Questions

In Mark 8, we read a very familiar verse that the whole world has heard at one time or another but disregards as “religion” and they, of course, do not want “religion.”

I heard someone speak, a while ago, about “Questions” in the Bible. If you want to stay busy for a while, chase down and study out those questions. So... in Mark 8:36 we read,

What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

What is in the world that could satisfy anyone SO much (for a season) that would be worth losing one’s soul for? We know there is nothing. But if one does not believe in a soul, or does not believe in God or the hereafter, then what can his aspiration or hope in life be but to gain as much of the whole world as one can... and then die. 

1 Tim. 6:9-10 says, Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Notice it says desire to be rich. The problem right away is lust and greed and covetousness, not wealth. Lust and greed and covetousness might seem redundant, but are distinct in that lust is “I want it.” Greed is “I want more.” And covetousness is “I want what you have.” The redundancy is that they are all Desires of the flesh.

1 John 2:15-16 says, Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Jesus’s desire was to do the will of the Father.

I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me. John 5:30

satan has the world convinced that neither God nor himself exist, therefore the only pursuits of life worth any time and effort (in the world) are the pleasures from the lusts of the flesh, which feed the pride of life, which is the arrogance in the lie of self-sufficiency... more money, bigger houses, expensive cars, and lots of sexual escapades - the insatiable desire for more, better, and newer possessions. These are all carnal status symbols of carnal achievements. And that is what pride is all about... status! And that is a lie! It started with satan who wanted his status to be above God’s.

The “truth” is, that man is totally and utterly bankrupt of any righteousness in this world, and will never have any kind of status outside of Christ, because Christ is eternal, and man is dead and will be gone tomorrow.

Rom. 3:10-12 says, “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.”

Pride of life stands in our way if we truly seek to be servants of God. Anyone who wishes to be involved in service to God will not succeed or please God if they try to do things their own way.

Here is a lesson in self-will for us. Peter in John 21:3 said, “I am going fishing.”
Peter demonstrates a certain amount of disappointment and impatience in that statement at this time. He has seen the risen Lord but has received no “marching orders” as it were, so he’s not going to stand around doing nothing... and he IS a fisherman, so he goes fishing, and the rest of them go with him. But they accomplished nothing that night. In the morning, as they approach shore, the risen Lord asks them, “Do you have anything to eat?” They said, “No, nothing.” Then Jesus gives them instructions and direction, and they catch an over-abundance of fish. And not only that... but Jesus already had breakfast on shore for them. In the will of God, we can accomplish much. But, Without Me (He said) you can do nothing. John 15:5

Humility is the counterpoint. Humility is one of the teachings of Jesus. His humility allowed Him to accomplish the will of God.

John 13:12-15, So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?” You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

Am I more favored than my Lord that I should have such leisure to watch TV, or have hobbies. Or that I should go hunting or fishing, or engage in other worldly activities? Eph. 5:15-16, be very careful how you live, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. The word “careful” in that verse is “circumspect” in the KJV. It essentially means “diligent, perfect.” As 2 Tim. 2:15 edifies… Be diligent, make every effort to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Which includes study time.

"True repentance is not that which humbles us on any given Sunday, but for the rest of our life."

I know there is nothing wrong with recreation, hobbies, and leisure because The Lord wants us to have the desires of our hearts, but not to the detriment of our spiritual growth and walk. And MY desires used to be in the wrong things. Some might say “balance leisure time with study time” or “moderation in all things.” I say those are worldly attitudes. What is in the world that is worth losing time with God over?

We know so little about God and Jesus that we should be with God always, that is, in His Word! In His Spirit! Abide in Me, Jesus said. Jesus is the Word. Abide in the Word! Can one walk and chew gum at the same time? More power to him.

But Seek first the kingdom of God. We should first “perfect” ourselves for His Kingdom and His will and we will receive the desires of our hearts. But I guarantee your desires will be different. They will be heavenly, not worldly.

Our Lord had no place to sleep. He had no leisure for recreation, by choice! But His time was spent with God the Father... FOR OUR SAKES!

Matt. 6:21... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

So the question is... What does it profit a man if he is NOT like Jesus?