Give Up to Gain: The Path to True Discipleship By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it’” (Matthew 16:24-25, NIV).
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Introduction
True discipleship requires sacrifice, obedience, and devotion to God above all else. Jesus set the ultimate example by giving His entire being to fulfill the will of the Father. As followers of Christ, we are called to forsake worldly attachments and selfish desires to gain eternal life and a closer relationship with God. This teaching examines the necessity of surrender, the consequences of disobedience, and the blessings that come from walking in God’s ways.
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The Call to Surrender
“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:7-8).
Jesus made it clear that His disciples must relinquish anything that holds a higher place in their hearts than God. This includes relationships, possessions, and personal ambitions. True surrender leads to obedience, which is the key to spiritual growth and eternal life.
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The Cost of Disobedience
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Disobedience is the path to spiritual death. Those who resist God’s call and cling to sin invite unnecessary suffering and separation from Him. They become vulnerable to demonic influence, leading to sorrows in this life and eternal torment in the life to come. God’s desire is for His people to walk in obedience and avoid the consequences of rebellion.
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The Blessings of Giving Up to Gain
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
Those who surrender their lives to God are rewarded with His guidance, provision, and peace. Giving up worldly attachments allows believers to gain the fullness of life that only God can provide. The Holy Spirit empowers and uplifts those who choose to walk in the light of God’s truth.
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The Danger of Worldly Attachments
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Worldly pursuits and wickedness lead to bondage and despair. Multitudes are trapped in the false promises of the world, unable to find true joy or freedom. Believers are called to reject these delusions and remain steadfast in their commitment to God, who offers stability and eternal hope.
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Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Sacrifice
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
Jesus’ life was the ultimate demonstration of giving up to gain. He gave up His position in heaven, His independence, and even His life to fulfill the Father’s will. As His followers, we are called to walk in His steps, prioritizing His will above our own and trusting in His prayers and intercession on our behalf.
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Summary
True discipleship requires believers to give up worldly attachments, selfish ambitions, and sin in order to gain eternal life and a closer relationship with God. By surrendering to God’s will, we experience His blessings, guidance, and peace. Disobedience, on the other hand, leads to spiritual death and eternal separation from Him.
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Conclusion
The path of discipleship is not easy, but it is rewarding. By giving up the temporary pleasures of this world, believers gain the eternal joy and fulfillment that comes from walking in obedience to God. Jesus set the ultimate example of sacrifice, and His followers are called to live in the same spirit of surrender and devotion.
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Call to Action
Examine your life and identify anything that holds a higher place in your heart than God. Choose to surrender these attachments and walk in obedience to His will. Embrace the call to discipleship, trusting that God’s plans for you are far greater than anything the world can offer.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Be encouraged that when you give up to gain, you are not losing anything of lasting value. Instead, you are gaining the eternal treasures of God’s Kingdom. Trust in His guidance, remain obedient to His Word, and know that He is faithful to provide all that you need for this life and the life to come.
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Prayer of Salvation
Jesus, please help me! I know I’m a sinner, and I can’t save myself. But I believe that You died on the cross for me, for my sins. I believe You can give me a new life. I’m truly sorry for everything I’ve done wrong. Please forgive me! Wash me clean with the blood You shed for me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to follow You. I choose to turn away from every sin I know of, and I commit my life to You. Please, Jesus, baptize me with the Holy Spirit, and let me speak in new spiritual tongues as a sign of Your power in my life. Thank You for saving me, for setting me free from sin, from the ways of the world, and from the enemy’s grip. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.
