Total Surrender: The Cost of Following Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we delved into Mark 10, focusing on the story of the rich young ruler. This narrative is a powerful reminder that everyone needs Jesus, regardless of their earthly status or possessions. The rich young ruler approached Jesus with the right question, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" but ultimately made the wrong decision by walking away sorrowful because he couldn't part with his wealth. This story underscores the universal truth that eternal life cannot be earned through good deeds or wealth but is a gift that requires total surrender to Jesus.
Jesus' interaction with the rich young ruler highlights the importance of recognizing our own spiritual deficiencies and the need for a heart transformation. The young man had kept the commandments outwardly but lacked an inward relationship with God. Jesus loved him enough to tell him the hard truth: to follow Him, the young man needed to let go of his earthly treasures. This is a call for all of us to examine what we might be holding onto that prevents us from fully embracing Jesus.
The sermon also touched on the broader implications of discipleship. While salvation is a free gift, discipleship comes with a cost. It requires us to give up our earthly attachments and fully commit to following Jesus. This commitment is not just about outward actions but involves a deep, inward transformation that aligns our hearts with God's will.
In conclusion, the rich young ruler's story is a cautionary tale for all of us. It challenges us to consider what we might be elevating above our relationship with Jesus. The call to follow Jesus is a call to total surrender, and only by letting go of our earthly attachments can we truly embrace the eternal life that Jesus offers.
### Key Takeaways
1. Everyone Needs Jesus: Regardless of our earthly status or possessions, we all need Jesus to inherit eternal life. The rich young ruler's story reminds us that good deeds and wealth cannot earn us a place in heaven. Only through a relationship with Jesus can we receive the gift of eternal life. [35:23]
2. Recognize Spiritual Deficiencies: The rich young ruler had kept the commandments outwardly but lacked an inward relationship with God. Jesus loved him enough to point out his deficiencies, urging him to let go of his earthly treasures. This teaches us the importance of self-examination and recognizing our own spiritual shortcomings. [47:41]
3. The Cost of Discipleship: While salvation is a free gift, discipleship comes with a cost. It requires us to give up our earthly attachments and fully commit to following Jesus. This commitment involves a deep, inward transformation that aligns our hearts with God's will. [49:06]
4. Total Surrender: To follow Jesus, we must be willing to let go of whatever we are holding onto that prevents us from fully embracing Him. The rich young ruler's inability to part with his wealth serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to examine what we might be elevating above our relationship with Jesus. [53:37]
5. Eternal Perspective: This life is not all there is; we are created to live forever. The rich young ruler's story challenges us to focus on eternal treasures rather than earthly ones. By surrendering our lives to Jesus, we gain the true riches of eternal life and a relationship with God. [56:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:58] - Sharing the Gospel at First Fridays
[32:44] - Call for Volunteers and Outreach Event
[33:20] - Introduction to the Rich Young Ruler
[34:17] - Everybody Needs Jesus
[35:23] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Need for Him
[36:48] - The Rich Young Ruler's Encounter with Jesus
[38:09] - The Challenge of Wealth and Discipleship
[39:26] - Jesus' Love and the Cost of Following Him
[40:46] - The Rich Young Ruler's Background
[42:06] - The Desire for Eternal Life
[43:31] - The Greatest Question Ever Asked
[44:56] - The Reality of Standing Before God
[46:08] - The One Thing You Lack
[47:41] - Recognizing Our Spiritual Deficiencies
[49:06] - The Cost of Discipleship
[50:30] - Outward Righteousness vs. Inward Transformation
[52:05] - Jesus' Love and Truth
[53:37] - Letting Go to Follow Jesus
[55:08] - Misconceptions About Wealth
[56:32] - The One Thing You Lack
[57:57] - Prioritizing God and Family
[59:16] - Trusting God's Plan
[01:00:26] - The Importance of Discipleship
[01:01:08] - Challenges Facing the Church
[01:02:21] - Entertainment vs. True Gospel
[01:03:01] - The Cost of Discipleship
[01:03:30] - The Saddest Verse in the Bible
[01:04:08] - Free Will and Jesus' Invitation
[01:04:36] - The Rich Young Ruler's Sadness
[01:05:16] - Treasures in Heaven
[01:05:49] - Serving Two Masters
[01:06:26] - The Wrong Decision
[01:07:05] - The Cost of Discipleship
[01:07:36] - The Challenge of Following Jesus
[01:08:11] - The Difficulty of Entering the Kingdom
[01:08:59] - With God, All Things Are Possible
[01:09:27] - The Impossibility of Earning Eternal Life
[01:10:02] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Response
[01:10:38] - Two Young Rulers: The Loser and the Winner
[01:11:14] - The Tragic End of the Rich Young Ruler
[01:11:50] - Surrendering Everything to Jesus
[01:12:24] - Avoiding the Biggest Loser
[01:13:06] - Prayer and Invitation
[01:13:48] - Call to Repentance and Baptism
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Mark 10:17-27 (ESV)
### Observation Questions
1. What question did the rich young ruler ask Jesus, and how did Jesus initially respond? ([36:48])
2. According to Jesus, what did the rich young ruler lack, and what did Jesus instruct him to do? ([38:09])
3. How did the rich young ruler react to Jesus' instruction, and what was Jesus' commentary on wealth and entering the kingdom of God? ([38:09])
4. What does Jesus say about the possibility of salvation with man versus with God? ([38:09])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the rich young ruler was unable to part with his wealth, despite his desire for eternal life? ([38:09])
2. How does Jesus' interaction with the rich young ruler illustrate the difference between outward obedience and inward transformation? ([49:06])
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God"? ([38:09])
4. How does the story of the rich young ruler challenge our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus fully? ([53:37])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Is there anything you are holding onto that might be preventing you from fully embracing Jesus? How can you begin to let go of it? ([53:37])
2. The rich young ruler kept the commandments outwardly but lacked an inward relationship with God. How can you cultivate a deeper, more genuine relationship with Jesus beyond just following rules? ([49:06])
3. Jesus said that discipleship comes with a cost. What are some earthly attachments you might need to give up to follow Jesus more closely? ([49:06])
4. Consider the concept of total surrender. What steps can you take this week to surrender more of your life to Jesus? ([53:37])
5. How can you shift your focus from earthly treasures to eternal treasures in your daily life? What practical changes can you make to prioritize your relationship with God? ([56:32])
6. Jesus emphasized the importance of recognizing our spiritual deficiencies. What are some areas in your spiritual life that need growth, and how can you address them? ([47:41])
7. Reflect on the idea that "everyone needs Jesus." How can you share this message with someone in your life who might not yet know Him? ([35:23])
Devotional
### Day 1: Everyone Needs Jesus
Regardless of our earthly status or possessions, we all need Jesus to inherit eternal life. The rich young ruler's story reminds us that good deeds and wealth cannot earn us a place in heaven. Only through a relationship with Jesus can we receive the gift of eternal life. The rich young ruler approached Jesus with the right question, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" but ultimately made the wrong decision by walking away sorrowful because he couldn't part with his wealth. This story underscores the universal truth that eternal life cannot be earned through good deeds or wealth but is a gift that requires total surrender to Jesus.
Jesus' interaction with the rich young ruler highlights the importance of recognizing our own spiritual deficiencies and the need for a heart transformation. The young man had kept the commandments outwardly but lacked an inward relationship with God. Jesus loved him enough to tell him the hard truth: to follow Him, the young man needed to let go of his earthly treasures. This is a call for all of us to examine what we might be holding onto that prevents us from fully embracing Jesus. [35:23]
Bible Passage:
"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about an area in your life where you rely on your own efforts or possessions. How can you shift your focus to rely more on Jesus today?
### Day 2: Recognize Spiritual Deficiencies
The rich young ruler had kept the commandments outwardly but lacked an inward relationship with God. Jesus loved him enough to point out his deficiencies, urging him to let go of his earthly treasures. This teaches us the importance of self-examination and recognizing our own spiritual shortcomings. The young man’s story is a powerful reminder that outward obedience is not enough; God desires a heart that is fully committed to Him.
Jesus' love for the young man was evident in His willingness to tell him the hard truth. This love is available to all of us, but it requires us to be honest about our spiritual state. We must be willing to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with God. This might be material possessions, personal ambitions, or even relationships that are not aligned with God's will. [47:41]
Bible Passage:
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one spiritual deficiency you recognize in yourself? How can you address this deficiency and grow closer to God?
### Day 3: The Cost of Discipleship
While salvation is a free gift, discipleship comes with a cost. It requires us to give up our earthly attachments and fully commit to following Jesus. This commitment involves a deep, inward transformation that aligns our hearts with God's will. The rich young ruler's story illustrates the difficulty of this commitment, as he was unable to part with his wealth to follow Jesus.
True discipleship is not just about outward actions but involves a complete transformation of the heart. It means prioritizing God's will over our own desires and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom. This might mean giving up certain comforts, ambitions, or relationships that are not in line with God's plan for our lives. [49:06]
Bible Passage:
"And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:38-39, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one earthly attachment you find difficult to let go of? How can you take a step towards surrendering it to Jesus today?
### Day 4: Total Surrender
To follow Jesus, we must be willing to let go of whatever we are holding onto that prevents us from fully embracing Him. The rich young ruler's inability to part with his wealth serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to examine what we might be elevating above our relationship with Jesus. Total surrender means giving Jesus control over every aspect of our lives, including our possessions, ambitions, and relationships.
This story challenges us to consider what we might be holding onto that prevents us from fully embracing Jesus. It calls us to a deeper level of commitment and surrender, where we prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else. This might involve making difficult decisions and sacrifices, but the reward is a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God. [53:37]
Bible Passage:
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one thing you are holding onto that might be hindering your relationship with Jesus? How can you begin to let go of it today?
### Day 5: Eternal Perspective
This life is not all there is; we are created to live forever. The rich young ruler's story challenges us to focus on eternal treasures rather than earthly ones. By surrendering our lives to Jesus, we gain the true riches of eternal life and a relationship with God. This eternal perspective helps us to prioritize what truly matters and to live our lives in a way that honors God.
Focusing on eternal treasures means valuing our relationship with God above all else. It means living with the understanding that our time on earth is temporary and that our true home is in heaven. This perspective helps us to make decisions that are in line with God's will and to live in a way that reflects our faith in Jesus. [56:32]
Bible Passage:
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2-3, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you shift your focus from earthly concerns to eternal treasures today? What practical steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Everybody needs Jesus. You may be here today, and you think, well, I don't have Jesus, and I don't feel like I need Jesus. Friend, you do need Jesus. You do need Jesus. You need to be born again, because if you're not born again, you're never going to enter into the kingdom of heaven. You are going to spend eternity separated from God in a place called hell. God does not want that, and so he sent his son Jesus to die for our sins. Jesus is God, came down to live the sinless life, the life that we certainly could never live. He fulfilled the law, something we could never do. He died on a cross. He paid the price. For everyone, and he receives all who will accept him." [35:23](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Friends, if this life is all there is, I'm done. I'm done. Life's hard. Why bother? Let's be a nihilist. Let's just look forward to the grave and then the big sleep. But this life is not all there is. God has created us to live forever, and we're going to. We have a choice." [42:06](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Friends, when you meet Jesus, he doesn't just change you a little bit. He calls a dead person into life. That's a miracle. That is a miraculous thing that occurs in your life. And you may be saying, well, I've been a Christian for 40 years, and I don't see any difference. Well, friend, maybe you're really not a Christian. And I'm going to be truthful with you, because I love you." [44:56](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Salvation is free. Jesus paid it all. But discipleship has a cost to it. And it will cost you everything. And so he wants the man to clearly understand what God requires of him." [47:41](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. And no one comes to the Father except through him. Everybody needs Jesus. And Jesus died for all who are willing to come. Jesus made it possible by living a sinless life, fulfilling the law, dying on a cross, rising from the dead. Price paid, debt settled, eternity is secure. But only through Jesus." [01:10:02](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "He wants this man to come to know the truth of who he truly is. So the rich young ruler has come asking the right question. He comes to the right one. He asks the right question because he desires the gift of eternal life. Second, we see we have to determine the cost of eternal life. Salvation's free. Salvation is free. Jesus paid it all. But discipleship has a cost to it. And it will cost you everything. And so he wants the man to clearly understand what God requires of him." [47:41](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And the man came face to face with the reality that his money was his master. God was his gold, and silver was his savior. And what Jesus is telling him is this. If you want God in your heart, you've got to give your heart to God. Now, interesting, Jesus says, one thing you lack, and then he tells him three things. He says, give them to the poor, follow me. So is it one thing or is it three? It's one. The point is, he lacks Jesus. He needs Jesus in his life. But see, in order to grasp a hold of Jesus, you've got to let go of whatever else you're holding on to." [53:37](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And the question you have to ask is. What's the one thing that's keeping you from abandoning to Jesus? Abandon it all. I did some research this week on one of the biggest problems in the church. And it is lack of a biblical worldview and understanding. In other words, it's discipleship. Baptists are good at evangelizing people. We'll get you into the kingdom. We'll get you into the church. And it's kind of like, okay. God bless you. I'll see you in heaven one day. The Great Commission says that we are. We are to tell them the message of the good news. Baptize them in the name of the Father and Son and the Holy Spirit. And then teach them to obey all that God has taught us to do. We don't just turn them loose. We have to disciple them." [01:00:26](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus repeats himself in two verses. He says it both times. How difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God. Again, he is not condemning wealth. But what he is condemning is what wealth can do to a person. Because wealth breeds self-confidence and it's an addictive quality. We find safety and security in things and we take our focus off of God. And scholars have speculated about the camel in the eye of the needle. I don't speculate. Jesus is speaking hyperbole. It's hyperbolic. He's saying this is ridiculous. A camel is the largest animal in the Middle East and the eye of the needle is one of the smallest things that you can do. You can't get a camel through the eye of a needle." [01:08:11](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And the point is, not necessarily what we have to let go of, but what we need to cling to. We need to cling to Christ Jesus. And we all have to ask ourselves the question, what is keeping me from clinging to Jesus? What is the one thing that you won't give up, because that one thing is your God, my friend? The focus of your heart becomes your God. It may be your job. It may be, listen, most of the times the things that hinder us from giving our hearts to Jesus are good things. Amen. Children, church. Wait a minute, Jim, you're a pastor. That's right. And I know people that will sacrifice their families on the altar of ministry." [56:32](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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