𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗦

THE FUTILITY OF WORLDLY GAIN AND THE FINALITY OF ETERNAL LOSS

INTRODUCTION

In this Dispensation of Grace, salvation is freely offered through the gospel of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1–4). Yet multitudes spend their lives chasing wealth, success, and worldly security, only to face eternity unprepared. The world promises pleasure, but it cannot provide peace. It offers riches, but it cannot redeem the soul.

Jesus’ warning in Mark 8:36 still echoes with power:

“What shall it profit a man…?”

People labor to gain the world but lose what matters most—their eternal soul. Paul reminds us that the things seen are temporary, but the unseen things are eternal (2 Cor. 4:18). Let us explore this sobering truth from a rightly divided, grace-centered perspective.

THE PERIL OF WORLDLY PURSUIT

(Mark 8:36)

A. Chasing the Temporary — Earthly gain fades.

— 1 John 2:17

B. Choosing the Tangible Over the Eternal — Materialism blinds.

— Luke 12:19–20

C. Craving What Cannot Satisfy — The world never fulfills.

— Eccl. 5:10

THE POINTLESSNESS OF EARTHLY PROFIT

(Mark 8:36)

A. Profit Without Peace

— Prov. 11:4

B. Prosperity Without Purpose

— Luke 16:25

C. Possessions Without Permanence

— Matt. 6:19

THE PRICE OF A LOST PRIORITY

(Col. 3:2)

A. Mind Set on Earth Instead of Heaven

— Col. 3:2

B. Mission Replaced with Materialism

— Phil. 3:19

C. Meaning Found in the Mundane Instead of Christ

— John 6:27

THE POWER OF DECEPTION IN DESIRE

(1 Tim. 6:9–10)

A. The Snare of Riches

— 1 Tim. 6:9

B. The Sorrows of Greed

— 1 Tim. 6:10

C. The Seduction of Covetousness

— Luke 12:15

THE PATHWAY OF SPIRITUAL DECLINE

(Rom. 1:21–25)

A. Trading God for Gold

— Rom. 1:25

B. Treasuring Creation Over the Creator

— Rom. 1:21

C. Turning to Idols That Cannot Save

— Ps. 115:4–8

THE PRECIOUSNESS OF A PERSON’S SOUL

(1 Thess. 5:23)

A. A Soul Is Eternal

— Matt. 10:28

B. A Soul Is Valuable

— Ps. 49:8

C. A Soul Must Be Redeemed

— Eph. 1:7

THE PROVISION OF SALVATION IN THIS PRESENT AGE

(Eph. 2:8–9)

A. Grace Freely Given

— Eph. 2:8–9

B. Gospel Fully Sufficient

— 1 Cor. 15:1–4

C. Guarantee Forever Secured

— Eph. 1:13

THE PRIORITY OF ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE

(2 Cor. 4:18)

A. Seeing Beyond the Visible

— 2 Cor. 4:18

B. Setting Affection on Heavenly Things

— Col. 3:1–4

C. Standing Firm in Heavenly Identity

— Phil. 3:20

THE PROMISE OF A COMING EXAMINATION

(Rom. 14:10–12)

A. Accountability Before Christ

— Rom. 14:12

B. Assessment of Life’s True Worth

— 1 Cor. 3:13

C. Award for Those Who Lived for Eternity

— 2 Tim. 4:8

CONCLUSION

Life is short. Eternity is long.
The world is passing. The soul is priceless.

A man may gain wealth, success, applause, and comfort—
but if he dies without Christ, he loses everything.

The Dispensation of Grace offers the free gift of salvation now.
Rejecting Christ for the world is the greatest tragedy.

CALL TO ACTION

Receive Christ—don’t risk eternity.
Renew your priorities—seek things above.
Reach others—warn them before life’s finish line.
Remember: Only what’s done for Christ will last.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The world is temporary.
The soul is eternal.
Riches cannot redeem.
Greed destroys.
Christ alone saves.
Grace is free today.
Eternity is certain.
Priorities must shift.
Choose Christ over the world—always.