Obedience When It Costs
Doing the right thing when it's expensive.
Easy obedience isn't really obedience.
The big idea
Obedience that costs nothing proves nothing. Obedience that costs you something is the real test.
What does “Obedience When It Costs” walk through?
No Looking Back
Luke 9:62 · KJV
No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
In plain English
Once you've started following me, you don't keep looking back at what you left. You keep going.
Real Cost
Most of us love Jesus until obedience costs us something. Our reputation. A relationship. Money. Comfort. The honest test is what you do when following him asks you to give something up.
Take Up the Cross
Matthew 16:24 · KJV
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
In plain English
If you want to follow me, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow.
“Cheap obedience isn't obedience. It's convenience.”
What's It Worth
You'll know your obedience is real when it costs you something you'd rather keep. That's the moment of truth. The good news: what you give up, you don't really lose. You trade it for something better.
Pray
Lord, when obedience is expensive, give me the courage to pay it. Don't let me settle for the cheap version of following you.
Write it down
Where is God asking obedience that's going to cost you? Are you willing to pay it?
You finished: Obedience When It Costs
Cheap obedience doesn't change you. The expensive kind does. Follow him there.
Which passages does this journey use?
2 passages, drawn from Luke 9:62, Matthew 16:24. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 5 minutes for the whole thing, or 6 short sittings.
- Luke 9:62
- Matthew 16:24
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
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