Mark 8:37
God values your soul so highly that He sent His Son to redeem it from sin, and He invites you to choose between Christ and Satan.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the immense value of the soul, contrasting what various individuals have sacrificed for temporary gains with the eternal worth of one's soul. He warns against the trivial offers of Satan that lead to spiritual loss and highlights that true mastery of the soul lies in choosing Christ over worldly temptations. Smith reassures that God values our souls so highly that He sent His Son for our redemption, inviting us to embrace this gift rather than being forced. The sermon calls for reflection on what we are willing to give up and encourages a choice for eternal life through Christ.
Text
I. WHAT SOME MEN HAVE GIVEN.
A. Alexander the great gave his soul for power, world.
B. Annanias and Sapphira gave theirs for a few dollars.
C. Demas gave his for worldly pleasures.
D. Early church Christian for a few moments relief from pain.
II. WHAT HAS SATAN OFFERED YOU?
A. Some for silly pride and no more.
B. Before you sell to cheaply realize value.
1. Soul lives on after body dies.
a. Sorry rich man and Lazarus.
b. Fear not him who is able to kill the body but
not the soul Matt. 10:28.
2. God places value of your soul greater than value of the
world.
C. You are not masters of your soul.
1. It is either Christ or Satan.
2. If it is Satan, you must suffer consequences.
3. If it is Christ, you will reap the rewards.
III. HERE IS WHAT GOD OFFERS FOR YOUR SOUL.
A. John 3:16.
1. He places value so high that he sent His Son to redeem
it from sin.
2. God not tyrant.
a. Will not force.
b. Only invites.
B. Born on wrong side of fence, Christ provided gate. Lived on
wrong side of gulf, Christ made the bridge.
Sermon Outline
- What Some Men Have Given points: - Alexander the Great, Annanias and Sapphira, Demas, Early Church Christians - Their souls for power, money, worldly pleasures, temporary relief
- What Satan Has Offered You points: - Silly pride, temporary gain - Realize the value of your soul - Either Christ or Satan, consequences or rewards
- What God Offers for Your Soul points: - John 3:16, God's love and redemption - The gate, the bridge, salvation
Key Quotes
“He places value so high that he sent His Son to redeem it from sin.” — Chuck Smith
“God not tyrant. Will not force. Only invites.” — Chuck Smith
“Born on wrong side of fence, Christ provided gate. Lived on wrong side of gulf, Christ made the bridge.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize the value of your soul and the consequences of choosing Satan.
- Choose Christ and receive the rewards of salvation and redemption.
- Understand that God's love and redemption are available to you through faith in Jesus Christ.