The Costs of Discipleship

If we bear witness to the saving grace of our Lord and defend the truths found in the Gospels, we will undoubtedly face persecution, even to the point of death as evidenced by the deaths of thousands of Christians yearly worldwide. Most of these persecutions and deaths go unreported here in the United States. When it happens here we get biased reporting such as CNN constantly labelling Charlie Kirk as a "conservative activist" and completely ignoring his Christian worldview. Just as certain, you can rest assured that no mention of the powers of darkness playing a role in Christian persecution and murder will be coming from CBS, NBC, ABC, NPR, etc.

As Christians, we know what we shall face and how to face it.

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12

 

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

 

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him.” – Philippians 1:29

 

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13

 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4

 

“Remember what I told you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” – John 15:20

 

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:10-12

 

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

 

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

 

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” – Revelation 2:10

 

“Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:4

If the death of one man leads more to follow Jesus, to publicly defend the Good News that he came to save sinners, and to not be shy about naming the sins that offend God, and those things for which we are taught to repent, then let them know also the true costs of discipleship.