I do not know where this outline came from, but I do know it was not original with me.

A Cheap Religion

Lk. 14:25-33

Introduction:

A.   A rich man was approached by various preachers at different times in his life, asking him to "join" their church. Each time the man would ask, "What will it cost me?" The reply was always the same. They assured him that they did not want his money, but rather they just wanted him. This left him with the implication that their religion would not cost him very much. Each time he declined and turned away in disgust. Finally, a gospel preacher came in contact with the man and invited him to church. Again the question was asked, "What will it cost me?" This time however the answer was different. The preacher replied, "It will cost you everything!" He further explained that the Lord places a very serious challenge before all men. Those who measure up to the challenge receive everlasting life. The man interrupted by saying, "This is the religion I have been looking for; I don't want a cheap religion!"

B.   In looking at Lk. 14:25-33, we see great multitudes were following the Lord, but for various different reasons. Some were following for the food that was provided. Others were there simply out of curiosity. Some were, no doubt, earnestly follow Him. Christ issues a challenge to them and by doing so weeded a great number out. His challenge to "hate father and mother," "bear your cross" and "forsake all" was too much for many of them. They had not counted the cost before they began the journey.

C.   The purpose if this lesson is to emphasize the cost of success.

I.    Have We Come To Expect A Cheap Religion?

      A.   In converting a person

            1.   "Nothing much to do"

            2.   "Don't want anything from you"

      B.   In Christian living

            1.   "Doesn't make much difference"

            2.   "Physical and spiritual are separate"

      C.   In training our children

            1.   "Let others do it"

                  a.   School

                  b.   Church

      D.   In ministering to the needy

            1.   "They brought it upon themselves"

            2.   "That's the government's job"

II.   Let's Analyze The Cost Of Success

      A.   In considering any endeavor, 3 things to consider

            1.   What is reward is successful - 2 Tim. 4:6-8; Rev. 21:9-27

            2.   What is cost necessary to success?

                  a.   Anything worthwhile costs

                  b.   If cost nothing, probably worth nothing

            3.   What assurance of success do we have - Heb. 11; Jn. 14:2-3

      B.   True in every walk of life

            1.   New business

            2.   Young couple entering marriage

            3.   Farmer

      C.   Certainly true in becoming Christian

            1.   Lord challenges to faith, trust and obedience - Matt. 6:33

      D.   Certainly true in living Christian life

            1.   Takes time and sacrifice, money and work to be what the Lord would have us be

      E.   In meeting life's obligations

            1.   Obligated to preach to world around us - 2 Tim. 4:2

            2.   Obligated to train children in training and admonition of the Lord - Eph. 6:4

            3.   In meeting all life's obligations in a Christian way, it will cost something

III.  Real Success Only Comes By Paying The Price

      A.   Examples

            1.   Peter - Mk. 10:28

            2.   Levi - Matt. 9:9; Lk. 5:27

            3.   Paul - Phil. 3:8

            4.   David - 2 Sam. 24:24

      B.   The Lord's challenge - Matt. 16:24-26

Conclusion:

A.   Success only comes to those who are willing to pay the price. Sometimes, in fact most times, that price is very high. Are you willing to pay the cost of success?