What Shall It Profit?

Text: Mark 8:36

Introduction:
  I. Most things, we place a place a certain amount of 
     value on them.
 II. Most values fluctuate. i.e., - bonds, stocks, real-
     estate, and even money.
III. However, the value of the soul is unchanged.
 IV. Jesus in verse 36 emphasizes the value of the soul by 
     raising a question.

Body:
  I. The question proves that a person can lose his soul.
     A. There are people who teach that everyone is going 
        to be saved (Matthew 7:13-14).
     B. Sin is what causes the soul to be lost.
        1. Romans 6:23
        2. Isaiah 59:2
        3. John 8:21
     C. If a soul is lost, it is due to the person’s own 
        decision.
        1. Calvinism
        2. Acts 13:46
        3. Matthew 23:37

 II. The question warns of man’s danger of exchanging his 
     soul.  Some exchange it for:
     A. Money (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
     B. Pleasure (Hebrews 11:25)
     C. Evil associations
        1. 1 Corinthians 15:33
        2. 1 Corinthians 5:6
        3. If you run with the goats, it is hard to keep 
           from smelling like them.
     D. Too busy with every day affairs.
        1. Luke 10:41-42
        2. Song: “Take Time to be Holy.”
     E. False Doctrine
        1. Galatians 1:6-9
        2. 1 John 4:1

III. The question teaches that man cannot have everything.
     A. He gains one thing at the loss of something else.
        1. There is no escape from such exchanges.
           a. Mark 8:37
           b. Psalm 1:4-5 Man cannot have a life of sin now 
              and heaven later.
           c. Galatians 6:7-8 He cannot sow to flesh and 
              reap eternal life.
        2. He can have sin, but at the sacrifice of heaven.  
           Or he can have heaven, but at price of giving up 
           sin.  Man just cannot have everything.
     B. The wise trader is the one who gives up everything 
        for the kingdom (Matthew 13:45-46).

 IV. The question shows that a man’s most tragic loss is 
     his soul.
     A. Even lesser losses are bad enough.
        1. What shall it profit a man, if he gains the 
           whole world and loss his health, life?
        2. But the loss of the soul is over a million times 
           worse.
     B. The loss of the soul really means two losses: the 
        loss of heaven in the hereafter and the loss of 
        blessings now.
        1. Matthew 19:29
     C. The value of the soul is seen in God’s love, 
        Christ’s death for it.
        1. Romans 5:8

Conclusion: How does one save his soul?
 I. Believe, Repent, Confess, Baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 
    2:36-38; Romans 10:9-10).
II. After being baptized into Christ, live faithly (1 John 
    1:7-9).