Sermon Central
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The Point Of No Return
Contributed by John Gaston on Aug 23, 2020 (message contributor)
Summary: It's not until self-denial reaches the point of no return and we have to abandon ourselves into the arms of God and we completely rely on God, that we can experience the delivering and saving power of Jesus.
THE POINT OF NO RETURN
INTRODUCTION
A. HUMOR: CAUSE AND EFFECT
1. A surgeon, an architect, and a politician were arguing over whose profession is oldest. The surgeon said, “Eve was made from Adam’s rib, and that surely was a surgical operation.”
2. The architect said, “But prior to that, order was created out of chaos, and that was an architectural job.”
3. “But,” interrupted the politician boastfully, pointing to himself, “who do you think created the chaos?”
B. TEXT
17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" 20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." 21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
C. THESIS
1. Jesus came not only for those in sin – (the drug users, the immoral, the thieves & drunkards) – but also for the best people of society.
2. Thankfully God also calls people of high moral integrity, who are good fathers & mothers, who go to work every day, and who try to obey the laws – not only of man, but also of their conscience.
3. Many in this congregation fit this description and you are all appreciated. Today, this message is for you. You may see many similarities between this man and yourselves.
4. The title is “The Point of No Return.”
I. HE WAS AN AMAZINGLY GOOD PERSON
A. HE’S THE MAN WHO NEVER MESSED UP
"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy” (Vs. 20), and the Lord did not deny this was true. He must have been a model son growing up.
1. Never Smoked a Cigarette.
2. Never tried marijuana (forget the “not-inhaling” group).
3. Never tasted Alcohol.
4. Never rebelled against his parents.
5. Always drove his car responsibly.
6. Treated his Dates with courtesy and respect (he’s the guy all you mothers wish your daughters would marry).
7. I congratulate you men/women who’ve lived like this.
B. HE’S THE ONE WHO ALWAYS WENT TO CHURCH
1. “A Ruler” (Luke 18:18) – it is most commonly believed he was a ruler of a synagogue, the Sanhedrin requiring more age. Becoming a ruler of a synagogue was unusual, so he must have been exemplary.
2. HE HAD FAITH. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” He was a believer! despite the doctrine of the Sadducees.
3. HAD RESPECT for God and God’s ministers. Note his awe at the presence of Christ – he “knelt,” and said “Good Master.”
4. WAS SINCERE, when many Jews were hypocritical.
5. We’d love to have a church full of men/women like him – God bless all of you who are!
C. HE WASN’T SATISFIED WITH AVERAGE RELIGION
1. ZEALOUS (anxious/earnest). He came running and fell down before Christ, “What must I do…”
2. He had studied the Law and carefully kept it. He had heard the teaching at the Temple but wanted more! Today he’d attend seminars, retreats, prayer meetings, etc. Matthew 19:20 “What do I still lack?” He was making sure he didn’t miss something.
3. Summary: He had a Seeking heart. His head told him he’d kept the Law, but is heart told him there was more.
4. Thank God for people who are not satisfied.
D. HE’S THE PERSON WILLING TO CHANGE, or at least thought he was.
1. Many people are so set in their ways it would take dynamite to loosen them up.
2. That’s why it’s so refreshing to meet people who are open to change.
3. This man believed himself willing to:
a. DO anything
b. To GIVE UP anything
c. To SUFFER anything, in order to gain eternal life.
4. And so are most of you. Congratulations!
II. ONE OVERLOOKED ITEM
A. IT’S JUST “ONE THING” – SO WHAT?
1. The gaze of Jesus pierced through all his accomplishments and shown upon a sin (a heart problem – greed) which must be conquered or he could not possess eternal life.
2. “ONE THING YOU LACK.” WHY WOULD GOD CARE IF THERE WAS JUST ONE THING WRONG? The Lord wasn’t trying to be nitpicking; this was serious! One bad link breaks a chain. If the brakes on your car don’t work even one time, it’s still serious!
