Riches or Heaven

N.T.#619 "Riches or Heaven"

August 25, 2025

Luke 18-Part 4 

LET IT GLOW

Beginning in verse 18, Jesus did not tell another parable here. He spoke to a ruler who wondered what he had to do in order to inherit eternal life. That, my friend, is a serious question. What was standing in the way for this guy?

What kind of guy was he?

• He was a rich young ruler, who remained nameless by Luke.
• He called Jesus, Good Master. So he must have heard about Jesus.
• He kept the commandments sins his youth up. (verse 21)
• He had not committed adultery; had not killed; did not steal; had not bore false witness; honored his parents. A good guy, don't you think?
• Yet Jesus knew he lacked one thing-able to let go of his money, sell everything, give it away to the poor, and follow Jesus.

Here was a good 'ole boy, as we call them in my area. Something usually stands in the way of a person coming to Christ. It may be pride position, family, friends, a particular sin, or even wealth.  (Falwell)

The man went away very sorrowful. You see, Jesus saw into the man's heart and knew his weakness. He knew the guy loved his money more than anything and everything. He couldn't put God first by sacrificing his worldly treasure. He had to choose between God and his money, so the young man chose money. How sad.

Would you pass this test?

LET IT GROW

How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God. (verse 24)

Do we trust in God's provision or in our own provision? God owns everything, the hills, and even the cattle on the hills.

The road we take to get to our church passes through many beautiful rolling hills. a farmer has cattle grazing on them. There are ponds in the lower parts where the hills meet. It is such a pretty farm. I wonder if he knows how rich he is. I hope his riches do not separate him and God.

It is hard for a rich person to consider himself poor in spiritual matters while he is rich in wealth and material possessions. We all need Jesus as our Savior. then we become rich, too.

Are you rich in faith, love, peace, mercy?

LET IT GO

When we die, we can't take anything with us but our soul. 

Where will your soul spend eternity?

Will you choose riches or heaven?