Mark 8:35-38

Lose Your Life To Save It

In order to save your life you must lose it first. What does this mean? What this means is that you surrender your life to self and give your life to Christ.

Detachment from Material Possessions: This interpretation suggests that we should not be overly attached to material things or worldly pleasures. Instead, we should focus on spiritual growth and the pursuit of eternal life.

Self-Sacrifice for Others: Jesus' life was a prime example of self-sacrifice. He gave up his life for the salvation of humanity. This interpretation suggests that we should be willing to put the needs of others before our own.

Embracing the Cross: In a more literal sense, Jesus was referring to his own crucifixion. By embracing the cross, he demonstrated his willingness to suffer and die for the sake of his mission. This interpretation suggests that we should be willing to endure hardship and persecution for our faith.

Spiritual Transformation: Losing one's life can also be interpreted as a spiritual transformation. When we surrender our ego and our will to God, we can experience a deeper connection to the divine. This transformation can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Ultimately, the meaning of Jesus' statement is a personal matter that can be interpreted in different ways. It is a powerful reminder that true life is found in spiritual growth, self-sacrifice, and a willingness to embrace the challenges that come with following God's will.

Spiritually

A person that has not given their life to Jesus Christ will lose their life in the judgement. Jesus died for the remission of our sins. Belief in Christ requires a commitment to Christ. This commitment is giving your life to him. You surrender your rights, attitudes, opinions, intellect, decisions and material possessions to the Lord. In essence you relinquish any ownership of anything to the Lord. Basically we are surrendering our will to the will of God.

Detachment from the World

1 John 2:15–17 NASB95

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

The things of this world that we have strong cravings for must be put in their proper place and not consuming passions in our lives.

Our passion should be to exalt Christ, build His kingdom and make disciples.

Embrace Suffering

James 1:1–5 NASB95

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Suffering is what God uses to equip us to accomplish His will. Just as Christ suffered and died so too we must be willing to suffer in this world for Christ

JOhn 15:20

John 15:20 NASB95

“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

2 Corinthians 1:3–7 NASB95

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.

1 Peter 2:19–21 NASB95

For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,

What Will You Give For Your Soul

Worldly gods will cost you your soul. When you pursue the things of this world. Luke 16:19-31

Luke 16:19–31 NASB95

“Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. “And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. “Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. “In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. “And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ “But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. ‘And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’ “And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ “But he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ “But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

This rich man got his luxurious life on earth without any regard for man or God. As a result he sold his soul for his pleasure and convenience.

Matthew 6:19–24 NASB95

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. “But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Where are we storing our treasures?

Don’t Be Ashamed of Christ

Jesus spoke about those who are ashamed of Him and His words, particularly in Luke 9:26. Here are some ways people might be ashamed of Christ:

Fear of Persecution: In some cultures or contexts, openly professing faith in Christ can lead to social ostracization, discrimination, or even violence. This fear can lead people to hide their faith, especially in public.

Cultural Pressure: Societal norms or expectations might discourage religious expression, particularly in secular or materialistic environments. People may feel pressured to conform to these norms and avoid appearing overly religious.

Embarrassment of Religious Beliefs: Some people may find certain aspects of Christian belief or practice embarrassing or outdated, especially in the face of modern scientific understanding or cultural trends. They may fear being seen as out of touch or judgmental.

Desire for Social Acceptance: The desire to fit in with peers or a particular social group can lead people to downplay or even deny their faith. They may believe that openly expressing their beliefs will alienate others or limit their social opportunities.

Lack of Conviction: Sometimes, people may be ashamed of Christ because they lack a deep personal conviction about their faith. They may doubt the truthfulness of Christian teachings or feel unsure about their commitment to following Jesus.

It's important to note that being ashamed of Christ is a serious matter, as Jesus Himself warns that He will be ashamed of those who are ashamed of Him. True faith involves openly acknowledging and proclaiming Christ, even in the face of adversity.

Jesus stated that He would be ashamed of us. What does this mean?

Spiritual Disconnection: When we deny Christ publicly, we are essentially severing our spiritual connection with Him. This is a profound act of rejection that can have significant consequences for our relationship with God.

Loss of Identity: Our identity as Christians is deeply rooted in our relationship with Christ. When we deny Him, we are denying a fundamental part of ourselves. This can lead to a sense of loss and confusion.

Betrayal of Faith: Denying Christ is seen as a betrayal of our faith and a rejection of His teachings. This can have serious implications for our spiritual well-being.

Judgment and Condemnation: The Bible often speaks of judgment and condemnation for those who deny Christ.