First Sit Down and Count the Cost (Luke 14:28-35)

In Luke 14, vers28 Jesus said, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Jesus wanted to prevent people from starting to follow him and then stopping later. Expectations shape experiences. When you know the cost involved in following Christ, there’s a better chance of persevering. So, he used two illustrations that both involve foresight. He wants us to have the foresight to NOT be like the failed tower-builder. Instead, he wants us to have the foresight of the king who knows ahead of time not to go to battle, but to seek terms of peace instead.

View all of Pastor Scott LaPierre's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Scott-LaPierre/e/B01JT920EQ

Receive a free copy of Pastor Scott's book, "Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages": https://www.scottlapierre.org/subscribe/

Here's the accompanying podcast episode: https://www.scottlapierre.org/first-sit-down-and-count-the-cost/

00:00 Lessons for First Sit Down and Count the Cost

Lesson One: Jesus wants people to first sit down and count the cost so:

09:56 (Part One): ________________________ don’t start and then stop.

21:27 (Part Two) __________________ persevere.

29:03 Lesson Two: ____________________ __________ similarities with salt.

34:48 Lesson Three: ________ __________________ lose their saltiness.

Family Worship Guide

Directions: Read the verses and then answer the questions:

Day 1: Luke 8:6-7, 13-14, 14:26-32, Matthew 7:14—How is there a duality to the gospel? In other words, what is the good news and what makes “The way hard that leads to life”? Why do you think two of the three soils received the seed, but stopped growing? What does it mean to first sit down and count the cost?

Day 2: Luke 14:34-35, Matthew 5:13, Colossians 4:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:7—Describe the two metaphors Jesus used. Why are they fitting? Why might someone start “Building” but then stop? Why would people mock someone who claimed to be a Christian but then fell away? Why are Christians compared with salt; what are some of the similarities between them?

Day 3: Luke 14:34, Matthew 5:13, Hebrews 6:4-6, Acts 4:12, Romans 5:1—What are apostates? What does it look like to commit apostasy? Why do you think some people commit apostasy? How do we know Hebrews 6:4-6 is describing apostates versus believers? What is described as being impossible in these verses, and why do you think it is impossible?

For Scott LaPierre's conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info, please visit: https://www.scottlapierre.org/conferences-and-speaking/

If invited for a speaking engagement, you can expect:
• Professionally prepared and delivered messages
• A handout with lessons and discussion questions
• Copies of Pastor Scott's books to offer as gifts to increase registrations (if you desire)
• Advertising of your event on Scott's website and social media (if you desire)
• Facebook ads and/or a Facebook event page so the event can serve as an outreach (if you desire)
• Prompt responses to any communication
• Prompt replies to phone calls, emails, and/or text messages