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The Redemption of the Soul

Scripture Passage: 
Psalm 49:1-20

Introduction: Much that is wrong in this world has to do with misplaced values. The world trusts in the wrong things. They find themselves unable to purchase the really important things. And, finally, they miss out on the redemption of their own soul. In order to receive God’s salvation and serve the Lord, you must turn from your own way and accept God’s way the only way.

  1. THEIR MISPLACED RELIANCE (Psalm 49:6)
    1. Relying on Their Wealth (Psalm 49:6; Proverbs 13:8; 23:4-5; Psalm 52:6-7; 1 Timothy 6:17)
    2. Relying on Their Fame (Psalm 49:11 – “they call their lands after their own names”)
      1. Absalom rears up a pillar for himself (2 Samuel 18:18)
      2. Naaman had everything, “but he was a leper” (2 Kings 5:1)
    3. Relying on Their Way (Psalm 49:13 – “their way is their folly”)
      1. Psalm 49:13 – posterity: future generations
      2. A way which seems right (Proverbs 14:12)
      3. We turn to our own way (Isaiah 53:6)
    4. Relying on the Praise of Others (Psalm 49:18 – “men will praise thee”; John 12:43)
  2. THEIR MEAGER RANSOM (Psalm 49:7)  (NOTE: ransom: the price paid for the release of a captive)
    1. Unable to Help a Brother (Psalm 49:7; Mark 8:36-37)
    2. Unable to Keep Their Wealth (Psalm 49:10: Ecclesiastes 2:18-19)
    3. Unable to Keep From Dying (Psalm 49:12, 14; Psalm 89:48; Ecclesiastes 8:8; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:26)
    4. Unable to Take Anything With Them (Psalm:16-17; 1 Timothy 6:7)
    5. Unable to Ever See Light (Psalm 49:19-20; Psalm 73:3, 17)
  3. THEIR MARVELLOUS REDEMPTION (Psalm 49:8-9) (NOTE: redemption: a buying back)
    1. The Redemption of Our Soul (Psalm 49:8; Mark 8:36)
    2. Redeemed For Eternity (Psalm 49:8; John 3:16)
    3. Redeemed From the Power of the Grace (Psalm 49:15; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
    4. Redeemed With a Precious Ransom (Psalm 49:8; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Colossians 1:14); precious: of great price, of great desirability

Conclusion: Your soul is your most precious possession. If you lose it, you lose everything. All the wealth and honor this world has to give means nothing in hell. Jesus Christ paid the ransom for your soul and wants to redeem you. Would you look to Him today?

David Reagan

Daily Proverb

Proverbs 28:4

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.