Text: Matthew 16:21-28

Topic: What it means to be a disciple

Introduction:

• Illustration: May describes in detail NFL football player Leon Lett's debacle in the Super Bowl, where his overconfidence led to his embarrassment, in order to set up the following passage in which Peter has a "Leon Lett" moment.

• Matthew 16:22-25

• There is a cost to discipleship.

• Big Idea: In order to experience the fullness of God's blessings in your life, you must give him your life.

• All Christians are disciples.

• No preacher or teacher today has the right to claim absolute authority over his followers—but Jesus has the right.

• Matthew 16:23

• Illustration: May tells the story of Ed Young Jr., who was committed to playing basketball, but whom God committed to becoming a very successful preacher.

• God's plan is often harder, but it's always better.

• Matthew 16:24

• Deny yourself.

• The Christian life is a life of saying "no" to me and "yes" to God.

• Take up your cross.

• Illustration: May quotes a humorous, complaining tombstone in Scotland, demonstrating that a "cross to bear" does not mean a constant burden but an attitude of dying to oneself.

• Luke 9:23

• Follow Jesus.

• The Christian life consists of following Jesus—of doing what he would do as best we can in each and every situation.

A disciple gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.

• Matthew 16:25-26

• The Christian life involves giving your life—all of your life—to Jesus.

• There are two roads you can take: Living for yourself, which leads to eternal death; or living for Jesus, which leads to eternal life.

• A disciple realizes that if he will give up his meaningless life, that God will give him life far beyond his wildest dreams.

Conclusion:

• There is a cost to discipleship.

• Te return is exponentially more than the investment.

• Discipleship is a learning process.