Challenge believers to prioritize eternal riches over worldly possessions and to understand the cost of truly following Jesus.
Good morning, Church! I hope you all are filled with the Spirit today. We will be delving into a powerful passage from the book of Matthew today, a passage that challenges us to reflect on our lives and the choices we make in our pursuit of God's Kingdom. It's about recognizing the cost of following Jesus, understanding the true value of eternal riches, and the challenge to let go of worldly goods.
Allow me to read to you from Matthew 19:16-22:
"And behold, a man came up to him, saying, 'Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?' And he said to him, 'Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.' He said to him, 'Which ones?' And Jesus said, 'You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' The young man said to him, 'All these I have kept. What do I still lack?' Jesus said to him, 'If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.' When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."
The cost of following Jesus is not about a monetary value, but rather a spiritual and personal cost that we must be willing to pay to truly follow Christ. It is about the sacrifices we make, the priorities we set, and the values we uphold in our pursuit of a Christ-centered life.
A high cost: In the passage from Matthew, the young man who approached Jesus was eager to inherit eternal life. He was willing to do good deeds and even claimed to have kept all the commandments. However, when Jesus told him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor, the young man went away sorrowful. This story illustrates that the cost of following Jesus can be high. It may require us to let go of our worldly possessions, our comfort, and our sense of security.
Surrendering our will to God's will: It is about letting go of our desires, our plans, and our ambitions, and instead, aligning them with God's purpose for our lives. It is about making God the center of our lives, even if it means letting go of things that we hold dear. This is a cost that the young man in the story was not willing to pay. His attachment to his possessions was greater than his desire to follow Jesus.
A change in our mindset: It requires us to shift our focus from the temporal to the eternal, from the material to the spiritual, from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. This shift is not easy. It involves a daily struggle, a constant battle against our human nature, our worldly desires, and our selfish tendencies. But it is a cost that we must be willing to pay if we want to follow Jesus.
Taking up our cross daily: It is about enduring hardships, trials, and persecutions for the sake of Christ. It is about standing firm in our faith, even when the world is against us. It is about being willing to suffer for Christ, just as He suffered for us. This is a cost that many Christians around the world are paying today. They are being persecuted, ostracized, and even killed for their faith. But they are willing to pay this cost because they understand the value of following Jesus.
What it requires: It requires sacrifice, surrender, a change in mindset, and a willingness to suffer. But it is a cost that is worth paying. For the rewards of following Jesus far outweigh the cost. The peace, joy, and fulfillment that come from a relationship with Jesus are far greater than any worldly possessions or comforts. The eternal life that Jesus offers is far more valuable than any temporary pleasures or achievements.
The value of eternal riches is not about the accumulation of material wealth, but rather the spiritual wealth that comes from a relationship with God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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