What is a soul worth?

Psalm 126 / Matthew 16:24-28

Is it Worth Your Life?

Ultimately everyone of us is answering with our choices in life, and all will be revealed at the return of Jesus.

I hope today’s message will cause us all to ask questions OF OURSELVES more than others, and help us to pause and live intentionally in light of the answers.

The surrender of a sinner to grace seems counterintuitive

Face the guilt, Look to Christ, and let go of any and everything else!

There is a reality to the phrase “I came to the end of myself”

“The best I can put together out of that experience is that God objectively spoke to my heart. He convinced me, experientially, that he exists. And at that point, out in the desert, in my heart I said, ‘God, I accept Jesus into my life. I don’t understand what I’m supposed to do with him, but I want him. I’ve pretty much made a mess of my life: I need you to change me.’”

- LOUIS S. LAPIDES The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

Roman Cross

Participation - One must bear the weight of the instrument of their own torture and death

Not just not saving your own life, but being a part of the process of it being taken.

Our inward distortion

Somehow giving up our lives too often winds up being more like making ourselves out to be martyrs

Two clear examples that cut across

Moses

Hebrews 11:24-26 “24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.”

Abraham

Genesis 22:1-2 “After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.””

What if it’s not your soul?

Duty?

Desire?

Romans 9:2–3 (ESV)

2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

Jesus’ Answer: Everything!

Lived the life we didn’t and don’t

Died the death we should, but don’t have to

Resurrected and presently intercedes for us

What’s more, He ensured continued ministry here on earth to reach lost souls: Go therefore and make disciples!

And ensured its success by not leaving us alone to do it: Behold I will be with you til the end!

What would it look like?

So, if we agree with Jesus on the worth of souls around us, what would living that way look like?

Romans 12:1 “1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

The problem with living sacrifices is they keep crawling off the altar.

Romans 12:9-21 “9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something…”

Sinner Friend, Christ Jesus considered your soul worth everything, and so that’s exactly what He gave; His everything. Seek Jesus and find eternal peace for your soul.

Church Family, may God help us to see the worth of living intentionally, the worth of showing Jesus to lost souls all around us, and remind us that we are never alone in this! Jesus is STILL giving everything for ALL who come to oHim believing.