"Anyone finding his life will lose it, and anyone losing his life because of Me will find it.”

It’s all in. It is all or nothing. If we don’t give up everything, then we can’t be his disciples. If we do, then we will gain. If not, then we lose it all!

Don’t let anyone deceive you. God’s grace makes us forsake all for Christ - forsaking our own holiness, righteousness, and wisdom. It makes us obedient to follow him and suffer for him; it makes us put him above everyone else, so that his will, his name, and his glory mean everything to us.

We do not live as we ought in perfection, humility, and consecration, but we live sincerely to glorify God, believing him in the gospel. This impossible life is God’s gift to us, and it has joy, safety, and a sweet reward.

First, “Anyone finding his life will lose it.” If we hold onto our life, denying Christ, doing our own will, then we shall perish. Like the man who came to the wedding without the provided garment, he was cast out and tormented. If we hold our own righteousness, then we’ll perish in hell. If we hold our strength, then sin will master us. If we hold our wisdom, then we will be fools. If we refuse God’s will and God’s way, then we will not enter the kingdom.

We will lose joy and peace, which we could have had, and we’ll lose our souls forever. We’ll miss out on forgiveness and the Spirit. Our lives will serve no purpose, will be spent on deceitful lusts, and then we'll perish. We’ll be led by Satan, selfish, and sluggish. We won't do the good that we could have. We squander our lives, when they could have been useful. We'll neglect the Pearl of Great Price, look back upon our lives, and regret ever being born!

Don’t let this happen. Don’t behave like Judas, betraying the Son of Man with a kiss. He will receive you. Take his mercies and live forever.

Secondly, the reward is to the one “losing his life.” He gives up dreams and ambitions for the glory of God, submitting to the Master. He forsakes sex outside of marriage and drunkenness, giving up the party life that is so appealing to the flesh. He gives up being cool in the eyes of men, which Herod could not do, because he chose the honor of man before God. He gives up the praise of Caesar and the love of money, because he stands for Jesus. Pilate could not, so he perished. He esteemed his big position above his own soul, even though he knew Jesus was innocent. He gives up the deceitfulness of riches to care for his own soul. He gives up his ego and pride to SERVE in the church.

He gives, rather than spending everything on self, because he loves God and people. He even goes where God says and does what he wants to the death. He forsakes it all to gain more, and he surely gains. Hebrews 11:26, "having counted the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward."

Let us be forsaking people! Don’t be afraid. Don’t feel left out. You are gaining!

Thirdly, you “will find it.” Oh, the riches of the reward - the sweet peace and joy of heaven, the clean conscience, and the hope. How wonderful it is to walk with God and be inwardly thrilled… to have power over sins, self-control, and to love others. It is wonderful to be able to serve Christ, because it is right and honorable; it is great to help others.

Many despise this life, but it is with God, and his peace rewards you. A clean conscience, power to rejoice, and enduring assurance sustains you. Difficulty is not your master. Circumstances don't change this hope. The fear of death is taken away, replaced with a desire to be with Christ. There is purpose in our life.

This is a wonderful life, and then heaven comes, which is hard to explain, but it is the place of NO MORE SUFFERING, forever, while hell is popping. The smoke ascends from the lake of fire, while we praise God for genuine joy in perfect holiness and pleasure. We have it all, forever, and nothing can take it away or separate us from God’s love. There will be nothing to disturb or tempt us for all eternity.

Ah, imagine the sweet relief of entering Paradise. It will be breathtaking to know that we’ve made it, and we’re safe - no more pain, sorrow, or tears… no more suffering against temptation… no more cruelty in the world.