Have You Measured The Cost Discussion Guide
Summary
Pastor Harry delivered a powerful message titled "Have You Measured the Cost?" following testimonies from youth who attended a transformative camp. The sermon explored the difference between receiving salvation as a free gift and the cost of truly following Jesus as a disciple. Drawing from Luke 14:25-33 and Exodus 3:1-6, Harry emphasized three key requirements for discipleship: counting the cost, surrendering completely, and living set apart. He challenged the congregation to move beyond casual following to wholehearted commitment, using Moses' encounter with the burning bush as an example of stepping away from the familiar to encounter God's presence.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for Your presence in this place. As we gather together to study Your Word, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us today. Help us to be honest with ourselves and with You about the areas of our lives that need Your touch. Give us the courage to step closer to You, just as Moses stepped toward the burning bush. Holy Spirit, guide our discussion and help us to encourage one another as we grow in our faith. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What's one thing you've had to save up for or work really hard to obtain? Was it worth the effort in the end?
Key Verses
Luke 14:25-30
Exodus 3:1-6
1 Peter 1:15-16
Ephesians 2:8
Questions
What does it mean to 'count the cost' of following Jesus? How is this different from simply believing in Him?
When Jesus talks about 'hating' family members in Luke 14:26, what is He really asking of His disciples?
How does Moses' response to the burning bush demonstrate what it means to 'turn aside' from the familiar to encounter God?
What are some things in our modern lives that might compete with Jesus for first place in our hearts?
What does it mean to 'carry your cross' in today's context? What might that look like practically?
How can we tell the difference between following Jesus at a distance versus being His true disciple?
What does it mean to live 'set apart' or holy in our daily lives? Give some practical examples.
Why do you think Jesus was so direct about the cost of discipleship instead of making it sound easy?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you've been following Jesus at a distance rather than as a committed disciple. Take a specific step to surrender that area to Him completely - whether it's a relationship, habit, priority, or dream that has been competing for first place in your heart. Write it down, pray about it, and share it with a trusted friend for accountability.
Key Takeaways
Salvation is free, but discipleship costs everything - Jesus calls us to prioritize Him above all else, even family
True disciples must count the cost, surrender completely, and live set apart from the world
Like Moses at the burning bush, we must 'turn aside' from the familiar to encounter God's presence
Following Jesus requires carrying our cross - dying to our own desires and plans to follow His
Living holy means being set apart for God's purposes, not conforming to worldly patterns
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder that following You requires everything we have, but that You are worth it all. Help us to be honest about the areas where we've been holding back from complete surrender. Give us the courage to count the cost and choose You above all else. Like Moses, help us to turn aside from the familiar and step closer to Your presence. Transform us from casual followers into committed disciples who live set apart for Your glory. We surrender our plans, our relationships, and our dreams to You, trusting that Your ways are higher than our ways. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.