Central Truth

Our salvation does not depend on our decision or us. It is impossible for us to save ourselves. Thank God that he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world by his grace, filled us with faith and brought us back to life in him. Glory to God.

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Reflections

The man asked, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” What a question, one good deed? Eternal life? Helping the blind lady across busy Harford Road was a good deed. But she wanted to catch the bus going the other way; so much for my good deed.

Jesus answered, “Keep the commandments.” But He also said that there is only One, who is good, and it was not the young man and it is not me. God is holy and I am not.

The man further asked, “Which ones?” What a question! Is it not obvious that the answer would be all ten of them?

However, Jesus listed only five of the Ten Commandments: murder, adultery, stealing, false witness, honoring your father and mother, and, by the way, love your neighbor as yourself.

The man assured Jesus that he had kept them. “What do I still lack?” What a question! Are there not five others?

Jesus’ prescription for perfection was to sell all, give it away, and follow Him. Were the man’s great possessions taking the place of God? Were they his idol? Was there a tinge of covetousness in the man’s heart?

After he left, dejected, Jesus emphasized how difficult it is for the rich to enter the kingdom. The astonished disciples asked, “Who can be saved?” What a question! Jesus answered, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

We were dead in our trespasses and sins. It was impossible for us to choose the kingdom. BUT GOD, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved... (Ephesians 2:1-5).

What an answer!

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Discussion Questions

1. Is it a sin to be rich?

2. What was the young man's real problem and how did Jesus reveal his sin?

3. How can we show our gratitude to God for saving us when it comes to our riches?

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