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The Rich Young Ruler

TEXTMatt. 19:16-22

INTRODUCTION:

A.      A MOST TRAGIC YOUNG MAN.

          1.       Appears full of hope – leaves filled with sorrow      .

          2.       Wanted to serve the Lord.

          3.       Young, having all a man might want, didn’t have what was most important.

B.      LET’S STUDY FURTHER.

I.      WHO WAS HE?

A.      FROM THE WORLD’S POINT OF VIEWTHE IDEAL!

          1.       Young, on the brink of life – energy, zeal, idealism – ability to commit themselves to

                    a cause, if they will( Ecc. 12:1 ).

          2.       He was a ruler( Luke 18:18 ).  Position, Power, Prestige.

          3.       He was wealthy … but not toward God( Luke 12:21 ).

B.      FROM HEAVEN’S POINT OF VIEW.

          1.       He was earnest in his quest – came running( Mark 10:17 ).

          2.       A certain amount of humility – he knelt( Mark 10:17 ).

          3.       He knew Jesus had the answers – didn’t dispute( Heb. 1:1-2 ).

C.      HE REALIZES SOMETHING IS MISSING.

          1.       A model of goodness – moral purity, and more than a passing interest.

          2.       Kept the law – Wanted to do more than just get by( Matt. 5:47 ).

          3.       Should have kept his mouth shut.

          4.       What  about  me?  ARE WE ANXIOUS TO SERVE?

D.      “WHAT LACK I YET?”

II.     NOTICE THE REPLY OF JESUS( Matt. 19:21 ).

A.      SELL OUT AND GIVE TO THE POOR.

          1.       Not asked of anyone else.

          2.       Levi did it( Luke 5:27-28 ).  And the rest( Matt. 19:27 ).

B.      WHAT JESUS ASKED REQUIRED COMMITMENT.

          1.       Priorities( Matt. 6:19-21 ).  What is important?

          2.       Crucifixion of self( Luke 9:23;  Gal. 2:20 è 1 Pet. 4:1-2 ).

          3.       Commitment to his cause( 1 Cor. 9:23 ).

          4.       2 Tim. 4:12.

C.      IS OUR EYE SINGLE?( Matt. 6:22-24 ).

          1.       Values è vs. 19-21.

          2.       Affections è vs. 21-24.

          3.       Priorities è vs. 24-33.

CONCLUSION:

A.      THE RICH YOUNG RULER COULD DO A LOT FOR THE CAUSE.

B.      JESUS TURNED HIM AWAY?  WHY?

C.      WOULD A LACK OF COMMITMENT CAUSE HIM TO TURN ME AWAY?