What does "began to build and was not able to finish" teach us? Context: A Tower That Never Reaches the Sky “‘For which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? Otherwise, if he lays the foundation but is unable to finish, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’’” (Luke 14:28-30) Why Jesus Uses the Illustration • A tower was an expensive, visible project. • Starting it was public; failing to finish was equally public. • Jesus spoke to “large crowds” (Luke 14:25) who were excited but had not yet grasped the price of true discipleship. Key Lessons Wrapped Up in the Phrase “Was Not Able to Finish” 1. Commitment must match enthusiasm. 2. Good beginnings can be wasted by poor follow-through. 3. Half-built towers bring ridicule; half-hearted discipleship harms our witness (cf. Revelation 3:16). 4. God values perseverance over spur-of-the-moment passion (Hebrews 12:1-2). Counting the Cost: Practical Questions for Every Disciple • Am I prepared to put Christ above family, possessions, and even my own life (Luke 14:26-27, 33)? • Will I obey when obedience is inconvenient, expensive, or unpopular? • Do I recognize that following Jesus is a lifelong construction project, not a weekend hobby? Finishing Well Matters • Paul could say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). • God Himself is committed to finishing: “He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). • Starting strong is admirable; ending strong is essential (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Dangers of Half-Built Towers in Our Lives • Compromised testimony—onlookers conclude the gospel is powerless. • Personal discouragement—abandoned projects breed spiritual apathy. • Lost rewards—works that fail the endurance test are “burned up” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). Encouragement to Persevere • Jesus “for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). Keep the end in view. • The Spirit empowers willing hearts (Galatians 5:16). • The church family supplies accountability and support (Hebrews 10:24-25). Building to Completion: Practical Steps 1. Lay a solid foundation by daily Scripture intake (Psalm 1:2-3). 2. Budget time, energy, and resources around kingdom priorities first. 3. Regularly reassess motives—are you still building for God’s glory? 4. Cultivate endurance through habitual obedience in small things (Luke 16:10). 5. Invite trusted believers to inspect your “construction site” and speak truth in love. 6. Depend on grace, not grit alone: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). The Takeaway Starting with Jesus is only the first shovel of dirt. The lesson of the unfinished tower is a sober reminder: discipleship demands forethought, wholehearted commitment, and steady perseverance so that, by God’s power, we may one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). |
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