Life After Death “Choosing Life After Death”
The following content can be used as a guide for TFH Groups.
You don’t have to follow the guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion. If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
What’s something you’re currently working on improving?
SERIES: Life After Death
TITLE: The Cost of Discipleship: Choosing Life After Death
SPEAKER: Pastor CJ Cody
Scriptures—
Luke 9:23; Luke 9:24; Luke 9:57–62
Summary—
Pastor CJ challenges us to count the true cost of discipleship in a culture that often treats Christianity as a moment rather than a lifestyle. In Luke 9:23, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. He exposes the gap between cultural Christianity and true discipleship, reminding us that Jesus didn’t come to fit into our lives but to transform them. Like the rich young ruler, we’re often held back by our own preferences and plans. The call is clear: move beyond being “saved” to fully surrendered, living daily with the prayer, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Key Takeaways—
The Discipleship is more than a one-time decision—it’s a daily commitment to follow Jesus.
True disciples deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him without compromise.
Faith is not just about being saved but living a transformed lifestyle of obedience.
Following Jesus is costly and often requires letting go of comfort, approval, and control.
Real life is found by surrendering our own—choosing God’s will over our own desires.
Disciples are called to live boldly, anchored in truth, and fully aligned with God’s kingdom.
Discussion Questions—
HowWhat does it mean for you to deny yourself daily, and what areas is God asking you to surrender?
How has culture shaped your view of faith as a moment instead of a lifestyle, and what impact has that had?
In what ways might comfort, preferences, or control be holding you back from fully following Jesus?
How does the call to lose your life for Christ challenge your current goals and priorities?
Are you fitting Jesus into your life, or fully stepping into His kingdom and will?
What would it look like for you to live boldly for Christ and trust Him with what you need to lay down?
Practical Application—
Daily prayer – Each morning, surrender your will to God and ask Him to guide you as His disciple.
Personal inventory – Identify areas where you’re holding control and take one step to surrender it.
Bold action – Find one place you’ve been quiet about your faith and intentionally live it out this week.
Closing Prayer—
Close your session by praying together as a group. Invite everyone to share one specific prayer request,
Close your session by praying together as a group. Invite everyone to join in agreement,
“Father God, give us the courage to count the cost and follow You wholeheartedly. We lift up those who responded today—strengthen them, guide them, and surround them with Your presence. Bring clarity to each of us about what You are asking us to lay down, and give us the faith to surrender it.
We pray for those being baptized—let it be a powerful step of obedience and new life in You. Bless Thrive Night and the youth of this church—draw them close, raise them up, and set them apart for Your purposes. Jesus, thank You that You never ask us to do anything You haven’t first done. You died and rose again, and now You invite us into that same journey. Teach us to die to ourselves so we can rise into the new life You have for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
