20070916 Luke 14:25-33.
No doubt many sermons are preached on these words with the false
understanding that Jesus is merely calling for a single, great dedication or
commitment. While it is true many in the crowds then and now wanted to be
"associates" of this miracle worker, sit back, and enjoy the benefits, Jesus is
not interested in simple church membership.
Authentic faith requires continuous efforts both to defend against attacks
from the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh as well as going on offense
to build the Kingdom of God here and around the world.
God warns discipleship is impossible - when you rely on your own
resources. We must totally depend on Him alone as we count the cost and live
as His people.
Consider the Cost.
Many of us like D-I-Y projects. You work hard; you get done; you have
something to show for it. But you never get really done with faith.
And earthly eyes can not see much for results. As Christ said last week
about humility, the Old Man in us works for honor, shows-off, expects payback
for favors. God wants us to do good in secret and help folks who could never
repay us.
If anything, the reward for faith is often ridicule. TV, music, and
pop-culture seldom put a good spin on Christians.
Jesus warns you're your family or goals can stop you from being His
disciple. If a person is sinning and you say and do nothing, then by your
silence you are giving consent - even approval.
It could be gluttony, adultery, gossip, or any other loveless sin. If you
won't put God before them, and act, then Jesus says you cannot be His disciple.
He warns we must each take up our cross. In the strict-sense, a cross is
any trouble that comes our way because you are a Christian. For example: if
you can't get ahead at work unless you cheat, but you won't due to faith - it's
a cross. You suffer for Christ.
If a friend wants you to lie, take illegal drugs, or do something you know
is wrong, but you won't due to faith - it's a cross because you're suffering
for Christ.
It seems like Christ is trying to discourage us as He continues with the
tower story. No one would build a house without first seeing if they had the
money for it.
A great general 1st thinks about IF he can defeat an opponent BEFORE going
to war so he doesn't suffer loss and humiliation. A person who boasts of their
faith may find many opponents eager to defeat them: a pet sin, constant
put-downs, being snubbed, threats of violence, or poverty. We will always fail
Christ.
Far too many times when you should have stood up for Christ, you
surrendered to keep peace in the family, gain a business advantage, or you were
just too tired.
No, we do not have in us the desire OR the resources Christ speaks of
here! For you to want such a life takes a change from outside of yourself.
For you to have the resources, such strength, would mean relying totally on
something outside your own reason or strength.
That desire and source of life is Christ. Only when God has ALREADY given
you faith (justification), can you desire or do what He asks (sanctification).
Consider His Love.
Jesus is not trying to discourage, but encourage us! God wants all people
to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1st Timothy 2:4).
Only the power of Christ can change us so we will want to seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33), and so be willing to follow.
Without the grace of God we will put family and friends, and "yes even
your own life" ahead of God. With His strength and rule, God's love in us will
be so huge our love for anything of this world will seem like hate in
comparison.
Any person or activity that stands in the way of your discipleship will be
left behind as God's Word works greater and greater faith in you.
This is the sacrifice God did for us. His only begotten Son left His
family behind, took up the cross and died for the very people who turn their
backs and ridicule Him - as you and I do each day when you and I sin.
He considered the cost of building a perfect life for us; and He paid the
price in full. He knew the horrors of war then He fought death, hell, and
Satan in our place to win eternal life for us (as your personal Bible reading
in 1st Corinthians 15 says). God knows the only way to have peace is to defeat
His enemies, and not surrender to Satan or hope the demons go away.
For you and me as disciples, followers, and Christians, that means the
journey of life will not always be easy or smooth or quiet. We will be
attacked from inside and out, from those who are friends as well as enemies,
and it may seem there is little rest - but there is.
We who draw our power and peace from Christ will be given the desire and
the ability to take up the cross of God's choosing. Will we stumble and fall?
Yes. Will we grow weak, weary, and want to stop following Jesus? Yes. That
is when we need to look to Christ's cross and all He did for us.
"The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD (not our selves); He
is our stronghold in every time of trouble" says our Introit for today. That's
worth repeating daily!
May the power of God's Word work in each of us, so that as His beloved
children we will have the desire to follow Him AND the strength to do so,
strength that only comes from Him! Amen.
Pastor Michael Harman,
St. Peter LCMS - Newell, IA
vacancies at ...
Immanuel, Pomeroy
First Evangelical, Fonda
These are offered as "sermon starters". I'm not sure they really capture pure
doctrine, follow the theme, much less hit the mark. Use them as you will. I'm
writing something entirely different from scratch for this year!
