Scripture References: Luke 14:28-33; Matthew 13:44; Luke 9; Luke 10:1-4; Proverbs 4:23; Revelation 2:4-5
Intro: Welcome to this week's sermon! We're exploring Luke 14:28-33, where Jesus shares two short parables about counting the cost of discipleship – like a builder planning a tower or a king assessing his army before war. Jesus often used simple parables, relatable stories pointing to spiritual truths. These verses make me think of a large housing project started years ago near Hanford that began strong but then stalled, unfinished for years. What does Jesus mean when He tells potential followers to "count the cost"?
Key Points:
- First Things Context: We're continuing our "First Things" series. Jesus and His Kingdom are the capital 'F' First – the ultimate treasure worth selling everything for (Matt 13:44). Today's focus, "First Count the Cost," is a practical 'f' first – something that helps us keep Jesus and His Kingdom truly First.
- Honest Invitation, Not Easy Sales Pitch: When crowds followed Him, Jesus didn't just say, "Come on in!" He challenged them to consider the commitment required (Luke 14). He wasn't trying to deter them, but He wanted informed disciples, not casual followers who might quit when things get hard. He wants people who see the immense value (the Treasure) and willingly embrace the cost.
- The Crucial Resource: Both parables emphasize ensuring you have enough resources to finish the job. What resource is essential for finishing the journey of following Jesus?
- It's NOT External Resources: Jesus explicitly taught His disciples not to depend on their own money, supplies, or even large numbers when He sent them out (Luke 9 & 10). He promised He would be their provider and resource for physical needs.
- It IS Our Heart: The one resource we must bring, the part we are responsible for (though He helps us!), is our heart – our continued commitment, focus, and passion. Proverbs 4:23 warns: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Keeping our heart engaged is vital.
- The Danger of Good Distractions: Remember the unfinished housing project? The developer got distracted by other good projects, lost heart for the first one, and it stalled. Likewise, many good things in our lives (careers, family, building a home, retirement) can inadvertently distract us, causing our hearts to drift from Jesus, our First Love (Rev 2:4-5). Our spiritual "build" can stall if good things displace the Best Thing.
Conclusion: Following Jesus is a lifelong construction project, not completed until we see Him face-to-face. The critical question isn't "Is my house finished?" but "Is the work ongoing?" Are we actively guarding our hearts – the essential resource we bring – ensuring that even good things don't cause us to lose heart and get distracted from wholeheartedly following Jesus?
Call to Action: This week, take a few quiet moments before the Lord. Honestly assess the state of your spiritual "house." Ask Him courageously: "Lord, have I become distracted? Has my heart lost its focus or passion for You? Have good things unintentionally pushed You out of first place?" Invite the Holy Spirit, the master builder and chiropractor, to make any needed adjustments. Commit again to guarding your heart and keeping Jesus truly First.
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