The Church of Our Lord Jesus the Christ

A CHEAP RELIGION
Luke 14:25-33

I. INTRODUCTION.

A. ILLUSTRATION:  A certain well-to-do man was approached by a number of preachers,
at different times, asking him to join their church.  His reply was always, “What will it cost
me?”  The reply of the preachers varies somewhat, but in the main they assured him they
were interested not in his money, bu rather they just wanted him.  The implication was left
that it would not cost him much.  Upon such an answer the man had always turned away in
disgust.  Finally a gospel preacher came in contact with this man.  Again the question was
raised, “What will it cost me?”  The gospel preacher answered, “It will cost you your ALL.”
He further explained that the Lord places a very serious challenge to all men.  Those who
measure up to this  challenge receive life everlasting.  The man interrupted by saying, “This
is a religion I have been waiting for; I do not want a cheap religion.”

B. Notice the challenge of the Lord in the text.

1. Great multitudes were following the Lord.
a. Some seeking loaves and fishes
b. Others were there out of  curiosity.
c. A few–to earnest follow him.
2. Christ challenged them, and by such challenge weeded them out.
a. Hate father, mother, etc. Luke 14:26.  See parallel in Matt. 10:37.
b. Bear cross.  Luke 14:27; Matt. 16:24.
c. Forsake all.  Luke 14:33.
(1) Rich young ruler.  Matt. 19:16-22.
C. Count the cost.
1. Example of the tower.
D.  Purpose of this lesson to emphasize the cost of success.

II. HAVE WE COME TO EXPECT A CHEAP RELIGION?
A. In converting a man.

1. “nothing much to do.”

B.  In Christian living
1. “doesn’t make much difference”

C. In training our children
1. “let others (school and church) do it”
D.  In mission work
1. ”keeping house for the Lord”

E.  In  ministering to the needy
1. “they brought it on themselves”

III. LET US ANALYZE THE COST OF SUCCESS.
A. In considering any enterprise, 3 things to consider.

1. What is the reward , if successful.

2.  What is the cost necessary to be successful.
a. Anything worthwhile costs.
3. What assurance of success do we have.

B. This is true in every walk of life.
1. The new business man.
2. The young couple entering marriage.
3. The farmer.
C. Certainly true in becoming a Christian.
1. The Lord challenges us to faith an trust and
obedience.  Matt. 6:33.

D. Certainly true in living the Christian life.
1. It takes time and sacrifice, money and work, our
very best, to be what the Lord would have us to be.
E. In meeting life’s obligations.

1. To the world around us, we are obligated to
preach the gospel.
2.  To our children, we are lobligated to train them in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
3. In meeting all of life obligations in a Christian way,
it costs something.

IV. YET REAL SUCCESS COMES ONLY BY PAYING
THE PRICE.
A. Examples:
1. Peter. Mark 10:28.

2. Levi.  Matt., Luke 5:27.

3. Paul.  Phil. 3:8.
4. David.  2 Sam. 24:24.
B. His challenge.  Matt. 16:24-26.

V. CONCLUSION:
Are you willing to pay the cost of success?