What steps can we take to prioritize eternal life over earthly riches? Encounter with Wealth: Mark 10:22 “But he was saddened by this word and went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.” (Mark 10:22) Why Riches So Easily Eclipse Eternity • Riches promise security now (Proverbs 18:11) • They capture the heart’s allegiance (Matthew 6:24) • Abundance can dull urgency for salvation (Revelation 3:17) • Possessions are fleeting; souls are not (1 John 2:17) Practical Steps to Put Eternal Life First • Treasure Christ above all – Philippians 3:7-8: count earthly gain “loss” compared with knowing Him. • Hold possessions loosely – 1 Corinthians 7:29-31: live “as if” not owned forever. • Redirect wealth toward Kingdom work – 1 Timothy 6:17-19: be “rich in good deeds,” laying up a “firm foundation for the coming age.” • Cultivate daily contentment – Hebrews 13:5: “Be content with what you have.” • Train your eyes on eternity – Colossians 3:1-2: set minds “on things above.” • Give sacrificially and cheerfully – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: sow generously; God supplies every need. – Luke 12:33-34: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” • Serve people rather than possessions – Galatians 5:13: use freedom to serve one another in love. • Practice regular self-examination – James 1:22-25: look into the perfect law and act on it. • Keep worship and fellowship central – Acts 2:42-47: early believers devoted themselves to teaching, breaking bread, and generosity. • Seek God’s Kingdom first – Matthew 6:33: all needed things are “added” when the Kingdom is priority. Warning Signs We’re Drifting Toward Materialism • Anxiety rises whenever finances fluctuate (Matthew 6:31-32) • Generosity stalls while lifestyle spending grows (Haggai 1:4-6) • Spiritual disciplines feel burdensome but shopping feels refreshing (Psalm 119:72) • Decisions are driven by profit rather than obedience (Luke 16:13) The Promise of Heavenly Treasure Jesus’ call in Mark 10:21—“sell everything you own… then come, follow Me”—isn’t punitive; it’s invitational. He swaps temporary assets for eternal inheritance (Matthew 19:29). Every act of obedience banks treasure where moth and rust can never touch it (Matthew 6:19-20). Walking Forward with Eternal Priorities The rich young ruler walked away sorrowful. We can walk away surrendered: eyes fixed on Christ, hands open, resources mobilized for the Gospel, and hearts anchored in the life that never ends. |
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