Counting the Cost: A Question of Discipleship

January 31, 2016

Luke 14:25-33 [Questions Jesus Asks]

The Bible is more than a book of theological truth. It is also an immensely practical Book that tells you how to live. The parable of Jesus in our text teaches a great practical lesson— Before undertaking a project, the first thing you should do is “count the cost”—How much will cost to complete the project. Towers cost Money. Time. Effort.

One of the first things a wise person looks at before purchasing a particular item is the “price tag.” Can they afford it? Does it fit into their budget? Sadly, many young couples don’t even have a budget.

Many young people buy things without calculating if will they have the money to pay for it. They count on a best case scenario. They
should consider a worse case scenario. What if a depression hits? What if you lose your job? What if you become unable to work?
One thing we can be fairly certain of—Prices are going up (except gasoline which is currently going down for a change—and taking Wall Street with it!). Generally speaking, food costs more… cars cost more… clothing costs more… housing costs more… government cost more!

But there are some costs that never change. The costs that involve eternity never change.

I. Count the cost of PROVIDING SALVATION (Acts 20:28).

I am so thankful the cost of providing salvation has already been paid. The cost to save my soul from sin was greater than I could pay. As the song goes…

I had a debt I could not pay.
He paid the debt He did not owe.
I needed someone, to wash my sins away.
And now I sing a brand new song,
“Amazing Grace” all day long.
Cause Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay.

Salvation is free for us, but it cost God everything (Rom. 8:32– “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”). Jesus paid for yours and my salvation at Calvary!
Do you know of anything worth so much you would pay for it with the life of one of your children?

II. Count the cost of BECOMING A CHRISTIAN.

Just to be clear, it will cost you something to become a Christian.

A. Cost you your self-righteousness and admitting you are a sinner.
B. Cost you your pride by admitting your good works cannot save you.
C. Cost you your religion that cannot get you into heaven. (Paul)
D. Cost you your favor with the world.