Sermon Tone Analysis

Text

Luke 14:25-35

Introduction

Last week we discussed some principles of discipleship that were given to us from the Lord and recorded in Luke chapter 14.

In Review:

What is a disciple?

The word simply means scholar or student.

One who receives instruction from another.

Last week we learned that Discipleship is an integral part of the Local Church.

We discussed 3 elements of discipleship:

1. Love for the Master - "hate not his father, and mother..."

2. Service for the Master - "bear his cross"

3. Surrender for the Master - "forsaketh not all that he hath"

We have looked at the Imperatives now we shall consider the Intent.

In other words... why is Jesus calling us to discipleship?

What is the purpose of discipleship?

Isn't it enough to just be saved and know we are forgiven?

Can anyone be a disciple?

Often when we look at this text we see ourselves as the builder and the general but G. Campbell Morgan suggests that Jesus is the builder and the king.

He is looking out at his children and asking for those who would be willing to be used in a greater capacity.

When you consider

He said:

In this one verse we have the building and the battling.

"I will build my church"

"the gates of hell shall not prevail"

The intent of discipleship is the formation of Rock hard soldiers that are salty!

I.

The Intention to Build- (Stones)

"intending to build a tower"

Illustration: Bro Zamora and his building project- all of the details that went into that project.

A. The Foundation Stone

Christ is the foundation stone

"shall not be confounded" - or shall not be put to shame!

B. The Formation Stones

We are also stones- formation stones

"built up"

The Lord is teaching us that he intends to use us to build with and he is letting us know that he does not intend to use 2nd rate material.

Discipleship is serious business and cannot be accomplished with inferior building materials.

If you desire to be a disciple you must understand the intent to be used as a stone!

He wants us to be:

1. Solid Stones

"Stablish"

Its where we get our word "established"

STABLISH, verb transitive [Latin See Stab.]

To fix; to settle in a state for permanence; to make firm.

Can you be relied upon?

2. Steadfast Stones

"be ye stedfast"

3. Steady Stones

"tossed to and fro"

Illustration: Like a flag that is just flying whatever way the wind is blowing!

Not only does the Lord intend to use us as stones to build with, but as soldiers to battle the enemy!

II.

The Intention to Battle-(Soldiers)

"going to make war"

Soldiers are ready at a moments notice to be called on to fight and it is another reminder of the intent of discipleship.

A. Its a Worthy Fight - what more could you do with you life?

"a good warfare"

Is there any such thing as a good war?

Some have been more popular than others down through the centuries....

B. It's a Weary Fight - we will need to endure

C. It's a Winning Fight - Christ has already promised victory

We have seen the intention to be used as stones and to be called on as soldiers but there is a final aspect of discipleship we must also consider.

The Lord intends for a disciple to be salt.

III.

The Intention to Brine-Salt

"salt is good"

Illustration: What is a brine and why is it used?

A. Salt is Profitable- (It Has Value)

Salt gives flavor to things and makes people thirsty.

Warren Wiersbe states:

Jesus had already told His disciples that they were “the salt of the earth” (Matt.

5:13).

When the sinner trusts Jesus Christ as Saviour, a miracle takes place and “clay” is turned into “salt.”

Salt was a valued item in that day; in fact, part of a soldier’s pay was given in salt.

(The words salt and salary are related; hence, the saying, “He’s not worth his salt.”)

B. Salt is Pungent - (It adds flavor)

Illustration: A Steakhouse with no salt- Indeed salt is good.

Can you imagine going to a restaurant and ordering a juicy steak- (even an expensive one like you might find at Ruth's Chris Steak House) - then the waiter brings it to your table and its sizzling on the 500 degree plate, then you look for the salt and there is none at the table.

You ask the waiter and he says "I'm sorry sir, we're all out".

Now I don't know about you, but I would be furious!

WHAT IS A STEAK WITHOUT SALT???

We could ask a similar question- what is an unsalty- christian?

"good for nothing"

Modern salt is pure and does not lose its flavor.

Salt in Jesus day would lose its flavor if it came into contact with the earth.

Once its saltiness was gone there was no way to restore it.

C. Salt is Preserving

Salt is a preservative- and Gods people are here to slow the growth of evil in this dark world.

Conclusion

We need to remember the imperatives for discipleship as well as the intent.

There are things we must do ...Can anyone be a disciple?

The answer is no.

Only those who will forsake all!

But, there is also a reason- the intent.

1.

That we would be Stones

2. That we would be Soldiers

3.

That we would be Salty

May it be our desire to pay the price of discipleship!!