Introduction: 1. Many People Seem to Be Very Close to Following Jesus

Introduction: 1. Many people seem to be very close to following Jesus.

2. Most even realize that they need more than they actually have.

3. There are some gaps in what they are told and what the Bible actually say. 4. Some like this man know the Law but not Christ.

5. There are some that know ritual but not the practical side of Christianity.

6. What are the things we are lacking to inherit Eternal Life?

Observation: Under the Law of Moses nothing required the spirit of self-sacrificing devotion that is the underlining foundation to the christian life. Being Christ like caries with it the concept that Christ so profoundly displayed in giving up that which was most valuable to Him (Heaven Itself) and becoming a servant. This example of giving all was and still is the litmus test for those professing to Love God. The one thing this man lacked was the ability to give up that which was most precious to him (riches) and follow Jesus.

I. We must be Obedient to God’s will.

A. Many people knew God’s will, just did not obey it.

1. Adam knew God’s will in regard to eating of the tree. (Gen 2:17, 3:17)

2. Saul knew to carry out the will of God. (1 Sam. 15:3, 15:26)

3. Rich young ruler. (Mark 10)

B. Others realized God’s will and obeyed it completely.

1. Joshua and Caleb. (Numbers 32:11-12)

2. Noah obediently built the Ark. (6:22)

II. We Must be Observant of God’s will. (v20)

A. The will of God is not living like the world. (Romans 12:2)

1. Being a servant is God’s will. (1 Cor. 1:1, 2 Pet. 3:9)

2. Many people see but do not observe. (Is. 42:20)

3. When God’s will changed there demanded a change. (Acts 17:30)

B. The will of God is for us to glorify Him, not self.

1. This man was thinking about himself. (Matt. 6:25)

2. When we live as a servant our light shines very brightly. (Matt. 5:16)

3. This man could not part with “His” riches, but parted with Jesus. (v22)

4. We must choose who we are going to serve. (Matt. 6:24)

III. We Must be Obsessed with God’s will

Obsessed: (consumed, driven about belief, desire)

A. God’s will is for us to desire the things He set in motion. (Gen. 3:16)

1. God has always required obedience. (1 Sam. 15:22)

2. Our desire should be to do good. (Prov. 11:23, Phil. 2:5)

3. Righteousness exalts a nation. (Prov.14:34)

B. Misplaced obsessions will lead to disaster. (Prov. 21:25)

1. Some are obsessed with the accumulation of earthly wealth. (Matt. 6:19)

2. We all have the capacity for right and wrong, we must be obsessed with the right. (2 Tim. 2:19-21)

Conclusion: 1. This man only lacked “one” thing and missed out on Eternal Life.

2. What are we lacking that would keep us from Heaven?

a. Becoming a christian?

b. Maybe you believe, are willing to repent and confess Jesus.

c. Is it just being buried with Him in baptism for the remission of sins?

3. Could it be that there is sin in your life that is not repented of?

4. What ever you lack God can fill that void.