TERMS OF AGREEMENT - MARK 10:17-22

INTRO: TERMS OF AGREEMENT IN A CONTRACT; contractual agreement is a legally binding agreement between two parties that is legally enforceable if it meets the specific requirement of Mutual Consent.

Terms of Agreement in a Democracy; Our nation was founded on a contract, a binding agreement in the words of the Declaration of Independence…the founders said “(we) MUTUALLY pledge “to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

In short, a pledge by each of us to do all we can to make our nation work.

Terms of Agreement in the Kingdom of God = The New Covenant

Jesus Christ came to make a New Covenant that would solve the problem of eternal separation from God.

Through His sacrifice, He made it possible for the sins of humanity to be forgiven after repentance.

The New Covenant provides the spiritual help that is absolutely necessary in order to fulfill our part of the agreement. After REPENTANCE He gifts us with the Holy Spirit WHO creates new hearts and minds and teaches us to obey God laws.

SO, God desires and requires our loyal obedience for our own good.

He wants to give eternal life to those who will choose the way of love, peace and joy for eternity—not those who choose the way of selfishness, rebellion and siC.

With that said, we must understand CORRECTLY the Terms of Agreement.

We Must Understand the LABEL in the Terms of Agreement.

17-19. GOOD TEACHER…NO ONE IS GOOD EXCEPT GOD ALONE!

E - The person ran to Jesus; kneeled before Jesus in reverence; with a sincere question of eternal life.

R - Seems like the right thing to do.

Many of us kneel in reverence and ask the question “Lord, What do you want me to do?”

YES! This honors the Lord.

The Problem was in the LABEL…GOOD (Teacher.)

A - Jesus said “I Don’t Think So!”

Don’t call me GOOD unless you’re willing to acknowledge that I Am GOD!

Don’t call me the Head of Your life until you’re willing to relinquish your control. RESPECT!

God is God! He is the ruler of everything. He doesn’t need your label to make Him great. He’s always been great; will always be great.

YES! Run to Him; Ask of Him; But don’t label Him with words that you don’t align with you heart.

UNDERSTAND THE LABEL IN THE TERMS OF AGREEMENT.

We Must Understand the LAW in the Terms of Agreement.

19-20. YOU KNOW THE COMMANDMENTS.

E - 5 listed.

The reply was ALL THESE I HAVE KEPT SINCE I WAS A BOY (Bar Mitzvah).

R - What a sense of accomplishment! To know that You have kept the commandments…you have obeyed the law of God.

These Commands JESUS LISTED dealt with human relationships that are easily verified in a person’s conduct.

BUT Jesus says “ I DON”T THINK SO!”

Jesus emphasizes PRACTICE of commands…internally and externally.

MURDER - Mathew 5:22 - I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

ADULTERY - Mathew 5:28 - I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

STEALING - MT 6:2 - when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets.

A -YOU KNOW THE COMMANDMENTS. YOU KNOW WHAT GOD REQUIRES. It is not enough for us to KNOW the Commandments…We must PRACTICE God’s LAWS for our moral conduct at all times; and live it from the heart.

We Must Understand the LOVE in the Terms of Agreement.

21-22 - JESUS LOOKED AT HIM AND LOVED HIM.

E - Jesus loved…unconditionally. Which means Jesus didn’t DEMAND anything.

He spoke to the man with love.

R - ONE THING YOU LACK…sell everything and give to the POOR;.

The scribes and religious leaders had placed a limit on the amount someone could give to the poor.

1/5 of their earnings; property; possessions. He would lose friends.

This is why the early church was called “crazy” because they willingly renounce personal possessions for the good of others (Acts 4:32–37).

FOLLOW ME - Jesus makes it clear we are to FOllOW Him…not Lead Him.

John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

We are to FOLLOW HIM at all times…not just when it’s convenient.

John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.

We are to FOLLOW HIM even when it will cost us, not provide for us.

MT 16:24 - “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

A - Jesus is not saying that to receive eternal life we must all give away our possessions. Jesus is showing it is impossible to gain eternal life without totally depending on God's grace (Mark 10:27).

CLOSE: This is often referred to as the Rich Young Ruler. While this passage makes reference to financial wealth, it also symbolizes other areas of wealth.

Wealth of PRIDE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT - degree level; job title; physical beauty

Wealth of PERSONAL POSSESSION - homes; cars; clothing

Wealth of PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - education; raising children; anniversaries

The Terms of Agreement with the NEW COVENANT are One Sided.

What is the LABEL He Agrees on? Savior/Servant.

What is the LAW He Agrees on? His law/not your law.

What is the LOVE He Agrees on? Unconditional/Not Human Love