Sermon Notes

The Gospel of Mark

Mark 8:34-9:1 // All In



“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” -Mark 8:34

Mark 8:34-9:1

"And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”

Reason #1 – The Only Way to Save My Life is to Lose My Life

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. -Mark 8:35

Truth: Our desire to save the present life/lifestyle we have NOW means we WILL lose the life God desires for us in eternity.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” -Jim Elliott

Truth: The only way my life will be saved is to surrender my life to Him.

Reason #2 – My Soul is Worth More Than the Value of the Whole World

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" -Mark 8:36

Truth: One soul (one life) is worth more than the whole world!

Reason #3 – It is Impossible to Regain My Soul Once I Lose It

"For what can a man give in return for his soul?" -Mark 8:36

Truth: No equivalent exists on earth that can be given in exchange for the human soul once it is lost.

Reason #4 – Who We Deny, Die to and Follow Determines Our Eternity

"For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” -Mark 8:37

Truth:  When we are ashamed of Him we leave Him no choice but to be ashamed of us and to leave us to ourselves.

What are the reasons to deny myself, die to myself and follow Jesus?

1 – The Only Way to Save My Life is to Lose My Life

2 – My Soul is Worth More Than The Value of the Whole World

3 – It is Impossible to Regain My Soul Once I Lose It

4 – Who We Deny, Die to and Follow Determines Our Eternity

"And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.” -Mark 9:1

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” -Jim Elliot

“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” -John 12:25

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” -1 John 1:9

Truth: Holding onto who we are and what we have in this life will result in the forfeiture of eternal life.