Josh McGuire - “Considering the Costs” | Austin CFC | 2024-02-25
Summary
The speaker uses his profession as a cost analyst to illustrate how people often fail to accurately assess what truly matters in life. He argues that if we could properly analyze the 'cost' of things—including our time, energy, and devotion—we would realize that following Christ is by far the best deal available. The message concludes by urging listeners to consider the eternal cost-benefit analysis of living for self versus living for Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Are we good cost analysts?As a cost analyst by profession, the speaker reflects on how people evaluate expenses in daily life—from groceries and cars to time and energy—yet often fail to truly count the cost of following God.
Examples of men who made great assessmentsMissionaries and martyrs like Eric Liddell, David Brainerd, Jim Elliot, and C.T. Studd made a wise assessment that trading this life for an eternal one is entirely worth it.
Jesus on counting the costJesus points out that anyone building a tower or a king going to war naturally sits down to calculate the costs first, showing that we ought to be mindful and deliberate with our resources.
Cain, Abel, and AbrahamBiblical figures like Abel and Abraham demonstrated what it means to offer the very best to God, taking the cost of sacrifice seriously through hard work and obedience.
King David as an analystKing David evaluated his own comfortable palace against the tent of God and desired to build a temple, later insisting on paying the full price for the threshing floor rather than taking it for free.
Jesus counted the cost for usJesus Christ endured the cross and the agony of separation from the Father for the joy set before us, paying the ultimate sacrifice because of His great love.Hebrews 12:2
Why we resist counting the costCounting the cost takes effort, time, and discipline, which is why we are often reluctant to make the daily analysis required to follow Jesus as true disciples.
The daily battle with pride and selfEvery day we face temptations like pride and self-reliance, requiring us to make a cost analysis through the Holy Spirit to choose God's ways over our flesh.
Moving from intellectual conviction to actionLike the man who found the hidden treasure and sold everything to buy the field, we must act on our convictions rather than walking away like the Rich Young Ruler.Matthew 13:44
Trading temporary pleasure for eternal joySin offers temporary pleasures like lust or pride, but knowing the surpassing value of Christ enables us to let go of temporary things, following the example of Moses.
