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Jumpstarter 9 of 10

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Secrets of the Kingdom Life  /  Chapter 3: Naysayers and Half-and-Half Christians  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 9
The chapter says, “If we find Christ’s commandments burdensome now, we’re going to find them burdensome in heaven… Now is when we must surrender”; what does that imply about assurance, ongoing rebellion, and the common idea that obedience is optional “discipleship” rather than part of salvation itself?
Another way to ask: If Jesus’ commands feel too hard now, what does the chapter say that means for our confidence of being saved and for ongoing rebellion? How does it challenge the idea that obedience is optional for “serious” Christians only?

Direct Answer The chapter implies that treating obedience as optional is self-deception, because Christ’s purpose is to save us from sin now and train us to delight in his commands. It suggests that ongoing resistance to Christ’s commandments signals a lack of surrender that cannot simply be postponed until after death.

Support from Transcript:

  • “His commandments are given to help us become more like him and less like the world.”
  • “If we find Christ’s commandments burdensome now, we’re going to find them burdensome in heaven.”
  • “Now is when we must surrender to God, not after we die.”
  • Wesley: believers can “love him and keep his commandments,” and “to you his commandments are not grievous… They are the joy of your heart.”
  • Christ “doesn’t want to save us in our sins… but from our sins… now.”
Discussion Follow-ups How does this chapter pressure-test the idea of “carnal Christian vs. disciple”? What would it mean to seek assurance while still ignoring commands you already know?

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