WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.500 I want to encourage you again to pick up one of these study guides on the way out. 00:00:10.179 --> 00:00:15.060 We're going to be working through a 12-week series on the life of Daniel. 00:00:15.060 --> 00:00:17.480 And I say the life of Daniel instead of the book of Daniel, 00:00:17.859 --> 00:00:20.740 because we're going to go through the first six chapters or so 00:00:20.740 --> 00:00:24.199 and kind of evaluate kind of the narrative of Daniel 00:00:24.199 --> 00:00:28.100 and especially how Daniel's life and the life of his friends, 00:00:28.100 --> 00:00:31.340 as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego point to God. 00:00:31.820 --> 00:00:33.160 So pick that up. 00:00:33.700 --> 00:00:35.859 It should be a great time together. 00:00:36.060 --> 00:00:41.380 It certainly has been encouraging to myself as I have been thinking ahead 00:00:41.380 --> 00:00:45.320 and looking at the text, encouraging my own heart, 00:00:45.460 --> 00:00:49.460 reminding myself of the things that are there for us to learn. 00:00:50.600 --> 00:00:52.540 Turn with me, if you would, to Luke 18. 00:00:52.539 --> 00:00:54.019 Luke 18. 00:00:54.560 --> 00:00:58.420 If you're using the Pew Bible, it's on page 877. 00:00:59.500 --> 00:01:00.399 Page 877. 00:01:01.700 --> 00:01:03.119 I want to begin with this question. 00:01:03.320 --> 00:01:06.700 It's really been the governing question for us 00:01:06.700 --> 00:01:10.140 ever since we've been in this chapter, Luke chapter 18. 00:01:10.340 --> 00:01:14.780 And the overarching question of this chapter is, 00:01:15.840 --> 00:01:19.859 do you or will you depend on God? 00:01:19.859 --> 00:01:25.400 Now, I guess if I were to phrase that more personally, 00:01:26.359 --> 00:01:28.760 do you like to be dependent? 00:01:29.840 --> 00:01:31.439 Do you wake up in the morning and say, 00:01:31.700 --> 00:01:34.060 oh good, another day I can be dependent. 00:01:35.060 --> 00:01:37.039 Another day I can ask for help. 00:01:37.859 --> 00:01:40.560 Now my guess is that like me, 00:01:41.460 --> 00:01:42.920 we don't want to ask for help. 00:01:43.700 --> 00:01:47.939 We don't want to feel like our life is dependent on others 00:01:47.939 --> 00:01:49.379 or dependent on God. 00:01:49.459 --> 00:01:54.179 We want to feel like we have things pretty well together. 00:01:55.219 --> 00:02:00.159 But when we ask God to make us dependent, 00:02:01.239 --> 00:02:02.819 isn't it interesting how God delights 00:02:02.819 --> 00:02:05.099 in answering that prayer? 00:02:05.920 --> 00:02:07.920 So that we wake up in the morning, 00:02:08.079 --> 00:02:09.400 and this has been one of those weeks, 00:02:09.759 --> 00:02:13.120 just feeling really overwhelmed with lots of things, 00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:19.159 and being reminded day by day how desperate I am for God's strength. 00:02:20.480 --> 00:02:22.620 And by the way, there's no better place to be. 00:02:23.860 --> 00:02:25.939 And that's what God has called us to. 00:02:26.960 --> 00:02:29.120 God has called us to a life of faith. 00:02:29.420 --> 00:02:32.300 The just shall live by faith. 00:02:32.500 --> 00:02:34.780 That's what God has called us into. 00:02:35.240 --> 00:02:38.879 And by the way, that is not just a faith for a moment. 00:02:38.879 --> 00:02:44.939 That is not just believing in God to save me for some future day in salvation 00:02:44.939 --> 00:02:48.500 when he's going to take me to be with himself. 00:02:48.699 --> 00:02:52.439 But it's entering in to this life of dependence 00:02:52.439 --> 00:02:56.879 in trusting in Jesus day by day. 00:02:58.000 --> 00:03:00.439 It's reflected in the Lord's Prayer. 00:03:00.800 --> 00:03:03.039 Give us this day our what? 00:03:03.819 --> 00:03:04.740 Daily bread. 00:03:04.740 --> 00:03:08.159 Do you realize what a grace that is? 00:03:08.879 --> 00:03:09.519 Of God. 00:03:10.280 --> 00:03:13.379 To make us dependent on him every day. 00:03:14.919 --> 00:03:20.400 To welcome us in to fresh experiences of trusting him. 00:03:21.479 --> 00:03:22.599 Needing him. 00:03:23.620 --> 00:03:24.639 Asking him for help. 00:03:26.800 --> 00:03:30.680 And so, I feel in my own heart 00:03:30.680 --> 00:03:34.300 that we trust God to do the biggest thing 00:03:34.300 --> 00:03:37.879 in saving us from our deepest need, from sin, 00:03:37.879 --> 00:03:43.859 but why does my heart struggle so much depending on God day by day 00:03:43.859 --> 00:03:45.379 for the lesser things? 00:03:46.680 --> 00:03:50.680 So, Romans chapter 8, where Paul says this, he says, 00:03:50.680 --> 00:03:53.620 If God is for us, who can be against us? 00:03:54.159 --> 00:03:58.760 He who did not spare his own son, but delivered him up for us all, 00:03:59.060 --> 00:04:02.920 how shall he not with him freely give us all things? 00:04:02.919 --> 00:04:09.419 And so, if God has given us forgiveness from sin, 00:04:09.419 --> 00:04:11.799 the greatest human need, 00:04:12.000 --> 00:04:14.379 and he's called us into relationship with him, 00:04:14.619 --> 00:04:17.519 and he's bridged the gap, as it were, 00:04:17.599 --> 00:04:21.479 the separation that existed because of my deficiency, 00:04:21.939 --> 00:04:22.860 my rebellion, 00:04:23.379 --> 00:04:25.860 and God in demonstrating his own love for us, 00:04:26.000 --> 00:04:29.480 in that while I was a sinner, Christ died for me. 00:04:29.480 --> 00:04:31.120 He overcame the gap. 00:04:31.439 --> 00:04:34.740 He covered the greatest need of my life. 00:04:35.980 --> 00:04:39.740 So, why is it that I can trust God for that, 00:04:40.420 --> 00:04:43.280 but I can't trust God for the little stuff? 00:04:45.960 --> 00:04:47.400 So, here Jesus is. 00:04:48.420 --> 00:04:50.939 He's encouraging his disciples. 00:04:51.960 --> 00:04:53.879 We've called this road trip reflections 00:04:53.879 --> 00:04:57.879 because these are the final parting words, really, of Jesus 00:04:57.879 --> 00:05:01.300 to his disciples and to those who are listening to him 00:05:01.300 --> 00:05:06.740 along the way of calling them to the greatest things, 00:05:07.719 --> 00:05:08.639 dependence on him. 00:05:10.219 --> 00:05:15.500 And one of the things that causes us to stand out from the world, 00:05:16.620 --> 00:05:17.300 Paul will say, 00:05:17.300 --> 00:05:21.259 and now abides faith, hope, love, these three. 00:05:21.480 --> 00:05:22.680 The greatest of these is love. 00:05:22.960 --> 00:05:26.560 Those are really the three things that set us apart from the world. 00:05:26.920 --> 00:05:28.980 Our love for others and our love for God. 00:05:29.560 --> 00:05:31.080 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. 00:05:31.360 --> 00:05:32.259 Love your neighbors yourself. 00:05:32.879 --> 00:05:36.780 Our faith in God, which is dependence on him day by day. 00:05:36.840 --> 00:05:37.900 That's what we're going to talk about today. 00:05:39.379 --> 00:05:40.000 And hope. 00:05:41.600 --> 00:05:46.280 Trusting God for what he's going to accomplish in eternity for us. 00:05:47.300 --> 00:05:51.199 So, we don't like to be dependent. 00:05:52.060 --> 00:05:57.980 The truth is, none of us like to acknowledge that we have deep need. 00:05:58.699 --> 00:06:00.740 But if we're going to grow in the Christian life, 00:06:00.819 --> 00:06:05.199 and if we're going to be those who are growing in faith in Christ, 00:06:05.480 --> 00:06:10.199 and growing in the way that we shine the gospel in the world, 00:06:10.400 --> 00:06:16.120 it's going to happen as he's producing, nurturing, cultivating in our life 00:06:16.120 --> 00:06:19.399 dependence on God day by day. 00:06:21.939 --> 00:06:26.560 And so, Jeremiah will say in Lamentations 3, 00:06:27.600 --> 00:06:28.100 he says, 00:06:28.100 --> 00:06:32.220 Through the Lord's mercies, we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. 00:06:32.500 --> 00:06:34.920 They are new every morning. 00:06:35.320 --> 00:06:36.920 Great is his faithfulness. 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:45.260 God delights in pouring out his mercy on us day by day. 00:06:45.439 --> 00:06:50.620 Are we coming to the well and drawing it up for ourselves? 00:06:51.160 --> 00:06:53.160 Enjoying those mercies day by day. 00:06:53.400 --> 00:06:55.960 Depending on him, moment by moment. 00:06:55.959 --> 00:06:57.639 That's what God is calling us to. 00:06:57.819 --> 00:06:59.139 And that's what will shine the gospel. 00:06:59.379 --> 00:07:00.899 That's what this passage is about today. 00:07:01.339 --> 00:07:03.519 That's the sermon in a nutshell right there. 00:07:05.639 --> 00:07:07.500 And so, the way for us, I think, at times, 00:07:07.680 --> 00:07:14.240 to enjoy and benefit from learning how to grow in dependence 00:07:14.240 --> 00:07:16.259 is by having good examples. 00:07:17.000 --> 00:07:19.219 And one of my favorite examples is George Mueller. 00:07:19.220 --> 00:07:23.460 Some of you may understand or know who George Mueller is. 00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:25.340 He lived in the 1800s. 00:07:25.440 --> 00:07:28.860 He had this life of deep dependence on God. 00:07:29.080 --> 00:07:34.800 So that the objective or the goal of his life was stated this way. 00:07:35.460 --> 00:07:42.400 I have joyfully dedicated my whole life to show how much may be accomplished by prayer and faith. 00:07:42.399 --> 00:07:45.879 And if you were to write a summary over his entire life, 00:07:46.120 --> 00:07:47.939 that no better summary would exist. 00:07:48.799 --> 00:07:49.599 He was a pastor. 00:07:50.299 --> 00:07:52.359 He was one who founded a Bible college. 00:07:52.620 --> 00:07:57.319 He started an orphanage that over the course of the ministry, 00:07:57.739 --> 00:08:01.919 over 10,000 children were a part of his orphanage. 00:08:01.920 --> 00:08:07.780 And he trusted God to provide the means to provide for all of those children. 00:08:09.660 --> 00:08:12.140 Throughout the duration of his life, he learned, of course, 00:08:12.319 --> 00:08:13.900 lessons on dependence and faith. 00:08:14.819 --> 00:08:17.420 Let me just share briefly some of the things that he said. 00:08:18.720 --> 00:08:19.060 He says, 00:08:19.139 --> 00:08:23.520 We should not shrink from opportunities where our faith may be tried. 00:08:24.240 --> 00:08:27.680 The more I'm in a position to be tried in faith, 00:08:27.680 --> 00:08:31.840 the more I will have the opportunity of seeing God's help and deliverance. 00:08:32.920 --> 00:08:38.659 Every fresh instance in which he helps and delivers me will increase my faith. 00:08:39.580 --> 00:08:45.460 The believer should not shrink from situations, positions, or circumstances in which his faith may be tried. 00:08:46.340 --> 00:08:53.639 But he should cheerfully embrace them as opportunities to see the hand of God stretched out in help and deliverance. 00:08:54.500 --> 00:08:57.000 Thus, his faith will be strengthened. 00:08:57.000 --> 00:09:05.360 The only way to learn strong faith is to endure great trials. 00:09:06.000 --> 00:09:10.759 The only way to learn strong faith is to endure great trials. 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:21.740 It is through our daily dependence on God that we make much of him and we show that he is worthy of trusting. 00:09:22.419 --> 00:09:23.759 He is worthy of our faith. 00:09:23.759 --> 00:09:28.059 So that's what this whole passage has been about. 00:09:28.059 --> 00:09:37.939 As Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem, he started in the region between Samaria and Galilee, 00:09:38.199 --> 00:09:40.959 and he's made his way over to the eastern side of the Jordan. 00:09:41.279 --> 00:09:43.819 He's coming down that side of the Jordan. 00:09:43.939 --> 00:09:49.000 He's going to make his way into Jericho and ultimately up to Jerusalem. 00:09:50.099 --> 00:09:51.339 We know what he waits him there. 00:09:51.340 --> 00:10:01.660 And here in these final moments and teachings of Jesus, he's interested in helping his disciples and those who listen 00:10:01.660 --> 00:10:04.560 understand the significance of faith and dependence. 00:10:05.040 --> 00:10:06.280 That's what this chapter has been about. 00:10:06.980 --> 00:10:09.180 So that in chapter 18, verse 1, he says, 00:10:09.280 --> 00:10:14.340 He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 00:10:14.700 --> 00:10:18.840 Learn to be dependent and learn that God is trustworthy. 00:10:18.840 --> 00:10:25.720 So that in verse 8, I tell you, speaking of God, he will give justice to them speedily. 00:10:26.540 --> 00:10:29.720 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? 00:10:30.600 --> 00:10:39.019 Do we trust that God is able to answer prayer and to meet us in our place of need? 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:47.820 Then he moves on in verse 9, and we see that now Jesus is now coming against those who are self-reliant. 00:10:47.820 --> 00:10:54.860 We find he told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and treated others with contempt. 00:10:55.660 --> 00:10:57.520 So he tells this parable about two men. 00:10:57.940 --> 00:11:01.400 One who was the epitome of righteousness, a Pharisee in that day. 00:11:01.600 --> 00:11:08.020 The other which was supposed to kind of encapsulate all that was wicked and ungodly in that culture, a tax collector. 00:11:08.019 --> 00:11:10.600 Both of whom were going up to the temple to pray. 00:11:11.860 --> 00:11:16.000 This picture of coming to a place of worship. 00:11:16.699 --> 00:11:21.360 A place that represented where the presence of God was. 00:11:22.179 --> 00:11:28.759 The Pharisee, when he comes, rather than praying to God, we find that he's praying about himself. 00:11:29.759 --> 00:11:32.639 Some translations will say he prayed to himself. 00:11:32.819 --> 00:11:34.139 And that may be more accurate. 00:11:35.240 --> 00:11:36.740 He's the center of his prayer. 00:11:36.740 --> 00:11:40.519 He's really the only person he cares about. 00:11:40.700 --> 00:11:46.580 And he wants to promote himself and let everyone else know in the room how great he is. 00:11:46.820 --> 00:11:49.680 I don't do this, and I instead do this. 00:11:50.200 --> 00:11:53.080 I'm not like that tax collector over there. 00:11:54.419 --> 00:11:58.840 But then, in verse 13, this parable turns to the tax collector. 00:11:58.840 --> 00:12:12.620 He's the word for mercy. 00:12:12.620 --> 00:12:14.220 This deep dependence on God. 00:12:14.220 --> 00:12:19.820 He recognizes something is true about God's character, that he is a God of mercy. 00:12:20.080 --> 00:12:27.080 And this word for mercy is the word propitiation, which is really the word for atonement or appeasement or forgiveness. 00:12:27.600 --> 00:12:30.879 And what's taking place either in the morning or in the evening. 00:12:30.960 --> 00:12:33.179 It happened twice a day in the temple. 00:12:33.179 --> 00:12:36.099 Atonement was made for the people through sacrifice. 00:12:37.219 --> 00:12:41.959 And prayer would happen as a result of the sacrifices that were being made. 00:12:42.120 --> 00:12:47.419 And this tax collector, recognizing all that was happening there in the temple at this time, 00:12:47.819 --> 00:12:50.839 understands there must be atonement for sin. 00:12:51.819 --> 00:12:54.879 That he must receive forgiveness. 00:12:55.339 --> 00:12:56.979 And that forgiveness only comes from God. 00:12:58.079 --> 00:12:59.899 He also recognizes something about himself. 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:02.360 He calls himself the sinner. 00:13:03.299 --> 00:13:09.039 The direct article is used in Jesus' parable to refer to him as the ultimate sinner. 00:13:09.319 --> 00:13:13.559 The example of someone who is the chief sinner, as it were. 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:21.699 And in this way, we find the gospel does obliterate self-reliance. 00:13:21.819 --> 00:13:22.480 At least it should. 00:13:23.819 --> 00:13:28.439 We step into this passage this morning, beginning in verse 18. 00:13:28.440 --> 00:13:32.460 And we need to ask ourselves, is God dependable? 00:13:33.860 --> 00:13:35.040 Is God reliable? 00:13:35.180 --> 00:13:36.160 Is God trustworthy? 00:13:36.660 --> 00:13:40.940 And if he is, it will not only show up in prayer, it will show up in my posture, 00:13:41.340 --> 00:13:47.820 but it will also show up in the way that I depend on him every single day for the things that I have. 00:13:48.980 --> 00:13:52.520 And this is where the rubber meets the road for us in Western culture. 00:13:52.519 --> 00:13:57.480 This is where dependence in faith will collide, will be tangible, 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:01.199 so that we can say, along with George Mueller, 00:14:01.899 --> 00:14:07.399 I have joyfully dedicated my life to show how much may be accomplished by prayer and faith. 00:14:08.860 --> 00:14:17.319 Does faith shine from our life as we're trusting God day by day with the things that we need help for? 00:14:17.320 --> 00:14:23.580 So we find in verse 18, we find in this passage this morning, 00:14:23.700 --> 00:14:26.020 two reasons why we can depend on God. 00:14:26.520 --> 00:14:29.100 First, we can depend on God because God is good. 00:14:29.440 --> 00:14:32.240 You can depend on a God who is good. 00:14:33.060 --> 00:14:33.660 He's good. 00:14:34.340 --> 00:14:36.500 We find that in verses 18 and 19. 00:14:36.600 --> 00:14:37.900 Look at this with me for a moment. 00:14:37.899 --> 00:14:39.679 And a ruler asked him, 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:43.779 Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? 00:14:43.899 --> 00:14:45.120 And Jesus said to him, 00:14:45.500 --> 00:14:47.000 Why do you call me good? 00:14:47.199 --> 00:14:49.959 No one is good except God alone. 00:14:51.100 --> 00:14:54.240 Again, Jesus is on this road with his disciples, 00:14:54.600 --> 00:14:56.819 and we find from Matthew's account, 00:14:57.139 --> 00:15:00.299 now all of these synoptic gospels are beginning to converge. 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:04.039 And the stories are now kind of picked up from Matthew and Mark, 00:15:04.039 --> 00:15:10.139 and now we're going to carry them through together along with Luke to the end of the book. 00:15:10.740 --> 00:15:14.539 We find from Matthew's account in chapter 19, verses 1 and 2, 00:15:14.679 --> 00:15:16.579 that this wasn't a small gathering. 00:15:17.219 --> 00:15:18.919 Jesus had finished these sayings. 00:15:19.039 --> 00:15:22.679 He went away from Galilee and entered the region of Judea beyond the Jordan, 00:15:23.059 --> 00:15:26.620 and large crowds followed him, and he healed them there. 00:15:27.319 --> 00:15:29.379 Of course, he's healing and teaching. 00:15:29.379 --> 00:15:34.500 Pilgrims that are coming along with this crowd into Jerusalem, 00:15:34.740 --> 00:15:37.759 and certainly Jesus is picking up followers along the way. 00:15:38.419 --> 00:15:42.939 We find some things about this ruler from Matthew and Mark. 00:15:43.919 --> 00:15:46.340 We find from Matthew that he's young. 00:15:47.059 --> 00:15:48.620 It's mentioned twice in the text. 00:15:49.259 --> 00:15:50.860 We find from Mark that he's reverent. 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:53.159 He comes, he kneels before Jesus. 00:15:53.539 --> 00:15:55.759 There's this measure of humility, 00:15:55.759 --> 00:15:58.360 this dependence that's showing up, 00:15:58.460 --> 00:16:00.960 even in his posture towards Jesus. 00:16:02.039 --> 00:16:03.939 We come to understand that he's knowledgeable. 00:16:04.600 --> 00:16:05.480 He knows the law. 00:16:06.080 --> 00:16:07.480 He believes himself to be devout. 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:11.980 He's tried to follow the things that the Mosaic law has set forward. 00:16:13.279 --> 00:16:17.120 From an outward appearance, he was the ideal Jew. 00:16:17.700 --> 00:16:19.759 And the fact that he is wealthy, 00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:22.960 which we also see in verse 23 of Luke chapter 18, 00:16:22.960 --> 00:16:25.580 he was extremely wealthy, this would be a marker, 00:16:25.960 --> 00:16:31.120 a clue to the people in that day that he was favored by God. 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:32.500 He was blessed by God. 00:16:32.580 --> 00:16:35.780 And so from an outward appearance, he had it all together. 00:16:37.960 --> 00:16:40.160 Luke is the only one to mention that he's a ruler. 00:16:41.360 --> 00:16:43.800 It's possible that he was a ruler in a synagogue. 00:16:44.500 --> 00:16:48.259 It's also possible that he was a ruler from the Sanhedrin, 00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:50.100 but it's unlikely because of his youth. 00:16:50.100 --> 00:16:55.120 It's probably more likely that he was influential and a wealthy man, 00:16:55.200 --> 00:16:57.139 a civic leader, as it were, 00:16:57.700 --> 00:17:00.379 a leading man of society, a respected layperson, 00:17:01.060 --> 00:17:04.839 somebody with repute and distinction in the town or the region. 00:17:05.680 --> 00:17:07.039 But in spite of his position, 00:17:07.160 --> 00:17:09.680 we find that there is humility in his heart. 00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:12.620 What must I do to inherit eternal life? 00:17:13.700 --> 00:17:15.279 He's mindful of Christ's position. 00:17:15.599 --> 00:17:18.940 He recognizes him as a teacher, as a rabbi. 00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:20.740 He's thinking carefully. 00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:25.039 As we look through the gospel accounts, 00:17:25.799 --> 00:17:29.019 the issue or the subject of eternal life 00:17:29.019 --> 00:17:31.220 is really prevalent in the gospel of John. 00:17:31.980 --> 00:17:33.660 So he's heard Christ's teaching. 00:17:33.880 --> 00:17:35.420 He's aware of eternal life. 00:17:35.600 --> 00:17:37.400 He's asking the right question. 00:17:38.980 --> 00:17:41.600 Jesus will help to point his attention, 00:17:42.600 --> 00:17:45.380 direct his attention on the fact that God is good. 00:17:45.380 --> 00:17:48.180 And in speaking of God's goodness, 00:17:48.380 --> 00:17:51.220 he begins by helping this man understand 00:17:51.220 --> 00:17:54.800 that God's goodness stands apart from us. 00:17:55.720 --> 00:17:57.520 His goodness stands apart from us. 00:17:57.800 --> 00:17:59.040 Only God is good. 00:18:00.320 --> 00:18:01.540 Why do you call me good, he says. 00:18:01.620 --> 00:18:04.120 No one is good except God alone. 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:07.960 It may seem like Jesus is avoiding the question. 00:18:07.960 --> 00:18:11.779 It may seem like Jesus isn't really answering it directly. 00:18:12.680 --> 00:18:18.660 But Jesus wants to underscore the faulty nature of the question altogether. 00:18:19.900 --> 00:18:22.160 What is the standard of goodness in your mind? 00:18:22.860 --> 00:18:27.759 What do you fit in relation to that standard? 00:18:27.920 --> 00:18:29.400 What are you depending on? 00:18:29.400 --> 00:18:33.880 Is essentially underneath this statement that Jesus is making. 00:18:35.280 --> 00:18:38.759 And of course, this man, aware of the Mosaic law, 00:18:38.840 --> 00:18:41.740 would have also been aware of the other passages of Scripture, 00:18:42.640 --> 00:18:43.820 the Psalms in particular, 00:18:44.180 --> 00:18:48.860 which Paul kind of summarizes and compiles in Romans chapter 3 00:18:48.860 --> 00:18:51.620 to talk about the nature of man 00:18:51.620 --> 00:18:54.820 when he says this in Romans 3, 10 to 18. 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:57.119 As it is written, none is righteous. 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:57.859 No, not one. 00:18:58.179 --> 00:18:59.119 No one understands. 00:18:59.299 --> 00:19:00.599 No one seeks for God. 00:19:01.299 --> 00:19:02.259 All have turned aside. 00:19:02.419 --> 00:19:04.000 Together they have become worthless. 00:19:04.579 --> 00:19:06.319 No one does good, not even one. 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:09.039 Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. 00:19:09.240 --> 00:19:10.799 Their feet are swift to shed blood. 00:19:10.939 --> 00:19:13.819 In their path are ruin and misery 00:19:13.819 --> 00:19:15.740 and the way of peace they have not known. 00:19:16.639 --> 00:19:19.939 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 00:19:21.419 --> 00:19:23.419 We are not inherently good. 00:19:23.420 --> 00:19:26.140 We are corrupt to the core. 00:19:27.100 --> 00:19:32.259 And to understand what the Bible says in relationship to our nature 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:38.340 is the beginning of learning that our need and dependence on God in the first place. 00:19:38.800 --> 00:19:40.560 Only God is good. 00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:43.360 And compared to his perfection, 00:19:43.900 --> 00:19:44.539 we are corrupt, 00:19:45.340 --> 00:19:46.560 we are worthless, 00:19:47.080 --> 00:19:48.019 and we are wicked, 00:19:48.220 --> 00:19:50.100 according to this passage. 00:19:51.060 --> 00:19:52.120 What are you trusting in? 00:19:52.119 --> 00:19:53.059 And essentially, 00:19:53.199 --> 00:19:53.839 Jesus is saying, 00:19:54.199 --> 00:19:55.219 only God is good. 00:19:56.379 --> 00:19:56.759 Of course, 00:19:56.839 --> 00:19:59.719 that comes to us from 1 Chronicles 16, 34. 00:20:00.459 --> 00:20:01.639 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:03.759 for he is good. 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:05.839 His steadfast love endures forever. 00:20:06.879 --> 00:20:08.239 Or Psalm 34, verse 8. 00:20:08.299 --> 00:20:09.259 Oh, taste and see 00:20:09.259 --> 00:20:10.779 that the Lord is good. 00:20:11.099 --> 00:20:12.139 Blessed is the man 00:20:12.139 --> 00:20:13.579 who takes refuge in him. 00:20:14.299 --> 00:20:15.119 His goodness 00:20:15.119 --> 00:20:16.319 stands apart 00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:17.119 from 00:20:17.119 --> 00:20:18.239 humanity. 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:20.039 And now, 00:20:20.120 --> 00:20:20.599 in verse 20, 00:20:20.660 --> 00:20:21.220 we're going to see 00:20:21.220 --> 00:20:22.019 that his goodness 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:23.359 is revealed to us 00:20:23.359 --> 00:20:24.380 in the law. 00:20:25.240 --> 00:20:25.400 Now, 00:20:25.460 --> 00:20:26.500 Jesus begins to, 00:20:26.880 --> 00:20:27.740 in establishing 00:20:27.740 --> 00:20:29.160 that only God is good, 00:20:29.339 --> 00:20:30.900 now he lifts up 00:20:30.900 --> 00:20:31.559 this standard 00:20:31.559 --> 00:20:32.660 that God has set 00:20:32.660 --> 00:20:33.519 so that 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:34.940 by his grace, 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:35.779 he can allow 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:36.559 this 00:20:36.559 --> 00:20:37.620 young 00:20:37.620 --> 00:20:38.240 ruler 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:40.019 who has evaluated 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:40.620 himself 00:20:40.620 --> 00:20:41.720 probably against 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:42.319 the backdrop 00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:43.220 of everyone else 00:20:43.220 --> 00:20:44.059 around him 00:20:44.059 --> 00:20:45.220 can now evaluate 00:20:45.220 --> 00:20:45.879 his life 00:20:45.879 --> 00:20:46.940 against the backdrop 00:20:46.940 --> 00:20:48.720 of the perfect standard 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:50.319 that God has set 00:20:50.319 --> 00:20:51.019 in his law. 00:20:51.720 --> 00:20:52.220 God's goodness 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:53.200 revealed in the law. 00:20:53.899 --> 00:20:54.559 Verse 20 says, 00:20:54.679 --> 00:20:54.980 you know 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:55.899 the commands, 00:20:56.039 --> 00:20:57.099 do not commit adultery, 00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:57.980 do not murder, 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:58.659 do not steal, 00:20:58.759 --> 00:20:59.839 do not bear false witness, 00:21:00.220 --> 00:21:01.319 honor your father 00:21:01.319 --> 00:21:02.079 and mother. 00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:04.299 Jesus 00:21:04.299 --> 00:21:05.399 strengthens 00:21:05.399 --> 00:21:06.200 his argument here. 00:21:07.079 --> 00:21:07.519 By the way, 00:21:07.559 --> 00:21:08.980 the law is not arbitrary. 00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:10.419 The law is not 00:21:10.419 --> 00:21:11.299 just a set of rules 00:21:11.299 --> 00:21:11.720 that God 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:12.480 put together 00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:13.139 because he thought 00:21:13.140 --> 00:21:13.759 we needed something 00:21:13.759 --> 00:21:14.220 to obey. 00:21:14.520 --> 00:21:14.680 No, 00:21:14.820 --> 00:21:16.240 the law is a reflection 00:21:16.240 --> 00:21:17.740 of his very nature, 00:21:18.040 --> 00:21:18.980 his very character. 00:21:19.259 --> 00:21:20.460 By giving us the law, 00:21:20.560 --> 00:21:21.140 we come to know 00:21:21.140 --> 00:21:22.000 who God is. 00:21:24.540 --> 00:21:25.680 The law shows 00:21:25.680 --> 00:21:26.800 his purity, 00:21:27.400 --> 00:21:28.140 his perfection. 00:21:29.080 --> 00:21:29.900 The law was meant 00:21:29.900 --> 00:21:31.180 to expose our sin 00:21:31.180 --> 00:21:32.360 and lead us to God. 00:21:32.540 --> 00:21:33.220 It was meant 00:21:33.220 --> 00:21:34.000 to show us 00:21:34.000 --> 00:21:35.700 that we need him, 00:21:35.840 --> 00:21:36.840 that we are distant, 00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:37.660 that our sin 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:39.220 has separated ourselves 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:39.940 from him 00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:41.640 and that only God 00:21:41.640 --> 00:21:42.100 is good. 00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:43.819 here in our passage, 00:21:43.980 --> 00:21:44.240 Jesus, 00:21:45.139 --> 00:21:45.939 he doesn't confront 00:21:45.939 --> 00:21:46.839 the ruler head on, 00:21:46.959 --> 00:21:47.419 but he wants 00:21:47.419 --> 00:21:48.379 to expose 00:21:48.379 --> 00:21:49.719 his heart, 00:21:50.199 --> 00:21:51.019 his deficiency, 00:21:51.679 --> 00:21:52.579 his understanding. 00:21:53.919 --> 00:21:54.480 What you're 00:21:54.480 --> 00:21:55.699 trusting in 00:21:55.699 --> 00:21:56.559 is not good. 00:21:57.359 --> 00:21:58.379 Only God is good. 00:22:00.579 --> 00:22:01.679 He gives this law, 00:22:01.859 --> 00:22:02.839 do not commit adultery, 00:22:02.959 --> 00:22:03.539 do not murder, 00:22:03.639 --> 00:22:04.279 do not steal, 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.639 do not bear false witness. 00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:06.879 Honor your father 00:22:06.879 --> 00:22:07.480 and your mother, 00:22:07.480 --> 00:22:08.719 which is the second half 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:10.100 half of the Decalogue, 00:22:10.180 --> 00:22:11.339 the second half 00:22:11.339 --> 00:22:12.579 of the Ten Commandments. 00:22:12.700 --> 00:22:14.160 It focuses on 00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:15.680 the part of the commands 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:17.440 that relate to others. 00:22:19.079 --> 00:22:19.880 And so in essence, 00:22:20.559 --> 00:22:21.460 Jesus is saying, 00:22:22.259 --> 00:22:23.400 kind of encapsulating 00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:24.220 the commandments, 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:25.960 love the Lord your God 00:22:25.960 --> 00:22:26.620 with all your heart, 00:22:26.700 --> 00:22:27.220 soul, and mind, 00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:28.519 and love your neighbor 00:22:28.519 --> 00:22:29.100 as yourself. 00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:30.160 This is the section 00:22:30.160 --> 00:22:31.440 of the Decalogue 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:32.600 that focuses on 00:22:32.600 --> 00:22:33.819 the loving your neighbor 00:22:33.819 --> 00:22:34.720 as yourself. 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:38.519 because as it relates 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:39.920 to true love, 00:22:40.120 --> 00:22:40.660 love for God, 00:22:41.640 --> 00:22:42.420 how do we know 00:22:42.420 --> 00:22:43.779 that we love God 00:22:43.779 --> 00:22:45.920 the way he expects 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:46.640 us to love God? 00:22:46.839 --> 00:22:48.279 Well, it shows up 00:22:48.279 --> 00:22:49.000 in the way 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:50.079 that we love the people 00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:51.140 that God loves. 00:22:53.380 --> 00:22:54.120 In Matthew, 00:22:54.880 --> 00:22:55.640 chapter 5, 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.940 verses 27 and 28, 00:22:57.360 --> 00:22:58.539 we understand 00:22:58.539 --> 00:22:59.940 that the posture 00:22:59.940 --> 00:23:01.000 of loving God 00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:03.039 and obeying these commands 00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:04.299 is deeper than what happens 00:23:04.299 --> 00:23:04.899 on the surface. 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:06.019 It's what's really, 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:06.980 truly in the heart. 00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:08.819 And Jesus will say 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.700 on the Sermon on the Mount, 00:23:10.000 --> 00:23:10.559 you have heard 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:11.200 what was said, 00:23:11.259 --> 00:23:12.339 you shall not commit adultery. 00:23:13.339 --> 00:23:13.960 But I say to you 00:23:13.960 --> 00:23:14.759 that everyone who looks 00:23:14.759 --> 00:23:16.279 at a woman with lustful intent 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:17.879 has already committed adultery 00:23:17.879 --> 00:23:18.700 with her in his heart. 00:23:19.839 --> 00:23:21.519 It's not about the externals, 00:23:21.599 --> 00:23:22.619 it's about what's inside. 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:24.799 And then in Matthew, 00:23:24.879 --> 00:23:25.319 chapter 5, 00:23:25.339 --> 00:23:26.559 verses 21 and 22, 00:23:26.940 --> 00:23:28.460 Jesus will expose 00:23:28.460 --> 00:23:30.559 what true murder looks like 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:30.960 when he says, 00:23:31.039 --> 00:23:31.419 you have heard 00:23:31.419 --> 00:23:32.139 that it was said 00:23:32.139 --> 00:23:33.119 to those of old, 00:23:33.200 --> 00:23:33.940 you shall not murder. 00:23:34.299 --> 00:23:35.240 And whoever murders 00:23:35.240 --> 00:23:36.379 will be liable of judgment. 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:37.359 But I say to you 00:23:37.359 --> 00:23:38.200 that everyone 00:23:38.200 --> 00:23:39.019 who is angry 00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:39.899 with his brother 00:23:39.899 --> 00:23:41.200 will be liable 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:41.759 to judgment. 00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:43.279 Whoever insults 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:43.659 his brother 00:23:43.659 --> 00:23:44.399 will be liable 00:23:44.399 --> 00:23:45.059 to the council. 00:23:45.319 --> 00:23:46.039 And whoever says, 00:23:46.339 --> 00:23:46.919 you fool, 00:23:47.099 --> 00:23:47.839 will be liable 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:49.559 of the hell of fire. 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:53.000 I love how Ray Comfort, 00:23:53.059 --> 00:23:53.519 if you're familiar 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:54.359 with his ministry, 00:23:55.039 --> 00:23:55.859 how Ray Comfort 00:23:55.859 --> 00:23:58.180 will go to college campuses 00:23:58.180 --> 00:24:00.639 or go to the beach cities 00:24:00.639 --> 00:24:01.480 of California. 00:24:01.480 --> 00:24:02.559 and his approach 00:24:02.559 --> 00:24:03.220 is to use 00:24:03.220 --> 00:24:03.980 these kinds 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:05.380 of questions 00:24:05.380 --> 00:24:06.480 to draw out 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:07.019 his listeners. 00:24:07.380 --> 00:24:08.460 To help them see 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:09.579 how far away 00:24:09.579 --> 00:24:10.019 they are 00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:11.039 from God's 00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:11.759 perfect standard. 00:24:12.519 --> 00:24:13.420 Where in the beginning 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:14.299 of the conversation, 00:24:14.420 --> 00:24:14.579 they'll say, 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:14.720 well, 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:15.460 I'm a pretty good person, 00:24:15.539 --> 00:24:15.880 of course, 00:24:16.059 --> 00:24:16.839 I'm going to heaven. 00:24:17.579 --> 00:24:17.700 Well, 00:24:17.700 --> 00:24:18.360 then it'll lead them 00:24:18.360 --> 00:24:19.299 through this progression 00:24:19.299 --> 00:24:20.500 of questions 00:24:20.500 --> 00:24:21.819 and one by one 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:22.240 they'll say, 00:24:22.380 --> 00:24:22.480 well, 00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:22.960 I guess 00:24:22.960 --> 00:24:24.220 if I've lusted 00:24:24.220 --> 00:24:24.720 after someone 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:25.440 in my heart, 00:24:25.620 --> 00:24:26.579 I'm an adulterer. 00:24:26.579 --> 00:24:27.759 I guess 00:24:27.759 --> 00:24:29.139 if I have hated 00:24:29.139 --> 00:24:30.099 someone in my heart, 00:24:30.240 --> 00:24:30.939 I'm a murderer. 00:24:32.179 --> 00:24:32.799 And of course, 00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:33.759 as it relates 00:24:33.759 --> 00:24:34.319 to stealing, 00:24:35.419 --> 00:24:35.839 as it relates 00:24:35.839 --> 00:24:37.019 to bearing false witness, 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:37.699 as it relates 00:24:37.699 --> 00:24:38.679 to honoring 00:24:38.679 --> 00:24:40.259 our father and mother, 00:24:40.699 --> 00:24:41.259 those things 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:42.240 are so apparent 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:43.259 and it should have led 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:44.480 this man 00:24:44.480 --> 00:24:45.639 to the right conclusion. 00:24:46.699 --> 00:24:47.599 The honest answer 00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:48.299 should have been, 00:24:49.059 --> 00:24:49.240 no, 00:24:49.359 --> 00:24:50.539 I'm far from good. 00:24:50.619 --> 00:24:51.839 I've come to a place 00:24:51.839 --> 00:24:52.460 of understanding 00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:54.099 nothing good 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:55.899 exists within me. 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:58.220 Any of you 00:24:58.220 --> 00:24:58.699 who are aware 00:24:58.699 --> 00:25:00.019 of Ray Comfort 00:25:00.019 --> 00:25:01.000 will appreciate 00:25:01.000 --> 00:25:01.699 and understand 00:25:01.699 --> 00:25:02.619 that approach 00:25:02.619 --> 00:25:03.339 to ministry 00:25:03.339 --> 00:25:03.879 and so that 00:25:03.879 --> 00:25:04.460 by the time 00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:05.039 he's done, 00:25:05.720 --> 00:25:06.539 everyone who has 00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:07.099 listened to his 00:25:07.099 --> 00:25:07.980 gospel presentation 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:08.960 has come to 00:25:08.960 --> 00:25:09.639 that conclusion 00:25:09.639 --> 00:25:10.339 but somehow 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:11.720 and for some reason 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:12.899 this rich young ruler 00:25:12.899 --> 00:25:13.519 was not able 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:14.359 to make that connection. 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:16.039 He was not able 00:25:16.039 --> 00:25:16.619 to be honest 00:25:16.619 --> 00:25:17.399 with himself. 00:25:18.639 --> 00:25:19.259 But the statement 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:20.960 instead would have 00:25:20.960 --> 00:25:21.740 a reverse effect. 00:25:22.859 --> 00:25:24.199 Instead of this man 00:25:24.199 --> 00:25:25.259 being led 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:25.839 to the place 00:25:25.839 --> 00:25:26.939 of recognizing 00:25:26.939 --> 00:25:27.639 his sin, 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:29.500 he comes to a place 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:30.059 as we see 00:25:30.059 --> 00:25:31.459 in the next verse 00:25:31.459 --> 00:25:32.480 in verse 21. 00:25:32.959 --> 00:25:33.240 He said, 00:25:33.519 --> 00:25:34.179 all these things 00:25:34.179 --> 00:25:34.659 I've kept 00:25:34.659 --> 00:25:35.699 from my youth. 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:37.619 And now Jesus 00:25:37.619 --> 00:25:38.779 needs to press in 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:39.220 and help him 00:25:39.220 --> 00:25:39.839 understand that 00:25:39.839 --> 00:25:41.500 God's goodness 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.519 cannot be achieved. 00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:44.459 God's goodness 00:25:44.459 --> 00:25:45.399 cannot be replicated. 00:25:45.599 --> 00:25:46.139 God's goodness 00:25:46.139 --> 00:25:47.839 cannot be duplicated 00:25:47.839 --> 00:25:49.220 by human effort. 00:25:49.379 --> 00:25:50.939 It is God's goodness 00:25:50.939 --> 00:25:51.939 and God's goodness 00:25:51.939 --> 00:25:52.319 alone. 00:25:52.319 --> 00:25:54.439 You can almost see 00:25:54.439 --> 00:25:55.559 this man's smile 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.379 on his face. 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:57.779 He's ecstatic. 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.679 All of his hopes 00:25:59.679 --> 00:26:00.700 have been confirmed. 00:26:01.819 --> 00:26:02.559 He's relieved. 00:26:02.679 --> 00:26:03.299 It's exactly 00:26:03.299 --> 00:26:03.939 what he expected 00:26:03.939 --> 00:26:04.819 Jesus to say. 00:26:04.819 --> 00:26:06.419 If I live 00:26:06.419 --> 00:26:07.240 according to the law 00:26:07.240 --> 00:26:07.960 then I get heaven. 00:26:08.220 --> 00:26:08.839 If I obey 00:26:08.839 --> 00:26:09.599 the commands 00:26:09.599 --> 00:26:10.779 I'll get rewards 00:26:10.779 --> 00:26:11.519 not only on earth 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:12.539 but also in heaven. 00:26:13.220 --> 00:26:13.960 What a relief. 00:26:14.059 --> 00:26:14.740 He's stoked. 00:26:15.779 --> 00:26:16.399 I've kept 00:26:16.399 --> 00:26:17.619 all these commands 00:26:17.619 --> 00:26:18.819 from my youth. 00:26:18.819 --> 00:26:19.579 Of course 00:26:19.579 --> 00:26:21.679 none of that was true. 00:26:23.099 --> 00:26:23.720 He drew the wrong 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.200 conclusions. 00:26:24.359 --> 00:26:25.439 He was not being 00:26:25.439 --> 00:26:26.399 honest with himself. 00:26:27.379 --> 00:26:28.019 It's kind of like 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:29.179 those videos 00:26:29.179 --> 00:26:29.939 if you've ever watched 00:26:29.939 --> 00:26:31.419 them of the kids 00:26:31.419 --> 00:26:32.200 that are in the room 00:26:32.200 --> 00:26:33.059 and you see them 00:26:33.059 --> 00:26:33.799 they've marked 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:34.879 themselves with lipstick 00:26:34.879 --> 00:26:35.279 right? 00:26:35.500 --> 00:26:36.619 And mom comes 00:26:36.619 --> 00:26:37.200 into the room 00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:37.439 and says 00:26:37.439 --> 00:26:38.200 what you been doing? 00:26:38.819 --> 00:26:39.399 Oh nothing. 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:41.159 Or my favorite 00:26:41.159 --> 00:26:42.639 this is two little girls 00:26:42.639 --> 00:26:43.619 who thought 00:26:43.619 --> 00:26:44.119 they would get 00:26:44.119 --> 00:26:45.079 to play 00:26:45.079 --> 00:26:46.000 in some desitin 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:46.639 and so they've 00:26:46.639 --> 00:26:47.439 coated each other 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:48.860 with desitin 00:26:48.860 --> 00:26:49.680 their faces 00:26:49.680 --> 00:26:50.279 and their hair. 00:26:50.440 --> 00:26:51.360 Mom comes in 00:26:51.360 --> 00:26:51.580 and says 00:26:51.580 --> 00:26:52.860 hey what you guys 00:26:52.860 --> 00:26:53.299 been doing? 00:26:53.400 --> 00:26:54.000 Oh nothing. 00:26:55.620 --> 00:26:56.519 And it's as 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.680 clear as day. 00:26:58.840 --> 00:26:59.620 It's as plain 00:26:59.620 --> 00:27:00.880 as the desitin 00:27:00.880 --> 00:27:01.500 on their face. 00:27:04.019 --> 00:27:05.000 But he would not 00:27:05.000 --> 00:27:05.539 acknowledge 00:27:05.539 --> 00:27:07.700 where he really was 00:27:07.700 --> 00:27:08.740 in relationship 00:27:08.740 --> 00:27:09.640 to perfection. 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:11.299 He was unwilling 00:27:11.299 --> 00:27:13.019 to acknowledge 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:13.900 that he was dependent. 00:27:13.900 --> 00:27:18.500 this man is doing 00:27:18.500 --> 00:27:19.460 the exact same thing 00:27:19.460 --> 00:27:20.620 these two little girls 00:27:20.620 --> 00:27:21.240 are doing. 00:27:22.220 --> 00:27:22.880 And with this 00:27:22.880 --> 00:27:23.860 inflated view 00:27:23.860 --> 00:27:24.519 of himself 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:25.460 essentially 00:27:25.460 --> 00:27:26.400 what he's doing 00:27:26.400 --> 00:27:28.060 is blaspheming God. 00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:30.660 He's inflating himself 00:27:30.660 --> 00:27:32.360 he's bringing God down 00:27:32.360 --> 00:27:35.240 and by doing that 00:27:35.240 --> 00:27:36.800 he is cursing God 00:27:36.800 --> 00:27:38.100 to his face 00:27:38.100 --> 00:27:39.740 because God is standing 00:27:39.740 --> 00:27:41.140 right in front of him. 00:27:41.140 --> 00:27:43.540 Jesus says 00:27:43.540 --> 00:27:45.200 here in verse 22 00:27:45.200 --> 00:27:46.660 Jesus heard this 00:27:46.660 --> 00:27:47.280 he said to him 00:27:47.280 --> 00:27:48.360 one thing you still lack 00:27:48.360 --> 00:27:50.160 see all that you have 00:27:50.160 --> 00:27:51.300 excuse me 00:27:51.300 --> 00:27:52.300 sell all that you have 00:27:52.300 --> 00:27:53.640 distribute to the poor 00:27:53.640 --> 00:27:54.960 and you will have 00:27:54.960 --> 00:27:56.220 treasure in heaven 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:57.200 and come 00:27:57.200 --> 00:27:58.380 follow me. 00:27:59.840 --> 00:28:00.280 You see 00:28:00.280 --> 00:28:01.380 God's goodness 00:28:01.380 --> 00:28:01.980 can't 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:02.860 be 00:28:02.860 --> 00:28:03.620 achieved 00:28:03.620 --> 00:28:04.640 on our own. 00:28:05.340 --> 00:28:06.259 Can't be achieved. 00:28:06.860 --> 00:28:07.900 I love how Mark 00:28:07.900 --> 00:28:09.400 recounts Christ's response 00:28:09.400 --> 00:28:11.300 in Mark chapter 10 00:28:11.300 --> 00:28:12.280 verse 20 and 21 00:28:12.280 --> 00:28:12.800 it says 00:28:12.800 --> 00:28:13.780 and he said to him 00:28:13.780 --> 00:28:15.460 speaking of the rich ruler 00:28:15.460 --> 00:28:17.120 teacher all these things 00:28:17.120 --> 00:28:18.080 I've kept for my youth 00:28:18.080 --> 00:28:18.860 and Jesus 00:28:18.860 --> 00:28:20.120 looking at him 00:28:20.120 --> 00:28:21.240 loved him. 00:28:22.420 --> 00:28:22.820 Jesus 00:28:22.820 --> 00:28:24.060 looking at him 00:28:24.060 --> 00:28:25.220 loved him. 00:28:26.240 --> 00:28:27.560 What an amazing description. 00:28:29.019 --> 00:28:29.560 This man 00:28:29.560 --> 00:28:30.600 has ignorantly 00:28:30.600 --> 00:28:31.840 blasphemed God. 00:28:32.800 --> 00:28:33.560 He's made much 00:28:33.560 --> 00:28:34.140 of himself 00:28:34.140 --> 00:28:34.620 he's 00:28:34.620 --> 00:28:36.040 he's brazenly 00:28:36.040 --> 00:28:36.680 declared 00:28:36.680 --> 00:28:37.340 himself 00:28:37.339 --> 00:28:38.559 to be righteous 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:40.299 and effect 00:28:40.299 --> 00:28:40.939 has brought 00:28:40.939 --> 00:28:41.639 God down 00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:43.299 and what does 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:43.759 God do? 00:28:44.299 --> 00:28:44.459 Well 00:28:44.459 --> 00:28:45.299 God 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:46.220 in Christ 00:28:46.220 --> 00:28:47.559 looks at him 00:28:47.559 --> 00:28:48.659 and loves him. 00:28:49.839 --> 00:28:50.519 Can you imagine 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:51.319 the scene? 00:28:52.599 --> 00:28:53.099 I envision 00:28:53.099 --> 00:28:53.659 Jesus 00:28:53.659 --> 00:28:54.439 there 00:28:54.439 --> 00:28:55.819 with a tender 00:28:55.819 --> 00:28:56.299 smile 00:28:56.299 --> 00:28:57.039 on his face 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:57.439 maybe 00:28:57.439 --> 00:28:58.980 tilting his head 00:28:58.980 --> 00:28:59.740 to one side 00:28:59.740 --> 00:29:01.740 and in his eyes 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.559 and in his face 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:03.519 essentially he's saying 00:29:03.519 --> 00:29:06.000 you really don't understand 00:29:06.000 --> 00:29:07.799 but I love you anyway. 00:29:11.339 --> 00:29:12.720 He gently provides 00:29:12.720 --> 00:29:13.799 this next statement 00:29:13.799 --> 00:29:15.139 one 00:29:15.139 --> 00:29:15.960 thing 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:16.980 you lack 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:18.680 sell all that you have 00:29:18.680 --> 00:29:19.680 distribute to the poor 00:29:19.680 --> 00:29:21.000 and you will have treasure 00:29:21.000 --> 00:29:21.779 in heaven 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:23.059 and come and follow me. 00:29:24.039 --> 00:29:25.379 Jesus puts his finger 00:29:25.379 --> 00:29:27.000 on the one thing 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:27.879 that this 00:29:27.879 --> 00:29:28.519 rich 00:29:28.519 --> 00:29:29.079 ruler 00:29:29.079 --> 00:29:30.160 cannot escape 00:29:30.160 --> 00:29:31.460 his own 00:29:31.460 --> 00:29:32.339 covetous heart 00:29:32.339 --> 00:29:33.159 his own 00:29:33.159 --> 00:29:34.419 self-reliant 00:29:34.419 --> 00:29:34.919 heart 00:29:34.919 --> 00:29:35.679 his own 00:29:35.679 --> 00:29:36.439 desire 00:29:36.439 --> 00:29:37.119 for 00:29:37.119 --> 00:29:38.599 personal comfort 00:29:38.599 --> 00:29:39.019 in 00:29:39.019 --> 00:29:40.819 his life. 00:29:41.339 --> 00:29:42.179 This statement 00:29:42.179 --> 00:29:44.259 is entirely 00:29:44.259 --> 00:29:44.819 consistent 00:29:44.819 --> 00:29:45.240 of course 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:46.099 with what Jesus 00:29:46.099 --> 00:29:46.740 says throughout 00:29:46.740 --> 00:29:47.419 his ministry. 00:29:47.819 --> 00:29:48.859 In Luke chapter 14 00:29:48.859 --> 00:29:49.579 verse 33 00:29:49.579 --> 00:29:50.039 he says 00:29:50.039 --> 00:29:50.539 therefore 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:51.759 any one of you 00:29:51.759 --> 00:29:52.619 who does not 00:29:52.619 --> 00:29:53.159 renounce 00:29:53.159 --> 00:29:54.179 all that he has 00:29:54.179 --> 00:29:54.519 cannot 00:29:54.519 --> 00:29:55.279 be 00:29:55.279 --> 00:29:56.359 my disciple. 00:29:57.299 --> 00:29:57.980 Or what he says 00:29:57.980 --> 00:29:58.919 in Luke chapter 12 00:29:58.919 --> 00:29:59.419 when he says 00:29:59.419 --> 00:30:00.359 fear not little flock 00:30:00.359 --> 00:30:02.199 for it is your 00:30:02.199 --> 00:30:03.339 father's good pleasure 00:30:03.339 --> 00:30:04.379 to give you the kingdom. 00:30:05.459 --> 00:30:06.379 Sell your possessions 00:30:06.379 --> 00:30:07.539 and give to the needy. 00:30:07.819 --> 00:30:08.659 Provide yourselves 00:30:08.659 --> 00:30:09.399 with money bags 00:30:09.399 --> 00:30:10.699 that do not grow old 00:30:10.699 --> 00:30:11.539 with a treasure 00:30:11.539 --> 00:30:12.259 in the heavens 00:30:12.259 --> 00:30:13.679 that does not fail 00:30:13.679 --> 00:30:15.099 where no thief 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:15.519 approaches 00:30:15.519 --> 00:30:16.539 and no moth 00:30:16.539 --> 00:30:17.039 destroys 00:30:17.039 --> 00:30:18.019 for where your 00:30:18.019 --> 00:30:18.839 treasure is 00:30:18.839 --> 00:30:19.679 there will your 00:30:19.679 --> 00:30:20.740 heart be also. 00:30:21.939 --> 00:30:22.519 Now this is a 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:23.559 hard word 00:30:23.559 --> 00:30:24.439 for us 00:30:24.439 --> 00:30:26.019 but essentially 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:26.500 what Jesus 00:30:26.500 --> 00:30:27.139 is saying 00:30:27.139 --> 00:30:27.839 is he's saying 00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:29.500 allow yourself 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:30.539 to be open 00:30:30.539 --> 00:30:31.599 to the possibility 00:30:31.599 --> 00:30:32.799 of giving 00:30:32.799 --> 00:30:33.919 what you have 00:30:33.919 --> 00:30:34.399 to God. 00:30:35.539 --> 00:30:36.839 Live with an open hand. 00:30:38.659 --> 00:30:39.639 Pray the prayer 00:30:39.639 --> 00:30:40.000 God 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:42.159 all that I have 00:30:42.159 --> 00:30:42.899 belongs to you. 00:30:44.359 --> 00:30:45.519 Take it 00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:46.459 however you will 00:30:46.459 --> 00:30:47.459 and grow 00:30:47.459 --> 00:30:48.399 in my heart 00:30:48.399 --> 00:30:50.439 a compassion 00:30:50.439 --> 00:30:51.259 for others 00:30:51.259 --> 00:30:52.299 so that I'm 00:30:52.299 --> 00:30:53.439 willing to step in 00:30:53.439 --> 00:30:54.119 and I'm willing 00:30:54.119 --> 00:30:54.819 to address 00:30:54.819 --> 00:30:55.799 the needs 00:30:55.799 --> 00:30:56.639 that I see 00:30:56.639 --> 00:30:58.220 when they arise. 00:30:59.899 --> 00:31:01.099 Jesus is interested 00:31:01.099 --> 00:31:01.680 in the kind 00:31:01.680 --> 00:31:02.079 of heart 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:03.599 that is 00:31:03.599 --> 00:31:04.220 attached 00:31:04.220 --> 00:31:06.680 to heaven 00:31:06.680 --> 00:31:07.399 to eternity. 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:08.759 It's attached 00:31:08.759 --> 00:31:09.599 to seeking 00:31:09.599 --> 00:31:10.379 first the kingdom 00:31:10.379 --> 00:31:10.799 of God 00:31:10.799 --> 00:31:11.819 and his righteousness. 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:15.259 Jesus is saying 00:31:15.259 --> 00:31:16.379 you need to be 00:31:16.379 --> 00:31:16.720 dependent 00:31:16.720 --> 00:31:18.279 not self-reliant. 00:31:18.940 --> 00:31:19.399 You cannot 00:31:19.399 --> 00:31:20.259 be good 00:31:20.259 --> 00:31:21.039 like God. 00:31:22.059 --> 00:31:22.460 You need to 00:31:22.460 --> 00:31:22.859 understand 00:31:22.859 --> 00:31:23.220 essentially 00:31:23.220 --> 00:31:24.099 the essence 00:31:24.099 --> 00:31:25.319 of the Old Testament 00:31:25.319 --> 00:31:26.299 summarized 00:31:26.299 --> 00:31:27.079 in two statements. 00:31:27.279 --> 00:31:27.619 Love the Lord 00:31:27.619 --> 00:31:28.079 your God 00:31:28.079 --> 00:31:29.139 and love your neighbor 00:31:29.139 --> 00:31:29.879 as yourself. 00:31:30.379 --> 00:31:31.039 And as you come 00:31:31.039 --> 00:31:32.039 to understand 00:31:32.039 --> 00:31:33.619 a heart 00:31:33.619 --> 00:31:34.779 that is tuned 00:31:34.779 --> 00:31:35.879 to obedience 00:31:35.879 --> 00:31:36.459 to God 00:31:36.459 --> 00:31:37.079 and love 00:31:37.079 --> 00:31:37.619 for God 00:31:37.619 --> 00:31:38.079 it's going 00:31:38.079 --> 00:31:38.559 to reflect 00:31:38.559 --> 00:31:39.199 itself 00:31:39.199 --> 00:31:40.480 in a posture 00:31:40.480 --> 00:31:41.219 of 00:31:41.219 --> 00:31:42.799 generosity 00:31:42.799 --> 00:31:43.599 for others. 00:31:44.599 --> 00:31:45.299 And by the way 00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:46.079 it's not 00:31:46.079 --> 00:31:47.000 that Jesus 00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:48.219 is commending 00:31:48.219 --> 00:31:49.639 a works-based 00:31:49.639 --> 00:31:50.139 righteousness. 00:31:50.359 --> 00:31:51.199 Give all that you have 00:31:51.199 --> 00:31:52.279 and then you'll be saved. 00:31:52.359 --> 00:31:52.480 No. 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:53.460 what he's trying 00:31:53.460 --> 00:31:53.940 to help 00:31:53.940 --> 00:31:55.140 this rich young ruler 00:31:55.140 --> 00:31:55.620 understand 00:31:55.620 --> 00:31:56.539 is that a heart 00:31:56.539 --> 00:31:57.740 of faith 00:31:57.740 --> 00:31:58.759 in salvation 00:31:58.759 --> 00:31:59.759 is a heart 00:31:59.759 --> 00:32:00.380 that depends 00:32:00.380 --> 00:32:01.120 on God 00:32:01.120 --> 00:32:02.240 for everything 00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:03.620 not just salvation. 00:32:04.960 --> 00:32:05.200 That's what 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:07.500 is at the heart 00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:09.120 of Jesus' command. 00:32:11.620 --> 00:32:12.599 Love God 00:32:12.599 --> 00:32:14.279 like God 00:32:14.279 --> 00:32:15.480 loves others. 00:32:17.140 --> 00:32:17.960 1 John 3 00:32:17.960 --> 00:32:19.420 16-18 00:32:19.420 --> 00:32:20.180 brings us home 00:32:20.180 --> 00:32:21.240 where John says 00:32:21.240 --> 00:32:22.000 by this we know 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:22.440 love. 00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:24.200 He laid down 00:32:24.200 --> 00:32:25.019 his life for us. 00:32:25.120 --> 00:32:26.059 We ought also 00:32:26.059 --> 00:32:26.460 to lay down 00:32:26.460 --> 00:32:26.859 our lives 00:32:26.859 --> 00:32:27.480 for the brothers. 00:32:28.599 --> 00:32:29.140 If we're going 00:32:29.140 --> 00:32:29.500 to love 00:32:29.500 --> 00:32:30.200 like Jesus 00:32:30.200 --> 00:32:30.480 we're going 00:32:30.480 --> 00:32:31.039 to be those 00:32:31.039 --> 00:32:32.019 who lay 00:32:32.019 --> 00:32:33.319 our lives 00:32:33.319 --> 00:32:34.120 down for 00:32:34.120 --> 00:32:35.319 the saints. 00:32:36.380 --> 00:32:37.039 As Paul 00:32:37.039 --> 00:32:37.420 will say 00:32:37.420 --> 00:32:38.259 in 2 Corinthians 00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:39.740 he says 00:32:39.740 --> 00:32:41.200 he who is rich 00:32:41.200 --> 00:32:42.640 made himself 00:32:42.640 --> 00:32:43.140 poor 00:32:43.140 --> 00:32:44.420 so that we 00:32:44.420 --> 00:32:44.819 through his 00:32:44.819 --> 00:32:45.319 poverty 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:46.640 might enjoy 00:32:46.640 --> 00:32:47.980 his riches. 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:49.680 By his grace 00:32:49.680 --> 00:32:50.339 we've been saved. 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:52.359 The same 00:32:52.359 --> 00:32:53.099 posture exists 00:32:53.099 --> 00:32:53.539 in the heart 00:32:53.539 --> 00:32:54.140 of believers. 00:32:55.039 --> 00:32:55.460 A willingness 00:32:55.460 --> 00:32:56.839 to live 00:32:56.839 --> 00:32:57.319 with an open 00:32:57.319 --> 00:32:57.680 hand. 00:32:58.039 --> 00:32:58.539 A willingness 00:32:58.539 --> 00:32:59.259 to distribute 00:32:59.259 --> 00:33:00.680 to those 00:33:00.680 --> 00:33:01.240 who are in need. 00:33:02.079 --> 00:33:03.000 As we find 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:03.700 in verse 17 00:33:03.700 --> 00:33:04.900 if anyone 00:33:04.900 --> 00:33:05.759 has this world's 00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:06.079 goods 00:33:06.079 --> 00:33:07.240 sees his brother 00:33:07.240 --> 00:33:07.599 in need 00:33:07.599 --> 00:33:08.559 and closes 00:33:08.559 --> 00:33:09.039 his heart 00:33:09.039 --> 00:33:09.660 against him 00:33:09.660 --> 00:33:11.160 how does 00:33:11.160 --> 00:33:12.099 God's love 00:33:12.099 --> 00:33:12.799 abide in him? 00:33:13.279 --> 00:33:13.859 Little children 00:33:13.859 --> 00:33:14.920 let us not 00:33:14.920 --> 00:33:15.500 love in word 00:33:15.500 --> 00:33:16.079 or talk 00:33:16.079 --> 00:33:16.740 but in deed 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:17.440 in truth. 00:33:17.440 --> 00:33:18.799 let the 00:33:18.799 --> 00:33:19.000 rubber 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:19.380 meet the 00:33:19.380 --> 00:33:19.620 road 00:33:19.620 --> 00:33:20.600 as it 00:33:20.600 --> 00:33:20.920 relates 00:33:20.920 --> 00:33:21.120 to 00:33:21.120 --> 00:33:21.519 dependence 00:33:21.519 --> 00:33:22.200 on God 00:33:22.200 --> 00:33:22.779 and a 00:33:22.779 --> 00:33:23.059 willingness 00:33:23.059 --> 00:33:24.180 to follow 00:33:24.180 --> 00:33:24.700 in God's 00:33:24.700 --> 00:33:24.920 steps 00:33:24.920 --> 00:33:25.420 by meeting 00:33:25.420 --> 00:33:25.860 the needs 00:33:25.860 --> 00:33:26.340 of those 00:33:26.340 --> 00:33:27.299 around you. 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:29.539 Fortunately 00:33:29.539 --> 00:33:30.500 our passage 00:33:30.500 --> 00:33:31.080 doesn't end 00:33:31.080 --> 00:33:31.299 there. 00:33:33.019 --> 00:33:33.320 God 00:33:33.320 --> 00:33:34.680 is dependable 00:33:34.680 --> 00:33:35.180 because God 00:33:35.180 --> 00:33:35.559 is good 00:33:35.559 --> 00:33:36.460 and in the 00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:37.039 final verses 00:33:37.039 --> 00:33:37.360 here 00:33:37.360 --> 00:33:38.120 we can 00:33:38.120 --> 00:33:38.420 depend 00:33:38.420 --> 00:33:38.880 on God 00:33:38.880 --> 00:33:39.320 because 00:33:39.320 --> 00:33:40.000 we have 00:33:40.000 --> 00:33:40.220 a God 00:33:40.220 --> 00:33:40.740 who saves. 00:33:41.680 --> 00:33:42.279 You can 00:33:42.279 --> 00:33:42.640 depend 00:33:42.640 --> 00:33:43.440 on a God 00:33:43.440 --> 00:33:44.120 who saves 00:33:44.119 --> 00:33:45.119 and I 00:33:45.119 --> 00:33:45.339 draw 00:33:45.339 --> 00:33:46.419 these points 00:33:46.419 --> 00:33:46.699 out of 00:33:46.699 --> 00:33:47.379 verse 26 00:33:47.379 --> 00:33:47.899 and 27 00:33:47.899 --> 00:33:48.339 just look 00:33:48.339 --> 00:33:48.579 at those 00:33:48.579 --> 00:33:48.959 with me 00:33:48.959 --> 00:33:49.559 briefly 00:33:49.559 --> 00:33:50.219 we're going 00:33:50.219 --> 00:33:50.859 to just 00:33:50.859 --> 00:33:51.379 quickly 00:33:51.379 --> 00:33:51.859 move our 00:33:51.859 --> 00:33:52.219 way through 00:33:52.219 --> 00:33:52.719 these verses 00:33:52.719 --> 00:33:53.199 it says 00:33:53.199 --> 00:33:54.179 those who 00:33:54.179 --> 00:33:54.639 heard 00:33:54.639 --> 00:33:55.799 it said 00:33:55.799 --> 00:33:56.899 then who 00:33:56.899 --> 00:33:57.239 could be 00:33:57.239 --> 00:33:57.739 saved? 00:33:58.279 --> 00:33:58.559 But he 00:33:58.559 --> 00:33:58.899 said 00:33:58.899 --> 00:33:59.619 what is 00:33:59.619 --> 00:34:00.259 impossible 00:34:00.259 --> 00:34:01.479 with man 00:34:01.479 --> 00:34:02.579 is possible 00:34:02.579 --> 00:34:03.359 with God. 00:34:04.579 --> 00:34:05.339 God 00:34:05.339 --> 00:34:06.479 overcomes 00:34:06.479 --> 00:34:07.500 the impossibility 00:34:07.500 --> 00:34:09.639 he overcomes 00:34:09.639 --> 00:34:10.460 our rebellion 00:34:10.460 --> 00:34:12.000 he overcomes 00:34:12.000 --> 00:34:13.299 our self-reliance 00:34:13.300 --> 00:34:14.500 he overcomes 00:34:14.500 --> 00:34:16.160 our blasphemy 00:34:16.160 --> 00:34:18.180 to give us 00:34:18.180 --> 00:34:18.820 himself 00:34:18.820 --> 00:34:19.400 through Jesus 00:34:19.400 --> 00:34:19.920 Christ 00:34:19.920 --> 00:34:20.820 and to draw 00:34:20.820 --> 00:34:21.600 us into 00:34:21.600 --> 00:34:22.500 faith in him 00:34:22.500 --> 00:34:23.600 and to forgive 00:34:23.600 --> 00:34:24.280 us of sins 00:34:24.280 --> 00:34:25.000 and bridge 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:25.500 the gap 00:34:25.500 --> 00:34:26.360 and usher 00:34:26.360 --> 00:34:26.780 us into 00:34:26.780 --> 00:34:27.280 salvation 00:34:27.280 --> 00:34:28.320 to lead us 00:34:28.320 --> 00:34:28.620 home 00:34:28.620 --> 00:34:29.220 to heaven 00:34:29.220 --> 00:34:30.300 you can 00:34:30.300 --> 00:34:30.580 depend 00:34:30.580 --> 00:34:31.060 on a God 00:34:31.060 --> 00:34:31.600 who saves 00:34:31.600 --> 00:34:32.920 he overcomes 00:34:32.920 --> 00:34:33.620 the impossible 00:34:33.620 --> 00:34:35.480 in verses 00:34:35.480 --> 00:34:36.560 23 to 25 00:34:36.560 --> 00:34:37.960 Jesus wants 00:34:37.960 --> 00:34:38.500 to establish 00:34:38.500 --> 00:34:39.060 that no one 00:34:39.060 --> 00:34:39.420 can save 00:34:39.420 --> 00:34:39.860 themselves 00:34:39.860 --> 00:34:40.360 salvation 00:34:40.360 --> 00:34:41.620 only comes 00:34:41.620 --> 00:34:42.539 from the 00:34:42.539 --> 00:34:42.880 Lord 00:34:42.880 --> 00:34:44.500 notice 00:34:44.500 --> 00:34:45.240 it says 00:34:45.240 --> 00:34:45.539 in verse 00:34:45.539 --> 00:34:45.940 23 00:34:45.940 --> 00:34:46.400 when he 00:34:46.400 --> 00:34:47.140 heard these 00:34:47.140 --> 00:34:47.420 things 00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:47.820 speaking 00:34:47.820 --> 00:34:49.220 of the 00:34:49.220 --> 00:34:49.380 rich 00:34:49.380 --> 00:34:49.559 young 00:34:49.559 --> 00:34:49.760 ruler 00:34:49.760 --> 00:34:49.900 he 00:34:49.900 --> 00:34:50.200 became 00:34:50.200 --> 00:34:50.400 very 00:34:50.400 --> 00:34:50.740 sad 00:34:50.740 --> 00:34:51.720 for he 00:34:51.720 --> 00:34:51.880 was 00:34:51.880 --> 00:34:52.340 extremely 00:34:52.340 --> 00:34:52.760 rich 00:34:52.760 --> 00:34:53.079 Jesus 00:34:53.079 --> 00:34:53.660 seeing 00:34:53.660 --> 00:34:54.240 that he 00:34:54.240 --> 00:34:54.680 had become 00:34:54.680 --> 00:34:55.119 sad 00:34:55.119 --> 00:34:55.480 said 00:34:55.480 --> 00:34:56.360 how difficult 00:34:56.360 --> 00:34:56.800 it is 00:34:56.800 --> 00:34:57.180 for those 00:34:57.180 --> 00:34:57.460 who have 00:34:57.460 --> 00:34:58.480 wealth 00:34:58.480 --> 00:34:58.960 to enter 00:34:58.960 --> 00:34:59.300 the kingdom 00:34:59.300 --> 00:34:59.800 of God 00:34:59.800 --> 00:35:00.260 for it 00:35:00.260 --> 00:35:00.920 is easier 00:35:00.920 --> 00:35:01.280 for a 00:35:01.280 --> 00:35:01.559 camel 00:35:01.559 --> 00:35:01.920 to go 00:35:01.920 --> 00:35:02.079 through 00:35:02.079 --> 00:35:02.400 the eye 00:35:02.400 --> 00:35:02.579 of a 00:35:02.579 --> 00:35:02.820 needle 00:35:02.820 --> 00:35:03.900 than 00:35:03.900 --> 00:35:04.160 for a 00:35:04.160 --> 00:35:04.320 rich 00:35:04.320 --> 00:35:04.680 person 00:35:04.680 --> 00:35:05.180 to enter 00:35:05.180 --> 00:35:05.780 the kingdom 00:35:05.780 --> 00:35:06.680 of God 00:35:06.680 --> 00:35:09.480 in Mark's 00:35:09.480 --> 00:35:09.820 account 00:35:09.820 --> 00:35:11.019 in Mark 00:35:11.019 --> 00:35:11.720 chapter 10 00:35:11.720 --> 00:35:12.440 verse 22 00:35:12.440 --> 00:35:13.659 it describes 00:35:13.659 --> 00:35:14.079 this man 00:35:14.079 --> 00:35:14.440 as being 00:35:14.440 --> 00:35:15.179 disheartened 00:35:15.179 --> 00:35:16.079 disheartened 00:35:16.079 --> 00:35:16.460 by the 00:35:16.460 --> 00:35:16.679 saying 00:35:16.679 --> 00:35:16.980 he went 00:35:16.980 --> 00:35:17.320 away 00:35:17.320 --> 00:35:17.960 sorrowful 00:35:17.960 --> 00:35:18.480 for he 00:35:18.480 --> 00:35:18.960 had great 00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:19.480 possessions 00:35:19.480 --> 00:35:20.760 it broke 00:35:20.760 --> 00:35:21.280 his heart 00:35:21.280 --> 00:35:22.119 it crushed 00:35:22.119 --> 00:35:22.420 him 00:35:22.420 --> 00:35:22.920 in his 00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:23.260 spirit 00:35:23.260 --> 00:35:24.360 in Matthew 00:35:24.360 --> 00:35:25.000 chapter 19 00:35:25.000 --> 00:35:25.579 verse 22 00:35:25.579 --> 00:35:25.880 it says 00:35:25.880 --> 00:35:26.139 when the 00:35:26.139 --> 00:35:26.579 young man 00:35:26.579 --> 00:35:27.440 heard this 00:35:27.440 --> 00:35:27.740 he went 00:35:27.740 --> 00:35:27.960 away 00:35:27.960 --> 00:35:28.639 sorrowful 00:35:28.639 --> 00:35:29.099 for he 00:35:29.099 --> 00:35:29.619 had great 00:35:29.619 --> 00:35:30.220 possessions 00:35:30.220 --> 00:35:31.639 in our 00:35:31.639 --> 00:35:32.039 passage 00:35:32.039 --> 00:35:32.860 he became 00:35:32.860 --> 00:35:33.740 very sad 00:35:33.740 --> 00:35:36.119 it's important 00:35:36.119 --> 00:35:36.519 to note 00:35:36.519 --> 00:35:37.940 as one 00:35:37.940 --> 00:35:38.679 commentator 00:35:38.679 --> 00:35:39.139 notes 00:35:39.139 --> 00:35:40.019 sadness 00:35:40.019 --> 00:35:41.400 does not 00:35:41.400 --> 00:35:42.039 always lead 00:35:42.039 --> 00:35:42.480 to repentance 00:35:42.480 --> 00:35:45.300 your sadness 00:35:45.300 --> 00:35:47.179 doesn't 00:35:47.179 --> 00:35:48.400 compare 00:35:48.400 --> 00:35:49.320 or correlate 00:35:49.320 --> 00:35:50.360 to repentance 00:35:50.360 --> 00:35:52.239 you can be 00:35:52.239 --> 00:35:52.539 sad 00:35:52.539 --> 00:35:53.000 you can be 00:35:53.000 --> 00:35:53.259 grieved 00:35:53.259 --> 00:35:53.639 you can be 00:35:53.639 --> 00:35:54.139 sorrowful 00:35:54.139 --> 00:35:55.199 it doesn't 00:35:55.199 --> 00:35:55.500 mean you're 00:35:55.500 --> 00:35:55.759 saved 00:35:55.759 --> 00:35:57.820 because only 00:35:57.820 --> 00:35:59.039 godly sorrow 00:35:59.039 --> 00:35:59.780 produces 00:35:59.780 --> 00:36:00.599 repentance 00:36:00.599 --> 00:36:01.139 and that 00:36:01.139 --> 00:36:01.519 kind of 00:36:01.519 --> 00:36:01.820 sorrow 00:36:01.820 --> 00:36:02.820 is the 00:36:02.820 --> 00:36:03.139 kind of 00:36:03.139 --> 00:36:03.440 sorrow 00:36:03.440 --> 00:36:04.179 that leads 00:36:04.179 --> 00:36:04.699 to turning 00:36:04.699 --> 00:36:05.519 it leads 00:36:05.519 --> 00:36:06.039 to dependence 00:36:06.039 --> 00:36:06.400 it leads 00:36:06.400 --> 00:36:06.940 to trust 00:36:06.940 --> 00:36:07.880 it leads 00:36:07.880 --> 00:36:08.519 to forgiveness 00:36:08.519 --> 00:36:09.539 it leads 00:36:09.539 --> 00:36:10.019 to looking 00:36:10.019 --> 00:36:10.659 to Jesus 00:36:10.659 --> 00:36:11.639 as the only 00:36:11.639 --> 00:36:12.440 way 00:36:12.440 --> 00:36:13.440 for salvation 00:36:13.440 --> 00:36:15.320 recognizing 00:36:15.320 --> 00:36:16.300 one's own 00:36:16.300 --> 00:36:16.900 deficiency 00:36:16.900 --> 00:36:17.980 and looking 00:36:17.980 --> 00:36:18.500 to god 00:36:18.500 --> 00:36:18.980 for help 00:36:18.980 --> 00:36:19.900 sadness 00:36:19.900 --> 00:36:20.659 does not 00:36:20.659 --> 00:36:22.019 always lead 00:36:22.019 --> 00:36:22.659 to repentance 00:36:22.659 --> 00:36:23.599 as we find 00:36:23.599 --> 00:36:23.820 here 00:36:23.820 --> 00:36:27.300 to receive 00:36:27.300 --> 00:36:27.900 the treasure 00:36:27.900 --> 00:36:28.960 he wants 00:36:28.960 --> 00:36:29.440 speaking 00:36:29.440 --> 00:36:30.740 of this 00:36:30.740 --> 00:36:31.139 rich young 00:36:31.139 --> 00:36:31.400 ruler 00:36:31.400 --> 00:36:32.980 to receive 00:36:32.980 --> 00:36:33.460 the treasure 00:36:33.460 --> 00:36:34.000 he wants 00:36:34.000 --> 00:36:34.539 the ruler 00:36:34.539 --> 00:36:35.880 must give up 00:36:35.880 --> 00:36:36.800 the treasure 00:36:36.800 --> 00:36:37.600 he has 00:36:37.600 --> 00:36:40.800 and that's 00:36:40.800 --> 00:36:42.019 true for 00:36:42.019 --> 00:36:42.300 every one 00:36:42.300 --> 00:36:42.480 of us 00:36:42.480 --> 00:36:42.840 in the room 00:36:42.840 --> 00:36:44.940 if we want 00:36:44.940 --> 00:36:45.539 to enjoy 00:36:45.539 --> 00:36:46.680 and experience 00:36:46.680 --> 00:36:47.560 the treasure 00:36:47.560 --> 00:36:48.060 of god 00:36:48.060 --> 00:36:49.539 we need 00:36:49.539 --> 00:36:49.960 to be willing 00:36:49.960 --> 00:36:50.720 to lay down 00:36:50.720 --> 00:36:51.740 whatever earthly 00:36:51.740 --> 00:36:52.240 treasures 00:36:52.240 --> 00:36:53.180 we have here 00:36:53.180 --> 00:36:54.340 give them 00:36:54.340 --> 00:36:55.140 over to god 00:36:55.140 --> 00:36:56.000 with an open 00:36:56.000 --> 00:36:56.460 hand 00:36:56.460 --> 00:36:57.620 entrust them 00:36:57.620 --> 00:36:58.160 to him 00:36:58.160 --> 00:36:58.880 so we can 00:36:58.880 --> 00:36:59.480 enjoy 00:36:59.480 --> 00:37:00.539 a life 00:37:00.539 --> 00:37:01.700 of confidence 00:37:01.700 --> 00:37:02.620 and faith 00:37:02.620 --> 00:37:03.300 and trust 00:37:03.300 --> 00:37:03.740 in him 00:37:03.740 --> 00:37:04.700 that he 00:37:04.700 --> 00:37:05.539 can show 00:37:05.539 --> 00:37:06.340 through even 00:37:06.340 --> 00:37:07.280 great trials 00:37:07.280 --> 00:37:07.820 that he's 00:37:07.820 --> 00:37:08.300 dependable 00:37:08.300 --> 00:37:11.019 that's what 00:37:11.019 --> 00:37:11.780 the christian 00:37:11.780 --> 00:37:12.620 life is 00:37:12.620 --> 00:37:13.120 intended to 00:37:13.120 --> 00:37:13.579 produce in 00:37:13.579 --> 00:37:13.840 us 00:37:13.840 --> 00:37:14.940 a life of 00:37:14.940 --> 00:37:15.380 dependence 00:37:15.380 --> 00:37:16.820 not a life 00:37:16.820 --> 00:37:17.160 of self 00:37:17.160 --> 00:37:17.640 reliance 00:37:17.640 --> 00:37:18.940 jesus 00:37:18.940 --> 00:37:19.680 confronts 00:37:19.680 --> 00:37:20.200 this man 00:37:20.200 --> 00:37:21.000 because no 00:37:21.000 --> 00:37:21.440 one can 00:37:21.440 --> 00:37:21.780 save 00:37:21.780 --> 00:37:22.220 themselves 00:37:22.220 --> 00:37:22.740 and then 00:37:22.740 --> 00:37:23.300 he turns 00:37:23.300 --> 00:37:23.880 in verse 00:37:23.880 --> 00:37:24.420 26 and 00:37:24.420 --> 00:37:24.920 27 00:37:24.920 --> 00:37:26.200 to demonstrate 00:37:26.200 --> 00:37:27.160 once again 00:37:27.160 --> 00:37:28.100 god alone 00:37:28.100 --> 00:37:28.700 can save 00:37:28.700 --> 00:37:29.539 he is the 00:37:29.539 --> 00:37:29.900 god who 00:37:29.900 --> 00:37:30.260 saves 00:37:30.260 --> 00:37:33.100 verse 26 00:37:33.100 --> 00:37:34.080 those who 00:37:34.080 --> 00:37:34.420 heard it 00:37:34.420 --> 00:37:34.720 said 00:37:34.720 --> 00:37:35.580 who then 00:37:35.580 --> 00:37:35.860 can be 00:37:35.860 --> 00:37:36.220 saved 00:37:36.220 --> 00:37:37.240 but he 00:37:37.240 --> 00:37:37.540 said 00:37:37.540 --> 00:37:38.700 the things 00:37:38.700 --> 00:37:39.120 which are 00:37:39.120 --> 00:37:39.600 impossible 00:37:39.600 --> 00:37:40.220 with men 00:37:40.220 --> 00:37:41.360 are possible 00:37:41.360 --> 00:37:42.280 with god 00:37:42.280 --> 00:37:44.520 christ's 00:37:44.520 --> 00:37:45.220 response to 00:37:45.220 --> 00:37:45.900 this situation 00:37:45.900 --> 00:37:47.320 of course 00:37:47.320 --> 00:37:48.300 shattered their 00:37:48.300 --> 00:37:49.280 conventional wisdom 00:37:49.280 --> 00:37:50.160 in their minds 00:37:50.160 --> 00:37:51.000 they felt as 00:37:51.000 --> 00:37:51.720 though this 00:37:51.720 --> 00:37:52.280 rich man 00:37:52.280 --> 00:37:52.840 had it all 00:37:52.840 --> 00:37:53.200 together 00:37:53.200 --> 00:37:54.080 he was the 00:37:54.080 --> 00:37:55.220 picture of 00:37:55.220 --> 00:37:55.940 god's favor 00:37:55.940 --> 00:37:56.640 and blessing 00:37:56.640 --> 00:37:57.420 on his life 00:37:57.420 --> 00:37:58.320 and he was 00:37:58.320 --> 00:37:58.800 a person 00:37:58.800 --> 00:37:59.400 who was 00:37:59.400 --> 00:38:00.180 devout 00:38:00.180 --> 00:38:00.680 at least 00:38:00.680 --> 00:38:01.700 externally 00:38:01.700 --> 00:38:02.599 in every 00:38:02.599 --> 00:38:02.920 way 00:38:02.920 --> 00:38:03.720 certainly 00:38:03.720 --> 00:38:04.539 this man 00:38:04.539 --> 00:38:04.820 is going 00:38:04.820 --> 00:38:05.159 to heaven 00:38:05.159 --> 00:38:09.019 but what 00:38:09.019 --> 00:38:09.380 this man 00:38:09.380 --> 00:38:09.740 could not 00:38:09.740 --> 00:38:10.300 understand 00:38:10.300 --> 00:38:10.800 is that 00:38:10.800 --> 00:38:11.260 it didn't 00:38:11.260 --> 00:38:11.680 depend on 00:38:11.680 --> 00:38:11.880 him 00:38:11.880 --> 00:38:13.220 his riches 00:38:13.220 --> 00:38:14.559 his goodness 00:38:14.559 --> 00:38:15.940 his supposed 00:38:15.940 --> 00:38:16.900 goodness 00:38:16.900 --> 00:38:18.240 his position 00:38:18.240 --> 00:38:19.000 in the 00:38:19.000 --> 00:38:19.480 community 00:38:19.480 --> 00:38:20.320 the apparent 00:38:20.320 --> 00:38:21.400 favor of 00:38:21.400 --> 00:38:21.940 god on 00:38:21.940 --> 00:38:22.639 his life 00:38:22.639 --> 00:38:23.519 was only 00:38:23.519 --> 00:38:24.159 a barrier 00:38:24.159 --> 00:38:25.039 was just 00:38:25.039 --> 00:38:25.900 an obstacle 00:38:25.900 --> 00:38:26.659 to true 00:38:26.659 --> 00:38:27.240 conversion 00:38:27.239 --> 00:38:27.919 because he 00:38:27.919 --> 00:38:28.519 was depending 00:38:28.519 --> 00:38:29.719 on that 00:38:29.719 --> 00:38:30.359 rather than 00:38:30.359 --> 00:38:30.839 depending 00:38:30.839 --> 00:38:31.559 on god 00:38:31.559 --> 00:38:36.479 luke chapter 00:38:36.479 --> 00:38:37.019 12 verse 00:38:37.019 --> 00:38:37.719 21 says 00:38:37.719 --> 00:38:38.179 the one 00:38:38.179 --> 00:38:39.099 who lays 00:38:39.099 --> 00:38:39.799 up treasure 00:38:39.799 --> 00:38:40.679 for himself 00:38:40.679 --> 00:38:41.879 is not 00:38:41.879 --> 00:38:42.419 rich 00:38:42.419 --> 00:38:43.199 towards god 00:38:43.199 --> 00:38:46.559 do we see 00:38:46.559 --> 00:38:47.079 our wealth 00:38:47.079 --> 00:38:47.819 as an opportunity 00:38:47.819 --> 00:38:48.599 for generosity 00:38:48.599 --> 00:38:50.659 do we see 00:38:50.659 --> 00:38:51.099 our 00:38:51.099 --> 00:38:53.339 our resources 00:38:53.339 --> 00:38:55.159 as a means 00:38:55.159 --> 00:38:55.979 of growing 00:38:55.980 --> 00:38:57.360 in faith 00:38:57.360 --> 00:38:57.840 in god 00:38:57.840 --> 00:38:59.219 as a 00:38:59.219 --> 00:38:59.820 stewardship 00:38:59.820 --> 00:39:00.460 and a 00:39:00.460 --> 00:39:00.800 means of 00:39:00.800 --> 00:39:01.539 strengthening 00:39:01.539 --> 00:39:02.519 relationship 00:39:02.519 --> 00:39:03.099 with other 00:39:03.099 --> 00:39:03.619 believers 00:39:03.619 --> 00:39:03.940 that god 00:39:03.940 --> 00:39:04.519 has put us 00:39:04.519 --> 00:39:05.119 in community 00:39:05.119 --> 00:39:05.519 with 00:39:05.519 --> 00:39:06.559 are we 00:39:06.559 --> 00:39:07.480 recognizing 00:39:07.480 --> 00:39:07.980 that all 00:39:07.980 --> 00:39:08.260 of the 00:39:08.260 --> 00:39:08.719 blessings 00:39:08.719 --> 00:39:09.420 that god 00:39:09.420 --> 00:39:09.820 has given 00:39:09.820 --> 00:39:10.300 to us 00:39:10.300 --> 00:39:10.719 through 00:39:10.719 --> 00:39:11.519 financial 00:39:11.519 --> 00:39:12.340 wealth 00:39:12.340 --> 00:39:13.139 is a 00:39:13.139 --> 00:39:13.760 means by 00:39:13.760 --> 00:39:14.500 which we 00:39:14.500 --> 00:39:15.159 can grow 00:39:15.159 --> 00:39:15.619 in faith 00:39:15.619 --> 00:39:15.980 in him 00:39:15.980 --> 00:39:17.820 and by 00:39:17.820 --> 00:39:18.260 the way 00:39:18.260 --> 00:39:21.719 from the 00:39:21.719 --> 00:39:22.199 standpoint 00:39:22.199 --> 00:39:23.119 of where 00:39:23.119 --> 00:39:23.940 we stand 00:39:23.940 --> 00:39:24.900 as a 00:39:24.900 --> 00:39:25.320 people 00:39:25.320 --> 00:39:26.300 in America 00:39:26.300 --> 00:39:27.159 in relation 00:39:27.159 --> 00:39:27.699 to the rest 00:39:27.699 --> 00:39:28.079 of the world 00:39:28.079 --> 00:39:29.059 I just did 00:39:29.059 --> 00:39:29.820 this quick 00:39:29.820 --> 00:39:31.619 survey 00:39:31.619 --> 00:39:33.519 if your 00:39:33.519 --> 00:39:34.980 combined 00:39:34.980 --> 00:39:35.759 household 00:39:35.759 --> 00:39:36.259 income 00:39:36.259 --> 00:39:37.099 is 00:39:37.099 --> 00:39:37.859 $50,000 00:39:37.859 --> 00:39:39.139 and my 00:39:39.139 --> 00:39:39.500 guess is 00:39:39.500 --> 00:39:40.039 that most 00:39:40.039 --> 00:39:40.440 everyone 00:39:40.440 --> 00:39:40.759 in this 00:39:40.759 --> 00:39:41.000 room 00:39:41.000 --> 00:39:42.099 is about 00:39:42.099 --> 00:39:42.880 almost 00:39:42.880 --> 00:39:43.119 there 00:39:43.119 --> 00:39:44.400 and you 00:39:44.400 --> 00:39:45.699 have a 00:39:45.699 --> 00:39:46.099 house 00:39:46.099 --> 00:39:48.079 $50,000 00:39:48.079 --> 00:39:48.940 and you 00:39:48.940 --> 00:39:49.159 have a 00:39:49.159 --> 00:39:49.440 house 00:39:49.440 --> 00:39:50.199 then you 00:39:50.199 --> 00:39:50.519 are in 00:39:50.519 --> 00:39:51.099 the top 00:39:51.099 --> 00:39:52.099 10% 00:39:52.099 --> 00:39:52.900 of the 00:39:52.900 --> 00:39:53.199 world's 00:39:53.199 --> 00:39:53.659 richest 00:39:53.659 --> 00:39:54.019 people 00:39:54.019 --> 00:39:57.980 we are 00:39:57.980 --> 00:39:58.579 a rich 00:39:58.579 --> 00:40:00.259 nation 00:40:00.260 --> 00:40:02.840 and so 00:40:02.840 --> 00:40:03.740 it's 00:40:03.740 --> 00:40:04.100 incumbent 00:40:04.100 --> 00:40:04.800 upon us 00:40:04.800 --> 00:40:05.880 as 00:40:05.880 --> 00:40:06.680 those 00:40:06.680 --> 00:40:07.480 who are 00:40:07.480 --> 00:40:07.880 putting our 00:40:07.880 --> 00:40:08.220 faith in 00:40:08.220 --> 00:40:08.380 God 00:40:08.380 --> 00:40:09.100 to demonstrate 00:40:09.100 --> 00:40:09.440 our 00:40:09.440 --> 00:40:10.400 dependence 00:40:10.400 --> 00:40:11.040 upon 00:40:11.040 --> 00:40:11.440 God 00:40:11.440 --> 00:40:12.520 the 00:40:12.520 --> 00:40:13.680 responsibility 00:40:13.680 --> 00:40:14.300 and the 00:40:14.300 --> 00:40:14.700 accountability 00:40:14.700 --> 00:40:15.320 we have 00:40:15.320 --> 00:40:16.480 is that 00:40:16.480 --> 00:40:16.920 much more 00:40:16.920 --> 00:40:18.140 finally 00:40:18.140 --> 00:40:19.560 in verses 00:40:19.560 --> 00:40:20.100 28 and 00:40:20.100 --> 00:40:20.360 30 00:40:20.360 --> 00:40:21.980 we recognize 00:40:21.980 --> 00:40:22.800 that the 00:40:22.800 --> 00:40:23.660 dependence on 00:40:23.660 --> 00:40:24.220 God leads 00:40:24.220 --> 00:40:24.960 to great 00:40:24.960 --> 00:40:25.880 reward 00:40:25.880 --> 00:40:27.060 that it's 00:40:27.060 --> 00:40:27.840 not empty 00:40:27.840 --> 00:40:28.780 that we're 00:40:28.780 --> 00:40:29.480 not laying 00:40:29.480 --> 00:40:30.040 down 00:40:30.039 --> 00:40:31.579 the things 00:40:31.579 --> 00:40:31.940 that we 00:40:31.940 --> 00:40:32.360 have 00:40:32.360 --> 00:40:33.219 and turning 00:40:33.219 --> 00:40:33.659 them over 00:40:33.659 --> 00:40:34.179 to God 00:40:34.179 --> 00:40:35.699 in a way 00:40:35.699 --> 00:40:36.300 that doesn't 00:40:36.300 --> 00:40:37.599 have great 00:40:37.599 --> 00:40:38.380 benefits to 00:40:38.380 --> 00:40:38.699 us 00:40:38.699 --> 00:40:39.420 all throughout 00:40:39.420 --> 00:40:40.139 the gospels 00:40:40.139 --> 00:40:40.779 Jesus is 00:40:40.779 --> 00:40:41.340 commending 00:40:41.340 --> 00:40:42.259 laying up 00:40:42.259 --> 00:40:42.900 treasures for 00:40:42.900 --> 00:40:43.500 ourselves in 00:40:43.500 --> 00:40:43.800 heaven 00:40:43.800 --> 00:40:45.059 but not just 00:40:45.059 --> 00:40:45.800 what happens 00:40:45.800 --> 00:40:46.159 there 00:40:46.159 --> 00:40:46.900 what we find 00:40:46.900 --> 00:40:47.139 in our 00:40:47.139 --> 00:40:47.599 passages 00:40:47.599 --> 00:40:48.219 there are 00:40:48.219 --> 00:40:48.599 benefits 00:40:48.599 --> 00:40:48.860 in the 00:40:48.860 --> 00:40:49.099 here and 00:40:49.099 --> 00:40:49.400 now 00:40:49.400 --> 00:40:50.279 notice 00:40:50.279 --> 00:40:51.619 verse 28 00:40:51.619 --> 00:40:52.719 and Peter 00:40:52.719 --> 00:40:53.360 said see 00:40:53.360 --> 00:40:54.380 we have 00:40:54.380 --> 00:40:54.739 left our 00:40:54.739 --> 00:40:55.239 homes and 00:40:55.239 --> 00:40:55.779 followed you 00:40:55.779 --> 00:40:57.539 and he said 00:40:57.539 --> 00:40:57.980 to them 00:40:57.980 --> 00:40:58.940 truly I say 00:40:58.940 --> 00:40:59.340 to you 00:40:59.340 --> 00:41:00.500 there is no 00:41:00.500 --> 00:41:01.200 one who 00:41:01.200 --> 00:41:01.600 has left 00:41:01.600 --> 00:41:02.300 house or 00:41:02.300 --> 00:41:02.900 wife or 00:41:02.900 --> 00:41:03.460 brother or 00:41:03.460 --> 00:41:03.920 parent or 00:41:03.920 --> 00:41:04.840 child for 00:41:04.840 --> 00:41:05.420 the sake of 00:41:05.420 --> 00:41:05.780 the kingdom 00:41:05.780 --> 00:41:06.260 of God 00:41:06.260 --> 00:41:06.940 who will 00:41:06.940 --> 00:41:07.880 not receive 00:41:07.880 --> 00:41:08.840 many times 00:41:08.840 --> 00:41:09.500 more in 00:41:09.500 --> 00:41:10.100 this time 00:41:10.100 --> 00:41:11.260 and in 00:41:11.260 --> 00:41:12.039 the age to 00:41:12.039 --> 00:41:12.440 come 00:41:12.440 --> 00:41:13.079 eternal 00:41:13.079 --> 00:41:13.880 life 00:41:13.880 --> 00:41:16.079 there are 00:41:16.079 --> 00:41:16.620 benefits 00:41:16.620 --> 00:41:17.280 in the 00:41:17.280 --> 00:41:17.539 here and 00:41:17.539 --> 00:41:17.740 now 00:41:17.740 --> 00:41:18.920 for 00:41:18.920 --> 00:41:19.380 dependence 00:41:19.380 --> 00:41:19.980 on God 00:41:19.980 --> 00:41:20.780 and not 00:41:20.780 --> 00:41:21.660 just what 00:41:21.660 --> 00:41:22.340 we gain 00:41:22.340 --> 00:41:23.200 in terms 00:41:23.200 --> 00:41:24.180 of relationship 00:41:24.180 --> 00:41:24.760 with him 00:41:24.760 --> 00:41:25.760 and intimacy 00:41:25.760 --> 00:41:26.700 and seeing 00:41:26.700 --> 00:41:27.460 his faithfulness 00:41:27.460 --> 00:41:28.320 and growing 00:41:28.320 --> 00:41:28.920 in our 00:41:28.920 --> 00:41:29.340 walk 00:41:29.340 --> 00:41:29.800 with him 00:41:29.800 --> 00:41:30.880 but just 00:41:30.880 --> 00:41:31.639 look around 00:41:31.639 --> 00:41:33.139 look around 00:41:33.139 --> 00:41:33.579 at how 00:41:33.579 --> 00:41:34.420 your family 00:41:34.420 --> 00:41:35.519 has grown 00:41:35.519 --> 00:41:36.679 because of 00:41:36.679 --> 00:41:37.400 what Christ 00:41:37.400 --> 00:41:38.179 has accomplished 00:41:38.179 --> 00:41:39.059 in making 00:41:39.059 --> 00:41:39.960 us one 00:41:39.960 --> 00:41:41.139 together 00:41:41.139 --> 00:41:42.599 and this is 00:41:42.599 --> 00:41:43.099 what Jesus 00:41:43.099 --> 00:41:43.900 draws attention 00:41:43.900 --> 00:41:44.260 to 00:41:44.260 --> 00:41:45.159 his mother 00:41:45.159 --> 00:41:45.699 and brothers 00:41:45.699 --> 00:41:46.119 came 00:41:46.119 --> 00:41:47.360 to visit 00:41:47.360 --> 00:41:47.659 him 00:41:47.659 --> 00:41:48.119 and he says 00:41:48.119 --> 00:41:48.480 in Luke 00:41:48.480 --> 00:41:48.960 chapter 8 00:41:48.960 --> 00:41:49.539 verse 21 00:41:49.539 --> 00:41:49.920 he says 00:41:49.920 --> 00:41:50.220 this 00:41:50.220 --> 00:41:50.960 he answered 00:41:50.960 --> 00:41:51.260 them 00:41:51.260 --> 00:41:52.079 my mother 00:41:52.079 --> 00:41:52.619 and my 00:41:52.619 --> 00:41:53.039 brothers 00:41:53.039 --> 00:41:53.679 are those 00:41:53.679 --> 00:41:54.400 who hear 00:41:54.400 --> 00:41:54.960 the word 00:41:54.960 --> 00:41:55.519 of God 00:41:55.519 --> 00:41:56.179 and do 00:41:56.179 --> 00:41:56.519 it 00:41:56.519 --> 00:41:58.440 whatever 00:41:58.440 --> 00:41:59.260 sacrifices 00:41:59.260 --> 00:42:00.159 you make 00:42:00.159 --> 00:42:00.500 for the 00:42:00.500 --> 00:42:00.820 sake 00:42:00.820 --> 00:42:01.440 of the 00:42:01.440 --> 00:42:01.760 kingdom 00:42:01.760 --> 00:42:02.340 today 00:42:02.340 --> 00:42:03.780 are petty 00:42:03.780 --> 00:42:04.780 compared 00:42:04.780 --> 00:42:05.720 to the 00:42:05.720 --> 00:42:06.860 all surpassing 00:42:06.860 --> 00:42:07.480 glory 00:42:07.480 --> 00:42:08.139 of God 00:42:08.139 --> 00:42:08.760 and the 00:42:08.760 --> 00:42:09.159 wonder 00:42:09.159 --> 00:42:09.500 of what 00:42:09.500 --> 00:42:09.760 God 00:42:09.760 --> 00:42:10.320 has offered 00:42:10.320 --> 00:42:10.860 to us 00:42:10.860 --> 00:42:11.420 through 00:42:11.420 --> 00:42:12.039 the company 00:42:12.039 --> 00:42:12.420 of his 00:42:12.420 --> 00:42:13.380 saints 00:42:13.380 --> 00:42:15.019 through the 00:42:15.019 --> 00:42:15.320 fellowship 00:42:15.320 --> 00:42:15.639 that we 00:42:15.639 --> 00:42:16.039 enjoy 00:42:16.039 --> 00:42:17.539 through the 00:42:17.539 --> 00:42:18.340 giving 00:42:18.340 --> 00:42:19.159 and receiving 00:42:19.159 --> 00:42:20.260 that happens 00:42:20.260 --> 00:42:20.820 among 00:42:20.820 --> 00:42:21.420 believers 00:42:21.420 --> 00:42:22.220 as they 00:42:22.220 --> 00:42:22.820 are investing 00:42:22.820 --> 00:42:23.639 in one 00:42:23.639 --> 00:42:23.980 another 00:42:23.980 --> 00:42:25.019 and sharing 00:42:25.019 --> 00:42:26.000 with one 00:42:26.000 --> 00:42:26.179 another 00:42:26.179 --> 00:42:27.079 and encouraging 00:42:27.079 --> 00:42:28.480 and shepherding 00:42:28.480 --> 00:42:29.420 and helping 00:42:29.420 --> 00:42:31.500 the benefits 00:42:31.500 --> 00:42:33.000 that we enjoy 00:42:33.000 --> 00:42:34.280 in the economy 00:42:34.280 --> 00:42:34.659 that God 00:42:34.659 --> 00:42:35.159 has created 00:42:35.159 --> 00:42:36.719 through salvation 00:42:36.719 --> 00:42:37.539 that draws 00:42:37.539 --> 00:42:38.159 us in 00:42:38.159 --> 00:42:38.740 together 00:42:38.740 --> 00:42:39.519 and makes 00:42:39.519 --> 00:42:40.039 us one 00:42:40.039 --> 00:42:40.740 through Christ 00:42:40.740 --> 00:42:41.840 what a 00:42:41.840 --> 00:42:42.260 blessing 00:42:42.260 --> 00:42:43.740 nothing is 00:42:43.740 --> 00:42:44.159 lost 00:42:44.159 --> 00:42:45.000 everything 00:42:45.000 --> 00:42:45.679 is gained 00:42:45.679 --> 00:42:47.219 are we 00:42:47.219 --> 00:42:47.420 going to be 00:42:47.420 --> 00:42:47.800 those 00:42:47.800 --> 00:42:48.460 who are 00:42:48.460 --> 00:42:48.719 willing 00:42:48.719 --> 00:42:49.420 to walk 00:42:49.420 --> 00:42:50.579 in dependence 00:42:50.579 --> 00:42:51.460 day by 00:42:51.460 --> 00:42:51.719 day 00:42:51.719 --> 00:42:53.260 trusting 00:42:53.260 --> 00:42:53.719 in God 00:42:53.719 --> 00:42:54.119 for the 00:42:54.119 --> 00:42:54.719 daily bread 00:42:54.719 --> 00:42:55.759 willing 00:42:55.759 --> 00:42:56.319 to give 00:42:56.319 --> 00:42:57.579 God 00:42:57.579 --> 00:42:57.959 with an 00:42:57.959 --> 00:42:58.480 open hand 00:42:58.480 --> 00:42:58.899 saying 00:42:58.899 --> 00:42:59.739 whatever 00:42:59.739 --> 00:43:00.259 I have 00:43:00.259 --> 00:43:00.419 Lord 00:43:00.419 --> 00:43:00.939 it belongs 00:43:00.939 --> 00:43:01.459 to you 00:43:01.459 --> 00:43:02.579 help me 00:43:02.579 --> 00:43:02.959 to use 00:43:02.959 --> 00:43:03.119 it 00:43:03.119 --> 00:43:03.439 and help 00:43:03.439 --> 00:43:03.699 me to 00:43:03.699 --> 00:43:04.059 grow 00:43:04.059 --> 00:43:05.379 in my 00:43:05.379 --> 00:43:05.779 dependence 00:43:05.779 --> 00:43:06.439 on you 00:43:06.439 --> 00:43:07.459 through 00:43:07.459 --> 00:43:07.739 my 00:43:07.739 --> 00:43:08.219 stewardship 00:43:08.219 --> 00:43:09.659 and through 00:43:09.659 --> 00:43:10.039 blessing 00:43:10.039 --> 00:43:10.579 those around 00:43:10.579 --> 00:43:10.799 me 00:43:10.799 --> 00:43:11.879 may I 00:43:11.879 --> 00:43:12.539 demonstrate 00:43:12.539 --> 00:43:13.059 through my 00:43:13.059 --> 00:43:13.399 life 00:43:13.399 --> 00:43:14.500 that you 00:43:14.500 --> 00:43:15.059 are faithful 00:43:15.059 --> 00:43:15.779 and dependable 00:43:15.779 --> 00:43:16.719 you are 00:43:16.719 --> 00:43:17.139 trustworthy 00:43:17.139 --> 00:43:18.259 may the 00:43:18.259 --> 00:43:19.079 gospel shine 00:43:19.079 --> 00:43:20.019 through us 00:43:20.019 --> 00:43:21.179 as we depend 00:43:21.179 --> 00:43:21.559 on him 00:43:21.559 --> 00:43:22.099 this way 00:43:22.099 --> 00:43:22.599 let's pray 00:43:22.599 --> 00:43:27.000 Lord 00:43:27.000 --> 00:43:27.480 thank you 00:43:27.480 --> 00:43:28.920 for the 00:43:28.920 --> 00:43:29.460 times that you 00:43:29.460 --> 00:43:30.099 put your 00:43:30.099 --> 00:43:30.839 finger in our 00:43:30.839 --> 00:43:31.219 chest 00:43:31.219 --> 00:43:32.619 and you 00:43:32.619 --> 00:43:33.119 help us 00:43:33.119 --> 00:43:33.880 to understand 00:43:33.880 --> 00:43:35.019 that the 00:43:35.019 --> 00:43:35.599 truths that are 00:43:35.599 --> 00:43:35.980 there are 00:43:35.980 --> 00:43:36.659 inescapable 00:43:36.659 --> 00:43:38.880 and really 00:43:38.880 --> 00:43:39.659 as we come 00:43:39.659 --> 00:43:40.039 to this 00:43:40.039 --> 00:43:40.539 passage 00:43:40.539 --> 00:43:41.279 we all 00:43:41.279 --> 00:43:41.960 walk away 00:43:41.960 --> 00:43:42.519 coming to 00:43:42.519 --> 00:43:43.239 realize that 00:43:43.239 --> 00:43:43.719 we're not a 00:43:43.719 --> 00:43:44.019 whole lot 00:43:44.019 --> 00:43:44.380 different 00:43:44.380 --> 00:43:45.019 from this 00:43:45.019 --> 00:43:45.380 rich young 00:43:45.380 --> 00:43:45.699 ruler 00:43:45.699 --> 00:43:47.319 in that 00:43:47.319 --> 00:43:48.259 we 00:43:48.259 --> 00:43:49.219 struggle 00:43:49.219 --> 00:43:49.719 with the 00:43:49.719 --> 00:43:50.219 idea 00:43:50.219 --> 00:43:51.379 of living 00:43:51.379 --> 00:43:51.739 with an 00:43:51.739 --> 00:43:52.279 open hand 00:43:52.279 --> 00:43:53.299 of entrusting 00:43:53.299 --> 00:43:53.919 our resources 00:43:53.919 --> 00:43:54.439 to you 00:43:54.439 --> 00:43:55.399 how radical 00:43:55.399 --> 00:43:56.239 how even 00:43:56.239 --> 00:43:56.779 reckless 00:43:56.779 --> 00:43:57.759 it may seem 00:43:57.759 --> 00:43:58.599 to sell 00:43:58.599 --> 00:43:59.199 our possessions 00:43:59.199 --> 00:44:00.099 and give 00:44:00.099 --> 00:44:00.719 to the poor 00:44:00.719 --> 00:44:01.819 that's not 00:44:01.819 --> 00:44:02.559 good stewardship 00:44:02.559 --> 00:44:05.119 Lord help us 00:44:05.119 --> 00:44:06.299 to understand 00:44:06.299 --> 00:44:07.579 what you're 00:44:07.579 --> 00:44:08.059 calling us 00:44:08.059 --> 00:44:08.299 to 00:44:08.299 --> 00:44:09.559 help us 00:44:09.559 --> 00:44:10.259 to understand 00:44:10.259 --> 00:44:11.559 the delicate 00:44:11.559 --> 00:44:12.340 balance between 00:44:12.340 --> 00:44:12.980 stewardship 00:44:12.980 --> 00:44:13.799 and faith 00:44:13.799 --> 00:44:15.059 and how using 00:44:15.059 --> 00:44:15.759 those resources 00:44:15.759 --> 00:44:16.239 that you've 00:44:16.239 --> 00:44:17.139 entrusted to us 00:44:17.139 --> 00:44:18.199 is a means 00:44:18.199 --> 00:44:18.759 by which we 00:44:18.759 --> 00:44:19.159 can bless 00:44:19.159 --> 00:44:19.500 others 00:44:19.500 --> 00:44:20.119 but also 00:44:20.119 --> 00:44:20.980 a means 00:44:20.980 --> 00:44:21.639 by which 00:44:21.639 --> 00:44:22.179 we can 00:44:22.179 --> 00:44:22.480 grow 00:44:22.480 --> 00:44:23.179 ourselves 00:44:23.179 --> 00:44:24.159 in dependence 00:44:24.159 --> 00:44:24.639 upon 00:44:24.639 --> 00:44:25.799 the one 00:44:25.799 --> 00:44:26.019 who will 00:44:26.019 --> 00:44:26.400 never let 00:44:26.400 --> 00:44:26.820 us down 00:44:26.820 --> 00:44:28.259 the God 00:44:28.259 --> 00:44:28.480 who is 00:44:28.480 --> 00:44:28.739 good 00:44:28.739 --> 00:44:29.019 and the 00:44:29.019 --> 00:44:29.159 God 00:44:29.159 --> 00:44:29.639 who saves 00:44:29.639 --> 00:44:32.519 make that 00:44:32.519 --> 00:44:32.940 picture 00:44:32.940 --> 00:44:34.299 ever more 00:44:34.299 --> 00:44:34.759 present 00:44:34.759 --> 00:44:35.559 press 00:44:35.559 --> 00:44:36.359 yourself 00:44:36.359 --> 00:44:37.599 your image 00:44:37.599 --> 00:44:38.219 into our 00:44:38.219 --> 00:44:38.539 life 00:44:38.539 --> 00:44:39.339 we pray 00:44:39.339 --> 00:44:39.679 in Jesus 00:44:39.679 --> 00:44:40.059 name 00:44:40.059 --> 00:44:40.619 amen 00:44:40.619 --> 00:44:41.699 God bless 00:44:41.699 --> 00:44:41.839 you 00:44:41.839 --> 00:44:42.299 have a great 00:44:42.299 --> 00:44:42.500 week