treasure – Gospel Progress

In Western thought the rich ruler’s question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” might be thought of as an event, but the Greek indicates the concept of abiding. Perhaps it would be better asked, “How must I abide to inherit eternal life?” Jesus goes to the heart of what is separating this man from Him by getting him to address his love of material possessions. Once he has done that, then Jesus tells him to “come, follow me,” a continuous action to abide with Him (Luke 18:18-23). The song, “Abide with Me,” encourages us to take hold of the heavenly joys that could be ours:

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens: Lord with me abide! When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me!

I. Matthew 6:19-21. The rich ruler chose earth over eternity. Where our treasure is, there our heart is also. So, is yours in heaven or on earth? The rich ruler went away sad because he loved this world that is temporary and passing away (1 John 2:15-17). The hymn continues:

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day; Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changest not, abide with me!

II. James 1:13-15. The rich ruler chose sin over strength. The tempter tempts us from the evil desires within us, yes, but we each are guilty when we give into that temptation and sin. We choose our comfort in what pleases us rather than trusting in Jesus (John 14:1-6). The song speaks of this too:

I need Thy presence ev’ry passing hour: What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Thro’ cloud and sunshine, O abide with me!

III. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10. The rich ruler chose terror over triumph. We’re bound to have struggles in this life, but only through Jesus can we have victory (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). And only in an abiding relationship with Jesus can we truly know His love (John 17:14-23). Let us not, choose to be condemned with the world instead:

I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness; Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me!

For each of us, there may be something different that keeps us from abiding with Jesus. Let us not be like the rich ruler who was sad because he was unwilling to give up temporary treasure for a heavenly reward. As the song concludes:

Hold Thou thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!

In the story of Dr. Faustus, a man exchanges his soul to the devil for all that the world has to offer, but eventually payment comes due! How many believe themselves walking on the narrow path that leads to eternal life but because they have compromised with the world, find their feet on the broad road that leads to destruction?

I. Matthew 7:13-14. The first verse of the hymn, “Have You Counted the Cost?” challenges us to examine our walk with Christ:

There’s a line that is drawn by rejecting our Lord, Where the call of His Spirit is lost,

And you hurry along with the pleasure mad throng, Have you counted, have you counted the cost?

Our whole duty is to fear and obey God (Ecclesiastes 12:12-13). Why? Judgment is coming. We will be judged by every word of the Word (John 12:48). His Word is a living standard by which we must give an account (Hebrews 4:11-13). Even if we’ve obeyed the gospel and on that narrow road, we must make every effort to obey (Mark 8:34) and not be compromised with the world (1 John 2:3-6). Do you cross His line?

II. Matthew 6:19-21. The second verse challenges us to examine where we are storing our treasure:

You may barter your hope of eternity’s morn, For a moment of joy at the most,

For the glitter of sin and the things it will win, Have you counted, have you counted the cost?

We are either storing up treasure for this temporary life or for eternal life (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Some justify disobedience because the trials of life are difficult, but we must persevere instead (1 Peter 1:3-7). Sin does attract us (Mark 8:35), and Satan knows exactly which lure to use for each of us. Obedience or disobedience in this temporary life has eternal consequences (Revelation 21:22-27). Do you barter your hope?

III. Matthew 4:5-7. The third verse asks us if we test God when we’re put to the test:

While the door of His mercy is open to you, E’er the depth of His love you exhaust,

Won’t you come and be healed, won’t you whisper, I yield, Have you counted, have you counted the cost?

Time is the gift that God gives us to repent (2 Peter 3:9). Unlike Jesus who recognized that His time of testing was not an excuse to test God, we often give in when struggles are hard. God’s patience, kindness, and mercy are intended to return us to Him (Romans 2:3-8). Our giving in is denying Him (Mark 8:38). Rather we should submit our lives to Jesus (James 4:7-10) and live through the gospel. Is the door open to you?

The chilling chorus compels us each to answer to questions:

Have you counted the cost, if your soul should be lost, Tho’ you gain the whole world for your own?

Even now it may be that the line you have crossed, Have you counted, have you counted the cost?