Eternal Values Series

In this world of sin it is easy to get our values distorted. The things that appeal to our carnal natures seem worth striving for, but they are in fact like a mirage in the desert. Property, money, material possessions, or a large bank account seem to give us security, but it is all a bubble dream. We came into this world with nothing and it is certain we will go out with no material possessions. Jesus has promised us eternal life if only we believe on Him and determine to give our lives to Him. So many are bartering away eternity because they consider this world more important, their values are all mixed up. The rich young ruler who came to Jesus had this problem.

Matthew 19:16-22

Now behold, one came and said to Him, “GOOD TEACHER, WHAT GOOD THING SHALL I DO THAT I MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?”

So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?”

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall

not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honour your father and your mother,’

and, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ ”

The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “IF YOU WANT TO BE PERFECT, GO, SELL WHAT YOU HAVE AND GIVE TO THE POOR, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow

Me.”

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, FOR HE HAD GREAT POSSESSIONS.

“He wanted the heavenly treasure, but he wanted also the temporal advantages his riches would bring him. He was sorry that such conditions existed; he desired eternal life, but he was not willing to make the sacrifice. The cost of eternal life seemed too great, and he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions”. Desire of Ages, page 520.

Too many are like the rich young ruler. They long for the privilege of everlasting life, but are unwilling to put Jesus first in this life. Not every person is required to give up all wealth, but this young man had made riches his god, and was in fact breaking the first and second commandments. Riches were his idol.

Luke 12:19, 20

“And I will say to my soul, “Soul, YOU HAVE MANY GOODS LAID UP for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said to him, “FOOL! THIS NIGHT YOUR SOUL WILL BE REQUIRED OF YOU; THEN whose will those things be which you have provided?”

This man had made provision for the future and placed his security in temporal things. It is not wrong to provide for the future, in fact we should, but this man had placed his trust in riches, and excluded God from his reckoning. His wealth could not save him from death, but Jesus could have given him eternal life if only he had put God first.

Matthew 6:19, 20

DO NOT LAY UP FOR YOURSELF TREASURES ON EARTH, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; BUT LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES IN HEAVEN, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

The treasures of this world are corruptible, but the treasure that Jesus offers is absolutely secure. We lay up heavenly treasure by putting our trust in Jesus and living for Him.

Mark 8:36

FOR WHAT WILL IT PROFIT A MAN IF HE GAINS THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSES HIS OWN SOUL?

Here Jesus compares the two ways of life. Even to own the whole world cannot save us for eternity. If a man loses everlasting life, he has lost everything. His life in this world will terminate all too soon. Of what value is his treasure then?

Philippians 2:5-8

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, BUT MADE HIMSELF OF NO REPUTATION, TAKING THE FORM OF A BONDSERVANT, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. How far was Jesus willing to go for us? He condescended from being equal with God, to become a man, so that He might die for us. He was prepared to die for us so that His shed blood might cover our sins. In return He asks us to live for Him, for our own eternal good, for unless we accept Him we are lost. Jesus has His values crystal clear, and He was prepared to pay the price of His life so that you might have eternal life.