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Luke 14:28
Verse
Context
The Cost of Discipleship
27And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.28Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?29Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To build a tower - Probably this means no more than a dwelling house, on the top of which, according to the Asiatic manner, battlements were built, both to take the fresh air on, and to serve for refuge from and defense against an enemy. It was also used for prayer and meditation. This parable represents the absurdity of those who undertook to be disciples of Christ, without considering what difficulties they were to meet with, and what strength they had to enable them to go through with the undertaking. He that will be a true disciple of Jesus Christ shall require no less than the mighty power of God to support him; as both hell and earth will unite to destroy him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
which of you, &c.--Common sense teaches men not to begin any costly work without first seeing that they have wherewithal to finish. And he who does otherwise exposes himself to general ridicule. Nor will any wise potentate enter on a war with any hostile power without first seeing to it that, despite formidable odds (two to one), he be able to stand his ground; and if he has no hope of this, he will feel that nothing remains for him but to make the best terms he can. Even so, says our Lord, "in the warfare you will each have to wage as My disciples, despise not your enemy's strength, for the odds are all against you; and you had better see to it that, despite every disadvantage, you still have wherewithal to hold out and win the day, or else not begin at all, and make the best you can in such awful circumstances." In this simple sense of the parable (STIER, ALFORD, &c., go wide of the mark here in making the enemy to be God, because of the "conditions of peace," Luk 14:32), two things are taught: (1) Better not begin (Rev 3:15), than begin and not finish. (2) Though the contest for salvation be on our part an awfully unequal one, the human will, in the exercise of that "faith which overcometh the world" (Jo1 5:4), and nerved by power from above, which "out of weakness makes it strong" (Heb 11:34; Pe1 1:5), becomes heroical and will come off "more than conqueror." But without absolute surrender of self the contest is hopeless (Luk 14:33).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Lest haply after he hath laid the foundation,.... Has begun to build, has taken up a profession, has submitted to ordinances, and got into a church state: and is not able to finish it; a foundation may be laid, and the building may never be finished, because the foundation is not laid right; was it, it would continue, and the building go on, and at last be finished; though no man is able to finish it of himself, yet those hands which have laid the foundation, will raise up the superstructure, and complete the whole building, through the power and efficacy of divine grace: but where there is a beginning, and which at first looks well, and there is no progress, but the work is dropped and left unfinished, all that behold it, begin to mock; as follows;
Luke 14:28
The Cost of Discipleship
27And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.28Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?29Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Heavenly Life) Heavenly Attitudes
By Zac Poonen7.2K57:24MAT 5:13LUK 12:15LUK 14:28HEB 12:22REV 21:21This sermon emphasizes the importance of being the salt of the earth by bringing a taste of heaven to wherever we are, whether at home, work, or church. It highlights the need to have a heavenly mindset, to forgive others, to be wise with money, and to be salted with the fire of the Holy Spirit to live a life pleasing to God and impactful to those around us.
Here's My Life
By Leonard Ravenhill2.8K53:59Brevity Of LifeGEN 1:24PSA 90:9MAT 6:19LUK 14:282TI 4:6JAS 4:141PE 1:24In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about meeting a 94-year-old lady who lived to be 108. He reflects on the brevity of life and asks the audience to consider what their own lives mean. He contrasts the fleeting pleasures of the world with the eternal significance of following Jesus. The speaker also mentions the example of Stephen Greiligt, who faced death and hardship in order to spread the message of Christ. The sermon concludes with a question about how to explain eternity to others.
Stephen Kaung's Personal Testimony
By Stephen Kaung1.9K1:06:42Personal TestimonyMAT 6:24LUK 9:62LUK 14:28LUK 14:33ACT 2:421CO 12:12EPH 1:22In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his journey in serving the Lord and the struggles he faced. He emphasizes the importance of returning to simplicity and unity in the church. The speaker recounts a pivotal moment when he heard a message on counting the cost before following the Lord. This led him to deeply consider his commitment and surrender to God's will. Despite his initial hesitation, the speaker eventually recognized the need to fully devote himself to the Lord and began serving alongside other believers.
Qualifications for Spiritual Leadership - Part 2
By Stephen Kaung1.4K35:26Spiritual LeadershipEXO 4:13JDG 4:4MAT 25:21LUK 14:281CO 9:22GAL 2:201JN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the qualities of a true leader. He highlights the importance of brokenness and humility in leadership, contrasting it with the ambition and self-centeredness often seen in leaders. The speaker also emphasizes the need for leaders to inspire and work with others, sharing their burdens and vision. He uses the example of Deborah in the Old Testament as a powerful illustration of a leader who inspired and led her people to victory. The sermon concludes with a warning against seeking personal success and ambition, instead urging leaders to seek God's approval and blessing.
The Missionary (Compilation)
By Compilations1.0K03:02CompilationPRO 16:3MAT 25:40LUK 14:28ACT 1:8ROM 12:2JAS 2:171JN 3:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking action and showing God that we are serious about our faith. He challenges the congregation to fill the back seat of their cars every Sunday for a year, as a tangible demonstration of their commitment to spreading the word of God. The preacher shares a personal story about his father rescuing people from sin and leading them to Jesus, highlighting the power of individual efforts in making a difference. He concludes by stating that America can only be saved through a revival that leads people to hate sin, repent, and turn to God.
Mid South Conference 1982-08 Luke 9:25
By Lew Clarkson67841:29MAT 6:33MAT 7:2LUK 5:20LUK 6:38LUK 9:62LUK 14:28HEB 2:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the shortness of time and the importance of using it wisely. He highlights the fact that the average lifespan is only two billion seconds, and urges young people to recognize their purpose in this world. The speaker also discusses the concept of giving, specifically in the context of Luke 6:38, where Jesus encourages believers to give and promises that it will be given back to them in abundance. He shares personal experiences of giving and encourages others to do the same, emphasizing the importance of committing to giving and serving the Lord.
After Against the Night What Next
By George Verwer53117:44MissionsPSA 68:5ISA 35:6LUK 12:48LUK 14:28LUK 15:72TI 4:7JAS 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following up on a revival or deep spiritual experience with action. They quote the Bible, stating that those who receive much will be required to give much. The speaker encourages the audience to share what they have learned and experienced with others, and to get involved in activities that allow them to share their faith. They also discuss the need for balance and grace in our spiritual journey, reminding listeners to pace themselves and not become discouraged when they make mistakes.
Owe No Man Anything
By William MacDonald1Christian LoveFinancial ResponsibilityPRO 22:7MAT 6:24LUK 14:28ROM 1:14ROM 13:82CO 9:7PHP 4:191TI 6:10HEB 13:51JN 3:16William MacDonald emphasizes the importance of financial responsibility in his sermon 'Owe No Man Anything,' interpreting Romans 13:8 to mean that while some debts are unavoidable, Christians must avoid unnecessary debt and live within their means. He warns against the dangers of overspending, borrowing for depreciating assets, and the consequences of financial irresponsibility, which can harm one's testimony as a Christian. MacDonald highlights that the only debt Christians should maintain is the obligation to love one another, which fulfills the law and strengthens community bonds.
Debt and Being Surety
By George Mueller0Trust in God's GuidanceFinancial ResponsibilityPRO 11:15PRO 21:5PRO 22:26ISA 33:15LUK 14:28George Mueller emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's word in matters of financial responsibility, particularly regarding the dangers of becoming surety for others' debts. He warns that Satan often deceives individuals into believing there is no risk involved, but scripture clearly advises against such actions. Mueller outlines critical considerations before agreeing to be a surety, including the motivations behind the request, the potential harm to others, and the necessity of being able to fulfill the obligation without dishonoring God. Ultimately, he stresses that one must not ignore God's clear guidance on the matter.
He Calls Us to See It Through
By David Wilkerson0PerseveranceCommitment to FaithLUK 14:28David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the Christian faith, warning that many start their journey with Christ but fail to finish due to not counting the cost. He highlights the tragedy of believers who drift away after laying a foundation without the commitment to grow and mature in their faith. Wilkerson encourages those who are faltering to return to repentance and self-denial, reminding them that the Holy Spirit is calling them back to a deeper relationship with Christ. He celebrates those who are successfully finishing the race, transforming into the image of Christ through the Spirit. The urgency to act now and see the journey through is a central theme of his message.
The Wisest and the Best Thing
By C.H. Spurgeon0Counting The CostDiscipleshipLUK 14:28C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of counting the cost of discipleship, urging potential followers of Christ to understand the requirements of their commitment. He highlights that true religion is not merely emotional but can withstand rigorous examination and logical scrutiny. Spurgeon encourages believers to engage their minds in evaluating the worthiness of following Jesus, asserting that both fervor and thoughtful consideration are essential in the faith journey. Ultimately, he concludes that being a disciple of Christ is the wisest and best decision one can make.
The Cost
By J.C. Ryle0Counting The CostDiscipleshipJOB 20:5EZK 18:31MAT 5:11MRK 8:36LUK 12:5LUK 14:28JHN 14:271CO 6:202CO 4:171TI 2:6J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of counting the cost of true Christianity, urging believers to consider the sacrifices required to follow Christ. He warns that many who initially embrace faith may fall away due to a lack of understanding of the challenges ahead, such as renouncing self-righteousness, sin, and the favor of the world. Ryle illustrates that while the cost of discipleship is significant, the eternal rewards far outweigh the temporary sacrifices. He encourages listeners to persevere in their faith, reminding them that true Christianity is a journey filled with trials but ultimately leads to eternal life. The sermon serves as a call to serious reflection on the commitment required to be a follower of Christ.
Thou Message From the Skies! Ray for the Rayless Heart!
By Phoebe Palmer0LUK 14:28ROM 6:192CO 1:22HEB 13:201PE 1:15Phoebe Palmer preaches about the journey of consecration and surrender to God, emphasizing the importance of counting the cost and entering into an everlasting covenant with the Lord. Through deliberate resolve and a hallowed sense of consecration, one can experience a deep conviction of being wholly the Lord's and a divine assurance of being recognized in heaven. This journey leads to a state of being 'wholly thine,' where every tie to earth is severed, and the heart is fully surrendered to God, realizing that true holiness is found in complete devotion and conformity to the will of God.
Be a Nehemiah
By Duane Troyer0NEH 1:3ISA 2:2ZEC 8:2MAT 11:28LUK 14:282CO 10:3EPH 6:10JAS 4:71PE 5:8REV 3:2Duane Troyer preaches on the story of Nehemiah, highlighting his unwavering faith, dedication, and leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem amidst adversity and opposition. Nehemiah's ability to discern between true concern and deceit, his focus on the work of God despite false rumors and threats, and his commitment to prayer and unity among the people serve as powerful lessons for believers today. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a vision for God's kingdom, being watchful, discerning, and dedicated to the work set before us, even in the face of challenges and distractions.
Counting the Cost
By J.C. Ryle0Sacrifice in ChristianityCounting The CostMAT 5:10MAT 16:24LUK 14:28JHN 15:18ROM 12:1GAL 2:20PHP 3:82TI 4:7HEB 12:11PE 2:9J.C. Ryle emphasizes the importance of counting the cost of true Christianity, urging believers to recognize the sacrifices required to follow Christ. He explains that being a genuine Christian involves relinquishing self-righteousness, sins, love of ease, and the favor of the world. Ryle warns against a superficial faith that demands little and encourages a deep commitment to spiritual growth and self-denial. He concludes by reminding readers of the immense cost Christ paid for salvation and encourages perseverance in faith despite challenges. Ultimately, he asserts that the rewards of following Christ far outweigh the sacrifices made.
Living Large on Less
By David Servant0PRO 21:5MAT 6:19LUK 14:28LUK 16:10ROM 13:8ROM 14:121TI 5:81TI 6:10David Servant preaches about the journey of realizing life as a stewardship before God, emphasizing the importance of understanding wealth in comparison to others, learning contentment, and obeying Jesus' command of self-dispossession. He shares personal struggles and decisions on living on less to increase heavenly investments, including insights on debt, frugality, and financial stewardship. David encourages evaluating financial decisions in light of eternal truths, highlighting the significance of transferring wealth from earth to heaven through wise actions and choices.
Why Do Christians Have to Suffer?
By Derek Melton0JOB 10:15JOB 42:5ISA 30:19DAN 11:35MAT 20:22LUK 14:28Derek Melton emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing Christian suffering, highlighting that suffering is a crucial part of the journey for those who love and follow Jesus. He points out that a Christ-like character is developed through Christ-like suffering, which is often overlooked in modern teachings that focus solely on blessings and happiness. Using the example of Job, he illustrates how afflictions are allowed by God out of His infinite love to refine and purify the hearts of His followers, enabling them to see Him more clearly.
Letter 84
By James Bourne0PSA 74:9LUK 9:23LUK 14:28LUK 18:13GAL 6:9James Bourne, in a letter to a friend, shares about the path of tribulation he faces, surrounded by difficulties and darkness, feeling entangled and unsure of the way out. He finds comfort in his friend's boldness in following God despite shame, reminding them of the need to focus on the eternal reward. Bourne acknowledges the challenges of being a soldier for Christ, facing trials and uncertainties, but trusting in God's everlasting love to guide and protect. Despite the alluring arguments of the enemy, Bourne emphasizes the importance of dying to the world and earnestly seeking God's mercy as sin becomes more apparent and the reality of perishing looms.
Count the Cost
By Robert Hawker0ISA 28:16ZEC 4:7LUK 14:28EPH 2:20COL 1:17Robert Hawker preaches on the importance of counting the cost of following Christ, using the analogy of a builder and a warrior to emphasize the eternal significance of the Christian life. He challenges the listeners to examine if they have truly laid their foundation on Christ and are willing to give up everything for Him, including earthly pursuits, relationships, and even life itself. The sermon highlights the necessity of making Christ the center, strength, and unity of our spiritual lives, ensuring that every part of our being is built upon Him.
The Unreasonableness of Indetermination in Religion
By Jonathan Edwards0DEU 30:191KI 18:21PSA 32:9EZK 20:39LUK 14:28ACT 17:27ACT 26:282TI 3:7JAS 1:8REV 3:15Jonathan Edwards preaches about the unreasonableness of being indecisive in religion, using the example of Elijah challenging the people to choose between the Lord and Baal. He emphasizes the importance of making a firm decision in matters of faith, highlighting the folly of wavering between two opinions and the need to fully commit to following God. Edwards explores the various reasons why individuals remain unresolved in religion, from doubts about the truth of Scripture to indecision about embracing a life of holiness. He urges listeners to examine their hearts and make a definitive choice to either pursue God wholeheartedly or face the consequences of remaining undecided.
James O. Frasier
By David Smithers01SA 1:15PSA 51:17ISA 59:16MAT 11:12LUK 14:28ROM 8:26EPH 6:181TH 5:17JAS 4:7David Smithers preaches about the life of James O. Fraser, a humble servant of God who thrived in obscurity and solitude, laboring in almost total obscurity in China's Yunnan Province to reach the Lisu tribal people. Fraser's success was attributed to his deep prayer life, where he learned to touch God through fervent and continuous prayer, often spending hours in prayer and travailing before the Lord. He practiced the spiritual discipline of 'praying through,' fighting spiritual battles through prayer and resisting demonic attacks through the power of the Cross. Fraser's life exemplified the need for true revival, emphasizing the importance of humility, faith, and boldness in prayer to overcome the powers of darkness and experience victory.
The Parables of Jesus
By Zac Poonen0MAT 7:24MAT 9:16MAT 13:24MAT 13:31MAT 13:33MAT 13:44MAT 13:47MAT 18:23MAT 20:1MAT 21:28MAT 21:33MAT 22:2MAT 24:45MAT 25:1MAT 25:14MAT 25:31MRK 4:3MRK 4:26LUK 6:39LUK 7:31LUK 7:41LUK 10:30LUK 11:5LUK 11:11LUK 12:16LUK 13:6LUK 14:7LUK 14:28LUK 14:31LUK 15:3LUK 15:8LUK 15:11LUK 16:1LUK 17:7LUK 18:1LUK 18:9LUK 19:12LUK 21:29Zac Poonen preaches on various aspects of entering God's Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of good soil for spiritual growth, the need to be properly clothed with Christ's righteousness, and the significance of building our lives on a solid foundation of obedience. He also delves into the concept of paying the price in following Christ, highlighting the effortless growth that comes from following the Spirit's laws and the necessity of valuing Jesus above all else. Poonen addresses the themes of loving God and man, the danger of legalism, the different types of backsliders, spiritual pride, watching and praying, and being faithful with God's gifts.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
To build a tower - Probably this means no more than a dwelling house, on the top of which, according to the Asiatic manner, battlements were built, both to take the fresh air on, and to serve for refuge from and defense against an enemy. It was also used for prayer and meditation. This parable represents the absurdity of those who undertook to be disciples of Christ, without considering what difficulties they were to meet with, and what strength they had to enable them to go through with the undertaking. He that will be a true disciple of Jesus Christ shall require no less than the mighty power of God to support him; as both hell and earth will unite to destroy him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
which of you, &c.--Common sense teaches men not to begin any costly work without first seeing that they have wherewithal to finish. And he who does otherwise exposes himself to general ridicule. Nor will any wise potentate enter on a war with any hostile power without first seeing to it that, despite formidable odds (two to one), he be able to stand his ground; and if he has no hope of this, he will feel that nothing remains for him but to make the best terms he can. Even so, says our Lord, "in the warfare you will each have to wage as My disciples, despise not your enemy's strength, for the odds are all against you; and you had better see to it that, despite every disadvantage, you still have wherewithal to hold out and win the day, or else not begin at all, and make the best you can in such awful circumstances." In this simple sense of the parable (STIER, ALFORD, &c., go wide of the mark here in making the enemy to be God, because of the "conditions of peace," Luk 14:32), two things are taught: (1) Better not begin (Rev 3:15), than begin and not finish. (2) Though the contest for salvation be on our part an awfully unequal one, the human will, in the exercise of that "faith which overcometh the world" (Jo1 5:4), and nerved by power from above, which "out of weakness makes it strong" (Heb 11:34; Pe1 1:5), becomes heroical and will come off "more than conqueror." But without absolute surrender of self the contest is hopeless (Luk 14:33).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Lest haply after he hath laid the foundation,.... Has begun to build, has taken up a profession, has submitted to ordinances, and got into a church state: and is not able to finish it; a foundation may be laid, and the building may never be finished, because the foundation is not laid right; was it, it would continue, and the building go on, and at last be finished; though no man is able to finish it of himself, yet those hands which have laid the foundation, will raise up the superstructure, and complete the whole building, through the power and efficacy of divine grace: but where there is a beginning, and which at first looks well, and there is no progress, but the work is dropped and left unfinished, all that behold it, begin to mock; as follows;