We are beginning a series of sermons on Why You Should Avoid Being A Disciple.  This week we will look at the reality that Being A Disciple Is Dangerous.  

Matthew 10:16-31 (NASB)
16  “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.  17  But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues;  18  and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.  19  But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.  20  For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21  “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.  22  You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.
23  “But whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.
24  “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.  25  It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house  Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!
26  “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.  27  What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops.  28  Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in  hell.  29  Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  30  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  31  So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.