IMPACT Recap

Why Following Jesus Costs More Than You Think | Follow Me

March 16, 2026 · 0:48:12

ObedienceSalvationSanctification

Recap

Pastor Travis opened the service with worship and a focus on the decision to follow Jesus. He introduced a four-week series titled 'The Road to the Cross' leading up to Easter, centered on Luke 9:23-26. The core message was that following Jesus is a costly, daily commitment, not a casual or convenient affiliation. Pastor Travis explained that the popular image of Jesus as a miracle-worker and source of blessing is appealing, but the true call to discipleship involves surrender, sacrifice, and obedience. He outlined three non-negotiable requirements from the passage: to follow with no excuses, to deny oneself, and to take up one's cross daily. He emphasized that this means allowing God's voice to shape decisions, crucifying fleshly desires, and executing the old sinful nature. The sermon concluded with an invitation for listeners to make a decisive commitment to follow Jesus, surrendering their lives completely to Him.

Main Points

  • Following Jesus requires a decisive commitment with no excuses, putting Him above all other priorities.
  • True discipleship demands denying oneself, surrendering personal desires and control to God's will.
  • The call to take up your cross daily means executing the old sinful nature, not just improving it.

Verses Mentioned

  • Luke 9:23 - "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'" (NIV)
  • Luke 9:24 - "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." (NIV)
  • Luke 9:25 - "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?" (NIV)
  • Luke 9:26 - "Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." (NIV)
  • Philippians 2:15 - "so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky" (NIV)
  • Luke 9:57-62 - "As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, 'I will follow you wherever you go.' Jesus replied, 'Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.' He said to another man, 'Follow me.' But he replied, 'Lord, first let me go and bury my father.' Jesus said to him, 'Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.' Still another said, 'I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.' Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'" (NIV)
  • Galatians 5:24 - "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (NIV)
  • Romans 6:6 - "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—" (NIV)
  • Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (NIV)
  • Colossians 3:5 - "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry." (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: Luke 9:23 – 'Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."'

Focus Point: The Cost of Following

Action Plan: Identify one area where you make excuses for not fully following Jesus (e.g., time, money, a relationship). Write it down and pray for the courage to put Jesus first.

Deep Prayer: Lord, help me to see the excuses I make and give me the strength to follow you with no conditions today.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: Luke 9:24 – 'For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.'

Focus Point: Denying Self

Action Plan: Choose one personal desire or comfort you will consciously deny today (e.g., an extra 30 minutes of sleep for prayer, skipping entertainment to serve someone).

Deep Prayer: Jesus, I surrender my will to yours. Help me to find true life by losing my life for your sake.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: Galatians 5:24 – 'Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.'

Focus Point: Crucifying the Flesh

Action Plan: Reflect on Colossians 3:5. Identify one 'earthly' passion or desire (like anger, lust, or greed) and make a practical plan to 'put it to death' today (e.g., walk away from a triggering situation, avoid a tempting website).

Deep Prayer: Holy Spirit, reveal what in me needs to be crucified. Empower me to put to death my sinful nature and live for Christ.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: Luke 9:57-62 – '...Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."'

Focus Point: No Looking Back

Action Plan: Reach out to one person (call, text, or message) to encourage them in their faith or share something God has done for you. Take a step forward in your discipleship.

Deep Prayer: God, keep my eyes fixed on you and your kingdom. Use me to encourage others and help me to move forward without hesitation.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: Galatians 2:20 – 'I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me...'

Focus Point: Christ Living in Me

Action Plan: In a moment of decision today, pause and ask, 'What would Jesus do?' Then act on that prompting, whether in speech, generosity, or patience.

Deep Prayer: Christ, live through me today. Let my actions, words, and thoughts reflect your life within me.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: Colossians 3:5 – 'Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature...'

Focus Point: Weekly Examination

Action Plan: Review your week. Where did you succeed in following, denying, or crucifying? Where did you struggle? Confess the struggle to God and receive His forgiveness and grace for a fresh start.

Deep Prayer: Father, thank you for your mercy. Examine my heart, forgive my failures, and renew my commitment to take up my cross and follow Jesus tomorrow.

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