Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
Week 13: Counting the Cost — What This Book Asks of Us
Reflect holistically on Through Gates of Splendor. Key Scripture: Luke 9:23-24; Romans 12:1-2.
Previewing Week 13 of Through Gates of Splendor
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 14-week guide when you’re ready.
Before the final review, spend this week with one question ringing in your ears: What is this story asking of me? Not of missionaries in Ecuador, but of you, in your life, right now.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Jesus says: 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.' The men in this story took that literally. How are you meant to take it? What does a 'daily cross' look like in the particular life you are living?
2.Romans 12:1 calls us to offer our bodies as 'living sacrifices.' The five missionaries offered their bodies as dying sacrifices. What is the difference — and what does the 'living' version cost you specifically?
3.One of the book's most searching implications is that all five men had counted the cost before the moment came. They had decided ahead of time what they would do. Do you have a prior decision of surrender — or do you tend to renegotiate with God in each new moment of demand?
a.What prior decisions of surrender do you need to make today, before the moment of demand arrives?
b.How might your community or small group help hold you accountable to those decisions?