The Cost of Discipleship

The Cost of Discipleship: What It Truly Demands from Followers of Christ

The cost of discipleship is not a light subject. Jesus Himself stated in Luke 14:27, “Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” This declaration sets the foundation of what it truly means to follow Christ—an unwavering commitment to righteousness, holiness, and a life set apart from sin.

Understanding the Cost of Discipleship in Scripture

Old Testament Foundations of Obedience and Sacrifice

From the very beginning, we see the cost of discipleship in the stories of Abraham, Moses, and Joseph. Abraham left his homeland (Genesis 12), not knowing where he was going. That was faith in action. Moses gave up a royal life in Pharaoh’s palace to lead a stubborn people through the wilderness (Hebrews 11:24-27). Joseph remained faithful despite betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment (Genesis 39).

These stories show that the cost of discipleship involves trust, patience, and enduring hardship while holding onto God’s promises.

Biblical Sins That Challenge Discipleship

• Pride (Proverbs 16:18)
• Greed (Luke 12:15)
• Lust (Matthew 5:28)
• Envy (James 3:16)
• Wrath (Proverbs 15:1)
• Sloth (Proverbs 13:4)
• Gluttony (Philippians 3:19)
• Idolatry (Exodus 20:3-6)
• Deception (Proverbs 12:22)
• Gossip (Proverbs 16:28)

These sins, when unchecked, become barriers to living as true disciples.

The Cost of Discipleship in the Life of Jesus and His Apostles

Jesus’ Demands and the Disciples’ Response

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” This is not symbolic—it means a death to self, sin, and worldly desires.

Peter left his nets (Luke 5:11), Matthew abandoned his tax booth (Luke 5:28), and Paul gave up his status as a Pharisee to suffer for Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). Their choices reflect that the cost of discipleship includes loss of comfort, identity, and social standing.

Modern-Day Heroes and the Cost of Following Jesus

Corrie ten Boom – Faith in the Face of Evil

Corrie and her family hid Jews during WWII and were sent to concentration camps. Her book The Hiding Place shares her story. Despite torture and loss, Corrie remained faithful, saying, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Theologian and Martyr

Bonhoeffer’s book, The Cost of Discipleship, remains a Christian classic. He famously distinguished between “cheap grace” and “costly grace,” urging believers to reject comfort and embrace sacrificial obedience.

Contemporary Believers and Everyday Sacrifices

• Leaving lucrative careers to pursue ministry
• Rejecting unethical business deals
• Remaining celibate outside marriage
• Standing for truth in hostile environments

These modern examples prove that the cost of discipleship is not limited to the past.

How to Resist Sin and Remain Steadfast

Daily Disciplines for Disciples

• Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• Bible Study (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)
• Fellowship (Hebrews 10:25)
• Confession (1 John 1:9)

These spiritual disciplines guard our hearts and help us resist temptation.

Accountability and Community

Discipleship flourishes in community. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Quoting Scholars and Books

• The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
• Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
• Desiring God by John Piper

These authors remind us that living for Christ is costly but eternally rewarding.

Promises to Those Who Count the Cost

Eternal Reward Outweighs Earthly Loss

Romans 8:18 assures us, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

Jesus promises in Luke 18:29-30 that whoever sacrifices for the kingdom will receive more in this life and the next.

Strength Through the Holy Spirit

We are not alone. The Holy Spirit strengthens and empowers us (Acts 1:8). We can resist sin and persevere.

Final Thoughts on the Cost of Discipleship

Discipleship demands all we are, but offers more than we can imagine. The Bible never minimizes the cost—but neither does it downplay the reward.

In Revelation 2:10, Jesus encourages us: “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”

Let us count the cost of discipleship, knowing it is the narrow road that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). Stand firm. Resist sin. Embrace Christ.