What Must I Do?

What Must I do?

Job 23:1-9; 16-17, Mark 10: 17-31

Intro: The 80-year-old had married a beautiful 28-old-woman. He often wondered if she had married his just for his money. One night as they sat in front of the fireplace in their large, elaborate home, the husband turned to his wife and asked, “If I lost all my money, would you still love me.” Without hesitation his adoring wife answered, “Why yes, darlin’ and I would really miss you, too!” --- What would you do if you suddenly came into a large sum of money? --- Interviews with millionaire philanthropists in the US – ability to get things done is greatest advantage of wealth.

I. Read verse 17 – came running to Jesus and threw himself at his feet.

A. Came to Jesus swept by overflowing emotion.

B. Job – emotional appeal to God

C. .Jesus said in effect, “Stop and think calmly about what you are doing.”

D. God wants not just our hearts and emotions. You cannot become a Christian by sentimental passion for Jesus.

II. Verses 19 & 20 – from Decalogue – do nots

A. Respectability is not enough. – Popular Jewish morality / prosperity = God’s favor and excellence of character.

B. DO / DOING salvation is not done; it’s won.

C. A person is always judged by 2 standards: How he got his $ and how he spent it.

III. Read vs. 21 - What one thing do you lack?

A. Dissatisfied with life, reaching out for something more – didn’t know what it was.

B. Tremendous verbs: LACK, GO, SELL, GIVE, COME, FOLLOW

C. Jesus not advocating poverty – it was a prescription that would free him from what was holding him back.

Conclusion: What holds you back? --- IF ONLY – And what shall it profit a church if it gain all the rich people in the world, and lose its own message? – Every Christian must get beyond the careful caution of negative avoidance into the unmeasured giving of self in positive devotion and service to God.