Here are Your Idols: Dethroning the Dollars

Text: Mark 10:17-27

Big Idea: Money or work can become an idol.

Application Point: We must examine our hearts to see if we are serving money or serving Christ.

How can I avoid making money or work an idol?

I. Ask the Right Questions About Eternity – Ἐπερωτάω (eperōtáō) “to ask, to inquire” (v. 17)

The rich young ruler runs to Jesus and kneels, asking:

“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (v. 17, CSB).

The word ἐπερωτάω (eperōtáō) means to question or inquire deeply, often with urgency.

He is asking (ἐπερωτάω) about the right topic—eternity—but with the wrong assumption (that he must do something to earn it).

Jesus redirects him: Eternal life is about trusting rather than simply doing.

Application: Are you asking the right questions? Do you prioritize eternal things over temporary wealth?

Illustration: Many people pursue career success, financial security, or influence, thinking that’s what matters most. But only Christ offers true fulfillment.

II. Abandon Possessions for the Prince of Peace – Κτῆμα (ktḗma) “possessions, property” (v. 22)

Jesus looks at the young man with love and pinpoints the idol in his heart:

“You lack one thing: Go, sell all you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (v. 21, CSB).

The man owned many possessions (κτῆμα – ktḗma) and could not let go.

His response:

“But he was dismayed by this demand, and he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.” (v. 22, CSB).

Application: What are you holding onto that is keeping you from fully following Jesus? Possessions aren’t evil, but when they possess us, they become an idol.

Illustration: Pastor Tim Keller has done a lot of teaching and preaching on identifying idols in modern Western society. In his book Romans 1–7 for You, Keller provides a long guide to identifying idols. He has multiple exercises for identifying an idol. One of them is what he calls a “life-lie”—a lie we tell ourselves about our lives. A life-lie states, “Life only has meaning, or I only have worth if…,” and then the sentence is finished with a life that ties into an idol. One of them is “Life only has meaning, I only have worth if I have a certain level of wealth, financial freedom and very nice possessions.” Keller calls this a materialism idolatry. Today’s study looks at someone who met Jesus but suffered from materialism idolatry (Tim Keller, Romans 1–7 for You [London: The Good Book Company, 2014] 191–92).

 The young ruler clung to wealth rather than to Christ.

III. Acknowledge That Salvation Is Only Possible With God – Δυνατός (dunatós) “possible, powerful” (v. 27)

The disciples are shocked when Jesus says how hard it is for a rich person to enter the kingdom.

They ask,

“Then who can be saved?” (v. 26, CSB).

Jesus responds:

“With man it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible Δυνατός (dunatós)  with God.” (v. 27, CSB).

Key truth: Salvation isn’t about human effort but about God’s power to do the impossible.

Application: Wealth and status make people feel secure, but only God can truly save.

Illustration: Many people trust money, success, or personal achievements for security, but in the end, only God has the power to give eternal life.

Conclusion:

· The rich young ruler walked away grieving because he chose possessions over purpose.

Challenge: What are you asking (ἐπερωτάω), what are you holding onto (κτῆμα), and where are you placing your trust (δυνατός)?

Invitation: Let go of your idols, follow Christ fully, and find true riches in Him!