CANDIDATES FOR DISCIPLESHIP

• Luke 9:57-62

1. The First Candidate
   1. Luke 9:57-58
      1. He volunteered to follow, but the Lord discouraged him.
      2. Mark 4:16-17
         He does not desire impetuous disciples, for they will fall away the quickest.
   2. Luke 14:26-33
      One must first evaluate the cost of commitment to God.
      1. Matthew 10:21-22; John 16:1-4; 2 Timothy 3:12
         Persecution should be expected.
      2. Mark 10:17-22; Hebrews 11:24-26
         Christ must be valued more highly than riches.
      3. Ecclesiastes 5:5; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 6:4-6
         It is preferable to never obey, than to do so without genuine commitment, for the punishment for apostasy is severe.
2. The Second Candidate
   1. Luke 9:59-60
      1. He was invited by the Lord.
         1. Matthew 11:28-30
         2. Revelation 22:17
      2. However, he delayed to accept the invitation, using an excuse.
         1. Revelation 3:20
            He knocks.
         2. Luke 14:16-24
            We must answer!
   2. Matthew 6:33
      1. His priorities were not the Lord's.
      2. Matthew 10:37; 12:47-50
         He elevated his family in the flesh to that position.
   3. Acts 24:24-25
      Like Felix, he thought it safe to delay.
      1. James 4:13-14
         However, life is unpredictable.
      2. 2 Corinthians 6:2
         Salvation should be taken advantage of promptly!
3. The Third Candidate
   1. Luke 9:61-62
      He volunteered, but hesitated.
   2. Luke 17:32; Genesis 19:26
      Looking back is dangerous, and indicates a lack of commitment.
   3. Philippians 3:13-14; 2 Timothy 4:7
      Christians are a forward looking people.

• Conclusion
  Are you a qualified candidate for discipleship?