Cost of Living - Day 08
Day 08 - Wednesday, January 17
Read Luke 14:25-33
Highlight
When reading this passage there are verses that feel harsh. Verse 33 in particular says “those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” Talk about a gut punch. That feels difficult, especially when you couple that with verse 26 about hating your family and self. This is when greek translation helps clear some misconceptions. It does not mean that Jesus softened His request of a disciple, but it does mean the context changes slightly.
The key word in verse 33 is “apotasso” meaning “give up or renounce.” Scholars believe that the use of this word leads Jesus to call his disciples to “yield ownership” of their things. He is not calling them to sell or dispose of material possessions, but rather acknowledge the true owner - God. By becoming a disciple of Jesus, one declares himself no longer the owner, but the manager or steward of what God has given him. Therefore, the “hating” of family and self, is following this same mindset. It is not that one abandons his family. Rather one acknowledges that he is only a steward of what God has blessed him with.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Luke 14:25-33
Highlight
When reading this passage there are verses that feel harsh. Verse 33 in particular says “those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” Talk about a gut punch. That feels difficult, especially when you couple that with verse 26 about hating your family and self. This is when greek translation helps clear some misconceptions. It does not mean that Jesus softened His request of a disciple, but it does mean the context changes slightly.
The key word in verse 33 is “apotasso” meaning “give up or renounce.” Scholars believe that the use of this word leads Jesus to call his disciples to “yield ownership” of their things. He is not calling them to sell or dispose of material possessions, but rather acknowledge the true owner - God. By becoming a disciple of Jesus, one declares himself no longer the owner, but the manager or steward of what God has given him. Therefore, the “hating” of family and self, is following this same mindset. It is not that one abandons his family. Rather one acknowledges that he is only a steward of what God has blessed him with.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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