Just in from InTOUCH
This week Bible study: The Cost of Walking With God
Salvation is free, but those who want to follow the Lord must pay a price. That is, we must willingly sacrifice all that separates us from God if we want to enjoy intimate fellowship with Him and experience His best for our lives. Today, let’s look at two stories that exemplify different responses to the Lord.
A. Read the story of the rich, young ruler in Matthew 19:16-26.
How many of the Ten Commandments had the young man kept?
Notice that the commandments Jesus mentioned all had to do with how the young man related to others, not God.
Based on the questions Jesus asked, the young man did very well in relating to others. What types of commandments did Jesus NOT ask him about (Ex. 20:1-17)?
Why do you think Jesus didn’t ask Him about these?
We know salvation is not something we earn. It’s something given to us by grace (John 3:16; Eph. 2:8-9).
Why do you think Jesus told the young man he needed to sell his possessions and give to the poor before he could receive eternal life?
B. Read the story of Zaccheus in Luke 19:2-10.
According to the story, what prompted Zaccheus’ promise to give half his wealth to the poor and return money to those he had cheated? (v. 7).
Why do you think Zaccheus willingly gave up so much of his great riches?
What was Jesus’ response when he saw Zaccheus’ readiness to surrender his wealth? (See verse 19.)
Why do you think Zaccheus freely sacrificed his possessions, but the young man did not? (For further insight into Zaccheus’ motivation, read Luke 7:43-47.)
C. Personal application.
Does God want each of us to surrender all our money and possessions to the poor? Of course not. He may call some people to do that, but not everyone. However, the Lord always desires that His followers turn from whatever steals attention and affection from Him. (See Luke 8:14.)
What in your life competes with the affection you have for the Lord?
Which person do you relate to more—the morally respectable, rich young ruler, who didn’t give up his treasure; or the despised Zaccheus, who quickly offered his wealth in response to Jesus’ unconditional love?
Why do you identify with that person?
Is there an area of your life—a possession, relationship, or goal—that God wants you to surrender to Him right now?
If so, write a prayer, committing that area to the Lord.
Closing: The rich young ruler loved his possessions more than he loved the Savior. He wasn’t desperate enough to give up tangible security—his wealth—to find eternal life. In contrast, Zaccheus recognized that his riches were a poor substitute for good standing with God and friendship with Christ. May God open our eyes to His perspective so that we will value an intimate, obedient walk with Him more than anything else.
Prayer: Father, thank You that salvation is a free gift to me because of the price Jesus paid. Help me be willing to sacrifice the things that distract me from pure devotion to You. I want to experience relationship with You in all its fullness and accomplish Your purposes for my life. Amen.
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