Application From The Rich Young Ruler

In my last blog post I provided an explanation of the encounter between the rich young ruler and Jesus in Matthew 19:16-30. In this post I am providing some applications that emerge from that passage.

• There is a strong emphasis in much of the New Testament upon the impact of true saving faith. The picture given is of entering the kingdom or belonging to the kingdom of heaven—i.e. living under the reign of God. This can only take place, as this passage reveals, by turning from our sins to Jesus, namely trusting in him to save us, trusting in him as our Lord, the only one who can and should direct us. This is glorious good news, namely that we can be saved, we can be part of God’s saving reign. There seems to be much wisdom to be found in calling people not merely to saving faith and forgiven sins, but calling them to a more full-orbed kingdom-shaped salvation and life. Such has a great power in helping us see whether or not we truly have trusted in and followed Jesus Christ. Mt. 19:16-30
• Following Jesus is also a very good way of talking about salvation. The kingdom terminology challenges us with whether or not we truly have exercised a saving faith in Jesus Christ and have seen a humble, repentant submission as a result. Following Jesus challenges with whether or not we have an ongoing trust in Jesus Christ that changes the direction of our life. Mt. 19:16-30
• Following Jesus includes repentance, faith, love, devotion, and a desire to honor him. Mt. 19:16-30 (esp. 21, 29)
• A good approach to gospel work is to challenge a person with whether or not they have changed direction (they are now following Jesus) and/or whether or not they have submitted to him as Lord (are part of the kingdom)—and these as a result of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Mt. 19:16-30
• “Eternal life” in some places has primarily a future-orientation. In other words, it deals with being able to experience the fully empowered and animated enjoyment of God, along with the reward of carrying out his glorious purposes in the fully redeemed earth, that is, the consummated kingdom of God. Mt. 19:16-30 (esp. 16)

• Such eternal life overlaps with having treasure in heaven, entering the kingdom of heaven (which is the same as entering the kingdom of God), and being saved. Mt. 19:16-30
• Only God is good and only God is the source of that which is truly good. That Jesus also is good has strong ramifications or who he is! Mt. 19:16-17
• If we love and desire to honor God, we will love Jesus the Messiah. If we love Jesus the Messiah, we will love others and will seek to help meet the various needs of these others we love. Mt. 19:16-30
• Wealth can be a stumbling block to true saving faith. Mt. 19:24
• Though no one can come to God for salvation in their own power, nevertheless, such a work is possible for God and in fact God does it!  Clearly, salvation is a work of God and not of man.  Mt. 19:24-26
• Reward is promised to those who by grace through faith follow Jesus—placing him first over all. Though the reward is primarily future, nevertheless, there is reward in this life as the Church family and resources replace lost family, houses, and lands. Compre Mt. 19:29 and Mk. 10:30.
• We see the strong and close connection between living for the glory of Jesus Christ, living for the glory of the gospel, and living for the kingdom of God. Compare Mt. 19:28; Mk. 10:29; and Lk. 18:29.
• There should be so much presence of humility and dependence upon Jesus Christ among Christ-followers so that they do not get jealous at the success or reward of others. Mt. 19:30