This Week: June 15-21
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
This week, we explored the familiar story of the rich young ruler who asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus’ response invites us to examine not only what we’ve done, but what we’re willing to let go of in order to fully follow him.
“There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you have and distribute the money to the poor… then come, follow me.” – Luke 18:22
Using the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? as a metaphor, Pastor Jeremy reminded us that the true prize isn’t measured in wealth, but in willingness. When the young ruler walks away saddened, Jesus invites us all to ask the deeper question: What is it that we are unwilling to let go of to inherit life with God?
Just as contestants decide whether to risk what they have for the next level of reward, we too make daily decisions to cling to comfort or risk following Christ more fully.
Just as contestants decide whether to risk what they have for the next level of reward, we too make daily decisions to cling to comfort or risk following Christ more fully.
Table of Contents
Key Points:
- What We Keep Can Keep Us – The rich ruler followed commandments but could not release control over his wealth.
- Discipleship Involves Loss and Gain – Faith is not about preservation, but transformation.
- We All Have Spiritual Gifts to Give – Like Rick Sacra’s story shows, we are called to serve—even when it costs us.
- Nothing Is Impossible with God – Our limitations are not God’s limitations.
- We Are All Called – The kingdom is built not just by the powerful, but by the faithful
5-Day Devotional
Day 1 – One Thing Lacking
Scripture Reference: Luke 18:22 “There is still one thing lacking…”
Jesus doesn’t criticize the ruler’s good deeds—he points out the one thing holding him back. What is your “one thing”? What do you cling to that may prevent deeper discipleship?
Action Step: Write down something you’ve been reluctant to surrender. Pray for clarity about what may be limiting your spiritual growth.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me recognize what I’m holding back and give me the courage to let it go.
Jesus doesn’t criticize the ruler’s good deeds—he points out the one thing holding him back. What is your “one thing”? What do you cling to that may prevent deeper discipleship?
Action Step: Write down something you’ve been reluctant to surrender. Pray for clarity about what may be limiting your spiritual growth.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me recognize what I’m holding back and give me the courage to let it go.
Day 2 – What We Gain
Scripture Reference: Philippians 3:7 “Whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ.”
Paul reminds us that true gain is found in Christ—not in wealth, power, or safety. Letting go of worldly gain opens us to eternal treasure.
Action Step: Where are you investing your time, energy, or money? Does it reflect kingdom priorities?
Prayer Prompt: God, shift my focus from what I can accumulate to what I can offer.
Paul reminds us that true gain is found in Christ—not in wealth, power, or safety. Letting go of worldly gain opens us to eternal treasure.
Action Step: Where are you investing your time, energy, or money? Does it reflect kingdom priorities?
Prayer Prompt: God, shift my focus from what I can accumulate to what I can offer.
Day 3 – Not Impossible
Scripture Reference: Luke 18:27 “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.”
What may seem too difficult for us is never beyond God's reach. The call to sacrifice is also the call to trust.
Action Step: Recall a time God helped you through something you thought was impossible. What did you learn about trust?
Prayer Prompt: God, when the call feels too hard, remind me that with You, all things are possible.
What may seem too difficult for us is never beyond God's reach. The call to sacrifice is also the call to trust.
Action Step: Recall a time God helped you through something you thought was impossible. What did you learn about trust?
Prayer Prompt: God, when the call feels too hard, remind me that with You, all things are possible.
Day 4 – Your Unique Gift
Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others...”
Rick Sacra followed a calling that led him across the world. Your calling may be closer to home, but no less holy.
Action Step: What gift do you possess that can be used for God’s kingdom?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me use my gifts—even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Rick Sacra followed a calling that led him across the world. Your calling may be closer to home, but no less holy.
Action Step: What gift do you possess that can be used for God’s kingdom?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, help me use my gifts—even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Day 5 – Do You Want to Be a Disciple?
Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:24 “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Being a disciple costs something. Are we willing to pay the price?
Action Step: Write out your answer to the question: “Do I want to be a disciple?” What would following Jesus more fully look like this week?
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, I choose discipleship. Teach me to follow you, even when it’s hard.
Being a disciple costs something. Are we willing to pay the price?
Action Step: Write out your answer to the question: “Do I want to be a disciple?” What would following Jesus more fully look like this week?
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, I choose discipleship. Teach me to follow you, even when it’s hard.
Posted in This Week
No Comments