Successful Failures

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Luke 16:19-26

I. God and man keep different scorecards

A. Some who are successful by the world’s standards are miserable failures in the eyes of God.

B. Some who appear to be failures by the world’s standards are successful in God’s eyes

II. Examples

A. Solomon

B. Immeasurable wealth and wisdom

C. Many servants, beautiful surroundings, famous in different lands1 Kings 10:1-8 – Queen of Sheba marvels at Solomon’s kingdom1 Kings 10:23-25 – Summary of Solomon’s fame

D. Failure by God’s standards

E. 1 Kings 11:1-13

F. Solomon’s wives drew his heart away from God He built places of worship for idols and worshipped with his wives God was angry with Solomon for he did evil in the sight of the Lord

G. Rich young ruler

H. Mark 10:17-22 He was probably admired for his great wealth and attaining a position of authority at a young age. He probably had a good reputation with those in the community since he diligently followed the Ten Commandments.

I. However, there was an important command he neglected

J. Deuteronomy 6:5 – Love God with all of your heart The young man loved riches more than he loved God. His sin was “respectable” compared to murderers and idolaters. Jesus saw that this sin separated him from God and told him to give up the love of riches for the love of God. Though the world admired and respected the young man and considered him a good person, he did not please God and exchanged the hope of heaven for trinkets on earth.

K. Rich farmer

L. Luke 12:15-21 The farmer was diligent and enjoyed a plentiful bounty. He also had the vision to build bigger barns to hold future bounty. The world would think such a man a hardworking visionary blessed by God. However, the eternal assessment is that the man who planned for his financial future made no eternal planning. The man who was a diligent worker in his field did not work in God’s vineyard and had nothing to reap after death.

M. Rich man in Lazarus story

N. Luke 16:19-26 (Scripture reading) Here is another parable telling of someone who was wealthy and lived a comfortable life but spiritually was impoverished and suffered eternally. The world would consider such a man blessed by God yet he inherited the wrath of God eternally.

O. Judas

P. Judas was personally selected by Jesus to be an apostle with a divine mission to take the gospel into the world.

Q. Judas had another love: material things.

R. John 12:6 – He pilfered the moneybox Jesus and the apostle’s kept Luke 22:1-6 – Judas permitted Satan to influence his heart Through his love for money he put Satan between himself and Jesus and Judas betrayed the savior. His betrayal—like Peter’s denial—was not unforgivable but instead of repenting, he killed himself.

III. Success in God’s eyes

A. Being known by men is nothing; known by God is everything.

B. Earthly treasures are fleeting; heavenly treasures are eternal

C. Earthly pleasures are temporary and ultimately unfulfilling; spiritual pleasures never fail but satisfy us to the depths of our souls.

D. We must learn to see things as God sees them: Psalm 73

E. Matthew 16:26

F. Question 1: What good is it to gain the world but lose your soul?

G. Question 2: At what price can you be purchased?

H. Do not sell your eternal inheritance for a bowl of stew as Esau did. Do not neglect spiritual growth to increase your bank account. Do not sacrifice godly principles for a name among men.

IV. Conclusion: Will you be a successful failure? What do you really value? By what criteria do you determine the value of another person? By examining how we place value on others we reveal what our heart considers truly important and the value we want to attain. Though your name may never find its place in the sports, entertainment, financial, fashion, or society pages of the newspaper, if your name is in the Lamb’s book of life you are a success. But to get your name there you must deny self and exalt Jesus as the Lord of your life.