Matthew 16:26: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Heb 12:16: “Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.”

Despite its severe effects, the lockdown was also a blessing in disguise. Although the lockdown has been terrible on some people, yet, it has also been didactic.

It has given Christians the space to reflect on the state of their fellowship with God. It has caused us to genuinely appreciate our faith and the communal Worship which we had in time past.

The communal Worship which several believers abandoned in their desperate quest to get Earthly Riches, is what they are crying for today.

The businesses which they pursued at the expense of their Faith and devotion, has been shut down without warning by the Government.

The friends whose pressure caused them to backslide in their walk with God, are nowhere to be found today.

The Covid was terrible. The lockdown was terrible. Yet, these things were highly didactic.

They should us the true nature of riches and Humanity.

Despite our world powers, health technologies and advanced science, we could not stop a single virus from wiping out millions of people from the face of the Earth.

We have been taught a lesson by Experience. And this lesson is one that will be passed on from generation to Generation.

Science has its limit. Money has its limit.

We are told in scriptures that money answers all things. That is true only in the context of material things.

Money only answers our yearn for the visible and tangible materials in this world. But money has no ability to procure eternity on our behalf.

Hence, the believer must be careful not to put money, instead of his soul’s state, as the priority of his pursuits in life.

Jesus said it this way,

St. Matthew 16:26 “And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (NLT)

The AMP puts it this way,

Matthew 16:26: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life [his blessed life in the kingdom of God]? Or what would a man give as an exchange for his [blessed] life [in the kingdom of God]?”

What exactly can you give as an exchange for the Blessedness of being a Christian?

Why aren’t you seeing the inestimable value of this great Pearl given unto you by the Lord Himself.

Why are you willing to forsake your faith to gain the world?
Why are you willing to forsake your faith to gain the cheers and praises of your friends?
Why are you willing to forsake your faith to gain the patronage of the world?
Why are you willing to accept abortion and Homosexuality just to gain global acceptance?

Oh Believer! Why are you very willing to forsake your faith to gain the attention of the world.

Look at how frail man is! Though they put on a strong outlook, and they pretend to be wise and in control, when it comes to matters of life and death, only God has the final say.

So why are you bothered about their persecution and antagonistic treatment towards you?

Haven’t you read in the Psalms that the wicked, “will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.” (Psalm 37:2).

The second text which I wrote at the beginning of this sermon, is one which tells us of a frightening event which took place in scripture.

Esau had returned from hunting and was hungry. He met Jacob preparing a scenting delicacy, and requested that Jacob shared it with him.

I believe the story is familiar to you. Jacob requested for Esau’s birthright in exchange for the Pottage, and Esau, without proper reasoning, sold his birthright to Jacob.

Though one might easily condemn Esau for selling his birthright to Jacob, yet, one knows that there are many Esaus in the Church today.

Esaus who gave relinquished their positions and duties in church, in order to unrestrainedly fulfill their inordinate desires.

Esaus who for a moment of want, have renounced their faith in order to get the Pottage of the Tempter.

If Esau had refused to give his birthright to Jacob, and had been patient, he would have certainly been able to prepare a meal of his to satisfy his hunger.

But when sin is about to trap its victim, it makes the victim see it as the only option available.

Probably Esau had thought, ‘What is the worth of my birthright anyways. Is it going to satisfy my belly?’.

There was an same way there are Christians who say within themselves, ‘What is the use of being a Christian? Is that how I want to feed my kids?

Though we think these things are our thoughts, yet, they are mostly whispers of the enemy to our hearts.

Refuse to gain the world at the expense of your soul!

Say No to sin!
Say No to promoting the cause of the LGBTQ community!
Preserve your Faith!

God bless you.