“To Gain the Whole World” (Mark 8:34-9:1)

“TO GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD”

(Mark 8:34-9:1)

 INTRODUCTION: What does it profit to gain the world and lose your soul?

I. WE MUST DENY THE SELF.

II. WE MUST FOLLOW JESUS.

III. WE MUST PURSUE THE RIGHT PROFIT.

Questions for Family Review/Discussion:

1. Apart from people, what it the most valuable thing on earth to you? Why?
2. What are some proverbs, biblical or otherwise, that make much sense to you?
3. In what ways do you see people attempting to “gain the whole world”? How was Peter attempting to do so? (8:32)
4. What dreadful thing happened to the inner and outer person of Adam and Eve when they fell into sin? How would you describe the sinful self in comparison with the people God first made us to be?
5. What practically does it mean to “deny the self”? In what ways has this been misunderstood in the past?
6. What does it mean to “take up your cross”? How has this been misunderstood in the past?
7. “We are all born to be followers.” Agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
8. What does it mean to “follow Jesus”? How can we follow him when he is no longer here or earth?
9. If we are supposed to be “selfless,” how can Jesus speak of “profit”? Isn’t concern about our own profit a sign of selfishness? Explain. What does the first answer in the Westminster Shorter Catechism say about this?
10. Why does it honor God if we eagerly seek after his promised rewards? What are some of his promised rewards? Are you making a list?