PM Scripture Reading: Mark 8.34-38

Brent T. Willey

THE SOUL EXCHANGE

Mark 8.34-38

Introduction:

1. The “Faustian bargain” refers to one surrendering one’s soul to Satan in order to obtain power or success in this lifetime.
2. Jesus dealt with a Soul Exchange that many people are willing to make, that is, “selling their souls to Satan.”
3. The Soul Exchange is easy, but it is equally damning!

I. THINGS EXCHANGED FOR THE SOUL

1. Can one really make a deal with the devil? (Vs. 36-37)
   1. Who is he? (John 12.31; 14.30; 16.11; 2 Cor. 4.4)
   2. Does he deliver? (2 Cor. 2.11; 1 John 2.15-16) Lust (Flesh) – Lust (Eyes) – Vainglory (Pride)!
   3. It’s all deception! (John 8.44; e.g., Gen. 3.1-5)
2. What does the devil offer? Time, Materials & Fame
   1. Time (Gen. 3.4; contrast Gen. 3.22; cf., James 4.14)
   2. Materials (1 Tim. 6.9-10; contrast 1 John 2.17)
   3. Fame (Gen. 11.4; contrast  James 5.1)

II. WHEN CHRIST COMES IN HIS GLORY

1. What will the Lord find in us?
   1. Will it be self-denial, sacrifice & effort? (v. 34)
   2. Will it be a life devoted to Christ & His gospel? (v. 35; e.g., Luke 22.31; 54-62)
2. The ultimate warning: “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (v. 38; 2 Thess. 1.7-9).

Conclusion: Satan wants to make a deal with you. Don’t believe him!