INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Counting the Cost before Building
2. Counting the Cost before Battle
3. Counting the Cost before Believing
Remarks.
1. In this lesson we will discuss the theme: “counting the cost.” Success can never be achieved by anyone unless they have taken the time to sit down; and count the cost. This is true in everyday life, in starting a career; getting married, building a home; going to war and most of all, in serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. First, we will discuss the necessity of counting the cost before building or in the construction of a home. One must count the cost to ensure once the building has begun; they have sufficient to complete the project.
3. Second, we will discuss the need for counting the cost before starting a campaign or waging war. A nation must endeavor to consider the gains and the losses in going to war. Truly, this nation was not wise enough to consider the cost in funds, in lives, and in the tremendous medical commitment it had to make for those who were injured or suffered loss due to our nation’s involvement in the Middle East. And the wars it fought due to misinformation and the lack of an exit strategy and planning.
4. Finally, we will discuss the need to count the cost of belief and the discipleship of Christ. As this is true in everyday life; it is also true in our Christian endeavors. We are committing to a life long struggle; in “fighting a good fight to lay hold of eternal life;” and following the Master unto the end. This we will do; if we have reverently counted the cost, and hold fast our faith stedfastly unto the end. Let’s consider our first point “counting the cost before building.”
BODY OF LESSON
I COUNTING THE COST BEFORE BUILDING
A. As we count the cost before fabrication or building. We must consider our capital; always ensuring we have sufficient to finish what we have started. A greater commitment will be needed of each; if we will be successful in our city for the Master. We have begun to build his Church here; let us finish this work. This will only be possible if we continually “count the cost” in building for the Master.
B. The Wise man Solomon said: " To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:…A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;…A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace,” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
1. We have determined to build. Planning has been made, money have been invested, time has been freely given; all is left is determining who is truly committed to this effort. Who here is along for the ride, and who are truly committed to building the Lord's church here in this city?
2. I should warn you however; as things begin to progress, expenses will be higher; responsibilities greater; and purses will be fewer. Yet if we who remain, are truly committed; if we have counted the cost; we will be successful in finding and purchasing a new building. For this is the Lord's will.
3. Remember Paul: “All things work together for good,” Romans 8:28.
C. Count the cost in building. Jesus said: "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, this man began to build, and was not able to finish," Luke 14:28-30.
1. As builder we must be careful not to become selfish in our building. The rich farmer forgot others; he was building for himself alone.
2. Illustrate: The Rich Farmer, Luke 12:15-21. Where did he go wrong?
a. He did not recognize from whom he had receive these blessings. “And he spake a parable unto them, saying, the ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, what shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?”
b. He thought entirely of himself. “And he said, this will I do:
1) I will pull down my barns, and build greater (ones).
2) And there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
3) And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods stored up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”
c. He forgot life is in God’s hands. “But God said unto him:”
1) “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee:”
2) “Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"
3) Note James: “Go to now, ye that say, today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, which appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin,” James 4:13-17.
4) Hear Solomon: “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth,” Proverb 27:1. We cannot change the past; regulate today, or make a promise of tomorrow. Things will be so, ”only if the Lord wills.”
d. He forgot to be rich toward God. Note: “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Note: “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth,” Luke 12:15.
e. He forgot about his neighbor. Note:
1) First, consider John: “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but indeed and in truth,” 1 John 3:17-18. The abundance he received from his labor and harvest; he could have shared with his brother that had need!
2) Further, consider James: “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food. And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone,” James 2:15-17. Illustrate: So is faith without works. Notice: “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only,” James 2:24; Genesis 22:1-19. Notice the faith of Abraham:
a) Abraham’s son's question. Isaac asked: “Where is the lamb for the offering?” See Genesis 22:7.
b) Abraham’s trust in God. Abraham answered: “God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering,” Genesis 22:8.
c) Abraham’s offering unto God. God said: “Now I know that thou feareth God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me,” Genesis 22:12. Also: “For because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son,” Genesis 22:16.
d) Abraham’s obedience to God. God said: “And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice,” Genesis 22:18. Abraham demonstrated his faith and trust in God; in the giving of his "only son unto God."
e) Jesus is that “lamb that was offered,” John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 10:12.
f) James affirms that through “faith and obedience” Abraham pleased God. And, "it was imputed unto him for righteousness, and he was called the Friend of God," James 2:21-23. The gospel of Christ is a message of faith and obedience, Romans 1:5; Romans 1:16; Romans 6:17-18; Romans 10:16; and Romans 16:25-26.
3) Finally, consider Paul: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life,” 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Illustrate: Lay up your treasures in heaven, Matthew 6:19-21.
D. We are building on the right foundation. Notice: "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," I Corinthians 3:11. Also, "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone," Ephesians 2:20. Illustrate: Building on Christ. Notice:
1. First, to build upon the Lord, Matthew 7:21-23. The true believers are those that build upon the Lord and “doeth the will of the Father.”
2. Further, to build upon a rock, Matthew 7:24-25. The wise man built upon the rock. That is Jesus Christ.
3. Finally, not to build upon the sand, Matthew 7:26-27. The foolish man built upon the sand. That is, regarding his own wisdom and foolishness.
E. This building is for eternity. "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," 2 Corinthians 5:1; John 14:1-3.
II COUNTING THE COST BEFORE BATTLE
A. As a great general must plan before the battle; so must each of us. Paul reminds us, that we "Wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places,” Ephesians 6:12.
1. As peace could not be achieved without a victor in war; so is it with the one we are now engaged.
2. There can be no surrender, no compromise; or withdrawal. We must ever endeavor to fight the "good fight" until the end.
3. Till we have in truth "laid hold to eternal life," 1 Timothy 6:19.
B. The wise man also said: "There is a time for war, and a time for peace." Jesus mentions in our text: "Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else (who), while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace," Luke 14:31-32. Notice:
1. First, every general must consider his strengths and weaknesses of his own fighting forces. He must know his enemy, his equipment and the terrain in which the battles will be fought. He must plan for the possibilities of a long and arduous battle. Everyone knows that the aftermath of any war, is not determined in the first scrimmage. The war isn't over until the last shot is fired; and all fighting forces have left the theater of operations.
2. Further, I ask: “did our generals and cabinet members consider the outcome of the wars that we were about to engage in the Middle East?” Did our highest military and civilian officials present the facts and intelligence regarding Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan? Especially, when they assessed the enemy’s stockpile of “weapons of mass destruction” WMDs? Reporting and investigations have revealed they did NOT!
3. Finally, did they consider the cost of American lives? How easy it was for the President and the generals to send other parent’s sons and daughters to war; while shielding their own children from its perils?
4. It is now clear that the nation’s planners did not consider the aftermath of these terrible wars; nor were they properly funded. They cost thousands of American lives; nearly wreck the American economy; and gave fuel and rise to another enemy, more reckless than those the government allegedly sought to overthrow. But worst of all, our nation’s leaders never once apologized to the American families who lost love ones; whose children came back broken and wounded, because of an unwise decision to send American troops into “harms way.”
5. And now, they haggle in Congress over budget cuts, which could leave these brave Americans without the medical and mental care, they so desperately deserve. Denying these brave Americans the help, they promised to provide!
6. Finally, they now campaign on a platform of “true American Conservative Values”; pledging NOW to support the Veterans. They are a bunch of “hypocrites”; they are not worthy of our trust, or our vote! If I sound upset and angry, you have judged correctly. This is “righteous anger,” like our Lord felt in the temple, John 2:14-15. Yet, “I pray God, that He lay not this sin to their charge,” Acts 7:60.
C. The battle with our enemy, Satan - rages on. Notice Paul again: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh, (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but might through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ," 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. Notice:
1. Though we walk in the flesh, we war not after the flesh.
2. But our weapons are not carnal - but might through God.
3. Pulling down of strong holds.
4. Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God.
5. Bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
6. We have as our weapons and battle gear – “the whole armour of God.” Notice Paul: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak,” Ephesians 6:10-18.
D. How do we overcome the devil? And achieve victory? Notice:
1. First, by the blood of the lamb. John says: "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death," Revelations 12:10-11.
2. Further, by our faith. Notice John: "And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith," 1 John 5:4. Keep the faith; and the faith will keep thee!
3. Finally, through the love of Christ. Notice Paul: "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us," Romans 8:37.
4. Remember Isaiah’s promise from the Lord: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD,” Isaiah 54:17.
E. Let's fight to the finish. Let's count the cost; and be willing to stand ready for a long and terrible siege. We will fight valiantly, courageously, knowing the victory is ours, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Let us keep ourselves under control. "Fight the good fight," 1 Timothy 6:12. Notice also Hebrews 10:32-39; also 2 Timothy 4:6-8; and Revelations 2:10.
III COUNTING THE COST BEFORE BELIEF
A. Beloved, if the former is true, than one must count the cost before belief in Christ. One must count the cost before discipleship or following Jesus Christ. We must appeal to his love and grace; "abandoning every sin and weight that doeth so easily beset us. And let us run with patience the race before us looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith," Hebrews 12:1-2.
B. Jesus said, "If any man come to me, and hate not his father; and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciples. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple....So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple," Luke 14:26-33.
1. First, the true disciple counts the cost before he follows; lest he begins and will not be able to finish.
2. Further, the disciple must wholly follow the Lord. Joshua said: “But I wholly (completely) followed the Lord my God," Joshua 14:8. Notice: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," Joshua 24:15.
3. Finally, the Lord entreats some to follow Him. Notice: “And it came to pass, that, as they (Jesus and his disciples) went in the way:”
a. “A certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”
b. “And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”
c. “And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God,” Luke 9:57-62.
d. Responding to the call of the Lord will never be convenient. It will always require leaving something to follow Him. For one it was a lack of comfort; to another it was to bury a father; and the last, it was saying good-by to family. Many have found the “cost of service” to the Lord; a price too high to pay.
C. There are sacrifices we must make to follow the Lord. Illustrate: Rich Young Ruler, Matthew 19. Put all things aside that will hinder you from serving the Lord. That may be money, position or even family. Notice Jesus on family:
1. He says: “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me,” Matthew 10:37-38.
2. We cannot hold to our parent’s position in some religion or faith in God. We must cultivate our own faith in Christ as a result of our search for the truth. Many cannot make a commitment to Christ because of family.
3. There are no valid reasons for non-committal to Christ if you love Him. Notice: "not decide, is to decide not to." A failure to say “yes” is ultimately saying “no.” Notice:
a. Felix and Drusilla. The governor and his wife sought, “a more convenient season,” Acts 24:24-27. There will never be a "convenient season" to serve the Lord. Today, is the "day of salvation," 2 Corinthians 6:2.
b. King Agrippa, said to Paul: “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,” Acts 26:26-29. To be almost saved; is to be totally lost!
c. No middle ground. Jesus said: “He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad,” Matthew 12:30. The sincere believer and searcher for truth, must decide NOW to accept Christ. Not to accept Him is to reject Him, John 12:48.
D. Jesus promises to his followers. Notice: "Then Peter began to say unto him, lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life," Mark 10:28-31. Jesus promises blessings for following Him in this life; and a far greater blessing in the life to come – “eternal life.”
E. In counting the cost one must determine if he will follow. If he decides to follows he must commit himself to go unto the very end. "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servants be; if any man serve me, him will my Father honour," John 12:25-26.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Counting the Cost before Building
2. Counting the Cost before Battle
3. Counting the Cost before Believing
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we discussed the necessity of counting the cost before building or in the construction of a home. One must count the cost to ensure once the building has begun; they have sufficient to complete the project.
2. Second, we discussed the need for counting the cost before starting a campaign or waging war. A nation must endeavor to consider the gains and the losses in going to war. Truly, this nation was not wise enough to consider the cost in funds, in lives, and in the tremendous medical commitment it had to make for those who were injured or suffered loss due to our nation’s involvement in the Middle East. And the wars it fought due to misinformation and the lack of an exit strategy and long term planning.
3. Finally, we discussed the need to count the cost of belief and the discipleship of Christ. As this is true in everyday life; it is also true in our Christian endeavors. We are committing to a life long struggle; in “fighting a good fight to lay hold of eternal life;” and following the Master unto the end. This will do; if we have reverently counted the cost, and hold fast our faith stedfastly unto the end.
C. Invitation, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Persuade and exhort. Today is the day of salvation.
E. Motivate. Pray for the families of our fallen comrades as a result of these horrible wars. Pray for our veterans and their families! Finally, pray for those that have confessed their sin unto God and before the church. That they might be strengthened in the “inner man” and overcome “the evil one,” by trusting in the grace and the forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ.
