- Home
- Bible
- Luke
- Chapter 14
- Verse 14
Luke 14:27
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
For which of you intending to build a tower,.... Taking up a profession of Christ and his Gospel, is like building a tower; which, as a tower, must be laid on a good foundation; not on carnal descent and parentage; nor on a sober and religious education; nor on a civil, moral life and conversation; nor on a bare knowledge of Gospel truths and a flash of affection for them, and the people of God; but upon Christ the sure foundation; and on principles of grace formed by his Spirit, in their hearts: and this, like a tower, is carried very high; not by professing high things, but by living on high amidst a profession; by having the affections set on things above; and by looking down with contempt on things below; and by looking to, and pressing after, the prize of the high calling of God in Christ: the profession of some persons is very low; it arises from low principles, and proceeds on low views, aims, and ends; but where it is right, and well founded, it is like a tower, firm and steady, and is a fortress and bulwark against apostacy. Now what person acting deliberately in such a case as this, and proceeding with intention and design, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? as every wise man would, who has any thoughts of building a tower, or any other edifice: and so such that have an intention to take up a profession of religion, should sit down and well consider of it; which does not imply, that persons should delay making a profession, on whom it is incumbent; but that this should be done with thoughtfulness, care, and prudence: it should be considered on what foundation a man is going to build: whether the work of grace is truly wrought upon his soul; what be the nature and use of Gospel ordinances; with what views he takes up a profession, and submits to ordinances; what the church and minister are, he intends to walk with; and what the charge and cost of a profession; for such a work is chargeable and costly, and should be thought of and considered, whether he is able to bear it: for he will be called to self-denial; and must expect to suffer the loss of the favour of carnal relations and friends; and to be exposed to the scorn and rage of the world; a cross must be took up and bore; and great grace and strength are requisite to all this.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:27 To carry your own cross is a picture of dying to self. The horizontal beam of the cross was carried by a condemned criminal headed for crucifixion.
Luke 14:27
The Cost of Discipleship
26“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.27And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Demands of Discipleship
By Stephen Olford7.0K38:46MAT 6:33MAT 28:19LUK 9:57LUK 14:25LUK 14:27LUK 14:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discipleship and challenges the listeners to examine their own commitment to following Jesus. He uses the story of a young man who wanted to say goodbye to his family before following Jesus, but Jesus warns that anyone who looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God. The preacher urges the audience to consider whether they have truly embraced discipleship or if they have turned back since first trusting in Jesus. He concludes by calling on individuals to stand out from the crowd and declare their readiness to follow Jesus, no matter the cost.
Do We Really Believe in Hell?
By K.P. Yohannan6.7K23:59HellMAT 10:37MAT 16:24LUK 9:23LUK 14:27JHN 12:251PE 2:211PE 2:24In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the billions of people who have never heard the name of Jesus and are on their way to hell. He encourages listeners to take responsibility and make a difference in the world. The speaker shares a story of how a simple gospel tract led to the establishment of a church and highlights the impact that even small actions can have. He also challenges the audience to examine their materialistic and self-centered lifestyles and consider how they can use their resources to support mission work.
The Enemy of the Cross
By Erlo Stegen3.9K57:59MAT 7:12MAT 22:39LUK 14:25LUK 14:27JHN 12:48ACT 10:34GAL 6:14In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for understanding and guidance from God. He then reads from Luke chapter 14, where Jesus speaks about the requirements of being his disciple. The speaker shares a personal story about a moment of prejudice and how God challenged him to love others as himself. He emphasizes the need for the cross of Jesus to work in our lives, bringing about a transformation in our attitudes and actions towards others.
Gospel of Christ vs. Gospel of Man
By David Platt3.7K04:11LUK 14:27This sermon delves into the challenging teachings of Jesus in Luke 14 and Luke 18, where he emphasizes the radical commitment required to follow Him. Jesus calls for a level of devotion that surpasses all earthly relationships and possessions, urging his followers to be willing to give up everything for Him. The sermon highlights the contrast between the comfortable Christianity often portrayed today and the radical demands of true discipleship as outlined by Jesus.
Agony by Leonard Ravenhill
By Compilations3.0K06:06MAT 7:21MAT 16:24MRK 8:36LUK 9:23LUK 14:271CO 9:16GAL 2:20PHP 3:71TI 6:5This sermon emphasizes the sacrificial nature of following Jesus, highlighting the need to surrender all rights and desires to Him, just as Paul considered himself a bond slave of Jesus Christ. It challenges believers to preach with passion rather than professionalism, to avoid commercialism in ministry, and to prioritize sacrifice over success. The message warns against spiritual complacency, self-centeredness, and the danger of managing life without God. It calls for obedience, readiness to bear burdens, and a deep commitment to sacrificial love and service.
Its Not Blind Faith
By Mark Cahill3.0K1:01:04EXO 20:3JOS 24:15MAT 5:27MAT 5:33LUK 14:27LUK 14:33ROM 12:1In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of finding a young student who had committed suicide. This traumatic event led the speaker to question the lack of truth being taught to young people. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the truth of God's word with others, as it can have a profound impact on their lives. The speaker also highlights the reality of death and the uncertainty of waking up each day, urging young people to consider their own mortality.
The Higher Call of Christ, Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan1.6K26:00CallingMAT 10:22MRK 8:34LUK 14:27ACT 21:11ROM 8:182CO 4:17HEB 12:2In this sermon, Brother KP Johannon shares the story of a native missionary in India who faced persecution for his faith. The missionary was brutally beaten by a group of men, leaving him with visible scars. Despite the danger, he remained dedicated to serving the Lord. Brother KP also mentions the growth of Gospel for Asia, with 11,000 missionaries in eight nations. He highlights the support of an elderly woman from Texas who faithfully donated $10 a month to the mission work.
Living Sacrifice (Compilation)
By Compilations1.1K29:25CompilationMAT 10:38MRK 10:21LUK 14:27ROM 12:1HEB 3:151JN 2:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of laying down one's life for Christ based on the mercies of God. He refers to Romans chapter 12, where Paul urges believers to offer their lives as a living sacrifice to God. The motivation for this sacrifice is found in the first 11 chapters of Romans, where Paul explains all that God has done for us in Christ. The preacher highlights the significance of Christ's death, stating that it should move believers to worship and gratitude, as it is through His sacrifice that we are set free from bondage and brought back to God.
Do We Really Believe What We Say We Believe
By K.P. Yohannan93323:59BeliefMAT 10:37MAT 16:24LUK 9:23LUK 14:27JHN 12:251PE 2:211PE 2:24In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the billions of people who have never heard the name of Jesus and are on their way to hell. He encourages listeners to take responsibility and make a difference in the world. The speaker shares a story of how a simple gospel tract led to the establishment of a church and highlights the impact that even small actions can have. He also challenges the audience to examine their materialistic and self-centered lifestyles and consider how they can use their resources to support mission work.
Going Beyond the Soul to Spirit
By Zac Poonen7971:09:01MAT 4:10LUK 14:27JHN 4:23ACT 4:34GAL 6:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of denying our own will and aligning ourselves with God's will, focusing on the need to worship in spirit and truth. It highlights the significance of crucifying our flesh, making wise decisions with money, and seeking to live a godly life by denying our own desires. The speaker shares personal experiences and biblical insights to encourage listeners to press on to spiritual maturity and build a church that is focused on spiritual growth rather than intellectualism.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 1
By Zac Poonen75826:21LUK 14:27This sermon delves into the importance of balancing the Great Commission by not only focusing on evangelism but also on making disciples as instructed by Jesus. It emphasizes the need for Christians to love Jesus above all earthly relationships, their own will, and material possessions, illustrating the three key conditions of discipleship outlined in Luke 14. The speaker highlights the lack of emphasis on discipleship in modern Christianity and the negative impact it has on the church's witness. The message calls for a deeper commitment to following Christ daily, denying self, and forsaking possessiveness to truly be His disciples.
Luke 14
By Robert F. Adcock75436:14MAT 6:33LUK 14:27JHN 13:34In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of putting Jesus Christ first in our lives. He refers to John 15, which teaches that our lives should be channels of blessing to others. The speaker encourages believers to go beyond just believing in Jesus and to fully dedicate themselves to Him. He reminds the audience that they are responsible to obey all that Jesus asks of them and to be true ambassadors for Him on earth. The sermon concludes with a hymn and a challenge for fresh dedication, loyalty, and love for Jesus.
The Christian's New Wine
By Sandeep Poonen72846:51MAT 16:24LUK 14:27LUK 14:33PHP 3:7COL 3:2REV 2:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of discipleship and the commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It highlights the need to prioritize Christ above all possessions, relationships, and ambitions, and to carry our cross daily. The speaker urges for a relentless pursuit of God, seeking His approval alone, and avoiding lukewarm faith that leads to ordinary Christian living.
Sounds of the Revolution
By Michael L. Brown68028:22MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 9:23LUK 14:27LUK 17:33JHN 21:15ACT 20:24In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a Jewish man who survived the Holocaust and found faith in Jesus. The man's encounter with a fellow prisoner who gave him a small Bible was a turning point in his life. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being doers of God's Word and not just hearers. He encourages the audience to have a deep and personal application of the teachings of Jesus. The sermon is based on John chapter 21 and highlights the foundation of the Jesus revolution.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 80
By Zac Poonen67425:11MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 14:27LUK 14:33JHN 14:1ACT 2:38This sermon delves into the importance of obeying all that Jesus commanded, emphasizing the need to make disciples who not only believe but also follow and obey Christ's teachings. It highlights the significance of yielding our will to God, living a spirit-filled life by constantly saying no to our own desires, and being strict yet compassionate like Jesus. The sermon stresses the authority of Christ in sending out disciples and the necessity of obeying His commands, making disciples, and claiming the promises of God for a truly transformative Christian life.
A Westerner Reflects on Persecution
By Bob Faulkner65106:00PersecutionMAT 10:38MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 9:23LUK 14:27PHP 3:10In this sermon, the speaker raises important questions about carrying the cross in the midst of abundance and persecution. He challenges listeners to consider whether they are willing to make sacrifices when others are indulging in worldly pleasures. The speaker also questions the focus of Western Christianity, suggesting that it may be too concerned with numbers and success rather than the true message of the cross. He emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize building great Christians rather than just great churches. The sermon concludes with a call to pray for North Korea and a reminder to seek God's will in our lives.
When Is Good, Good Enough?
By Shane Idleman63805:20MAT 5:20LUK 9:23LUK 14:27ROM 3:102CO 5:21This sermon emphasizes the insufficiency of human righteousness compared to the standard set by Jesus, highlighting the need for Christ's imputed righteousness for salvation. It challenges the misconception that being 'good enough' can earn salvation, stressing the importance of repentance, belief in Christ, and understanding the true cost of the cross. Genuine faith is emphasized over mere religious actions or good deeds.
The Way of Discipleship
By Zac Poonen63259:55LUK 14:27This sermon emphasizes the foundational truths of discipleship, focusing on the conditions Jesus laid out for being His disciple: prioritizing Him above all, taking up one's cross daily to die to self and worldly desires, and being willing to give up all possessions that possess us. The message calls for a deep commitment to following Jesus, even if it means going against family, worldly desires, and possessions.
Whoever Dares Wins!!
By Basilea Schlink53604:35Radio ShowMAT 6:33MAT 16:24MRK 8:35LUK 12:31LUK 14:27JHN 14:23ROM 8:32In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a mother who faced financial difficulties after her husband passed away. Without a will, the state law dictated that the children would receive half of the inheritance. One of the children, who was about to get married, wanted her share immediately. However, the mother trusted in God and dared to take Him at His word. She experienced a miraculous provision when she unexpectedly received a large inheritance, which brought her overwhelming joy and strengthened her family's bond. The speaker encourages listeners to follow Jesus and trust in God's care, assuring them that they will be richly blessed and experience true joy.
(Radical Jesus) 39 Radical Discipleship
By Glenn Meldrum33826:44DiscipleshipMAT 6:33MAT 16:24MRK 8:34LUK 14:27JHN 14:6ROM 12:22TI 3:16In this sermon, Glenn Meldrum emphasizes the importance of following Jesus wholeheartedly and obeying his commands. He highlights the need to escape the corruption of the world by saying yes to following Jesus in both word and deed. Meldrum outlines several basic requirements for believers, including daily prayer and Bible study, spending time at the altar before Sunday service, and having a ministry mindset at church. He also emphasizes the importance of making Jesus the center of one's conversation and making him known on social media. Overall, Meldrum challenges Christians to count the cost of discipleship and follow Jesus no matter the circumstances.
Insecurity, Uncertainty and Irrationality
By Paris Reidhead16844:40InsecurityMAT 4:19MAT 6:33MRK 1:16LUK 5:1LUK 14:27JHN 1:35In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a boulder flying into his eye and needing medical attention. He then relates this experience to the concept of discipleship in following Jesus. The speaker references various scriptures, including Luke 5, Matthew 4, Mark 1, and John 1, to highlight the call to discipleship and the importance of seeking and following Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the need to understand and learn from Jesus, and the speaker mentions instances where Jesus taught strict messages and explained how to attain eternal life.
Gv in Holland Logica Van Toewijding (3) (Eng to Dutch)
By George Verwer15852:22DutchMAT 22:37LUK 14:27LUK 14:33ACT 20:31HEB 12:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of total surrender and commitment to Jesus Christ. He references Luke 14:33, where Jesus teaches that whoever does not forsake all they have cannot be His disciple. The preacher highlights the need for dedication and passion in every area of life, comparing it to the dedication seen in sports and business. He also mentions the obedience to God's word as a logical reason for this commitment. Overall, the sermon encourages believers to live a life of surrender and wholehearted devotion to Jesus Christ.
Others May, You Cannot
By Shane Idleman2206:31Obedience to GodDiscipleshipMAT 16:24LUK 14:27JHN 15:19ROM 12:2GAL 5:16PHP 3:18HEB 12:1JAS 4:41PE 1:151JN 2:15Shane Idleman emphasizes the call to a higher standard of living for those who wish to follow God wholeheartedly, stating that while others may indulge in worldly pleasures and compromise, true followers cannot if they desire to be filled with the Spirit of God. He warns against the dangers of entertainment and lifestyles that draw us away from God, advocating for a life of obedience and crucifixion of the flesh. Idleman highlights the joy found in a deep dependence on God, contrasting it with the fleeting pleasures of the world, and encourages believers to embrace the cost of discipleship.
The Gospel of Luke
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0LUK 9:51LUK 10:27LUK 11:9LUK 12:32LUK 13:3LUK 14:27LUK 15:7LUK 16:13LUK 17:5LUK 18:17LUK 19:10Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the journey of the Lord Jesus towards Jerusalem, emphasizing the rejection He faced and the necessity of repentance and faith. The parables and teachings in the Gospel of Luke reveal the compassion, power, and glory of the Son of Man, who came to seek and save the lost. The miracles, warnings, and interactions with various individuals and groups highlight the importance of prayer, service, and discipleship in following Christ.
Ministry Methods
By A.W. Tozer0Worldly InfluenceAuthentic ChristianityZEC 12:1MAT 5:14MAT 16:24LUK 14:27ROM 12:22CO 6:17GAL 1:10JAS 4:41PE 2:91JN 2:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes the need for the church to return to its roots, contrasting the authentic prophetic voice of the past with the modern tendency to seek worldly cues for ministry. He critiques the secularization of fundamentalism, which leads to a diluted Christian message that mimics popular culture rather than embodying true discipleship. Tozer warns that this trend has left a generation of young Christians unaware of genuine faith, suffering under a compromised leadership. He calls for a radical return to New Testament Christianity, advocating for a bold rejection of worldly influences and a commitment to the cross. This transformation, he argues, will require sacrifice and a willingness to embrace a moral revolution.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
John Gill Bible Commentary
For which of you intending to build a tower,.... Taking up a profession of Christ and his Gospel, is like building a tower; which, as a tower, must be laid on a good foundation; not on carnal descent and parentage; nor on a sober and religious education; nor on a civil, moral life and conversation; nor on a bare knowledge of Gospel truths and a flash of affection for them, and the people of God; but upon Christ the sure foundation; and on principles of grace formed by his Spirit, in their hearts: and this, like a tower, is carried very high; not by professing high things, but by living on high amidst a profession; by having the affections set on things above; and by looking down with contempt on things below; and by looking to, and pressing after, the prize of the high calling of God in Christ: the profession of some persons is very low; it arises from low principles, and proceeds on low views, aims, and ends; but where it is right, and well founded, it is like a tower, firm and steady, and is a fortress and bulwark against apostacy. Now what person acting deliberately in such a case as this, and proceeding with intention and design, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? as every wise man would, who has any thoughts of building a tower, or any other edifice: and so such that have an intention to take up a profession of religion, should sit down and well consider of it; which does not imply, that persons should delay making a profession, on whom it is incumbent; but that this should be done with thoughtfulness, care, and prudence: it should be considered on what foundation a man is going to build: whether the work of grace is truly wrought upon his soul; what be the nature and use of Gospel ordinances; with what views he takes up a profession, and submits to ordinances; what the church and minister are, he intends to walk with; and what the charge and cost of a profession; for such a work is chargeable and costly, and should be thought of and considered, whether he is able to bear it: for he will be called to self-denial; and must expect to suffer the loss of the favour of carnal relations and friends; and to be exposed to the scorn and rage of the world; a cross must be took up and bore; and great grace and strength are requisite to all this.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:27 To carry your own cross is a picture of dying to self. The horizontal beam of the cross was carried by a condemned criminal headed for crucifixion.