepared to be fully committed to God’s family, the church? Do you have any questions
or concerns about the normal church schedule?
THE BLESSINGS OF FOLLOWING CHRIST
QQ: What do you see as the greatest blessings of following Christ?
ACTS 2:36-39
» The complete forgiveness of every sin ever committed – a totally clean slate.
» The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
– Power to live a new life (John 14:15-17).
– Experiencing the immediate presence of God within us.
ACTS 2:42-47
» Priceless truths from God’s Word – inspiration and practical direction for all aspects of
our lives (Psalm 119:97-104).
» Worship – praising God, communion and fellowship.
» Daily relationships – deep and meaningful friendships.
QQ: How have your relationships with disciples been a blessing up to this point? How do
these relationships compare with those you have outside the church?
» Purpose in life – helping other people to find God.
QQ: Who are the people you’d like to share the good news with?
1 CORINTHIANS 15:50-57
» The promise of resurrection from death – the hope of eternal immortality.
» A perfect, imperishable body.
FINAL QUESTIONS
QQ: Is there any issue about which you are unclear?
QQ: Do you understand that this is a lifelong decision?
QQ: Do you have any reservations about following Jesus?
QQ: When do you want to be baptized?
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