counting the cost

Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it-- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.”

COUNTING THE COSTCOUNTING THE COST

To be a disciple is to be a learner and a follower.

Many never become disciples simply because they don’t appreciate the value of discipleship.

Many, on the other hand, become disciples without having counted the cost of discipleship.

And don’t be deceived; discipleship will cost you.

But, as we will see, it will be well worth the cost.


THE VALUE OF DISCIPLESHIPTHE VALUE OF DISCIPLESHIP

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

COUNTING THE COST OF COUNTING THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIPDISCIPLESHIP


THE VALUE OF DISCIPLESHIPTHE VALUE OF DISCIPLESHIPLike finding hidden treasure (Matt. 13:44).


THE VALUE OF DISCIPLESHIPTHE VALUE OF DISCIPLESHIPLike finding hidden treasure (Matt. 13:44).Like finding the costliest pearl (Matt.

13:45,46).


THE VALUE OF DISCIPLESHIPTHE VALUE OF DISCIPLESHIPLike finding hidden treasure (Matt. 13:44).Like finding the costliest pearl (Matt.

13:45,46).Worth more than the entire world (Matt.

16:24-26).


THE VALUE OF DISCIPLESHIPTHE VALUE OF DISCIPLESHIPLike finding hidden treasure (Matt. 13:44).Like finding the costliest pearl (Matt. 13:45,46).Worth more than the entire world (Matt. 16:24-

26). Discipleship means:

•Having the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).

•Having all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28).

•Being a part of the family of God (Matt. 12:46-50; Mark 10:28-30; Eph. 3:14,15; 1 Tim. 3:15).

•Having a home in heaven (Matt. 25:46; John 14:1,2; 2 Cor. 5:1; Phil. 3:20).


THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP Must put Jesus before family (Luke 14:26;

Matt. 10:34-37).Must bear your cross and follow Him (Luke

14:27; Matt. 10:38).


COUNTING THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP COUNTING THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP To begin construction on a building and fail

to complete it would be:•A waste of time, money and effort.•A monumental folly and lack of

judgment on the part of the builder (Luke 14:28-30).


COUNTING THE COSTCOUNTING THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP OF DISCIPLESHIP To encounter a king in war who has a

much larger army without counting the cost means:•A lack of foresight on the part of the

weaker king.•There would be no compromise after the

battle started (Luke 14:31,32).•Almost certain defeat.


COUNTING THE COSTCOUNTING THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP OF DISCIPLESHIP To start following Christ without first counting

the cost means:•One will more likely become discouraged

(Matt. 13:20-22; Luke 8:13,14).•One might forsake his discipleship (2 Tim.

4:10).•One might provide the world with an

opportunity to speak evil of the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2).

•One might be lost after all (Rev. 2:10; 2 Peter 2:20-22).


Everyone who has not already become a disciple of Christ should count the cost before doing so.

However, there comes a time when you need to stop counting the cost and start paying the price!

And count the cost if your soul should be lost!

counting the cost

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