Count The Costs Series

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#55]

COUNT THE COSTS

Luke 14:25-35

Introduction:

In our text, Jesus speaks about the importance of counting the cost before committing to discipleship. He calls us to understand that following Him is not a light decision; it requires total dedication, sacrifice, and a willingness to prioritize Him above all else. Imagine for a moment someone considering building a tower or going to war- These are serious undertakings that demand careful planning and full commitment. Jesus uses these examples to illustrate that discipleship is no different. It’s a call to evaluate our hearts, our resources, and our willingness to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Today, as we look into this passage, let’s reflect on what it truly means to count the costs of following Jesus. Are we prepared to give everything for His sake? Are we willing to make the sacrifices required? Join me as we explore what it means to be fully committed to Christ and to count the cost of discipleship.

Luke 14:25-27

Count the costs…

1. To fully commit to Jesus.

This passage reminds us that truly following Jesus means giving Him our whole hearts and putting Him first in everything. Throughout history, many Christians have shown that living for Christ often means making sacrifices, like giving up comfort, social acceptance, or even facing danger, just as Jesus talked about carrying the cross. It is a call to realize that being a real disciple isn’t easy- It is about staying committed, staying strong, and being willing to face struggles for God's Kingdom. In everyday life, counting the costs means honestly looking at our priorities and understanding that following Jesus might require personal sacrifices or difficult choices. In the end, Jesus is warning us that true discipleship is a serious decision that needs genuine love and commitment.

Today, this teaching pushes us to think about what it really means to follow Jesus day-to-day, balancing faith with work, relationships, and challenges. Throughout history, many believers, including saints and martyrs, have shown what it looks like to stay loyal to Christ even when it costs them a lot. Spiritually, counting the costs helps us develop a stronger, more mature faith that stays steady in tough times and is anchored in the hope of eternal life. Practically, it encourages us to prioritize Jesus in our decisions and actions, making sure our lives reflect our faith. Knowing what it really costs to follow Jesus helps us walk with confidence, trusting that eternal life is worth any sacrifice we might face now.

Luke 14:28-33

Count the costs…

2. Before making a firm commitment.

Jesus is teaching that before making a serious decision to follow Him, people need to carefully consider what it will really cost. Throughout history, this idea has always been important- People have understood that commitment often means sacrifice and hard work. Spiritually, Jesus is reminding us that true discipleship isn’t easy; it requires putting God first and being willing to give up some comforts and priorities. This means thinking about whether we’re ready to make sacrifices and stay committed when things get tough. Jesus warns that rushing into a decision without understanding the price might lead to disappointment or losing faith along the way.

This passage is a reminder for us today to seriously evaluate what it means to follow Jesus before making any big commitments. Spiritually, it’s about understanding that true faith involves sacrifice and sometimes hardship, but those sacrifices are worth it. Looking back at history, many early Christians faced persecution and hardship because of their faith, showing how important it is to be fully committed. It encourages us to honestly assess our lives, (our resources, time, and priorities) so we are sure that we are ready for the challenges of following Jesus. By counting the cost, we build a strong, genuine faith that can stand firm through life’s difficulties.

Luke 14:34-35

Count the costs…

3. To maintain your spiritual integrity.

Jesus reminds us that following Him isn’t something to take lightly- It is like salt that loses its flavor and becomes worthless if it’s not used properly. Throughout history, many believers have learned that being a dedicated follower of Jesus means making sacrifices and sometimes giving up what’s comfortable or familiar. Spiritually, this means staying true to our faith and living with honesty and integrity, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. The practical lesson is to honestly evaluate what we are willing to give up for Jesus and make sure our actions match our beliefs. Jesus is teaching that real devotion involves understanding the true cost and being committed no matter what.

Keeping our spiritual integrity is key to staying strong in our faith journey. In everyday life, this means regularly checking if our actions reflect what we believe and staying committed to God’s truth. Looking back, many Christians in history risked everything to stay faithful, showing that counting the cost is important for genuine discipleship. Spiritually, it’s about being willing to stand firm and endure challenges because of our faith in Christ. The main point is that real following Jesus requires honesty, perseverance, and a willingness to pay the price, so we don’t lose our way or our purpose as His followers.