Chance to Do It Over Again
E.A. Johnston emphasizes the importance of surrendering earthly possessions and fears to fully follow Christ and invest in eternal treasures.
In this devotional sermon, E.A. Johnston challenges believers to reconsider their attachment to earthly possessions and to embrace their role as faithful stewards of God's resources. Drawing from the story of the rich young ruler and the parable of the talents, Johnston highlights the dangers of fear and the importance of active faith. He encourages listeners to invest their lives and resources in eternal purposes, reminding them that only what is done for Christ endures forever.
Full Transcript
Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all and follow him. He said to him, if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
This is here, friends, where many of us miss the message. You don't have to be rich to miss Christ, to miss his best for you. He may be telling you now to give what you have, to meet a certain need, and you turn away, clinging to your possessions rather than obeying him.
It's all God's money. It is if for one skinny minute you think that the thousand dollars in your bank account is yours, you are dead wrong. It all belongs to God.
He is allowing you merely to be his steward, and at the judgment you have to give an account to him as to how you handled his money. Did you do all you could to advance the gospel in your generation? Were the resources Christ gave you in motion to go to the greatest need at the time, or did you just sit on them in fear, like the unwise steward who wrapped his talent in a napkin and hid it in the ground and let it sit useless? His excuse was his fear, and I was afraid, and went and hid that talent in the earth. Well, Jesus turned to those standing around this man and told them, Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Are we going to risk standing at the judgment, empty-handed for God? Fear is nothing but a lack of faith. A lack of faith is like a stagnant pool of water that has no use whatsoever. A faith, on the other hand, is like a mountain stream flowing with force and purpose, bringing satisfaction to all who come in contact with it.
The rich young ruler, at some point in his life, ended up parting with his money when he left this world for another world he was quite unprepared for. If he could go back and have a chance to do it all over again, he would have gladly walked away from his material security to follow Christ and have eternal security. How is it with you, friend? Only one life will soon be passed.
Only what's done for Christ will last.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The rich young ruler's challenge to sell all and follow Jesus
- Misunderstanding the call to surrender possessions
- The sorrow of clinging to earthly wealth
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II
- Recognizing all money and possessions belong to God
- Our role as stewards accountable to God
- The judgment of how we use God's resources
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III
- The danger of fear leading to inaction
- Faith as a flowing mountain stream versus stagnant fear
- The consequences of hiding talents and not investing for God's kingdom
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IV
- The rich young ruler's regret at the end of life
- The opportunity to do it over again if given a chance
- The eternal value of what is done for Christ
Key Quotes
“It's all God's money. It is if for one skinny minute you think that the thousand dollars in your bank account is yours, you are dead wrong.” — E.A. Johnston
“Fear is nothing but a lack of faith. A lack of faith is like a stagnant pool of water that has no use whatsoever.” — E.A. Johnston
“Only what's done for Christ will last.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Evaluate your attitude toward possessions and consider how you can better use them for God's kingdom.
- Overcome fear by trusting God and actively investing your resources and talents in His work.
- Remember that your eternal legacy is shaped by what you do for Christ today.