FBS 16 Cost of Discipleship/bg

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Praise
Read a scripture and practice a worship song.


 * Read Hebrews 13:14-15 and sing songs.


 * (optional) Use a Statement of Faith about Jesus like Philippians 2:11b + 1 Timothy 2:4-6a

Care
Minister to one another’s needs in prayer, biblical counsel and encouragement.


 * Ask each person to tell one highlight and explain one challenge they experienced this week.


 * Ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you this week?” Pray for each other’s needs.

Celebrate Faithfulness
Encourage loving accountability to obey Jesus


 * Ask, “What happened as you trusted God with your goals and I will statements?”

Motivation and Encouragement
Cast vision for who they can become in Christ or what God can do through them.

Example: God’s heart is for all the lost. Yet, so many places around us do not have followers of Jesus to be a light for the community and show God’s love to the people there. As followers of Jesus, we are called by God to align our hearts to His heart for ALL the lost. We need to pursue a big vision that will reach all lost communities around us. We are trusting God to use us to bring “a church for every village and community and the gospel for every person!”



Context
Large crowds were beginning to follow Jesus. They heard of the miraculous healings and the feedings of the multitudes. They were attracted to Him because of the benefits they hoped to receive from Him. But Jesus knew their hearts. He knew they really were not willing to follow Him unconditionally. He wanted them to recognize that to follow Him meant to surrender everything to Him.

Read

 * Read or watch Luke 14:25-33 2-3 times as others listen.

Discovery Discussion

 * Everyone tells what caught their attention (or what they like best) and why.


 * Why do you think this story is important?


 * How can we live differently now that we know this story (passage)?

Tell and Correct

 * Practice the story by having someone tell the story and ask the group to correct if necessary.

Summary
When we follow Christ, the benefits are eternal and beyond compare: forgiveness of sins, salvation, and security in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. But being a disciple of Jesus will not make you exempt from pain and trials. Because we live in an evil world, following Christ will also bring you persecution and challenges. Anyone who desires to live a godly life in Jesus will be persecuted by others. But let’s be encouraged by Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends, read 1 Peter 4:12-16 and 19.



Preparing for the Mission

 * Practice any skill or topic from previous lessons to help prepare to minister to others.


 * Practice giving, as agreed upon.


 * Remember Jesus’ sacrifice through communion, if appropriate.

Going on the Mission

 * Identify 5 people from your Network List with whom you will take the initiative to minister to this week.


 * Write “I will by when” statements and tell them to your small group.

Praying for the Mission
Commit everyone’s goals to the Lord. Ask the Lord to help us be faithful and use us to start a movement of disciple-makers.