This morning we will be back in the 10th Chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.

In churches, we often hear a lot about the benefits of being a Christian, but it is much rarer to hear about the cost of being a follower of Christ and I understand why that is; just the retirement package alone of being a Christian is out of this world. However, there is a cost to be a follower of Christ in this wicked world.

In our text, we will be looking at what it costs to be a Christian. Our text will have then, now, and future applications. Jesus will not be sugar coating or downplaying the cost of being His followers.

Jesus will then tell us that even though we are going to face difficulties and trials because of our decision to follow Christ, we should not fear or be anxious about what we will face as Christians in this wicked world.

Jesus will remind us that the Lord cares for us and knows everything that we will go through and will strengthen us in our time of need.

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?[i] And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven (Matthew 10:29-33).