Do you WANT to be a Disciple?

As we wrap up the series, what does it cost to be a disciple/apprentice of Jesus? Check it out and use the questions below in a small group or for personal reflection:Opening ReflectionOver the past three weeks, we’ve asked:How much have you been forgiven?What kind of soil are you?Is it personal? Which of these questions has challenged you the most, and why?In your own words, what do you think keeps people from becoming more like Jesus? How have you experienced that in your own life?Scripture EngagementLuke 9:23–26What does “deny yourself” mean in your daily life?How is that different from simply saying “no” to certain behaviors? Jesus uses “If… then…” statements in this passage. Which one hits you the hardest right now? Why?Luke 14:26–33Why do you think Jesus uses such strong language (“hate” family, “give up everything”)?What was He really trying to get across to His hearers?How do you “count the cost” of following Jesus in your own cultural context?Psalm 27:4What would it look like for this to truly be the one thing you seek?How can this verse guide your focus away from self and toward God?Cultural Context & ChallengeIn 2 Timothy 3:1–5, Paul describes a self-focused culture.Where do you see these traits showing up in our society—and even in the Church?How does our culture’s focus on self (comfort, pleasure, possessions) compete with Jesus’ call to “deny yourself”?The sermon shared a story about a little girl giving up fake jewelry for real pearls. What’s one “fake pearl” in your life that God might be asking you to surrender?Personal ApplicationJesus says, “Take up your cross daily.”What does “daily” look like for you—not just in crisis moments, but in your ordinary routine?Which is harder for you:Denying yourselfFollowing Jesus wholeheartedlyGiving up your possessions or prioritiesWhy do you think that is?What’s one specific step you could take this week to shift your focus from yourself to God and others?Prayer & ResponseHow can we pray for one another to have the courage to “count the cost” and follow Jesus fully?Let’s spend time praying Psalm 27:4 together—asking God to make Him our “one thing.”