FOCUS ON THE VALUE
INTRODUCTION:
1. Most often, in preaching about being a child of God, emphasis has been
put upon counting the cost; how much one must give up; how many
things one cannot do, etc.
This certainly is a biblical doctrine and needs to be emphasized.
2. Those who would endeavor to come to Christ need to know that: the
kingdom must come first in their lives (Matt. 6:33); they must deny
themselves & bear their own cross (Mt.16:26); and that they must
forsake all for Jesus (Luke 14:26-27,33)
3. If any fails to realize these things, they won't be prepared to choose
Jesus as Lord, as well as Savior.
Many have been convinced (or, perhaps, more appropriately, deceived)
into thinking that the Christian life is a life full of ease and
blessings, but without responsibilities.
Such an idea is not only a great disservice to a prospective convert
but also a total disregard for the truth.
The Christian life is not one of ease, but of sacrifice.
I. But, perhaps, this point has been over-emphasized at times.
A. Another truth could be more productive to those seeking to
serve the Lord.
B. Instead of constantly reminding ourselves of the cost involved
in living the Christian life, maybe we would be more
encouraged by focusing on the value involved in that
relationship.
C. This isn't a matter of choosing "positive" or "negative"
preaching, but, rather, simply emphasizing the sum or total
of God's truth.
D. Surely every child of God realizes that the Christian life is
the greatest life now and for eternity. Jesus: Matt.16:24-27.
E. God knows all about us and has planned and provided for a
great life in Christ that culminates in eternal life in
Heaven.
F. Some people choose things of value to live for (family,
friends, social good, etc.), However many ignore the most
valuable thing.
G. What an asset it would be in our efforts to serve God & live
for Jesus, if we could only focus on the VALUE of this
relationship!
II. How would you react if someone were to offer you a brand new 2004
Cadillac in perfect condition for $5,000?
A. Now, $5,000 is a lot of money, but it fades in comparison for
those who know the value of such an automobile.
B. Do you think you would call up a friend and complain about the
cost?
C. Or do you think you would be more likely to call up a friend
and say, "Can you believe it! A brand new Cadillac for only
$5,000!"
D. Why? Because you understand the VALUE of the thing involved.
E. By focusing on the value of the automobile instead of the
cost, the cost becomes insignificant and the prospect of
having the automobile excites us and makes us happy.
F. If a new Cadillac does not excite you, what about a new house?
A $250,000 house for $10,000. Do you suppose you would have
any trouble finding $10,000 somewhere. Again, we would not
complain about the $10,000.
III. The same should be true in living the Christian life.
A. We need to be reminded of the cost involved in becoming a
Christian and the responsibilities involved in living a
Christian life.
B. But, what an encouragement and incentive we find in focusing
on the VALUE of the relationship; Paul said he did: Phil.3:7-
8; 2 Tim. 4:5-8.
C. There were things which Paul once counted as gain (Phil. 3:4-
6), that had to be sacrificed for his relationship with Jesus.
D. Those things were once important to Paul; VALUABLE.
E. But when he focused on the value of his relationship with
Christ, those previous things became as nothing.
F. Focusing on the VALUE of Christianity makes the cost
insignificant. And, it makes no difference as to what or how
much it may be that we give up.
IV. Jesus taught a parable in Matt.13:44 which stresses this point.
A. The cost was significant. It took all he had.
B. Yet, he was willing to pay the price.
C. He did not count it a sacrifice but rather a "joy."
Even trials and temptations become a "JOY." (Jas. 1:2-4, 12).
D. Why? Because he focused on the VALUE of the treasure.
V. The Life of the Christian PAYS GREAT DIVIDENDS:
A. Peter seemed concerned over the rewards of service and
sacrifice, when he said, "Lo, we have left all, and have
followed thee" (Mk. 10:28). He was in effect saying, "Will it
pay?" "Will it be worth it?" "Will the rewards be sufficient
to compensate for the sacrifices we have made?"
B. Listen to the Lord's answer, Mk. 10:29, 30. "YES, YES, YES, A
THOUSAND TIMES, YES."
C. 2 Cor 4:16-18. There is something for greater than the things
(the SEEN) around us. These are temporal. But, there things
which are ETERNAL (the UNSEEN).
D. Poem: "A PRECIOUS POSSESSION"
There was a man in our town,
And he had wondrous health:
But recklessly he squandered it,
Accumulating WEALTH.
And when he saw his health was gone,
With all his might and main,
He squandered all the wealth he won,
To get his health again.
And when with neither health nor wealth,
He in his coffin lay,
The preacher couldn't say a thing,
Excepting, "Let us pray."
E. Mt. 6:19 -- "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon this
earth....."
CONCLUSION
We, also, have treasure in the kingdom of heaven and in our
relationship with God through His Son and our Savior, Jesus
Christ. We need to focus more on the value of that treasure.
Then whatever price we are called upon to pay, whether small or great,
will become insignificant in our sight. LUKE 18:29-30
Are you in the kingdom of heaven at this point in your life???
It makes no difference how much we may accomplish, or how much we may
accumulate, if we do not gain heaven, we have gained nothing.
What a great inheritance Jehovah offers each of us; eternal bliss and
joy around the throne of God forever. HOW VALUABLE!!
Rev. 22:1-3 -- WHAT A PLACE!!!
Each one has an invitation -- Mt. 11:28-30, "Come unto me......"
But, each one must accept, obey.
Have you responded??? To that great offer???
Suppose you received an invitation to some great event.
(Cf. Round of golf with Arnold Palmer.)
No benefit if you do not accept the invitation and respond.
So, likewise: The Gospel invitation must be accepted and obeyed.
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