What’s In It For Me

The Central Question

The teaching explores a fundamental question that humans often ask: “What’s in it for me?” This question arises in various aspects of life, especially when considering sacrifices or commitments. Matthew Vander Els encourages listeners to examine whether they ask this question in their walk with God. The teaching delves into the concept of reciprocal actions and covenant relationships, particularly in the context of faith and the Kingdom of God.

Patron-Client Relationships and Covenant

• In ancient times, a patron would provide for someone in need, creating a bond of reciprocal honor.
• Taking a gift implies owing honor to the giver.
• God offers the gift of salvation through his son, inviting people into His Kingdom.
• Accepting this invitation requires leaving behind one’s old self and embracing a new identity as a citizen of God’s Kingdom.

The Kingdom of God: Sacrifice and Expectations

Entering God’s Kingdom involves an expectation of change and sacrifice. This means leaving behind past sins and adopting a new way of life that reflects the values of the Kingdom. The core question becomes: Is it worth it to give up certain aspects of your old life to embrace this new citizenship?

The Danger of Superficial Acceptance

Some people may claim to accept God’s gift but fail to abandon their old ways. They might engage in religious activities without truly transforming their lives. Yeshua addresses this in Matthew 7:21-23, where he speaks of those who call him “Lord” but are not known by him because they continue to practice lawlessness. According to the speaker, knowing God is a covenant term, indicating a recognized relationship within the covenant.

The Rich Young Ruler: A Case Study

The story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22 illustrates the challenge of giving up one’s identity and possessions for the sake of following Yeshua. The young man, who appeared to have kept the commandments, was asked to sell all he had and follow Yeshua. He was unwilling to do so because he had great possessions, highlighting the difficulty of prioritizing God above worldly attachments.

Yeshua’s Deflection and the Definition of Good

When the rich young ruler called Yeshua “good teacher,” Yeshua deflected the compliment, stating that only God is good. This challenges the man’s understanding of what “good” truly means. It also aligns with Yeshua’s pattern of deflecting praise to redirect attention to God.

Loving God and Loving Your Neighbor

Yeshua references the Ten Commandments, particularly the latter half, which focuses on loving one’s neighbor. The teaching emphasizes that loving God and loving one’s neighbor are interconnected. You cannot love God without loving your neighbor, and vice versa.

The One Thing You Lack

Despite the rich young ruler’s apparent righteousness, Yeshua pointed out that he lacked one thing: the willingness to give up everything for Him. This wasn’t just about money but about the man’s identity and what he had built up in the world. Yeshua was asking him to discard his old identity and embrace a new one as His follower.

The Impossibility with Man, the Possibility with God

The disciples were astonished, asking who then can be saved. Yeshua responded that with man, it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible. This highlights that surrendering one’s identity and attachments is humanly difficult but achievable through God’s power.

The Reward for Following Yeshua

Peter points out that he and the other disciples have left everything to follow Yeshua. Yeshua promises that those who leave everything for His sake and the sake of the gospel will receive a hundredfold in this time, along with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. This emphasizes that the rewards of following Yeshua far outweigh the sacrifices.

The Importance of Brokenness

Great trials often accompany great blessings. James 1:2 encourages believers to consider it pure joy when facing trials because it is through brokenness that God’s mercy and grace shine through. This involves humbling oneself and allowing God to work in you, transforming you into an ambassador of His Kingdom.

The Audit Within

It is crucial to audit oneself, especially for those who claim to be in the Kingdom. This means identifying the “one thing” that hinders full commitment to Messiah and being willing to surrender it. God cannot occupy space in your heart that is already filled with something else.

Qualities of the Rich Young Ruler

• Eagerness
• Humility
• Courage
• Religiousness and Spirituality
• Wealth and Hard Work
• Social Rank
• Good Sense

Application for Everyday Life

• Self-Examination: Regularly assess your priorities and identify anything preventing you from fully following Yeshua.
• Willingness to Sacrifice: Be prepared to give up personal desires, habits, or relationships that hinder your spiritual growth.
• Embrace a New Identity: Actively work on shedding your old self and embodying the characteristics of a citizen of God’s Kingdom.
• Focus on Eternal Rewards: Keep in mind the eternal blessings that come with following Yeshua, which outweigh any temporary sacrifices.
• Accept Brokenness: Recognize that trials and brokenness can lead to deeper experiences of God’s grace and mercy.
• Love God and Neighbor: Consistently demonstrate love for God and others, understanding their interconnectedness.
• Prayer and Support: Seek prayer and support from fellow believers to help overcome personal struggles and stay committed to your faith.

For more Bible Teachings, visit our website.

References

• Mark 10:17-22
• Matthew 7:21-23
• John 3:16
• Deuteronomy 6:4
• Leviticus 19:18
• John 14:15
• John 17
• Ecclesiastes 10:19
• Galatians 2:20
• Mark 8:36
• James 1:2
• Jeremiah 6:16
• Luke 18:18