Back to Basics: Christian Living: The Cost & Rewards of Discipleship

Counting the Cost & Finishing Strong

In our Back to Basics: Christian Living series on discipleship, we arrive at a crucial junction where we must confront both the sobering realities and glorious promises of following Christ. True discipleship demands everything, yet offers infinitely more than we could ever sacrifice.

The Cost of Following Christ

Jesus never offered His disciples an easy path. When we speak of discipleship, we must acknowledge that it comes with a price tag that many are unwilling to pay. The world that rejected our Master will likewise reject us. "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you" (John 15:18-19, KJV).

This rejection isn't merely theoretical—it manifests in real persecution, misunderstanding, and opposition. Jesus warned His disciples: "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20, KJV). Following Christ means accepting that we will face hostility simply for bearing His name.

Yet the cost goes even deeper than external persecution. True discipleship requires an internal death—a crucifixion of our old self. Paul declared this transformative reality: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20, KJV).

This isn't symbolic language—it's the daily reality of surrendering our ambitions, desires, and self-serving plans to live entirely for Christ. We must die to our own agenda so that Christ's life can flow through us. This death to self is perhaps the greatest cost of discipleship, for it means relinquishing control of our lives completely.

The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ

However, what we gain far exceeds what we lose. Paul, who suffered tremendously for the gospel, wrote with passionate conviction about the incomparable value of knowing Christ: "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ" (Philippians 3:8, KJV).

Paul wasn't exaggerating. He genuinely considered his former achievements—his pedigree, education, and religious status—as rubbish compared to the treasure of intimately knowing Jesus. This knowledge isn't merely intellectual assent but experiential intimacy with the risen Saviour.

Paul's desire extended beyond mere acquaintance: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death" (Philippians 3:10, KJV). He longed to experience Christ's resurrection power working in his life and to share in Christ's sufferings, being transformed into His likeness even through trials.

Eternal Rewards Await the Faithful

Beyond the present joy of knowing Christ, God has prepared eternal rewards for those who remain faithful. As Paul neared the end of his earthly journey, he could declare with confidence: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8, KJV).

This crown of righteousness isn't earned through works but is the gracious reward given to all who love Christ and persevere in faith. It represents the eternal vindication and honour that God bestows upon His faithful servants.

Moreover, disciples have the extraordinary privilege of partnering with God in His kingdom work. We're not merely spectators but active participants in the greatest mission ever undertaken—the redemption of humanity and the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.

Persevering to the End

Given both the cost and the rewards, the question becomes: How do we persevere? How do we finish well?

The writer of Hebrews provides clear instruction: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2, KJV).

We must run with endurance, stripping away everything that hinders our progress. This race isn't a sprint but a marathon requiring sustained effort and focus. Our eyes must remain fixed on Jesus, who both initiated our faith and will bring it to completion.

Trials and testing will inevitably come, but these aren't obstacles to our faith—they're opportunities for growth. James encourages us: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:2-4, KJV).

Rather than despairing when difficulties arise, we should recognise them as God's tools for producing endurance and maturity in our lives. Every trial passed through in faith strengthens us for what lies ahead.

Paul urged Timothy—and us—to "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called" (1 Timothy 6:12, KJV). Discipleship is warfare. We're engaged in spiritual battle, and we must fight with determination and faith, keeping our eyes on the eternal prize.

The Ultimate Goal: Well Done

What drives us forward through persecution, death to self, trials, and spiritual warfare? It's the prospect of hearing those words from our Master's lips: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matthew 25:21, KJV).

This commendation isn't reserved for the spiritual elite but for all faithful disciples—those who stewarded what God entrusted to them, who persevered through difficulties, who kept the faith until the end.

Yes, discipleship costs us everything—our reputation, our comfort, our very lives. But what we gain is infinitely greater: intimate knowledge of Christ, the privilege of serving Him, eternal rewards, and ultimately hearing "Well done" from the One who matters most.

As we continue this discipleship journey, let us count the cost honestly but also count the rewards accurately. Let us die daily to self, embrace persecution for His name, run with endurance, fight the good fight, and press on toward the goal of finishing well and entering into the joy of our Lord.

The question isn't whether discipleship is costly—it undoubtedly is. The question is whether Christ is worth it. And the resounding testimony of Scripture and countless faithful disciples throughout history is: He absolutely is…

Key Takeaways:

• Discipleship comes with a real cost: Following Christ means facing persecution, rejection from the world, and dying to self daily—surrendering our own ambitions and desires.
• Christ is worth infinitely more than what we sacrifice: The excellence of knowing Jesus surpasses all earthly achievements and comforts; Paul counted everything as rubbish compared to gaining Christ.
• We experience Christ's resurrection power: Disciples don't merely know about Christ intellectually but experience His transforming power and share in His sufferings, being conformed to His likeness.
• Eternal rewards await the faithful: God promises a crown of righteousness and eternal vindication to all who persevere in faith and love His appearing.
• Perseverance requires focus on Jesus: We must run with endurance, laying aside every weight and sin, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
• Trials produce spiritual maturity: Testing and difficulties aren't obstacles but opportunities for growth, producing patience and making us complete in Christ.
• The ultimate goal is hearing "Well done": What drives disciples forward is the prospect of hearing those precious words from our Master: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
• Christ is absolutely worth it: The testimony of Scripture and faithful disciples throughout history confirms that despite the cost, Jesus is worth surrendering everything to follow Him.