Sermon 134

📖 Sermon 134 – The Rich Young Ruler

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 18:18–27

Introduction

A wealthy young ruler approaches Jesus with a noble question: “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Yet his heart clings to earthly treasure, and he departs sorrowful. This passage teaches us the danger of riches and the impossibility of salvation without grace.

I. The Question Asked

A. “Good Master…”
He recognizes Christ’s goodness but does not understand His deity.

B. “What shall I do…?”
He assumes eternal life is earned, not received by grace.

C. Jesus tests his understanding
“Why callest thou Me good? None is good, save one, that is God.”

II. The Law Applied

A. Jesus rehearses the commandments
Not to teach salvation by works, but to reveal the young man’s heart.

B. “All these have I kept…”
He sees duty, but not sin.

C. One thing lacking
“Sell all… distribute to the poor… and come, follow Me.”

III. The Ruler’s Response

A. He was very sorrowful
Earthly wealth pulled harder than heavenly treasure.

B. His riches were his idol
He could not surrender what he loved most.

C. He wanted eternal life but not at the cost of self-denial

IV. Christ’s Teaching About Riches

A. “How hardly shall they that have riches enter the Kingdom of God!”
Not impossible — but exceedingly difficult.

B. The camel and the needle’s eye
A vivid picture of human impossibility.

C. “With men it is impossible…”
Salvation is beyond human effort.

D. “But with God all things are possible”
Grace can break the strongest chains.

Conclusion

The rich young ruler teaches us that outward morality cannot save, riches can blind the heart, and salvation is a miracle of divine grace. Let us surrender all that hinders us and follow Christ wholeheartedly.