February 2, 2014
Morning Service

So far in chapter 18 of Luke we have discussed persistent in prayer, attitude in prayer, and receiving the Kingdom of God as a little child.  Each and every subject in the Lord’s teaching is important.

Since time is getting shorter every day that Jesus will return for the church, we should be doing our best to discuss the most important topics in our faith.

 

There have been some very good questions asked in the Bible, such as, Pilate asked “what should I do with this man named Jesus?”  So this morning’s two question’s are just as important, “what shall I do to inherit eternal life, and who then can be saved?”

 

The first question was asked by a certain ruler.  The Scripture says; 

Luk 18:18-30  And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 

·         The reason for asking this question would be that of uncertainty, on the part of the ruler.  He wouldn’t have had to ask if he was sure of his salvation.

·         I will say first thing, this question should not be asked by a Christian.  But this ruler is living in the time of the O.T. dispensation.  He is responsible to keep the laws of Moses to the best of his ability. 

(19)  And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 

·         First of all this ruler does not have the revelation that Jesus is God.  He calls Him Good Master, or, good teacher.  Clearly Jesus is a good teacher, but He is doing much more than just teaching.  He has just healed 10 lepers, and at least one of them is going around singing His praises.  This ruler may have heard his testimony, and believes He speaks in the Name of God.

·         This is just another reason why Christianity is superior to Judaism, and every other religion.  We have a 'know so' salvation.  And, Our Bible teaches us very clearly that Jesus is divine.  However, this is another study.

JESUS REPLIES:

(20)  Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 

·         Jesus speaks some of the Ten Commandments.  These are found in Exodus 20.

(21)  And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 

·         This was a very notable statement.  Not very many could have said this.

·         Jesus mentioned the ones pertaining to dealing with man, and not the ones that dealt with God.  Whether this was of significance or not, I’m not sure.

NOW THIS MAN IS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING THAT HE FEELS WILL GIVE HIM MORE CONFIDENCE IN HIS WALK WITH GOD.  HE IS SEARCHING FOR THE ANSWER THAT WILL MAKE HIM FEEL BETTER. 

(22)  Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.  (23)  And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 

·         WHOA! Wait a minute.  Can we talk about this?  You are asking a lot from me.  I have a lot of money, and it makes me very comfortable.  I hope you are kidding.  You’re not, are You?  OTHER THINGS: FRIENDS, LIFE STYLE, ACTIVITIES,  MUST BE WILLING TO GIVE UP ALL.

(24)  And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!  (25)  For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 

·         This is a very powerful statement.  Jesus doesn’t say they can’t, but that it is extremely difficult for them.

 

Paul tells Timothy;  1Ti 6:6-14  But godliness with contentment is great gain. 

***This statement speaks for itself.  Having the confidence that we are saved, and living in God’s will is contentment, and this is a great wealth, described as great gain.

(7)  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

            ***Remember the rich farmer that was going to build bigger barns, and then retire.  The Lord ask the question, since the man was going to die that night, “then who would get all this wealth?”

(8)  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

            ***Is this not a real problem today?  Being covetous, and greed are two of the most destroying attributes of people today.  Trying to obtain every little thing, thinking these will make us happy.  Then after our lives are ruined, we find out they were not what we were needing.  BUT GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT.

(9)  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 

***Temptations galore; and snares set by Satan to trap, and kill the Christian.  Many foolish, and hurtful lusts.  Lusts of the eye, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.  These drown men in DESTRUCTION, AND PERDITION.

(10)  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

***It’s the LOVE of money, not the money itself, that is the root of all evil.  This wrong placed love destroys some, but not all.  While Jesus is telling us this, I think of all the foolish and hurtful lusts that this ruler went through, by rejecting Jesus’ call.

 

PAUL’S SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM IS:

(11)  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  (12)  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 

***It is not that a rich man cannot do this, but Jesus is saying most will not.

(13)  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;  (14)  That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

These are the type of challenges in the Scriptures that we should accept as our own.  I want to do my best to follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  To fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life.

(26)  And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved?  (27)  And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.  (28)  Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.  (29)  And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,  (30)  Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

·         As we can see, for these people it was confusing, but for we who have the Bible:

·         Paul told the Romans;  “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.”

Eternal life is a gift from God.  So many wonderful Scriptures builds our faith that this is so.  Christian, you should have great confidence that you are saved by grace, through faith, not of works, lest any one should boast.  BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH.

 

Father, help us to understand that the things you ask us to give up are things that are not good for us anyway.  Help us to be content in life, by our servitude to You.