Dying to Live | Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon explores Jesus’ radical call to discipleship found in Luke 9:23-27, where He declares that anyone who wants to follow Him must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. The pastor emphasizes that this is not a call reserved for the ‘super committed’ but for anyone who desires to follow Christ. The message challenges modern ‘easy believism’ by presenting the paradoxical truth that to truly live, one must die to self. The sermon examines three key requirements: desiring Christ above all else, denying oneself completely, and being willing to confess Christ boldly without shame. The pastor warns against negotiating terms with Jesus or trying to maintain control over certain areas of life while following Him.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be honest about where we are in our walk with You and give us the courage to hear Your truth, even when it challenges us. We pray that Your Spirit would work in our group today, drawing us closer to You and to one another. Show us what it truly means to follow Jesus, and help us to be open to whatever You want to reveal to us through our discussion. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s one New Year’s resolution you’ve made in the past that you actually kept, or one that you completely failed at? What made the difference?
Key Verses
Luke 9:23-27
Matthew 6:24
Matthew 6:33
Galatians 2:20
John 14:6
Questions
Jesus says His call to discipleship is for ‘anyone’ who wants to follow Him. How does this challenge the idea that serious discipleship is only for ‘super committed’ Christians?
What does it mean to ‘desire Christ’ as the first requirement of discipleship? How can we tell if we truly desire Christ above all else?
The pastor mentioned that ‘as soon as you start negotiating terms with Jesus, you’ve already admitted your desires are not for Him.’ What are some ways we might try to negotiate with Jesus in our daily lives?
Jesus says we must ‘deny ourselves.’ What does this look like practically in our relationships, careers, finances, and daily decisions?
The phrase ‘take up your cross daily’ suggests this is an ongoing process, not a one-time decision. How do we practically ‘die to self’ on a daily basis?
Jesus warns about being ashamed of Him and His words. In what situations do you find it most challenging to boldly confess Christ?
The paradox ‘whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it’ seems counterintuitive. How have you seen this truth play out in your own life or in others?
How does understanding that ‘you cannot serve two masters’ help us identify what might be competing with Christ for our allegiance?
Life Application
This week, identify one specific area of your life where you’ve been trying to maintain control rather than surrendering to Christ. It might be your finances, relationships, career decisions, or time management. Take a concrete step to ‘deny yourself’ in that area by choosing God’s way over your own preferences. Additionally, look for one opportunity to boldly confess Christ in a situation where you might normally stay silent about your faith.
Key Takeaways
True discipleship requires a settled desire for Christ above all else, not just casual interest
Following Jesus means completely denying ourselves and our own agenda, not negotiating terms with God
We must take up our cross daily – dying to self is an ongoing process, not a one-time decision
Trying to save or preserve our own life leads to losing it, while losing our life for Christ’s sake leads to true life
True disciples will boldly confess Christ without shame, as salvation works itself out from the inside
Ending Prayer
Father, thank You for Your Word that challenges and transforms us. We confess that following You is not always easy, and we often want to hold onto our own plans and desires. Help us to truly desire You above all else and give us the strength to deny ourselves daily. We pray that You would help us identify the areas where we’re trying to serve two masters, and give us the courage to surrender completely to You. Help us to be bold witnesses for Christ in our daily lives, not ashamed of the Gospel but confident in Your power to save. Transform our hearts so that we would truly live as those who are dying to ourselves and alive in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.