Counting the Cost of Discipleship and the Power to Stand

Text: Luke 14:25–33; Acts 1:6–8

‭Luke 14:25-33 KJV‬
[25] And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, [26] If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. [27] And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. [28] For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? [29] Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, [30] saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. [31] Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? [32] Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. [33] So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

‭Acts 1:6-8 KJV‬
[6] When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? [7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. [8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The Christian life is not a casual walk; it is a calculated war. Jesus made it clear that before anyone follows Him, they must first count the cost. Discipleship is not for the unprepared but for those ready to forsake all and endure to the end.

1. Fighting vs. War

Many believers confuse fighting with war. A fight is spontaneous and emotional, but war is strategic, costly, and long-term. Following Christ is not an emotional reaction to a sermon; it is a lifetime enlistment in a spiritual war. In war, there is no middle ground; you either win or you are enslaved.

2. The Misunderstood Kingdom

The disciples, even after Jesus’ resurrection, still thought He came to restore Israel’s political kingdom. They sought power and positions, matters of earthly relevance. But Jesus redirected their focus: “You shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” (Acts 1:8). His kingdom was not of this world; it was a spiritual dominion established through truth and righteousness.

3. Power Redefined

True power is not money, fame, or political influence as these can vanish overnight. The real power Jesus promised is the ability to prevail in truth and holiness against deception, opposition, and persecution. It is the power to stand when others bow. It is the power to be a witness of the resurrection of the Living Jesus.

4. Propaganda in the War of Souls

Every war uses propaganda, and the devil’s strategy is no different. Through music, culture, false doctrines, and even dreams, he spreads lies that weaken believers’ convictions. Many have been deceived by what looks spiritual but contradicts God’s Word. To stand victorious, believers must discern truth from lies through the revelation of Scripture and the Witness of the Holy Spirit.

5. The Cost of True Discipleship

To follow Christ means total surrender. One cannot serve Christ halfway. Jesus said a man must forsake all (comfort, reputation, even family ties) if they stand in the way of obedience. The cost is heavy, but the reward is eternal life and victory over sin and darkness.

Conclusion

Christianity is not a social movement; it is a divine warfare for the souls of men and for the establishment of the Kingdom of God. The call to follow Jesus is a call to fight the good fight of faith, equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit and grounded in the truth of God’s Word.

Key Verse:

> “You shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and you shall be witnesses unto Me…” — Acts 1:8