The Value Of Our Soul

The Value of Our Soul

Luke 12:16-21

Introduction:

A certain ungodly tavern-keeper who liked music decided to attend one of John Wesley’s meetings to hear the singing. He had resolved however, not to listen to the sermon. He sat with his head down and fingers in his ears. But when God wants to speak to a man’s soul, He has His ways.

A fly flew on the man’s nose and when he attempted to drive it away, he heard nine words that changed his life. He heard Mr. Wesley say, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” From that moment he had no rest in his soul. He returned the next night, listened intently and was converted.

Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” The human soul is a priceless treasure; it is the real you. In fact, the Bible teaches that your soul is more valuable than the whole world! And yet, many people “sell their souls” for what surely are petty bargains.

We are more than just material beings and science and psychology has proposed; the Bible teaches that we are body, soul and spirit. We also see that a great price was paid for the soul, but not in an earthly sense. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold,… but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Jesus Christ allowed himself to die on a cross for your soul. His death pays the penalty for the sins of those who believe on Him by faith.

But just as the man in this parable neglected and lost his soul. It is possible for you to lose your soul forever.

I want to share with you three reasons why many people will lose their soul in the end.

Three reasons why many people lost their souls:

I. WRONG PREPARATION (v. 16-18)

This man’s life was busy in pursuing the comforts of this life and not on pursuing God.

The farmer cares was about to BUILD BIGGER BARNS, but God brought in a new perspective. The farmer won’t live to see them. In fact, he won’t live to BUILD BIGGER BARNS. He made plans only for this life but not what comes after. God was not in his life. He did not consider God at all.

Jesus wants us to see things in the right perspective. He told the young man who came to Him: "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (12:15)

12:24 "Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them."

12:27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labour or spin…" and look how God clothes them.

You can lose your soul if you plan for yourself alone.

You were created to pursue a relationship with God; riches or sin can never satisfy your soul. (Mt. 6:33)

In the parable, God called this man a fool. He had amassed great wealth, but was poor toward God.

“Nothing is wrong in seeking great things. But it is wrong to seek great things for yourself” – Oswald Sanders

Jesus reminded us the need to remember God - the Source of all our blessings. God wants us to invest in things that has eternal value. We must invest our life - time, talent, knowledge - in the work of His Kingdom. Lay up "treasures in heaven.." (cf.12:33). Live life in the light of eternity and we shall be greatly blessed.

All that the farmer has - will not go to him, and will not go with him. Life without God is meaningless. Man finds true fulfilment in this world - we want to have "plenty of good things laid up for many years" and then we can "take life easy; eat, drink and be merry" (v.19) but Jesus says true fulfillment can only come through a relationship with our God.

"Security in life does not lie with barns but with God."

II. WRONG INTENTION (v. 19)

The chairman of the community charity called on a notorious miser. “Sir,” said the fund-raiser, “our records show that despite your wealth, you’ve never once given to our drive.” “Do your records show that I have an elderly mother who was left penniless when my father died?” fumed the tightwad. “Do your records show that I have a disabled brother who is unable to work? Do your records show I have a widowed sister with small children who can barely make ends meet?” “No, sir,” replied the embarrassed volunteer. “Our records don’t show those things.” “Well,” said the miser. “I don’t give to any of them, so why should I give anything to you?”