Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Where is Your Heart?

Bryan Schneider · June 24, 2023

Mark 10:17-31

sharonrpc.org/sermons/where-is-your-heart

Summary

The rich young ruler sincerely seeks eternal life but approaches Jesus asking what he can do to inherit it.
Jesus lovingly uses God's commandments to expose the man's hidden idol: wealth, position, and security matter more to him than following Christ.
Material things are not evil in themselves; the danger is a heart that trusts and delights in riches rather than God.
The camel and needle are intentionally impossible: sinners cannot free themselves from idolatry or save themselves by resolve, sacrifice, or obedience.
What is impossible with people is possible with God, who can replace stony hearts and turn sinners from trust in wealth to trust in Christ.
Following Jesus may cost possessions, family inheritance, business, reputation, and even life, while promising a new family, persecution, and eternal life.
Jesus is worth more than everything this world offers because he gave up everything to bring his people into his kingdom.

What do I love, trust, or fear losing more than I love Christ?
How does Jesus' use of the commandments uncover the ruler's idolatry and self-confidence?
Do I treat possessions as evil in themselves, or do I examine how my heart uses and trusts them?
What keeps me from Scripture, prayer, generosity, witness, or costly obedience?
Have I mistaken financial comfort or success for evidence that I am right with God?
Why is salvation impossible for human effort yet possible with God?
If faithfulness cost my income, property, reputation, or relationships, would Christ and eternal life still be worth it?
For whom should I pray because only God can change a heart of stone?

Idolatry: Giving a created thing the trust, love, security, or allegiance that belongs to God alone.
First table of the law: The commandments that govern worship, loyalty, reverence, and devotion toward God.
Second table of the law: The commandments that govern love and duty toward other people.
Covetousness: A disordered desire for possessions or advantage that reveals where the heart places its treasure.
Trust in riches: Treating wealth, property, work, or position as the source of safety and hope rather than receiving them as gifts from God.
Effectual calling: The Spirit's work of opening the mind and renewing the will so a sinner embraces Christ offered in the gospel.
Cost of discipleship: The real losses a follower of Christ may accept because Jesus and eternal life are more valuable.