Faith not Works

Introduction (Tell them what you are going to say)

Alpha dog story

Today, in our passage, a man comes to Jesus with a similar choice. He’s strong. Wealthy. Respected. In control. But Jesus invites him to surrender that — not because Jesus wants to take something from him, but because He wants to give him something better. Eternal life. Real treasure. But to receive it, he has to trust… and let go.

Central Message

Eternal life is not earned by our works or moral efforts, but it is received by faith in God, who by his grace alone makes the impossible possible; therefore, our faith in him

must surpass our love of wealth, possessions, and our self-reliance.

Body

A path to salvation

Mark 10:17–20 NIV

17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

Other Gods and Idols

Mark 10:20–21 NIV

20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” 21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Wealth is not the problem , it was the fact that his wealth had become an idol to him , his wealth had become like a God to him. Mum is not a problem it is the love of money that is the Problem .

Who can be saved

Mark 10:25–26 NIV

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

God did the work now you have the faith

Mark 10:27 NIV

27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Eternal life is not earned by our works or moral efforts, but received by faith in God, who by his grace alone makes the impossible possible; therefore, our faith must surpass our love of wealth, possessions, and our self-reliance.

Application (So What)

This passage confronts us with two crucial truths: First, salvation is impossible through our own effort, our own morality, our own discipline. Status will not help us. The man in the story had all of that Jesus makes it clear: “With man salvation is impossible, but with God; all things are possible. ” If you're trying to earn God's favor or check off spiritual boxes to secure your place in heaven STOP, STOP start trusting God.

Second, we must be honest about what we love most. The rich man’s wealth wasn’t just money — it was his identity, his security, and ultimately, his idol. Jesus didn't ask him to give it up because riches are inherently bad — but because they had taken God’s place in his heart.

So let me ask you: What are you holding onto that keeps you from fully trusting God?

What in your life feels too costly to surrender, even if Jesus asked for it?

Is it success? Reputation? Control? Comfort? Relationships?

Whatever it is, the call today is to lay it down — not because Jesus wants to take something from you, but because He wants to give you something far greater: Himself.

The invitation is clear — not to add Jesus to your life, but to trust Him with your life.

Conclusion

Eternal life is not earned by our works or moral efforts, but received by faith in God, who by his grace alone makes the impossible possible; therefore, our faith must surpass our love of wealth, possessions, and our self-reliance.

Alpha dog conclusion