03/07/17 - Luke 4

March 7, 2017 – Luke 4

Satan said to Jesus, "I will give you all the world's authority and splendor; if you worship me." Luke 4:6-7

Satan offers us worldly pleasures to give us eternal separation from God---God offers us Himself to give us eternal pleasures.

If you sold your eternal life, what would the price tag be?

We don’t think about selling our eternal life.  We view life in eternity as our right and expectation, assuming we have either earned it, received it, or deserve it.   So to imagine selling our eternity away seems satanic or silly – eternal life isn’t for sale!   Or is it?

Satan certainly thought so.  He was willing to tempt Jesus in several ways to get him to sin, hoping that one act of sin would sell off eternity for all mankind.  It would be the ultimate defeat of not only humanity, but God Himself.  So satan offered a bid for our eternal life – just bow down for one small act of worship and you can have everything else.  ‘You can have everything you want in this life’, satan offers, ‘if you’ll sell me your eternity.’  An incredulous offer – but nevertheless one that created a deep temptation for Jesus.

Of course Jesus refused, and our eternity was bought and paid by Jesus continuing His journey to the cross.  Sadly, many are more willing to sell their eternity for much less of an offer. 

-          People sell their eternities for things like weekend trips, retirement plans, & high-paying jobs.

-          There’s many eternal lives sold for positions & power, or for the pursuit of happiness.

-          For others, the price tag is even as deceptive as pursuing family time or some extra sleep.

-          We see eternal lives sacrificed on the sports field or gymnasium.

-          And for many, the selling price is much less – simple pride or arrogance.

ANYTHING that can distract you from pursuing a personal relationship with Jesus and a family relationship with His Church Family is an idol being swapped for your eternity!

So really… let’s be honest… what’s your pricetag? 

Satan knows what price would work for you, and he is probably already offering it.  Be careful, he’s an excellent marketer and reads people well.  Your price-tag may be unique, but certainly won’t be hidden.  Watch out for ANYTHING stealing your eternity for something that is temporary.

We need to make the motto of our lives: “Not For Sale”.  Take off the price tag, close the store, and never negotiate away your eternity for something temporary.  When you make decisions about your schedule, carefully consider what time is first allocated to eternity versus the temporary.  Guard yourself & your family from Satan’s subtle attack on your worship and family devotional time.  Never choose worldly pleasures over eternal relationship.  Take a look at your life and watch out for weekend sales or special offers you may be running.  Eternity lasts MUCH LONGER than this temporary life.

Pursue your relationship with Jesus, and you’ll get rid of any ‘Sale Price’ for your soul.