Comments on: Rich Young Man Bible Study: What’s The Meaning?

By: Craig

Craig — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 21:15:14 +0000

Greg,
I really liked your use of the word ‘downsize’. I think that brings up the question what are we full of? The more we are full of an affection of stuff we less we have room for Christ.

Thanks for helping us explore this passage.

By: Greg

Greg — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:26:40 +0000

Jesus dosn’t mind being called ‘Good’. He commends those characters throughout the Gospel that actually dare too ‘worship’ Him. Isn’t Jesus simply asking the young man; How did you figure out that I am Good. [ with all your preoccupations how did you get this far along ? ] In this case ‘Good’ has a special application. Good in terms with being correctly related to the matter of (posessing) inheriting Eternal Life.
In inviting the young man to [ downsize ] his earthly riches; ( those things that were
posessing him, consuming him, and tethering him to a meaningless ( un- ) existence;
And to : Follow ME ; Jesus allows the young man to glimps an unveiled view of his
real and uncircumcized heart. The young man goes away sad confronted with his
condition of ‘Coveteousness’ Reminding him of his inability to keep the Tenth Commandment which exposes his inability at keeping any of the coommandments
At least in a manner that would qualify as “good”. In this case good and acceptable
relating to the posession / inheritance of Eternal Life.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:26:49 +0000

I’m with you, bro.
General, not specific works for me.
I appreciate your thoughts.

By: Kevin@OutOfYourRut

Kevin@OutOfYourRut — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:15:22 +0000

Paul, you’re correct, the correlation is general not specific.
.-= Kevin@OutOfYourRut´s last blog ..Don’t Fall for Debt Consolidation Scams =-.

By: Paul Williams @ Provident Planning

Paul Williams @ Provident Planning — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:11:34 +0000

I totally agree with what you’re saying here, Craig. That’s a really good insight into the rich young man’s problems.

I agree with you as well, Kevin. There does seem to be a correlation between the two. My caution was just to make it “generally” rather than absolute – coming from the viewpoint of someone who is fairly self-reliant but totally helpless when it comes to salvation.

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:33:02 +0000

I think there is something about confidence, pride, and self-reliance that help us identify what is happening in the this passage.
He first wants to know what good thing he must do. He things salvation is up to him.
Jesus himself won’t accept the word good (as a way to describe himself). It’s a reminder to the man that you are not good only God is good.
The man has properly done what is necessary. As for the law, faultless.

The trouble this man has is with letting go – letting go of his goodness, letting go of his works righteousness, letting go of his money.

By: Kevin@OutOfYourRut

Kevin@OutOfYourRut — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:53:38 +0000

Paul, I fully agree with you. I was referring to correlations. I've always imagined what it would be like to witness to Donald Trump (who may be a believer for all I know!), but it kind of fits in with the rich young ruler. There are go to people who are believers (Tim Tebow as an example), but it is harder to bow the knee in that case, just as a general correlation. .-= Kevin@OutOfYourRut´s last blog ..Seek Fulfillment Beyond Your Work =-.

By: Paul Williams @ Provident Planning

Paul Williams @ Provident Planning — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:28:36 +0000

Kevin & Craig,

I agree self-reliance can be a hindrance to accepting Christ, but it’s not impossible. I’m a very self-reliant person in most things, but I also fully realize that I have absolutely no ability to guarantee my righteousness or to overcome sin. I feel even more grateful to Jesus because I realize this so completely.

I also wouldn’t link self-reliance to pride. They’re often related, but some people just like to do things themselves because they enjoy the experience and learning. I know that’s how it is for me. Self-reliance becomes pride when we absolutely refuse help from others because we fear what others will think.

Craig, this was a great analysis of the Rich Young Man. Thanks!
.-= Paul Williams @ Provident Planning´s last blog ..Tithing in the Bible: Did Jesus Teach Tithing? – Matthew 23:23 & Luke 11:42 =-.

By: Kevin@OutOfYourRut

Kevin@OutOfYourRut — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:52:51 +0000

Craig, you’ve raised yet another take on the Rich Young Ruler parable, the idea of a self dependent (or self-reliant) person. This is one of the most difficult personality types to witness to because they’re used to solving their own problems and there’s no perceived need for a higher power.

It seems some degree of brokeness is typical to most believers. Humility is another factor. As pleasant as the self reliant may be to be around, their hearts probably aren’t ready to receive Christ. We can say that this is another form of pride, but it seems to be something more.
.-= Kevin@OutOfYourRut´s last blog ..Seek Fulfillment Beyond Your Work =-.