The Price of Eternal Life

Introduction

Thank you so much, Wilson family, for that wonderful reminder. We have a friend in Jesus. And he’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother. Amen.

Recognizing Reformation Sunday

Well, this morning marks a pretty important day in the church. Anybody know what today is? It’s Sunday. Yes. Very good. Austin, you are right on top of it.

Understanding Reformation Sunday

We’re so glad. We give them a medal today, somebody. Today marks what we think of or know of as Reformation Sunday. We’re here today as, as a church in a large part, because of Martin Luther, in 1517, protesting against the Catholic church and some of the things that he saw were egregious errors that needed to be confronted. He went to the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany, and nailed his 95 theses to that door, which began a revolution, a reformation within church history. And we’re a part of that reformation movement because of a man who stood up for truth.

A Defining Moment for Martin Luther

Now, I’ll tell you I’m not preaching from Romans chapter 1, which would be the typical place that you would turn to on Reformation Sunday, right? Because Martin Luther was so radically impacted by Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 1 when Paul wrote that “the just shall live by faith,” that was a defining moment in Martin Luther’s life.

Parallel to Martin Luther: The Rich Young Ruler’s Quest for Eternal Life

This morning, I want to look at a character from scripture that faced a defining moment. He was in many respects much like Martin Luther, a man who wanted to know how can I have eternal life? He wanted to know what it took for him to know that he could receive eternal life. But the scripture that we’re gonna read tells us a very sad story, not one that ended like Martin Luther.

Turning to the Gospel of Matthew

Inviting you to turn with me into the gospel of Matthew chapter 19. This particular account is actually recorded in the first three gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. We’re gonna look at Matthew’s account of it.

Reading Matthew 19:16-26

I would invite you to stand with me for the reading of God’s word as we look at what Matthew records for us amidst these words of Jesus. We’re gonna consider this morning. This is what we read beginning in verse 16 of Matthew chapter 19.

The Rich Young Ruler’s Question

And behold, one came and said unto him, good master. What good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?

Jesus’ Response: Keeping the Commandments

And he said unto him, why call us thou me good? There is none good, but one, that is God. But if that will enter into life, keep the commandments. He sayeth unto him which one.

Listing the Commandments

Jesus said thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shall not steal. Thou shall not bear false witness. Honor thy father and thy mother and thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

The Rich Young Ruler’s Confidence

The young man said unto him, all these things have I kept for my youth up? What lack I yet?

The Challenge: Surrendering Possessions

Jesus said unto him, if thou will be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, then give to the poor. And thou shalt have treasure in heaven and come and follow me.

The Rich Young Ruler’s Response

But when the young man heard that saying he went away sorrowful, for he had great possession.

Jesus’ Teaching on Riches and Salvation

Then said Jesus unto his disciples verily. I say unto you that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again, I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard this, they were exceedingly amazed saying, who then can be saved? But Jesus said unto them, and Jesus beheld them and said unto them, with men, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.

Prayer for Revelation and Transformation

Let’s pray together, Father. This morning as we’re considering an account from scripture that probably many of us know by heart, I pray that your Holy Spirit would illuminate this truth afresh and anew to us. May we not just hear a story that we’ve heard over and over again, but may we hear your word afresh and anew in our hearts? And I pray Holy Spirit that you would take this word and that you would plow it deep into our hearts. Help us to see ourselves in light of this word and allow your word to bear forth fruit in us. I pray in Jesus’ name.

Conclusion and Blessing

You may be seated. This morning, I wanna talk to you about the price of eternal life. Last night, we as a church had an opportunity to share the gospel with some 2,500 to 3,000 people. Those are just estimates, but we had the opportunity to share that gospel, with those people.

Closing Remarks and Dismissal

The culmination of all of the trunks ended, with the story of what God is preparing for us, heaven. The reality that there is eternal life. I found it interesting as the groups made their way through last night, there was one little fellow that made a profound statement to me, something that just stood out to me. After I told about all of the trunks, what they had learned, how God had created all things, made it perfect, beautiful, and good, And then they had gone to the trunk that they had discovered what happened, why there’s pain and suffering and death in this world because of Satan and sin entering into the world. And I talked about how each