171. LUK 18:18. THE RICH YOUTH’S ADDRESS TO CHRIST

Luk_18:18. The Rich Youth’s Address to Christ

"Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"’97Luk_18:18.

Introduction.’97The wisdom, affection, and fidelity Christ always manifested in his intercourse with mankind. Yet we perceive great discrimination. What severity towards the base and hypocritical Pharisees! What gentleness and pity to the poor penitent woman, who was emphatically styled a sinner! What affectionate fidelity, in the instance to which the text refers!

Let us notice,

1. The favorable Traits of Character exhibited in the Question proposed by this Young Man.

1. The question itself was of supreme importance.

Not a question about the body’97about he world’97its riches, honors, or pleasures; but it related to the happy existence of the soul forever. It related to the highest blessing we are capable of possessing, and the greatest God has engaged to bestow.

2. The question was a personal one.

"What shall I do?" &c. Religion is truly a personal matter. We must first feel for ourselves. Secure it for ourselves. Concern for others before ourselves is false charity, is a delusion of the enemy. We are all personally responsible. Must all render our own account unto God.

3. The question was put at an interesting period of life.

He was a young man. How delightful it is to see the aged coming to Christ! But how much more so, to see the young sacrificing all the allurements of the world, and devoting themselves entirely to Christ!

4. The question was put by one who possessed an abundance of riches.

Few rich care about religion. Riches deceitful. Generally engage the affections; and secure the time, and care, and confidence of the possessed. Generally lift men up in pride and self-sufficiency. Requires great self-denial and humility in such to be sincere followers of Christ. See ver. 24, 25.

5. The question was put with feelings of great modesty and respect.

Nothing rude or repulsive; nothing consequential. Some men handle religious things with an offensive roughness. His behavior was highly respectful. He addressed Christ, "Good Master." Terms implying his admission of Christ’s authority, purity, and benevolence.

6. The question was put with great sincerity and earnestness of spirit.

He came running, and, kneeling, said, "Good Master," &c. Mar_10:17. He was not prompted by mere curiosity. Was not cold, and formal, and careless; but he felt deeply interested in it.

7. The question was put by a person who possessed much of the morality of religion already.

He was free from the most notorious and common vices. He had kept, in the letter at least, most of the commandments. He was so generally amiable, that when Christ beheld him, "He loved him." Most would have thought this religion enough.

8. He put this question to Christ, who was decidedly unpopular to the rich, and to the rulers and teachers of the Jews.

Nicodemus came by night. His followers were persecuted, hated, reviled, and put out of the synagogue. Christ was deemed an impostor; and his gospel was a stumbling-block to them. Yet, to Christ he came and said, "Good Master," &c. He was not far from the kingdom of God. Yet observe,

II. The Defects which were elicited by the Saviour.

1. He evidently expected salvation by the works of the law.

"What good thing shall I do?" &c. He was ignorant of the extent and spirituality of God’s law; and of his own depravity and weakness. Ignorant of the doctrine of mediation.

2. He was held in bondage by one reigning idol.

The love of riches. He was rich, and he loved his riches. Loved them more than he loved God, his own soul, or eternal life.

3. He was unwilling to yield to the extensive requirements of the Saviour.

He went away from Christ. He was grieved, but not convicted. He went away sorrowful; but it was the sorrow of the world; sorry, because he could not have a rich inheritance in both worlds He went away, most probably, forever. Let us consider, then,

III. The Lessons which his History furnishes.

1. The exceeding deceitfulness of earthly riches.

They are the thorns, &c.

2. That we may go far in religious practices, and yet not be saved.

Be near, very near, and yet not within the kingdom of God.

3. We are in great danger from spiritual deception.

He evidently was a stranger to his own heart. He was a captive in fetters, while he imagined he was free.

4. Religion requires a total surrender of ourselves to God.

"We are not our own," &c. He claims your body, spirit, and soul; and will not accept of any thing less. Luk_14:33.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS