Fan or Follower, Counting the Cost
Fan or Follower? Counting The Cost
Pastor Keith Hassell
Foundation Scripture: Luke 14:25-33
I. Are you a “fan” or a “follower” of Jesus?
A. “Fan” – an enthusiastic admirer
1. A fan can feel like he is a part of the game, but he never plays the game
2. A fan can look like the real thing, but he is not the real thing
3. Fans can jump on or jump off without it costing them anything
B. “Follower” – a person who follows the practices and beliefs of another
1. A follower is a part of the game. He has paid the price to be on the field.
2. A follower is the real thing.
3. A follower will stick it out to the end because it has cost him everything.
C. The difference between a fan and a follower is that one has paid a price and one has not
D. There will be no fans in the God’s hall of fame.
II. You have to give up everything to be a follower of Jesus
A. Jesus comes before father and mother
B. Jesus comes before wife and children
C. Jesus comes before brothers and sisters
D. Jesus comes before my own life and lifestyle
III. You have to take up your cross and come after Jesus to be His disciple
A. “Take up your cross” means to yield your own will to the will of God
B. “Come after Me” means to follow the example and teaching of Jesus
IV. You have to count the cost to be a follower of Jesus
A. If you don’t count the cost then you are still just a fan. Something that you have not yielded to God will come in and steal your commitment to Christ.
B. If you don’t count the cost you will
1. Not be able to finish
2. Encounter the mocking of those who see that we have drifted from our original commitment
3. Lose the battle against the enemy who opposes us
4. Cannot be Christ’s disciple
5. Be like salt that has lost its savor
6. Become useless for the kingdom of God
V. Invitation: Are you a fan or a follower?
A. It is time to count the cost
B. It is time to pay the price
C. It is time to take up your cross
D. It is time to follow Jesus