EARLY FIRE 🔥 WINE October 25, 2025 TOPIC: PARABLES (32) – By B.B. John Let's consider the second part of the cost counting parable. B. Benefits of Counting The Cost Before Going To War Jesus also likened discipleship to a king preparing for war. Before going into battle, a wise ruler assesses his strength and strategy to know if he can or cannot prevail; if he should fight or seek for peace terms. "...Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace." (Luke 14: 31 - 33) This second part of the parable reveals that following Christ means entering a spiritual battle against sin, the flesh, and the devil. Thus, wisdom demands that we first consider our weakness and strength. 1). Winning the war demands counting on the strength of Christ - not ours. This helps us to rely fully on His mighty Holy Spirit. Victory comes through complete allegiance to Him. 2). Winning the battle demands fully following Christ. Half-hearted followers cannot get the victory. True trophy belongs to he who fights under the authority and command of Jesus, the Lord of Host. Reflections *The cost of following Christ may be great but the cost of not following Him is greater *Don't make “peace terms” with Satan and the world. Instead, surrender completely to Jesus. *Wisest thing to do is to surrender any area of your life that's still competing for your loyalty to Christ Main Text: Luke 14: 31 - 33 Memory Verse: “Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:33. NKJV) Remain blessed. May Your Saturday Be . EARLY FIRE 🔥 WINE A Publication of Jesus Flaminglamps Ministries