A Rich Man, Sad, But Lost

Introduction (Matthew 19:16–22):
The story of the rich young ruler reminds us that salvation requires full surrender to God. One thing held back can cost a soul eternal life.

Assumed Salvation Without Full Surrender
The rich young ruler approached Jesus with confidence. He believed he had kept the commandments and assumed his salvation was secure. Yet Jesus revealed that he still lacked one thing. Holding back even one area of life from God shows that the heart is not fully surrendered. God will forgive the humble and obedient, but He will not accept partial devotion. The young ruler’s love for wealth exposed his incomplete submission. We too must be careful not to deceive ourselves by assuming salvation without total obedience.

The Refusal to Change
When confronted with truth, some choose comfort over obedience. This young man did not realize the grip possessions had on his heart until Jesus told him to give them away. Instead of rejoicing in God’s guidance, he went away sorrowful. Many today learn that their beliefs or practices conflict with God’s word, yet they refuse to change. Whether in matters of worship, morality, or doctrine, refusal to obey results in being lost. Saving faith demands readiness to change, even when sacrifice is great (Luke 12:51–53).

Faith That Trusts Enough to Obey
True faith trusts God enough to obey commands that seem difficult or even unreasonable. Abraham was willing to offer Isaac, trusting God’s promise (Genesis 22:1–19). Saving faith accepts God’s authority above human reasoning. Commands like baptism (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) or moral restrictions on marriage (Matthew 19:9) may challenge human will, but faith submits. The rich young ruler failed because he did not trust God enough to obey completely.

The Futility of Riches
Wealth cannot save. All the rich man’s possessions were worthless for eternal life. Jesus told him to give away his wealth to find treasure in heaven. He refused. Jesus warned that riches choke out fruitfulness (Luke 8:14). Paul commanded the wealthy to be generous and willing to share (1 Timothy 6:17–19). Hoarding wealth leads to temptation, but using it for good frees us from its grip. Since salvation is more difficult for the rich than passing a camel through a needle’s eye (Luke 18:25), we must guard against trusting in riches.

With God, Salvation Is Possible
Jesus concluded by saying, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26; Luke 18:27). No one can save themselves by perfect obedience (Romans 3:10). Salvation is God’s gift through Christ. Yet it still requires our faith and obedience (Hebrews 5:9). Whether rich or poor, the condition remains the same: wholehearted submission to God’s will.

Conclusion
The rich young ruler went away sad, but lost. He lacked one thing—complete obedience. His story warns us not to hold anything back from God. Salvation belongs to those who trust and obey completely.

A Rich Man, Sad, But Lost Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (Matthew 19:16–22)

  • The rich young ruler’s encounter with Jesus.

  • Lesson: salvation requires total surrender.

• Assumed Salvation Without Full Surrender

  • Ruler assumed salvation by outward obedience.

  • Jesus revealed one thing lacking.

  • God requires full submission, not partial devotion.

• The Refusal to Change

  • Ruler unwilling to give up possessions.

  • Many today resist change when confronted by Scripture.

  • Saving faith demands readiness to change (Luke 12:51–53).

• Faith That Trusts Enough to Obey

  • Abraham trusted God in offering Isaac.

  • True faith obeys even difficult commands (Genesis 22:1–19).

  • Examples: baptism (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16), marriage (Matthew 19:9).

• The Futility of Riches

  • Riches choke spiritual life (Luke 8:14).

  • Best use of wealth is generosity (1 Timothy 6:17–19).

  • Danger of trusting riches (Luke 18:25).

• With God, Salvation Is Possible

  • Impossible for man, possible with God (Matthew 19:26).

  • None can save themselves (Romans 3:10).

  • Salvation through faith and obedience (Hebrews 5:9).

• Conclusion

  • The rich young ruler lacked one thing.

  • Complete obedience is required for eternal life.

Call to Action
Do not allow one thing to keep you from eternal life. Examine your heart. Are you holding back wealth, pride, sin, or self-will? Give God everything. Trust Him enough to obey even in sacrifice. With God, salvation is possible—but only for those who fully surrender to His will.

Key Takeaways

• One thing held back can cost eternal life (Matthew 19:21–22).

• Saving faith requires change and sacrifice (Luke 12:51–53).

• True faith trusts God enough to obey completely (Genesis 22:1–19).

• Riches choke obedience unless used for God (Luke 8:14; 1 Timothy 6:17–19).

• With God, salvation is possible for all who obey (Matthew 19:26; Hebrews 5:9).

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 19:16–22 – Rich young ruler’s encounter with Jesus.

• Luke 12:51–53 – Obedience often requires sacrifice.

• Genesis 22:1–19 – Abraham’s obedience.

• Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16 – Baptism commanded.

• Matthew 19:9 – Restriction on divorce and remarriage.

• Luke 8:14 – Riches choke spiritual fruit.

• 1 Timothy 6:17–19 – Command to be generous.

• Luke 18:25–27 – Difficulty of riches and possibility with God.

• Romans 3:10 – None righteous without God.

• Hebrews 5:9 – Salvation for the obedient.

Prepared by Mike Glenn

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