I’m so enjoying doing these hard sayings with you. Your answers at the close of last week were fascinating! Hebrews 6 must get the prize for the most challenging passage! It’s why we must interpret unclear passages in light of clear passages.
This week isn’t so much challenging to understand, but challenging to live. So, let’s go!
I sometime reflect on how the Holy Spirit gave the right answer to my sister, who was a baby Christian, when I asked:
“If I were to give my life to Jesus, would He ask me to give up the house Steve and I are planning to build overlooking the ocean?”
She was quiet for the longest time. (Praying! I found out later.)
When she looked up, she said, “In your case, yes.”
That shocked me, but it also drove me to try to find out if Jesus was who He claimed to be or a fraud. The truth God showed me brought me to my knees. And after convicting me of my sin, and breaking me, our gently and lowly Lord forgave me and flooded me with His love.
Keller, in this week’s sermon, wonders if the young man whom Jesus told to sell everything he had and give it to the poor had done it, if Jesus would have given him it back, as God gave Isaac back to Abraham.
Rembrant: Abraham and IsaacWe don’t know, of course, but I do think Keller is right — that it was a test for him to see where his heart was. You can tell this is an older sermon from Keller for he makes the point that both wealth and sex are very important to us, and many people find their identity in wealth, but he doesn’t say in sex. But now that is also true too in our mad, mad world.
We must find our identity, our worth, and our meaning in Christ.
It’s a battle, for our approval idols are so strong, and what they want is often in direct conflict with what God wants. Keller’s message is another golden one, and I know it caused me to ponder and to be reminded of the danger of the wealth with which I have been blessed. There’s so much in this and I’m eager to do this with you.
Here is the podcast:
https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/camels-and-money/
God Hunt Sunday:
- How did you experience God in the last week (in His Word, in fellowship with others, in answer to prayer, in power?)
Monday: Meditating on the Text
2. Read Mark 10:17-31
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask? (v. 17)
B. How does Jesus answer? (v. 18-19)
C. How does he respond? (v. 20)
D. What does Jesus tell him to do and how does he respond? (21-22)
E. What does Jesus tell the disciples in verses 23-27?
F. What does Peter say in verse 28?
G. What is the promise in verses 29-31?
3. Listen to Keller’s opening up to minute 6:30 and share what stands out to you. (The podcast minutes may be slightly different than my downloadable sermon – but end shortly after Keller says what Jesus is teaching is dynamite because if you obey, the power of God explodes in your heart.)
Tuesday: Why Moral Wealth or Physical Wealth Puts You in Danger
Keller refers to this song — this is a very short clip:
4. Listen to the sermon from where you left off to about minute 16, where Keller moves into the question “What is Jesus saying when he asks him to give everything away?)
A. What are some false explanations of what it means for the camel going though a needle and what point does Keller feel they are they missing? Do you agree? (verse 27 might help)
B. In Judaism they saw wealth as a sign of blessing from God, and that if you weren’t wealthy, you must have done something bad. How does Keller use the Sound of Music song as an example of that false theology?
C. How did Job’s friends embrace that false theology?
D. What did Richard Baxter say?
E. Keller said though the young man had been good, he still felt there was something missing. He said people like this are never sure. Why is that true?
F. Did anything else stand out to you, and if so, why?
Wednesday: What Was Jesus Really Saying?
Listen to where you left off to about minute 31:22 when Keller begins with “Two things Jesus told him: Give away and follow me.”
5. Why the love of money is the root of all evil (See Proverbs 30:8-9) What do you think Scripture says the love of money and not just money?
6. After listening, or while listening, answer:
A. How does Keller show from Genesis that both money and sex are gifts from God?
B. What is powerful about money?
C. Poverty isn’t necessarily a blessing — Keller points that out with two examples. Explain:
1) Prison
2) Communism
D. What happens to money under the influence of sin? When it becomes an idol?
E. List some signs that Keller gives to show money has too much control and may be an idol:
F. I was convicted personally at his statement that the more money you have the more choices you have that can drown you. More toys. More shopping. Etc. I want to be more aware of this when I want something, or when I’m decluttering. What did you think about this?
G. Did anything else stand out?
Thursday: One Thing You Lack
Prepare your heart with this:
Listen to where you left off to about minute 36 after he says the disciples might have thought, “Hey, it might be good to have this rich man in our band!” 🙂
7. Read again Mark 10:21. Has it ever confused you why Jesus said this as a matter of salvation? Do you understand it better now? Explain.
8. What did you think about Keller’s parallel with Isaac? How did Abraham succeed where this man failed?
9. Keller said Jesus was trying to snip the umbilical cord he had to money. Have you had an umbilical cord to an idol snipped, and how, in the long run, did it help you?
10. Keller says nothing helps your perspective more than being involved with the poor. Have you experienced this, or helped others (your children or others) experience this?
11. What else stands out to you and why?
Friday: The Danger of Feeling Morally Wealthy
Listen to the end.
12. Keller talked about how people often say, “Are you telling me a good Buddhist will go to hell because he doesn’t believe in Jesus?” He said they never say a “bad Buddhist.” What point is he making?
13. He said feeling morally superior is even more dangerous than being physically wealthy. Why?
14. What did he mean when he said Christianity is not an addition but an explosive?
15. How has the Lord changed your view of:
A. Morality as a way of salvation
B. Wealth as the answer to unhappiness?
Saturday
16. How will you apply this to your life? Be specific.
100 comments
God Hunt Sunday:
1. How did you experience God in the last week (in His Word, in fellowship with others, in answer to prayer, in power?)
Last Wednesday 13 of us gather to do a stand-alone Bible Study and I have felt prompted to share the discipline of “God Hunt” that you, Dee, introduced us to. I took the 7 ways that I have learned, looked for examples in the Word, shared my personal examples, and asked a few to share their own. We had a potluck afterward which doubled as a baby diaper shower for a relatively new mom in town.
What a blessing it was to see women from 5 different denominations come together and bless each other! One of the women gave a great suggestion of keeping a God Hunt journal, creating sections for each way, and writing down a God Hunt under the appropriate section. I told her that would be some special journal!
One of the women present just lost her husband. Later, she texted me about a clear answer to some of her “big” prayers.
Thank you, Dee, for sharing about the God Hunt.
How fun, Bing!
It was, Dee! And several asked when the next stand-alone study will be!
Sounds like such a good time, dear Bing! I wish I lived closer to you and could participate!
Missy, I should have you zoom in one of these days!!! Just an idea!
This sounds so wonderful, Bing. What a lovely group of women! Amen to thanking Dee for sharing about the God hunts.
1. How did you experience God in the last week (in His Word, in fellowship with others, in answer to prayer, in power?)
Last week I helped plan a party for our team where I work at The Signatry. It was a sweet time with everyone. We prayed before we ate, played a few games and God’s Grace and the His love we share with one another was so palatable. Anyway, it isn’t anything huge but it’s sweet to remember how God knew I needed to heal from harsh treatment when I was at Ceva as well as a personal hardship going on, so He wrapped His cozy wings around me and placed me in a ministry work environment with brothers and sisters who are unknowingly helping build my confidence back up in how God’s gifted me in what I do.
That’s a big thing!
He wrapped His cozy wings around me...what a beautiful picture, Rebecca!
A dear friend of mine likes to remind me of those cozy wings of our Lord, and I’m glad you have found them cozy as well. I’m thankful you are being encouraged lately after a season of suffering.
God has such personal ways of loving us through brothers and sisters in Christ. I love that He is wrapping you in His cozy wings and giving you confidence in the gifts He has given you. What a sweet blessing from Him, Rebecca.
Rebecca,
“He wrapped his cozy wings around me”. I love that! 💕
God Hunt Sunday:
How did you experience God in the last week (in His Word, in fellowship with others, in answer to prayer, in power?) Definately in answer to prayer. I was very sick, weak and helpless.I had to stay in quaranteen with my son. Many people were praying for us. I began to feel God’s healing power wash over me on Thursday and it gave me renewed hope that I was getting better. I was able to take 2 short walks today and cook dinner without feeling weak. Praise the Lord! I watched online church this morning and felt very encouraged in the Word. I really miss the fellowship and have felt lonely, but when I “be still and know” His presence is a comfort. I am looking forward to what He wants me to learn this week.
Lydia, am sorry that you were sick. It sounds like you are getting better, though; a sure clear answer to prayer. Glad you were able to watch an online church and felt encouraged in the Word. Take care and am praying for your complete healing.
Oh, thank-you so much for your prayers, Ernema!
I’m thankful you are beginning to feel better, Lydia.
Thank-you! So grateful to be feeling better!
Lydia — sounds rough. Glad you are better.
Thank-you Dee.
Dear Lydia, I am thankful that your body is healing. It sounds like a bad bug. I will pray for total healing (and rest )for you. I so enjoyed your posts from last week. Thank you for sharing how God gave you and your daughter the “gun shot noise in the night”, when your friend took his life. God has mysterious ways. It sounded like He was preparing you to minister to the family. We worship an awesome God.
Amen! Our God is an awesome God! In Him , all things are possible!🙏
Thank-you for your prayers for healing,I am almost back to normal today. I am glad you liked the story about my daughter and I experiencing a cry from “beyond”. I hope it did not offend anyone.🙏
My husband and I are incredibly blessed by our God. In many different ways. I am feeling a bit guilty about it. But, Thank You Lord!
Dear Laura! I remember your long season of suffering and almost panic at times in your comments. So it really puts a smile on my face to see your joyful posts lately. I Peter 5:10 comes to mind. Your story gives me hope in my present darkness.
Oh Missy! We did suffer for so long. And, you are right….sometimes I was in panic mode. Ugh, I don’t miss those times AT ALL! He is faithful. It won’t be forever. I’m glad you have been around to see the full picture emerge; to be encouraged! Yes! 1 Peter 5:10 indeed!
I just want to say that I always feel a bit sad and jealous that I can’t usually continue the Bible study here throughout the week, especially when you talk about all the good answers and comments at the end! One day I hope to be able to join in every day of these good studies. God met me today at church as we studied Philemon and how the Gospel is greater than anything that divides us. We live in such a divisive nasty world, and it’s sad that even believers are so very divided much of the time. We learned that God doesn’t choose to manifest Himself usually through miracles and wonders, but He is manifested in the oneness believers have in Him and each other. We learned that uniformity is not the goal, but oneness, even amid all of our differences. How beautiful is the body of Christ!
Not through wonders so much as through oneness. Yes.
Oh Lord, please coming to Missy, change hearts, give strength and wisdom. In Jesus name I cry.
Love seeing posts from you, Missy! Yes, the body of Christ is beautiful!
Read Mark 10:17-31
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask? (v. 17)
What must I do to inherit eternal life?
B. How does Jesus answer? (v. 18-19)
First, He asks, “why do you call me good?” Then the answer is that the man knows the 10 commandments. He proceeds to list them.
C. How does he respond? (v. 20)
He says he has followed all the commandments his entire life.
D. What does Jesus tell him to do and how does he respond? (21-22)
He says for him to go sell all his possessions and give his money to the poor. Then, follow Him. His face falls and he leaves.
E. What does Jesus tell the disciples in verses 23-27?
The rich will have a very hard time getting to heaven compared to the poor. He says it will be easier to get a camel through the eye of a needle! It, it is not difficult with God.
F. What does Peter say in verse 28?
That the disciples had given up everything to follow Him.
G. What is the promise in verses 29-31?
He agreed with Peter, and says that anyone who gives up everything for Him will be rewarded with more than he gave up in heaven (100’s of times greater). They will receive eternal life. Those greatest now will be least, and least now will be greatest!
2. Read Mark 10:17-31
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask? (v. 17) What can he do to inherit eternal life
B. How does Jesus answer? (v. 18-19) He has to obey all the commandments
C. How does he respond? (v. 20) He responds with thinking he’s obeyed all the commandments since he was a youth.
D. What does Jesus tell him to do and how does he respond? (21-22) To sell everything and leave his family and follow Jesus. He couldn’t let go of any of that so he sadly walked away.
E. What does Jesus tell the disciples in verses 23-27? That it is impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God, but only possible with God.
F. What does Peter say in verse 28? That the Disciples have given everything away and followed Jesus.
G. What is the promise in verses 29-31? There’s no one who’s left everything to follow Jesus (I don’t think this is about being rich though wealth tempts to satisfy us more than Christ. I think Jesus is clear that He meant the heart! I’ve known some of us who are poor and of moderate income who’s deep idol is attaining wealth, and it’s so entrenched we literally either hate people with wealth, or envy them, or covet them.)
I agree! Not money but the love of money. Help us all, Lord to love you most.
Sunday
How did you experience God in the last week (in His Word, in fellowship with others, in answer to prayer, in power?).
Living in a city where a fishing tournament called Big Rock takes place, I am in awe of a all the different species of fish, their size, what they look like, and their strength. I can’t help but think what an amazing God we serve and that He has to have a sense of humor! This week, I definitely saw and experienced our Lord through His wonderful and beautiful creation!!
You live in a beautiful place!
God Hunt Sunday:
How did you experience God in the last week (in His Word, in fellowship with others, in answer to prayer, in power?)
A close friend whom I have been in Bible studies and small groups with over the last 25 years has been going through a particularly hard week. She is the head of our Women’s Ministry team at our church and involved in many lives in our church family. Her only son who has chosen to embrace a gay life style planned a “wedding” event with his partner yesterday on Father’s Day. She and her husband have struggled in how to practice their love for their son while maintaining their biblical convictions about homosexuality. As she has said he has chosen to live his sin out loud. I would say and in their faces. But they have been truly godly examples in their responses while other Christians and people of the world in a very small town look on and scrutinize their actions.
Her husband has been devastated by his son’s choices and privately has been transparent with my husband and I. They also have an only daughter who is a committed Christian. She chose not to have any part in her brother’s ceremony and celebration. As a result he is offended and he has rejected her for that. Both the parents and the sister have been put into untenable places by the gay son. My friend and her husband felt they had to go to the events (they don’t consider it a true wedding and marriage) But they went to demonstrate their love for their son and as a testimony to his partner. As we have walked through this very hard thing with our friend yesterday 4 other women and myself from our church met to pray together at the time of the ceremony and hold our friends up to God. We wept and prayed scripture together and it was a time of meeting with God like few others I have ever experienced. We didn’t have to hunt for God. He was with us in our expressed pain for our friend. It was hard but needful.
Oh, Bev. My heart aches for your friends. It is such a difficult situation and there are so many of these situations in our world right now. We must love one another as God loves us. I love that you met and prayed for them during the time of the ceremony.
I echo this 💕
Oh, Bev! What a difficult situation, indeed! Am so glad that you and your 4 friends met to pray for this family. I could only imagine the pain of your friends and trust God gave them much grace to see them through while in attendance at the “wedding”.
Bev, this is a hard one. I don’t think I could attend if I were them. Attending would mean agreeing, to me. It would not mean that I treat my son any differently however. I guess I am at the point that I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. God knows my heart. And, if it means I “sacrifice” my son for God, then so be it. I have often said that people who choose a lifestyle like this one are choosing to be lonely people. God did not intend for us to live that way. Good for you and your friends to pray.
Wow Dee. I am so very humbled by this lesson today. We are so caught up with the woes of this world we live in, and so use to luxury, that we forget to be minded of the reason that Jesus came, and what He purposed us to do.
So good to see you here, dear Stephanie
Amen, Stephanie! We have so much compared to most of the world, we need to recommit our lives daily to putting Jesus first in our lives!
Monday: Meditating on the Text
2. Read Mark 10:17-31
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask? (v. 17) “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
B. How does Jesus answer? (v. 18-19) “Why do you call me good?” “No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments…”
C. How does he respond? (v. 20) “Teacher, all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
D. What does Jesus tell him to do and how does he respond? (21-22) “One thing you lack, go sell all you have and give to the poorand you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow Me.”
E. What does Jesus tell the disciples in verses 23-27? “How hard is it for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 27 With man this is impossible, but not with God, all things are possible with God.”
F. What does Peter say in verse 28? “We have left everything to follow You.”
G. What is the promise in verses 29-31?”No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for Me and the Gospel will fail to recieve a hundred times as much in this present age and the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last and the last first.”
3. Listen to Keller’s opening up to minute 6:30 and share what stands out to you. (The podcast minutes may be slightly different than my downloadable sermon – but end shortly after Keller says what Jesus is teaching is dynamite because if you obey, the power of God explodes in your heart.) ” Jesus is saying if you want to be a Christian, money is an issue.” God has given us free will to choose Him or not, we can let many things be an issue to our terms of surrender and obedience. For many family and friends I have known over the years, pride has been more of an issue than money has. Evenso, God is greater than our biggest failure, hangup, pride, etc. “All things are possible with God.” He has the final Word!
2. Read Mark 10:17-31
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask? (v. 17)
He calls Him “Good Teacher”, and asks how he can receive eternal life.
B. How does Jesus answer? (v. 18-19)
“Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” And then He reminds Him of the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
C. How does he respond? (v. 20)
The young ruler claims to have kept these commandments all his life.
D. What does Jesus tell him to do and how does he respond? (21-22)
I love this: ” Jesus, looking at him, loved him”—He is saying all of this because He loves him. He tells him to sell all he has and give it to the poor. The young ruler was disheartened because he had great possessions.
E. What does Jesus tell the disciples in verses 23-27?
Jesus said: “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!…It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God…With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”
F. What does Peter say in verse 28?
Peter said: “See, we have left everything and followed you.”
G. What is the promise in verses 29-31?
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
1.How did you experience God in the last week (in His Word, in fellowship with others, in answer to prayer, in power?
I just finished reading all of the wonderful answers to last week questions! I am going to do those on my own, but I was so inspired by all the great responses. I am so very thankful to by part of this Blog! I truly experienced God through some good talks with dear friends. And I am thanking God that my husband is finally so much better after a bug, similar to what Lydia had. He did lose some taste, but he is gaining back his strength and his appetite! How I thank God for answering our prayer!
As someone in my church said “The hard sayings of Jesus” really aren’t that hard if you put Jesus first in your life! Such an a ha moment! Everything we are being taught by Jesus; He says put me first, follow me, trust me and more. I think it goes against our nature to do so, but when we are in scripture or with scripture minded people it strengthens us. When we learn about who Jesus is and our heart aligns up with His the Holy Spirit convicts us and its powerful!
I had the Holy Spirit nudge me today, telling me to apologize. It wasn’t a big deal, normally I would of blown it off, but I learned when the Holy Spirit talks you listen. I did apologize and felt better then I did trying to blow it off.
So good Kathy:
I did apologize and felt better then I did trying to blow it off.
Monday: Meditating on the Text
2. Read Mark 10:17-31
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask? (v. 17)
What must I do to inherit eternal life?
B. How does Jesus answer? (v. 18-19)
Why call me good? There is none good but one, that is God. And then He repeated the last 6 of the Ten Commandments.
C. How does he respond? (v. 20)
All these I have observed since my youth.
D. What does Jesus tell him to do and how does he respond? (21-22)
Sell whatever you have, give it to the poor, you will have treasure in heaven. Take up your cross and follow me.
The young man went away sad and grieved because he was rich.
E. What does Jesus tell the disciples in verses 23-27?
How hard it is for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God. Then, the hyperbole- it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. With men it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.
F. What does Peter say in verse 28?
We have left all, and have followed you.
G. What is the promise in verses 29-31?
There is no man that has left houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands in this time and with persecutions, receive eternal life. Those who are first here will be last and those who are last first.
1. Listen to Keller’s opening up to minute 6:30 and share what stands out to you. (The podcast minutes may be slightly different than my downloadable sermon – but end shortly after Keller says what Jesus is teaching is dynamite because if you obey, the power of God explodes in your heart.)
Money has the power to blind us spiritually, and so great, that anybody with any amount of money can be blinded from the gospel unless God directly intervenes.
Tuesday: Why Moral Wealth or Physical Wealth Puts You in Danger.
A. What are some false explanations of what it means for the camel going though a needle and what point does Keller feel they are they missing? Do you agree? (verse 27 might help) Keller refers to the narrow openings of ancient city walls as possible “eye of needle”. He also says there is a word that sounds like “camel” that actually means twine. These ideas all lack the power of God having any influence on the outcome.
B. In Judaism they saw wealth as a sign of blessing from God, and that if you weren’t wealthy, you must have done something bad. How does Keller use the Sound of Music song as an example of that false theology? “somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good…”
C. How did Job’s friends embrace that false theology? They accused Job of offending God and thus deserving of His wrath.
D. What did Richard Baxter say? I don’t know, the recording cuts off before it concludes.
E. Keller said though the young man had beengood, he still felt there was something missing. He said people like this are never sure. Why is that true? Because works without faith are dead. Without God’s power at work in our lives, our works are missing the eternal significance.
F. Did anything else stand out to you, and if so, why? What Keller says Andrew Walls says about the major world religions staying the same in regards to their location, Islam= Mecca, Buddhism= China…and in comparison, how Christianity has been constantly changing it’s base location…I wonder what this means and how it affects us here in the US?
We certainly are not a Christian nation anymore — if we ever were, but certainly have lost strength.
Yes, so true. I know of Christian missionarys from other countries that came to the US to share the Gospel. Growing up in the 1960’s in my small farming community, life was so uncomplicated!
3. Listen to Keller’s opening up to minute 6:30 and share what stands out to you. (The podcast minutes may be slightly different than my downloadable sermon – but end shortly after Keller says what Jesus is teaching is dynamite because if you obey, the power of God explodes in your heart.)
Money has a power to blind us spiritually and that anyone with any kind of money will be blind unless God intervenes. This made me think of prison ministries. Well, what Dee said, that when she goes into prison to teach she is reminded of how these women have lost everything yet their zeal and love for Christ is more palpable than most believers outside of prison.
We are headed to the mountains this week so I’m not likely to finish but the sermon is so good!
3. Listen to Keller’s opening up to minute 6:30 and share what stands out to you. (The podcast minutes may be slightly different than my downloadable sermon – but end shortly after Keller says what Jesus is teaching is dynamite because if you obey, the power of God explodes in your heart.)
I did not get to write my notes as I listened this time, but it stood out when he said that it is impossible for the wealthy to be saved without God’s intervening power. Which, is really true of all of us—but he stated it is extremely hard for those who are rich to be saved. Money has the power to blind us spiritually. I do think this is true, especially because in our world money can offer a false sense of security, comfort, safety…it’s all temporal versions though. Only God can give us true security, safety, comfort…
4. Listen to the sermon from where you left off to about minute 16, where Keller moves into the question “What is Jesus saying when he asks him to give everything away?)
A. What are some false explanations of what it means for the camel going though a needle and what point does Keller feel they are they missing? Do you agree? (verse 27 might help)
He said people may say it’s just a figure of speech, but Jesus is saying it is impossible. I think it is impossible for any of us to enter the Kingdom without the work of the power of the Holy Spirit. But I can see that it could be harder for those who have many earthly comforts or who have been able to be materially self-sufficient and successful in a worldly sense. Money and fame can feed idols to a point that it is more difficult to see your need, physically but also spiritually.
Have a great trip to the mountains, Lizzy!
Tuesday: Why Moral Wealth or Physical Wealth Puts You in Danger
4. What is Jesus saying when he asks him to give everything away? Jesus is asking if he could really give up everything even though he thought he followed good morals. Jesus knew what really was an idol to him and asked if he was willing to give that up for him.
A. What are some false explanations of what it means for the camel going though a needle and what point does Keller feel they are they missing? Do you agree? (verse 27 might help) It was narrow openings/gates for the needle and twine for the camel- hard to get through but not impossible.
B. In Judaism they saw wealth as a sign of blessing from God, and that if you weren’t wealthy, you must have done something bad. How does Keller use the Sound of Music song as an example of that false theology? Somewhere in my childhood I must of done something good.
C. How did Job’s friends embrace that false theology? They thought Job did wrong to God.
E. Keller said though the young man had been good, he still felt there was something missing. He said people like this are never sure. Why is that true? Mark 17 -27 “With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God. He knew something wasn’t right. He didn’t have the assurance only the Holy Spirit can give you if you open your heart to Him. But how did he know there was something missing? He thought he had everything in order. He knew and followed the commandments. There was something there that prompted him to run up to Jesus and ask “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Maybe he heard from others about Jesus and His teachings and needed to add that to his list….but this is something you cannot purchase, for Jesus did this, this is something you must humbly yourself and be prepared to give it all up for Jesus. The treasures are with Him.
Good answers, Kathy!
I got very busy last week and while I finished the lesson, I really wanted to read everyone’s comments because all of you contribute something important whether it is insight, encouragement, confession or need.
I just finished up the comments. They were ripe with wisdom. I keep you all in my prayers.
3. Listen to Keller’s opening up to minute 6:30 and share what stands out to you. (
I think his comment about the layers of scripture was so poignant. How we can dig deep and uncover so much within just one passage. It’s why we can read the Bible over and over and glean different things from it each time we read it.
4. Listen to the sermon from where you left off to about minute 16, where Keller moves into the question “What is Jesus saying when he asks him to give everything away?)
A. What are some false explanations of what it means for the camel going though a needle and what point does Keller feel they are they missing? Do you agree? (verse 27 might help). The false explanations are the road is narrow, so the hole of the needle is too small for a camel to fit through. The point they are missing is that wealth and power can so easily blind us more than anything else and therefore make it harder to receive the Gospel unless God intervenes.
E. Keller said though the young man had been good, he still felt there was something missing. He said people like this are never sure. Why is that true?
There will always be something missing. They’ll never know how good they need to be so they’ll never be sure they ‘ve done enough.
F. What else stood out:
This stood out to me: When he addressed Jesus as a “good” teacher, Jesus responded with, why do you call me good? No one is good except God. That’s the hint to where Jesus is going in the rest of the passage. Jesus is saying, what if you lost everything and all you had was Me? The rich young ruler’s response was that he grieved deeply and went away. Money to him was what the Father was to Jesus. It was his center and his identity. To lose his money is to lose his identity. If you want God to be your savior you have to replace what you are looking to. You have to repent of not just the bad things but the good things you’ve clinged to in your life. He doesn’t see that He needs the Grace of God. The only people who are saved are people who know their salvation is a miracle. It’s his moral wealth that’s keeping him away. It his trust in his performance. For every one time Jesus talks about beware of using sex and romance he talks 10 times about money.
Your career, your ability to go out to n ice restaurants, to have nice things, etc. all this stuff is more important to you than you know. Money isn’t just money to you, that’s why you fear to give it away, etc. because it’s your identity and your savior. Money is not intrinsically evil but has incredible power to keep us from the Gospel. Jesus looked at him and was filled with love, why? Jesus loved him, not because of his moral virtues. Jesus says, I’m a young man too and richer than you. From all eternity He has been in the bosom of the Father. The incomprehensible wealth, joy, power and glory for all eternity and Jesus left it-He gave it away. I’m a rich young ruler but I’ve had more than you’ve ever had, but I’m going into the deepest poverty ever and I’m doing it for you, for the poor..now you give everything away to follow me. If I give my big all to follow you, why cant you give your little all to follow me? I‘m giving away mine to get you, why can’t you give me all of yours to get me? That’s what will make money only money..that is what will make you give money away. You’re not driven or controlled by it at all. This is dealing with the root-through the gospel. Then deal with the stem-the attitude in general. You have attitude problems you need to work on if you want to live out of the power of the Gospel. If you worry about it or are anxious about it. You can still be under its power. Do you hang out with people that are like you economically, or all kinds of people? You fight these thoughts or attitudes and your behavior will change.
I fall into the stem camp! I can easily default to worrying about money though that’s changed through the years. Sometimes i see money as just money when I feast on the fact that Jesus is my identity and really everything else has no power over me. That makes it easier to fight off the temptation and I can give it away freely, but other times I worry and succumb to temptation. I can even shop sometimes when I’m down as a way to take my mind off of things or a way to make me temporarily happy. Yikes.. but Keller is right that when we become Christians, we’ve won as far as the root but we still need to work on the stem!
Love that hint you saw.
I have to add-that what will help me today is remembering that Jesus gave up everything and was the poorest of poor for me, so why can’t I give up just this one stem that I allow to have power over me. I’m not bound by it anymore for I’m bound in Christ and He has power over me, but I can let money have power over me. Lord Jesus, help me today to see the areas my stem has thickened and empower me to overpower it! I want my stem to be thin and dying. Yet I’m afraid of what you might bring into my life to help me to let go and I’m afraid I’ll yield to its power rather than yours. Help me to trust you with this today. I’m nothing without you, yet I am rich with you for you brought me into the Trinity- you given me all of you and all the beautiful wonderful joy, peace and love-rich in that pales in comparison to the “riches” of this world! Thank you for moving through Tim Keller to make this passage more clear to me so that I can begin to turn. Again, you are leading me!
Just touching base. It has been a busy week and I have house guests coming tonight. We will be traveling to the Black Hills together for a few days and so my routine is going to be off until next week for sure. I listened to Keller’s sermon in a couple of sessions and have read comments so far. I will try to finish with that as well. This question of money and it’s affect on our lives, my life personally is a hard one. I greatly appreciate the teaching and find some deep personal challenges regarding money. I would say I have a love / hate relationship with money and material things. In looking at Saturday’s personal challenge question I have to give that some more and serious thought. My husband is integrally involved in our finances and so my decisions regarding our money are not my own. I’m going to ask him to listen to this sermon as well. Sara Groves is one of my favorite singers. What a powerful song and video. Thanks for including it.
We share a love of Sara Groves. Rebecca a big fan too. I got to share a podium with her once and was very impressed with her character.
4. Listen to the sermon from where you left off to about minute 16, where Keller moves into the question “What is Jesus saying when he asks him to give everything away?)
A. What are some false explanations of what it means for the camel to go through a needle and what point does Keller feel they are they missing? Do you agree? (verse 27 might help)
A. That there is a place/entrance called a needle where a camel can go through if it just tries to wiggle and push itself into the needle
B. An Aramaic word that also may mean a camel but refers to a twine. Just work the twine in through a needle.
Keller believes Jesus is stating it as is. A camel cannot go through a needle! Duh! Therefore, it is impossible for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God as much as it is impossible for a camel to go through a needle! He gave another metaphor (a snowball’s chance in hell)
B. In Judaism they saw wealth as a sign of blessing from God, and that if you weren’t wealthy, you must have done something bad. How does Keller use the Sound of Music song as an example of that false theology?
Maria says she must have done something good to earn the love of Captain Von Trapp. Even though she may have had a wicked childhood.
C. How did Job’s friends embrace that false theology?
They questioned Job’s integrity since God seemed to have punished him based on his sad and bad circumstances. They concluded that he had done something bad.
1. How did you experience God in the last week?
My daughter-in-law spent a few days visiting her family, about an hour away from us. She came her for one day with our little 18 month old grandson, who I haven’t seen since February, since they live out of state. It always takes him a little bit to warm up to us because he doesn’t get to see us all the time, but during our visit, quite unexpectedly, he leaned over and gave me a kiss right on the lips! Even his mama was surprised! It took me by surprise, and warmed my heart; such an unexpected gift of unconditional love.
2. Read Mark 10:17-31
A. What question does the rich young ruler ask?
The young man asked, “Good Teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?”
B. How does Jesus answer?
First of all, Jesus asks the young man, “Why do you call me good? Only God is truly good.” I had noticed that the young man called Jesus “good teacher”. He was not approaching Jesus as the Son of David, as some others addressed Him, or as Lord. It kind of sounds like the young man was looking for advice to follow. Jesus then goes on to tell the young man that he knows the commandments, such as do not murder, do not steal, honor your parents. It kind of sounds like Jesus is saying to the young man, if all you want is the formula for how to save yourself, then here it is. (Though Jesus knows this way is impossible.)
C. How does he respond?
Amazingly, the young man responds that he has obeyed all the commandments since he was a child. If this was really true, I wonder, then, at his seemingly desperate question to Jesus?
D. What does Jesus tell him to do and how does he respond?
Jesus tells him to go and sell all of his possessions, giving them to the poor, and then to come and follow Him. At this, the young man’s face fell, and he went away sad, because he had many possessions.
E. What does Jesus tell the disciples in verses 23-27?
Jesus said, how hard it is for rich people to get into the kingdom of God! The disciples were amazed at this statement (did they equate being rich with being favored by God?) and Jesus went on to say that it is very hard to get into the kingdom of God; it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. The disciples were even more distressed, saying then who in the world can be saved? Jesus told them that humanly speaking, it is impossible (to be saved), but not with God. Everything is possible with God.
F. What does Peter say in verse 28?
Peter starts to list all the things that he and the others had left behind, and he tells Jesus, “We have given up everything to follow you.”
G. What is the promise in verses 29-31?
Jesus says that everyone who has given up possessions, like a house, or property, or relationships, like those with parents, siblings, or children, will receive in return a hundred times over – with persecutions. And in the world to come, they will have eternal life. Those who seem so important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then.
On this comment from you Susan: Amazingly, the young man responds that he has obeyed all the commandments since he was a child. If this was really true, I wonder, then, at his seemingly desperate question to Jesus?
I thought the same but also found Keller’s comment that “people like this,” meaning works righteousness people, can never be sure. Wasn’t that good?
So fun to hear about your grandson!
Listen to where you left off to about minute 31:22 when Keller begins with “Two things Jesus told him: Give away and follow me.”
5. Why the love of money is the root of all evil (See Proverbs 30:8-9) What do you think Scripture says the love of money and not just money?
Because money can become your savior, or father.
6. After listening, or while listening, answer:
A. How does Keller show from Genesis that both money and sex are gifts from God? Yikes, I don’t recall
B. What is powerful about money? If wealthy, it can put you in a powerful position, and it can easily become your savior. If Poor, it’s easy to covet or steal from those who have a lot.
D. What happens to money under the influence of sin? When it becomes an idol? It becomes your savior, or as Keller put it, your father.
F. I was convicted personally at his statement that the more money you have the more choices you have that can drown you. More toys. More shopping. Etc. I want to be more aware of this when I want something, or when I’m decluttering. What did you think about this? I so agree! Yes, it’s easy to temporarily quell any kind of internal pain, or just mere boredom with shopping and spending. It’s easy to look at what you have and say, well if i just had this, everything would be set and I would be at peace. It can drown us in many ways I’m sure! One is being afraid to de-clutter, to let go of the things that have become your security.
G. Did anything else stand out? When Keller said this right before he prayed, “Jesus is saying, My power is always moving away from people who love power and money, My power is always moving toward people who are giving it away. Where do you want to live? I suggest you move toward where I’m going.”
I’m interested in your comments on this hard saying, Rebecca, in light of your ministry — feel free to share from that wealth of knowledge!
The first thing that came to mind is how generous believers really are and how much is going out to various ministries! It doesn’t shock me because God is overwhelmingly generous. We are just the middle man who helps enable them to give more. We service Donor Advised Funds for the donors that come to us wanting to give to the ministries they support. We have teams of highly qualified people such as Attorney’s, CEO’s, CFO’s, COO’s, who came from various secular companies, and people like me without creds. 🙂 We offer creative ways to give and have a tax shelter so our donors can give more than they thought they could. That said, we firmly believe generosity isn’t only about giving money, but also sacrificial giving whether it be time or talent, etc. Our founder, Bill High, goes to various events speaking with David Green, the owner of Hobby Lobby who’s written books about generosity. I’m still learning more about The Signatry. We have about 60 employees stationed around the US. Most of our team meetings are via Zoom though every now and then the board flies in for a board meeting.
We have funds for tons of ministries like Tony Evans, Chuck Swindoll, some prison ministries, various missionaries and missionary organizations, etc. which we vet before we agree to support a DAF for them. That’s all I can think of.
This is off our website:
At The Signatry, we empower donors, advisors, and nonprofits to make a greater impact for the causes they love by equipping them with innovative tools, resources, and education. It all starts with a donor advised fund—your tool for clear and intentional generosity.
I love this, Rebecca!! From Keller: “Jesus is saying, My power is always moving away from people who love power and money, My power is always moving toward people who are giving it away. Where do you want to live? I suggest you move toward where I’m going.”
A. What are some false explanations of what it means for the camel going though a needle and what point does Keller feel they are they missing? Do you agree? (verse 27 might help)
Their were very narrow gates in Jerusalem where the camels wouldn’t fit through. You had to shove them and maybe they would get through.
The word for camel in Aramaic is a lot like the word “twine.” To get the twine through the needle was difficult.
What they are missing is that without God they have no chance. It is hopeless, nearly impossible, to get to heaven. They are spiritually blind because of the money.
“Their” should be “there.” Sorry!
3. Listen to Keller’s opening up to 6:30 and share what stands out to you.
Jesus is addressing a very basic question here in this encounter with the rich young man: what must I do to inherit eternal life? Right in the middle of telling us the answer, Jesus brings up money. Jesus is teaching us about the spiritual dangers of money. Often people accrue great wealth by defrauding others, through injustice or dishonesty. When questioning the young man, Jesus hones-in on the commandments having to do with his business dealings. When the young man answers that he has kept those commandments, Jesus accepts his answer as true, meaning that it is possible to acquire wealth in virtue and to hold it in virtue.
The disciples see this man as so virtuous, and say if he can’t get in, how can anyone? How can we?
Jesus says that money itself isn’t intrinsically evil, but then He talks about the rich and the camel through the eye of the needle.
4. Listen to the sermon from where you left off to about minute 16, where Keller moves into the question “What is Jesus saying when He asks him to give everything away?”
A. What are some false explanations of what it means for the camel going through the needle and what point does Keller feel they are missing? Do you agree?
Some say it is just a metaphor, and talk about how back in Jesus’ day there were small gates in the city wall where it was difficult for a camel to pass through, but with some pushing and shoving, it could be done. Or, perhaps He didn’t mean a literal needle; maybe it was not a camel fitting through the needle’s eye, but a piece of twine, that could also be made to go through. In those examples, it would be possible to get it through. Keller feels it misses the point of what Jesus means: that it is impossible for the rich to get into heaven. However, Jesus is not saying it is because accruing wealth is bad or that it is a sin, in itself, to be rich. He is saying that money has the power to blind us spiritually, to blind us to the gospel, and therefore no one who is rich will be safe unless God intervenes.
Wednesday: What Was Jesus Really Saying?
Listen to where you left off to about minute 31:22 when Keller begins with “Two things Jesus told him: Give away and follow me.”
5. Why the love of money is the root of all evil (See Proverbs 30:8-9) What do you think Scripture says the love of money and not just money?
Having money is not wrong in itself. But when you love money, it can rule what you do.
6. After listening, or while listening, answer:
A. How does Keller show from Genesis that both money and sex are gifts from God?
B. What is powerful about money?
Money is your Savior, your identity. Keeps us from the gospel.
D. What happens to money under the influence of sin? When it becomes an idol?
It rules you. It becomes your Father-your essence.
E. List some signs that Keller gives to show money has too much control and may be an idol:
If you do not care for the poor. You go shopping when you are depressed.
F. I was convicted personally at his statement that the more money you have the more choices you have that can drown you. More toys. More shopping. Etc. I want to be more aware of this when I want something, or when I’m decluttering. What did you think about this?
I have been decluttering lately and have been overwhelmed by the amount of stuff we have accumulated through the years! I am also challenged to have to let go of some things. I feel at times that need a Marie Kondo visit. She will be ruthless! LOL Joking aside, Marie Kondo will not be the answer. A heart attitude change towards money is still what I need.
G. Did anything else stand out?
To give till it hurts. To some degree this is true. But I also have found that remembering how much Jesus suffered for me makes the hurt of the sacrifice easier to bear. And I also have experienced joy because of sacrificial giving. There is nothing like it.
The young man’s response was that he was grieved. The same word for grieve was used when Jesus was in Gethsemane… Money was to that young man as God was to Jesus. Wow! I ask myself, “what material thing can be taken away from me that I would be grieved like the young man?” Pondering this question.
Good thing to ponder from Bing:
I ask myself, “what material thing can be taken away from me that I would be grieved like the young man?” Pondering this question.
Bing that is such a crucial question! Thanks for this! Whenever I ask myself that, there’s always something that comes up. My husband, children, and my mom. That would grieve me which is SO normal but since I went through the threat of losing a relationship where I would rather die than lose it and was seconds away from doing it, I can now tell when I have a relational idolatry problem. Praise God I’ve let go of this person and while it would still hurt if this person left, it doesn’t have a hold on me. Actually, I can’t believe I put this person above God, but I did.
I think now it would be financial security, but I’d rather not wait until I lose it, but rather put Jesus above it NOW.
Rebecca, I have been pondering this question today as well. My family would be top of the list, too. “I’d rather not wait until I lose it, but rather put Jesus above it NOW.” It is a daily challenge to consciously put Jesus first!
Bing, Amen. It sure is a daily challenge.
Thursday: One Thing You Lack
Prepare your heart with this:
Listen to where you left off to about minute 36 after he says the disciples might have thought, “Hey, it might be good to have this rich man in our band!” 🙂
What a stirring Sara’s song made in my heart! I have heard and watched that video many times and it never failed to touch my heart. The poor here in America is not the same as in the Philippines. But their need for Jesus is the same.
7. Read again Mark 10:21. Has it ever confused you why Jesus said this as a matter of salvation? Do you understand it better now? Explain.
One has to let go of what rules the heart if we have to have a right relationship with material things or money. If one is saved, Jesus is the One who rules our hearts and other things would fall in place. He has to be first.
Jesus did not reprimand the young man for being rich. He was asking him to let go of what stands between him and God. And that was his money.
8. What did you think about Keller’s parallel with Isaac? How did Abraham succeed where this man failed?
I must have missed hearing this along with #9?
9. Keller said Jesus was trying to snip the umbilical cord he had to money. Have you had an umbilical cord to an idol snipped, and how, in the long run, did it help you?
An umbilical cord is a lifeline. And the young man’s was tied to money.
I wish I could say my umbilical cord to my idols is completely severed. The Lord has been gracious; every little experience of giving up my idols is pure grace.
10. Keller says nothing helps your perspective more than being involved with the poor. Have you experienced this, or helped others (your children or others) experience this?
Yes. Very recently, I volunteered at our school’s no hunger summer program. I sat down with one mom and her 2 kids. After they have eaten, I asked her if she wanted to take some food home. She said yes so, we sent some more food with them for the next day. And I noticed she looked pregnant with a third child. Later, they went to their vehicle, and I noticed their car was old and had a door of a different color.
Experiences like this remind me to have a grateful heart for what I have and to pray for ways I could be more involved with the poor in our community as well as outside. And be God’s conduit of love. I think Sara’s song is so spot on. I saw what I saw and I can’t deny it. Something on the road cut me to the soul your courage asked me what I am afraid of, what I am made of, and what I know of love”
11. What else stands out to you and why?
Change how you relate to your good thing. Whatever good thing I have, I need to have it under Jesus’ control. It should not control me-money, career, ability to move up the ladder, ability to afford stuff, etc. How am I using my good thing?
Bing, I think I have an idol issue with Sara Groves! Just kidding, but this song/video has always made me fill with tears and ask God to assess my heart. It’s usually revealed how much more I need to grow and repent of when I see those lovely souls in Rawanda. It’s then when I sincerely wish I had nothing but the shirt on my back because God’s joy is so much better than what anything or any person on earth can give.
Oh yes, Bing — when we rub shoulders with people in poverty, it is so good for our perspective.
7. Read again Mark 10:21. Has it ever confused you why Jesus said this as a matter of salvation? Do you understand it better now? Explain. Yes, it isn’t by our good works or living a moral life that we are saved, and it’s not by doing good as a believer that we are sanctified. It’s by giving up because we want Him more! It’s so much harder to deal with the stem than it is to skip it and paste on fruit, and look holy to everyone, but it’s in the giving up, that’s where love for Jesus is truly revealed. That’s what Jesus did for us but it wasn’t idolatry or sin he gave up so He could have us, He took on our idolatry and sin so He could have us. He gave up way more than we could ever for Him.
8. What did you think about Keller’s parallel with Isaac? How did Abraham succeed where this man failed? Why can’t I remember this? I’ve listened several times. My thought is that I think Abraham succeeded by showing he would give up what he loved most to God Who he loved more.
9. Keller said Jesus was trying to snip the umbilical cord he had to money. Have you had an umbilical cord to an idol snipped, and how, in the long run, did it help you? YES. UGH (I still can’t believe I put this person above God but I did). It was the most painful experience of my life, but I was terribly co-dependant on a person and God used the pain to help me let go but now I know if I lose it again, I’m going to be okay because Jesus is more fulfilling and more important. I’m checking myself when I begin to fear and eventually turn to Him, but being here on the blog with you really helps!
10. Keller says nothing helps your perspective more than being involved with the poor. Have you experienced this, or helped others (your children or others) experience this? I used to with our boys but haven’t done so in a while. I pretty much was the one who raised them in the faith yet my boys are far away from God as adults. I am glad that they all have hearts for the poor and the outcast though I’m not sure which one really knows Jesus. When the boys were little one of them found a $100 bill on the ground. I had them go door to door in our neighborhood to see if anyone would claim it. No one did and my boys were dreaming up what they could buy with it, but I mentioned buying toys at Target for the poor for I think God wants us to do that, then going to the City Union Mission to give it to the homeless children. They ended up enjoying shopping and were disappointed that we had to drop it off instead of being able to see the children open them.
11. What else stands out to you and why?
I’m terribly yet encouragingly convicted for though I know Christ, I can still be like the Israelites and even the rich young ruler regarding the idols I tend to want to hold on to. I think the difference is I’m not blind for He makes me see whereas before I knew Him I was completely blind. I love that HE cuts the umbilical cord.
You were teaching your boys such important truths early — that’s quite a story about the 100 dollar bill.
Friday: The Danger of Feeling Morally Wealthy
Listen to the end.
12. Keller talked about how people often say, “Are you telling me a good Buddhist will go to hell because he doesn’t believe in Jesus?” He said they never say a “bad Buddhist.” What point is he making?
The use of good vs. bad is indicative of works-oriented righteousness.
13. He said feeling morally superior is even more dangerous than being physically wealthy. Why?
Pride oozes in one who is morally superior. It sounds like being good has a tiered category. The more “good” you are, the closer you are to God?
There is nothing wrong intrinsically with being physically wealthy. It is what you do with it or how you relate to it that can become the root of all evil.
14. What did he mean when he said Christianity is not an addition but an explosive?
I couldn’t remember where he said this. Perhaps Christianity starts from the inside out? Something will explode in you because you cannot contain the awe of the gospel and it will well up from within?
15. How has the Lord changed your view of:
A. Morality as a way of salvation
I can never be moral enough to earn my way to salvation. Only the death of Jesus Christ and my belief in Him will earn me my salvation. “He has paid it all”; He has done everything that I can not do.
B. Wealth as the answer to unhappiness?
It never was and it will never be. “Money can’t buy you love.” Which is what we all long for. And we can find love in Jesus alone.
12. Keller talked about how people often say, “Are you telling me a good Buddhist will go to hell because he doesn’t believe in Jesus?” He said they never say a “bad Buddhist.” What point is he making? The point is, is that no one is good and they are saying the bad doesn’t matter, it’s just because they have done some good things. The problem with that is how much good do you have to do to spend eternity with God? What about people who are mostly evil yet have done a few good things maybe when they were children? Where is the barometer? Then why did Jesus have to die in the first place if God accepts all? That would make Jesus a liar or a fool and both types wouldn’t be willing to go to the cross for any reason.
13. He said feeling morally superior is even more dangerous than being physically wealthy. Why?
Because pride will keep people from humbling themselves and giving Jesus Christ their life-so the root will never be taken care of and those people won’t truly be His. It’s a lie lived in that tells us we’re okay and everyone else isn’t, and everyone who’s around us will feel that way.
This goes for believers who think, okay, I’m saved, now I move on from that and live a good life and obey which is true, but if we forget the Gospel, it can breed pride because we tend to pat ourselves on the back. We will forget we are nothing without Christ and that He gave up everything to have us which enables us to put aside ourselves and serve out of love for Him. Most often than not we will attract others to Jesus because of genuinely denying ourselves for others which could only be His Spirit in us.
14. What did he mean when he said Christianity is not an addition but an explosive? It IS explosive! It turns everything upside down when as Keller said, you realize, oh my God, Oh..my..God.., OH, my GOD! When you give your life to Jesus and sincerely mean it He will put His Holy SPirit inside you and whoa is it explosive! Everything turns upside down all at once and also slowly as He grows you. You’re 100% His..there is no maybe or if..You’re soul lifts to the sky and you explode telling everyone about Him. You want everyone to know Him for He is better than life. You see dark from light-something I can’t explain and words really can’t express. All I know is that, that is what happened with me.
15. How has the Lord changed your view of:
A. Morality as a way of salvation – I think I tried that for a few weeks when I was a child, way before I became a Christian at 22 years old. I carried a bible around with me and I said I love Jesus, and watched Jesus of Nazareth every year – not because I had to but because I wanted to for Jesus so intrigued me and I saw Him as God’s son who Loves us. BUT, Nothing changed in me, God was wooing me. So at 22 years old in the midst of being a huge sinner and messing my life up with poor choices, I just knew God is Holy and I’m not and I want a relationship with Him and because I am dirty before Him with all my sins, I couldn’t make up for that and couldn’t be good enough to be in His presence, and I knew because He is Holy and I’m not only He could put me on the right path, so I gave my life to Him on an airplane flying over Las Vegas. 🙂
B. Wealth as the answer to unhappiness? Wealth as an answer is only temporary and in the end will turn around and destroy me if I don’t put it in it’s rightful place.
Friday: The Danger of Feeling Morally Wealthy
Listen to the end.
12. Keller talked about how people often say, “Are you telling me a good Buddhist will go to hell because he doesn’t believe in Jesus?” He said they never say a “bad Buddhist.” What point is he making? Salvation is not about us and our “goodness”, it’s the miracle of Redemption through Jesus Christ.
13. He said feeling morally superior is even more dangerous than being physically wealthy. Why? Because the emphasis is again on works, not Jesus.
14. What did he mean when he said Christianity is not an addition but an explosive? Christianity is not in our control, it is the Will of God in us.
15. How has the Lord changed your view of:
A. Morality as a way of salvation “All we like sheep have gone astray…there is no one “good, “moral”, above judgement.
B. Wealth as the answer to unhappiness? Unhappiness is a much deeper issue, that requires a heart change by the power of God. Material wealth cannot fill the place in our hearts that only God can fill.
I am struggling so much with getting this study done this week! Ugh the devil is trying so hard to take hold. I have listened to the sermon at least 5 times and can’t get questions answered. I finally realized if I listen on my actual computer then I can back up to re-listen…! For some reason Dee, the questions you are asking don’t make sense; I didn’t hear a reference to the movie, nor did I hear anything about Richard Baxter. Am I missing something?
Laura, I have had the same struggle all week! The sermon cuts off after 22 minutes, I tried looking the sermon up on YouTube to no avail. Finally, I just asked the Lord what He is saying through the text…I felt much better after praying! There must be a technical error in the link.🙏❤🙏
Everyone — I’m so sorry about the confusion. I realize from your comments what happened is that Keller preached this sermon two different times and they are slightly different — the podcast one is not the same as the one I listened to, though the title was “almost the same.” The podcast is Camels and Money, and the sermon I listened to it “Camels, Needles, and Money.” I like to give you the podcast as it is free. I will have to be more careful about this in the future. I’m so sorry!
Thanks for the clarification Dee. I thought I was going crazy!!!
Thank you for clarifying this, Dee! He has so many sermons, it would be so easy to get these mixed up! You are such a blessing to me and you put so much into each week. It is all good! Love you so dear Dee!
Laura, I thought the same that I was missing something. No worries, Dee. I figured there must have been two sermons. Or I am having a language issue. LOL All is good as Patti said here. I also know there is a lot of work that you must do in order to keep our weekly study mentally challenging as well as soul invigorating!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIZZY! You are so good at remembering so many of our birthdays we want to celebrate you. Yours is an easy one to remember — being exactly six months from the birth of Christ. You have been on this blog from the beginning and bring so much wisdom and depth. You are well loved here by me and by many. And you’ve opened, like a flower. You first came on as Elizabeth, which is such a beautiful name, but how I love that you let us call you Lizzy now.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIZZY!! You are filled with such sweet joy and love for our Heavenly Father. I always see a new perspective to life when I read your thoughtful posts. May God bless you on your birthday! I pray that you will experience God’s grace, mercy and love through the coming year! You are a treasure! Love you so, dear Lizzy. Patti
“Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” I Timothy 1:2
Yes, yes, yes! Happy birthday to our sweet Lizzy. May your day be filled with every good gift that comes from the Father of light. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows…James 1:17 Praise the Lord, He never changes!
Happy birthday Lizzie!!!
C. How did Job’s friends embrace that false theology?
They believed that Job did something to be “punished.”
E. Keller said though the young man had been good, he still felt there was something missing. He said people like this are never sure. Why is that true?
When you are “doing” to get to heaven, there is always doubt that you are doing enough.
5. Why the love of money is the root of all evil (See Proverbs 30:8-9) What do you think Scripture says the love of money and not just money?
The love of anything more than God gets us in trouble. We need money to live, but that’s it. I watched my mom die a pauper. She had everything she needed. God was in charge 😉
Saturday
16. How will you apply this to your life? Be specific.
When I buy something, especially when it is of a sizable amount, I can ask myself: Is this a real need or am I just bored, depressed, prideful ( I can afford this or I deserve this) jealous, or envious? Maybe the price does not really matter but how is my heart in relation to the material things I accrue?
This morning, I went shopping with my husband to pick up groceries in preparation for lunch with a young couple visiting our church tomorrow. I also have been wanting to buy a couple of pairs of shorts for the summer. I picked three to try on when we were at the store. They all fit and I was ready to buy all three but waited and thought it through some more. I knew 2 would be enough lol. So I tried one of the pairs one more time and decided to just buy two instead of three. And I went home happy with my choices and glad I did not spend on a third pair.
As I sat and typed my answer here, I realized God has used this blog again to cleanse my heart anew.
Saturday
16. How will you apply this to your life? Be specific. I never have related to the “Rich young ruler” because I have never been “rich”! After studying this teaching though, I can see that I have a wrong attitude toward what I do posess. I trust in the wrong things, Lord forgive me. If I were to lose all that I have and trust completely in Jesus would that be enough? The Lord has definately been speaking to me and revealing dark areas of my heart that need His Light. It is so easy to be decieved, Why haven’t I ever felt convicted of these things before? I suppose the enemy had me right where he wanted me. I will try to focus on serving the Lord each day and letting go of any security I have besides in Him. I can envision how this will result in a stronger walk with Jesus. For example, I have a bone tumor in my right leg, recently I have been experiencing neurological symptoms that come and go, depending on my activities. I have been in denial about what this could mean, but I must put all my hope and trust in the Lord and His plan for my life. So I will begin the process of diagnosis in 2 weeks and put my trust completely in the Lord. I also have been diagnosed with progressive macular degeneration in both eyes, 5 years ago. I can feel the changes in my vision, but have not really been seeking the Lord’s Will and/or asking for healing. I am eligible for Medicare in August, so I feel more secure financially in seeking medical care. I have not had Medical insurance in 13 years! “One day at a time Sweet Jesus, that’s all I am asking of You…” I am so thankful to have an intimate Savior who never tires of hearing my cries for help, who wraps me tenderly in His loving arms and carries me when I can’t stand up. Praising Him all my days, I love You Lord!