Letting Go

N.T.#231 "Letting Go" 

Jan. 25, 2024 

Matthew 19-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

 The Jews regarded material prosperity as a mark of divine favor, possessing riches as a kind of virtue, so it is not surprising that the rich young ruler was astonished that he lacked what it took for him to go to heaven. Here the guy was standing in front of the One perfect man and he claims to have kept all the Commandments. Really guy? What was his problem? Doing the right good deeds and avoiding certain sins did not meet the requirement. He might as well have thrown away his check list of good deeds. It was the man's source of pride, power, self-confidence in his riches and sins that blocked his way on the right path of righteousness. He was clinging to those possessions and money, not able to let go of them in order to love his poor neighbor. Maybe it was his social position that he was unwilling to part with.

The guy should have admitted to being a sinner in need of salvation in Jesus Christ. He needed God's mercy. but he couldn't do it and walked away grieved, on the wrong path. Had he tried to talk his way into heaven? He thought he was only 1 good deed away from the kingdom of heaven, but it was out of his reach. He wasn't willing to totally sacrifice and completely surrender all.

Which path are we on today? Are we walking by faith in Jesus, following Him or living for self on the wrong worldly path? We have to do it all God's way. It only take mustard seed sized faith.

LET IT GROW

 What did Jesus tell His disciples? Verse 23 tells us: 

• A rich man can hardly enter the kingdom of God. Hardly means impracticably (incapable of being performed). The rich are often trust in and are attached in their wealth. Their thoughts are consumed by worldly treasures.
• It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needly than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. We know it is impossible to squeeze a large camel through the eye of a tiny needle. We can't strip ourself of our pride and work our way to heaven.
• Who can be saved? It is impossible for men to do it on their own, Salvation is impossible by human effort. It is God's grace through faith in Jesus that provides salvation. With God all things are possible. (verse 26)

Eternal life can't be earned and can't be bought. It can only be received by grace alone through faith in Christ alone. (Eph. 2:8-9) A rich person and a poor person both must humble themself to come to a perfect God. We are told to lay up treasures in heaven that cannot be destroyed, stolen, or lost. (6:20) Disciples of Jesus are not to pursue the things that unbelievers treasure. Doing so will keep them from getting their full rewards. Yet, if we give all our goods to feed the poor, and have not love, then it profits us nothing. 

No one will be declared righteous in (God's) sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. (Romans 3:20)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

LET IT GO

Help us let go of the worldly things and cling to You, Jesus.

May we let go of what is keeping us from surrendering all to You.

In Christ alone is my hope and life.