6 "The Rich Ruler" (Luke 18:18-30)

 Luke 18:18-30

1. Vs. 18, 

What shall I do to to inherit eternal life?

This is the most import question anyone can ask and Jesus is fixing to answer it. What will He say?

Why do you call me good? Is that the evangelistic approach you thought Jesus would take to this seemingly amazing opportunity?

In answering the question Jesus first challenges the man's view of God and what is goodness.

2. Vs. 20,

Here He unpacks what Biblical goodness looks like and challenges the man to honestly evaluate himself in order to have the right perspective on eternal life. The man's answer showed in his perspective he felt like he had accomplished all these things.

3. Vs. 22,

Here Jesus gives 4 things.

1-You still lack one thing

2-Sell all that you have and give to the poor

3-You will have treasures in heaven if you do this

4-Come and follow me

4. Vs. 23,

He became very sorrowful.

When he became very sorrowful we do not see Jesus chasing him down trying to convince him to respond correctly

5. Vs. 26,

At this point all that had seen how Jesus handled this evangelistic opportunity was discouraged wondering who could even be saved.

Things to Consider,

The means you use to evangelize is also the tool you use to disciple. 

What you save some one with is the same thing you keep them with.

In seeker friendly gimmicks of conversion the evangelist tries to sale the convert on his product.

It has been said that if you can convert a person in 15 mins. someone else can unconvert them in 15 mins.

The Bible does not direct us to sale and manipulate people into salvation, it directs us to share with them what the scriptures say and trust in the fact that the scriptures are actually able to save the convert. 

If you notice in Matt. 28, when the great commission is giving Jesus does not give specific instruction for evangelism but for discipleship. "Teach them to obey My commands" If the disciples are converted by the commands of Jesus they will be able to submit to them also. If they are converted by unbiblical concepts they will be unfamiliar with submitting to discipleship concepts. We disciple converted people not unconverted. The acceptance of the authority of scripture is an evidence of conversion and until that is present their is no assurance that the heart is in Christ.