Luke 14:25-33 “Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost, (this means you don’t just try it out. You deeply consider all of the cost) to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if, you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began, to build and wasn’t able to finish.’\.

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SEVERAL THINGS ABOUT COUNTING THE COST

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#1. THE COST IS NOT A BARGAIN. IT CANNOT BE NEGOTIATED

o Luke 14:28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost (not negotiate the cost) to see if you have enough

• Matt 19:16-22 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”18 “Which ones?” he inquired.Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother, and ‘love your neighbor as yourself” 20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

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#2. THE COST IS DAILY, NOT ONE MOMENT IN TIME

o EPHESIANS 5:15 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

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#3. THE COST MUST BE AUTHENTICALLY ACCEPTED

o Luke 14:27 “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

o Strong: You are the only who knows if you are sincerely following Christ

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