Rich, Young, and Lost
August 9, 2026
A young ruler came to Jesus asking what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. By every visible measure, he was successful. He was moral, influential, financially secure, and still young enough to believe his best years were ahead of him. But Jesus saw the one thing standing between the man and the life he desired. When Jesus invited him to release his possessions and follow, the man walked away sorrowful. The Rich Young Ruler wanted eternal life as an addition to the life he had already built. Jesus invited him to surrender that life and receive something better. Join us for part one of Rich! as we consider the question: What do you possess that you cannot imagine placing in Jesus’ hands?
Passage
Luke 18:15-30
Principle
True riches are found not in what you ##possess##, but in what you ##surrender## to ##Jesus##.
Practice
Prayerfully answer these three questions:
- What has God placed in my hands?
- Where do I resist Jesus’ authority?
- What do I possess that I cannot imagine placing in Jesus’ hands?
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
- If you made what you made now, would you have considered yourself “rich” 10, 15, or 20 years ago?
- What do we expect to have now that was unthinkable 10 or 20 years ago?
HEAR
Read Matthew 13:44-46
- Did the people mentioned in these parables make rational decisions? Why or why not?
- What is Jesus’ point in these parables?
- Compare the decisions in these parables with the decision of the Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18:18-23.
Read Philippians 3:7-11
- Compare this passage to Matthew 13:44-46.
- Does Paul’s decision align more with those made in the parables or by the Rich Young Ruler?
- Most of us live somewhere between the Rich Young Ruler and the Apostle Paul. Where would you place yourself on that continuum today? Whose direction are you moving in?
Read Acts 4:32-37
- What stands out to you in this passage?
- How can Aspire better reflect this kind of community?
HUDDLE
- If everyone in the church were as generous as you, would our congregation look more or less like Acts 4?
- Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Luke 18:15-30
- Day 2: Matthew 13:44-46
- Day 3: Philippians 3:7-14
- Day 4: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
- Day 5: Psalm 16:1-11
- Day 6: Mark 8:34-38
- Day 7: Hebrews 11:24-28
Passage to Memorize: Luke 18:29-30
Think Deeper
- What is your definition of “rich”?
- Do you consider yourself rich?
- Do you have a possession you would be unwilling to surrender to Jesus?
Suggested Resources
How to Be Rich, by Andy Stanley
The Treasure Principle, by Randy Alcorn
The Generosity Practice, by John Mark Comer
(Wednesday Night Group Study begins on August 19 @ 6 p.m.)
Financial Peace University, by Dave Ramsey
(Wednesday Night Group Study begins on August 19 @ 6 p.m.)
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.