The Rich Young Ruler
How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!
Luke 18:24
When the rich young ruler approached Jesus concerning salvation, our Lord immediately tested his willingness to deny all and follow Him: “‘Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me’” (Luke 18:22). When the young ruler did not heed Jesus’ words, he revealed an unwillingness to submit to the lordship of Christ.
Anyone who would come to salvation must yield control of his life to the Savior. That means being willing either to give up everything to follow Him, or to be content with all He has given you, with the realization that He may sovereignly give you more as you serve Him.
Salvation is the exchange of all that you are for all that Christ is. Saving faith, therefore, is not merely an act of the mind; it counts the cost (Luke 14:28) and humbly cries out to God as did the publican in Luke 18:13, “‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’”
Are you counting the cost today and every day?
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 239). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: Denying yourself and following Christ can be a costly proposition in worldly terms. But remember that earthly treasure are temporary and can decay or be stolen, while heavenly treasures are everlasting (Mat 6:19-20). The rich on earth may find it difficult to give up what they have now for what they will truly need in eternity. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mat 6:21)
Applications: Be willing to count the cost and submit willingly to The Master. Keep in mind that the only treasures that will last are those you build up in heaven. To build up treasures in heaven, do not build up worldly wealth, but follow Christ's example, follow His commands, follow Him wholeheartedly. Be generous and be willing to give up wealth and possessions to help others.
Prayer Subjects: Pray to keep my eye fixed on the true goal, being with Christ in heaven. Pray that I would remain focused on what will last and not on worldly things. Pray for opportunities to help others, and especially to witness to the lost and help open their eyes to the truth. Pray that I could help them to recognize their need to give up this life and this world and to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Listen to this entry
Luke 18:24
When the rich young ruler approached Jesus concerning salvation, our Lord immediately tested his willingness to deny all and follow Him: “‘Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me’” (Luke 18:22). When the young ruler did not heed Jesus’ words, he revealed an unwillingness to submit to the lordship of Christ.
Anyone who would come to salvation must yield control of his life to the Savior. That means being willing either to give up everything to follow Him, or to be content with all He has given you, with the realization that He may sovereignly give you more as you serve Him.
Salvation is the exchange of all that you are for all that Christ is. Saving faith, therefore, is not merely an act of the mind; it counts the cost (Luke 14:28) and humbly cries out to God as did the publican in Luke 18:13, “‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’”
Are you counting the cost today and every day?
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 239). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: Denying yourself and following Christ can be a costly proposition in worldly terms. But remember that earthly treasure are temporary and can decay or be stolen, while heavenly treasures are everlasting (Mat 6:19-20). The rich on earth may find it difficult to give up what they have now for what they will truly need in eternity. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mat 6:21)
Applications: Be willing to count the cost and submit willingly to The Master. Keep in mind that the only treasures that will last are those you build up in heaven. To build up treasures in heaven, do not build up worldly wealth, but follow Christ's example, follow His commands, follow Him wholeheartedly. Be generous and be willing to give up wealth and possessions to help others.
Prayer Subjects: Pray to keep my eye fixed on the true goal, being with Christ in heaven. Pray that I would remain focused on what will last and not on worldly things. Pray for opportunities to help others, and especially to witness to the lost and help open their eyes to the truth. Pray that I could help them to recognize their need to give up this life and this world and to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour.
Listen to this entry
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