Speaker: Pastor Neil Lindwall

Key Scripture (Matthew 19:16):  And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 

Jesus Did Not Deny His Divinity. He Pushed the rich young ruler to Recognize if Jesus is Truly Good Then He is Truly God. Do You, Really, Believe?

Matthew 19:18-19  He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Bible Study Principle: When Scripture Quotes Scripture, Go and Look.       

Matthew 19:20-22 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 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.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

He went away sorrowful

Neither Jesus Nor His Disciples Told Anyone Else to Do This to Be Saved.  Jesus Knew the Rich young ruler Loved His Stuff More than Others or God.

“What Can I Do to Have Eternal Life?”  He was a good guy, a Pillar of the Community, a Good Role Model.  But Jesus Performed an Echocardiogram and the Condition of His Heart Laid Bare for All to See.  

The Idea that Wealth is an Indicator of Spiritual Success Is Nothing New but I Think It Grieves God that It is Still a Thing Even Among the People in the Church.

“Any man who puts things before people and self before others, must turn his back on Jesus Christ.” – Barclay

When You Enter The Kingdom of God You Must Give Your Heart to Jesus.  

Matthew 16:26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

“Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 

*John 3:16. 

“Eternal life is based on and attitude of loving and sacrificial generosity toward our fellow man.” – Barclay

Matthew 19:23-24 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, 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.” 

Matthew 19:25-26 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, (dumfounded in wonder & terror) saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

It’s Not Wrong to Have Riches. It’s Wrong If: Riches Have You, You Love Things More than God, Your Position with people is More Important than Your Position with God. 

Matthew 19:27 Then Peter said in reply, “See, (look, behold), we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

Peter Voiced the Question that Maybe Everyone Had.  If The Rich Scarcely Reach Heaven and They Left Everything to Follow Jesus Is There Anything For Us There?  

Matthew 19:28-30 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Rule 1. All Who Serve In Christ’s Kingdom Will Share In Christ’s Glory.

Rule 2. You Will Never Outgive God.  Heavenly Reward Far Exceeds Earthly Sacrifice.  

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself, Pete.  If You Give to Get Your Just as Selfish as the Dude Who Lives to Accumulate.

Kingdom Rule # 1 GIVE YOUR HEART TO JESUS

Trust:  There is only one who is good Truly, I say to you Prv. 3:5-6.

Follow: You who have followed me, everyone who left, for my name Matt 6:33.

Hope: Will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. Matt 16:26.