The Rich Young Ruler
The Rich Young Ruler
(This is a summary of the sermon given on 30 Mar, 2008, with some follow up questions for study)
Mat 19:16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
Mat 19:21 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.”
Mat 19:22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Have you ever wished you had it all? I don’t mean everything, but everything you want. Like cars, houses, season tickets to your favorite team’s games (NC State or Tarheels?). Well this young guy did, yet he sought something else. Money had gotten him everything physically, but spiritually he was needy. Yet when Jesus told him what he really needed he went away said. Why? Because what Jesus was asking him to do wasn’t give away all his physical possessions, but give away his freedom to control his own destiny. HE was asking him to give up control of his own life and give that control to Christ. The rich young ruler could give up control and follow Christ or stay in control and perish. Said to say, he chose to perish. Why would he make such a choice? Because his god was money, possessions, and things. He was not willing to lose all that and trust God for his future. Where are you today? Do you want to stay in control and do things in your own strength? This will only lead to destruction. Christ gives you a choice to follow Him and trust His ways- His way is so much better than our ways (Matt 11:28-30). Take that invitation and follow Him- you will not be sorry you did- but you will be if you don’t! God blesses,
Pastor Jim
1) What do you think the rich young man was really looking for from Christ?
2) How was he trying to earn favor with God?
3) What problem did the rich young man have with Christ’s teaching?
4) Why is it so difficult for sinners to come to Christ?
5) What must we give up to follow Christ?