Reference

Luke 9:23-24
Go & Die

"Go and Die"

Main Scripture: Luke 9:23-24 (CSB)
"Then he said to them all, 'If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.'"

1. The Call to Die

  • What does it mean to "Go and Die"?

    • Jesus is calling us to die to ourselves—our desires, plans, and comforts.
    • Discipleship is costly; it requires sacrifice and surrender of our entire lives to Christ (Luke 14:33).

  • Dying to our Will:

    • Denying ourselves means letting go of our personal agendas and aligning with God's will (Matthew 6:10).
    • We’re no longer the center of our lives; Christ is. True life is found in living for Him.

2. Taking Up Your Cross Daily

  • What is the Cross?

    • The cross represents suffering, rejection, and death. Jesus carried it to His death, and we are called to follow in His footsteps (Luke 9:23).
    • It’s not about comfort; it’s about obedience, even when it's difficult.

  • Daily Commitment:

    • This isn't a one-time decision but a daily choice to follow Christ. Each day brings a new opportunity to die to ourselves and live for Him.
    • Ask: What do I need to surrender today to follow Jesus fully?

3. Losing Your Life to Find It

  • The Great Paradox:

    • Jesus teaches that holding on to our lives—our control, our desires—leads to losing them. But if we give them up for His sake, we find true life (Luke 9:24).
    • Eternal life and fulfillment are found in complete surrender to Jesus.

  • Living for the Kingdom:

    • Our purpose is to live for God’s kingdom, not for ourselves (Matthew 6:33). We must reframe how we view success, comfort, and meaning.
    • Practical application: How are you using your time, gifts, and resources for the Kingdom?

4. The Example of Jesus

  • Christ as our Model:

    • Jesus didn’t just preach this message; He lived it. He laid down His life for us (John 10:18). Following Him means imitating His example of selflessness and sacrifice.
    • Philippians 2:8—"He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross."

  • Sacrificial Love:

    • We are called to love others in the same way Jesus loved us—by laying down our lives for them (1 John 3:16).
    • Ask: In what ways can I show sacrificial love to others?

Reflection Questions:

  1. What areas of your life are you still holding on to? What would it look like for you to "die" to those areas?
  2. How can you practically "take up your cross" and follow Jesus daily?
  3. Where is God calling you to step out in faith and surrender your will for His?

Action Steps:

  • Daily Surrender: Start each day in prayer, asking God to help you deny yourself and follow Him.
  • Serve Others: Look for ways to show sacrificial love to those around you, reflecting the love of Christ.
  • Commit to Discipleship: Engage in spiritual disciplines—Bible reading, prayer, fellowship—that help you keep your focus on Christ.

Challenge: This week, identify one thing you're clinging to in your life and surrender it to God. Take one bold step of obedience to follow Christ, no matter the cost.