The Call to Discipleship (Luke 9:23)
In Luke 9:23, Jesus lays out the very first requirement of discipleship: to dethrone self-will and say "no" to selfish desires.
What is DENY?
Jesus asks, "For what does it ___ a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?"
What is PROFIT?
This deacon faced the Sanhedrin boldy and became the first Christian martyr, praying for his executioners as he was stoned.
Who is STEPHEN?
This former Pharisee had elite status and wealth, but wrote in Philippians 3 that he considered all his credentials "rubbish" for Christ.
Who is PAUL?
The Greek word for "deny" in Luke 9:23 (aparneomai) doesn't mean skipping a meal—it means to completely dethrone this person from being the boss of your life.
What is SELF?
While salvation is a once-for-all event, Jesus uses this word to show that cross-bearing is an ongoing choice every single morning.
What is DAILY?
In the Kingdom paradox, whoever seeks to save his life will ultimately experience this tragedy.
What is LOSE?
Taken from the Greek word for "witness," this term describes someone who chooses death rather than denying Jesus.
What is a MARTYR?
Jesus restored this key leader after his denial and prophesied in John 21 that he would stretch out his hands in eventual martyrdom.
Who is PETER?
In Greek, the word for "take up" his cross is a present imperative, meaning a disciple doesn't do this just once, but continuously throughout this time frame.
What is LIFETIME?
In 1st-century Rome, carrying this object wasn't jewelry—it meant walking toward execution, public shame, and absolute surrender.
What is CROSS?
Conversely, whoever loses his life for Christ's sake will ultimately accomplish this.
What is SAVE?
Before Jesus asked followers to carry a cross, He foretold in Luke 9:22 that He must suffer and undergo this by the elders.
What is REJECTION?
When Jesus returns in HisFather's glory, He will come accompanied by these heavenly beings.
Who are ANGELS?
This theological term refers to the daily, ongoing growth process where a believer dies to sin, carries their cross, and grows in holiness.
What is SANCTIFICATION?
Jesus commands followers to actively walk in His footsteps and live out His teaching using this 6-letter verb.
What is FOLLOW?
Jesus warns that the Son of Man will react this way toward anyone who hides their faith or is embarrassed by His words.
What is ASHAMED?
Right before teaching on the cross, Jesus asked "Who do you say I am?", leading to Peter's bold declaration known as this.
What is CONFESSION?
In 2 Timothy 1, this brave believer searched Rome for Paul and refreshed him, completely unashamed of Paul's chains.
Who is ONESIPHORUS?
This theological term describes the once-for-all legal declaration where God declares a sinner righteous through faith in Christ alone.
What is JUSTIFICATION?
From the Latin for "learner," this word describes someone who commits to the lifestyle, teaching, and discipline of their Master.
What is DISCIPLE?
Jesus promised in Luke 9:27 that some standing there would not taste death until they saw this royal divine reality.
What is KINGDOM?
Occurring 50 days after Passover in Acts 2, this event brought the Holy Spirit to empower cross-bearing disciples.
What is PENTECOST?
Just eight days after talking about the cross, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain for this dazzling event.
What is the TRANSFIGURATION?
Jesus contrasts the temporary, fading approval of the world with this divine attribute in which He will return alongside the Father and holy angels.
What is GLORY?