Just Keeping It Real (Part 5)

Spiritual Insolvency

Introduction

Last Sunday, we looked at the account of the afterlife and the unexpected outcome that occurred between the rich man and Lazarus. We learned that there were only two outcomes, and both were unchangeable; the rich man was in torment and Lazarus was at rest. The same can be said of our text today. There is profit vs. loss or spiritual insolvency.

There is a cost-benefit associated with nearly everything in the human experience. Daily, whether consciously or subconsciously, we make choices that we know, or hope will benefit us or someone else we care about.

Certainly, there are consequences to our choices, but they are not all of equal importance. For instance, choosing what to wear not equivalent to choosing what to eat (appearance vs. health).

Another critical choice in life has to do with our eternal destiny. The choices we make in the here-and-now, will determine our here-and-hereafter. There are many non-biblical views related to the subject of life and death, and beyond. However, Jesus is the only one qualified to speak with authority on the subject.

Text

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (37) Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Speaking with His disciples and the people whom He called over to get in on the lesson, Jesus has placed two questions on the table that everyone listening to this message needs to answer.

You see, in a vicarious way, the people Jesus called over are you and me. I know the answers because I read the book. I will share them with you later. However, at this moment I want you to answer the questions.

This is not one of those “turn to your neighbor moments,” this is to you personally. It is in your face and on your lap. This is not the time to become distracted. Turn off the TV and the radio, put down the phone, stop trying to multitask, and pay attention.

There is a question on the table, Jesus asked, “…what shall it profit a man, if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” Another word for profit is benefit or advantage.

Have you ever stopped to think or meditate on this question? It is a simple but profound question. What does gaining the whole world look like? Let’s just say, not only are you the richest, but you are the only rich person—you’ve got it all. Everybody pays tribute to you.

Governments borrow money from you so they can pay their bills and workers. You are the definition of beauty and strength, genius and charm. Statues are erected in your honor. You are the greatest philanthropist ever. You are legendary.

You are MVP, Hall of Fame, Greatest of All Time, and, hold all the records. Book, movies, and songs are all about you.“You are the most interesting person in the world.” Have you got the picture yet? Good!

Oh, let me add that you have earned several advanced degrees from the most prestigious institutions in the world. You are sought after to speak on a range of topics. And, for good measure, you are a vegan, love animals, and want to save the planet.

From a worldly perspective, all of this may sound like a pretty good deal and certainly profitable. Furthermore, by most people’s standards these are qualifications for entry into heaven.

Nevertheless, the question of profitability remains on the table. In other words, what is the benefit or advantage of gaining or accumulating the worlds riches or knowledge or fame?

The answer is it will profit tremendously if you can avoid making one mistake. In fact, if you can avoid this mistake, you do not need to be concerned about anything what Jesus is talking about. He will not have authority over you and neither will the Bible.

What is the mistake to avoid? I am so glad you asked. Just don’t make the mistake of running out of time! Because, as I have said many times before and will say it again. When you run out of time, you are going somewhere. Amen somebody. Just keeping it real.

And, the second is parallel to the first, “Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” The only answer is “nothing.” There is nothing on earth as precious as a person’s soul.

Concerning man’s soul, the psalmist writes in Psalm 49:6-8 “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; (7) None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (8) (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) Amen Somebody. Just keeping it real.

That said, the only thing that will make life profitable is being reconciled back to God through the confessing with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. (Romans 10:9-10)

The problem is man’s heart is so corrupt that most will die in their sins because they love the darkness rather than the light because their deeds are evil. (John 3:19)

Conclusion

There is no profit, no benefit, no peace, no rest, no joy apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ. I know that the context of Mark 8:34-37 is the cost of discipleship and the mark of a true disciple is living in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.

I just felt compelled to emphasize the fact that no worldly treasures or praises from man will appease the wrath of Almighty God. Without Christ you are beyond being spiritually bankrupt, you are spiritually insolvent.

Won’t you trust Christ today? Jesus has already paid your sin debt when He died on the cross. Then He made us just before God by imputing His righteousness to us when He rose from the dead on the third day.

Aren’t you tired and weary of this cruel world? Listen to me. You are running out of time. Events in the news remind us how fragile and tenuous life really is. There are dangers seen and unseen that threaten our lives. It could be law enforcement or a virus.

It does not matter what takes you out of here. Our days are numbered and our bonds are set. We cannot go beyond them. Amen somebody. Just keeping it real.