8.3 The Best Investment
The True Cost of Discipleship: Wealth vs. Devotion

Read Mark 10:17–31. What important lessons about faith and the price of discipleship are revealed here for everyone, regardless of wealth or poverty?

In Mark 10:17–31, we encounter a profound teaching about faith, discipleship, and the cost we must be willing to pay to inherit the Kingdom of God. The rich young man approaches Jesus with reverence and sincerity, seeking the way to eternal life. Yet, when Jesus asks him to sell his possessions, it becomes clear that his heart is bound to worldly wealth—his riches have become an idol that prevents him from fully following God’s will.

This passage reveals a central truth: it’s not only about externally keeping the commandments but also about being willing to give up anything that separates us from God. Wealth and material goods are not inherently bad, but they can become stumbling blocks if we give them more importance than our relationship with God.

Jesus takes the opportunity to clarify that the path to the Kingdom of God is not attained through human effort or wealth but through God’s grace. “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27). This statement underscores the fact that salvation and eternal life are possible only through God’s grace and power, not through our own works or possessions.

Peter’s remark that he and the other disciples have left everything to follow Jesus leads to Jesus’ promise that those who give up everything for Him will receive immeasurable rewards—both in this life and in the life to come. This teaches us that while following Jesus requires sacrifice, the rewards and fellowship with God are infinitely more valuable than anything we might give up.

The lesson revealed here is clear: our true security and worth do not lie in worldly wealth or status but in our willingness to give up everything for Christ and follow Him. In this devotion, we find true fulfillment and the assurance of eternal life.

Read Romans 6:1–11. How do these verses reveal the reality of God’s grace in our lives, making us both justified and new creatures in Him?

Romans 6:1–11 is a powerful passage that describes the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives. These verses explain how we are justified by God’s grace and begin a new life in Christ.

1. Justified by Grace:

   • The initial verses raise the question of whether we should continue in sin so that grace may increase. Paul decisively answers, “By no means!” (Romans 6:2). He clarifies that God’s grace not only frees us from the penalty of sin but also liberates us from its power. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have died with Him, meaning our old sinful nature was crucified with Him. This act of justification means that God declares us righteous through Christ’s sacrifice, independent of our own works.

2. A New Life in Christ:

   • The passage continues by describing that we have not only died with Christ but also been raised to a new life with Him. “We too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4). This new life means we are no longer under the dominion of sin. Our identity has fundamentally changed: we are new creations in Christ. The old self has died, and we now live for God in the power of Christ’s resurrection.

3. Empowered to Live in Obedience:

   • These verses also make it clear that God’s grace is not a one-time act but a continuous power that enables us to live in obedience and holiness. Since we have died with Christ, we should no longer let sin reign over us. Instead, we should consider ourselves alive to God and offer our bodies as instruments of righteousness.

4. The Reality of Resurrection in Our Lives:

   • Paul emphasizes the reality of the resurrection in our lives. Just as Christ was raised from the dead to die no more, we have the promise of eternal life. This new reality means that death no longer has power over us, just as sin no longer has power over us. We now live in the freedom and power given to us through Christ’s resurrection.

Conclusion: Romans 6:1–11 reveals the deep truth that God’s grace not only frees us from the guilt of sin but also transforms us into new creatures in Christ. This grace transforms our entire lives by justifying us and enabling us to live in new freedom and holiness. In Christ, we are truly made new, and this new identity is key to a life that honors God and breaks the power of sin.

The connection between the lesson on “The Best Investment” and our daily lives and faith is very practical and relevant. Here are some key aspects:

1. Setting Priorities in Life:

   • The story of the rich young man in Mark 10 challenges us to reassess our priorities. In daily life, this means reflecting on what truly matters to us: Is it material possessions and social status, or is it our relationship with God? This lesson encourages us to not place worldly things above our spiritual life and to recognize that true fulfillment and security are found only in devotion to Christ.

2. The Importance of Devotion:

   • Following Jesus requires sacrifice and devotion. In everyday life, this is reflected in our willingness to let go of things that may separate us from God—whether they be possessions, certain habits, or even relationships. This devotion also means holding onto our faith in difficult times and trusting that God provides for us now and in eternity.

3. Trusting in God’s Grace:

   • The verses from Romans 6 emphasize that our salvation and new life in Christ are possible only through God’s grace. In daily life, this means we do not rely on our own efforts to earn God’s love or salvation. Instead, we trust in the grace given through Jesus’ death and resurrection. This trust leads to a life free from guilt and fear, knowing we are justified in God’s eyes.

4. Living in New Identity:

   • Romans 6 reminds us that we have been made new in Christ. This new identity should be reflected in our daily lives—in how we make decisions, interact with others, and live our lives. We are called to live in the freedom and power given to us through Christ’s resurrection, and this should be visible in our actions.

5. Maintaining an Eternal Perspective:

   • Jesus’ promise that those who follow Him will be rewarded both in this life and in the life to come encourages us to maintain an eternal perspective. In everyday life, this means viewing our decisions and actions in light of eternity and understanding that what we do for Christ has lasting value.

Overall, this lesson calls us to live our faith practically by setting our priorities right, trusting in God’s grace, and embracing our new identity in Christ. The “best investment” we can make is to wholly dedicate our lives to Christ and live in His grace, which brings us true fulfillment and the assurance of eternal life.

The best investment you can make today is to give your heart and life completely to God—because what you give up for Christ brings immeasurable reward, now and in eternity.

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