"Almost" Saved is Still Lost! (2025-09-21) Sermon

Matthew 19:16-30

Pastor Willie Behrends

Today we’ll see that it’s possible to be very close to Jesus and still walk away without Him. Don’t settle for “almost.” Following Jesus will cost you, but it’s always worth it!

Our passage today gives us three powerful truths…

I – Sometimes __________________ isn’t enough! (16-22)

II – Salvation can seem _________________________! (23-26)

III – ________________ will lead to life! (27-30)

Today’s ‘Take-Aways.’ Ask Yourself…

1. “Am I trusting in my _________________ or in Christ alone?”

2. “Is there anything I won’t ____________________ to Jesus?”

3. “Do I think anyone in ______ __________ is too far gone?”

This week’s Life Group Questions are on the back of this sheet →

NEXT WEEK: HIS Kingdom, HIS Way! Matthew 20:1-16

Pastor Willie preaches from the English Standard Version Bible (ESV) ©2001

LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS…

‘Getting to know you…’

Have you ever been ‘almost’ successful at something, but missed it at the last step? Describe how that felt?

Read Matthew 19:16-30 (Questions based on the English Standard Version© (ESV) Bible, 2001)

As you prepare for this week’s Life Group, 1-Carefully consider what this passage is saying (observation); 2-Ask, ‘who, what, when, where, why & how?’ (interpretation); 3-Consider what it means for us now (application).

Questions…

1. Read verses 16-22. What is the danger of thinking that eternal life can be earned by our works? What do those in Your World rely on instead of Christ to feel ‘good enough’?

2. Read verses 23-26. Have you ever felt like living faithfully for Christ was ‘just too hard’? Did God meet you in those moments? How? Does v. 26 give you hope? Explain.

3. In verses 27-30, Peter reminds Jesus that they had left everything to follow Him. What have you given up, (such as habits, a job, relationships, priorities, etc.) in order to faithfully follow Jesus?

GROW…

What specifically can you do to remind yourself daily that following Jesus may be difficult, may cost you something, but it always leads to a greater blessing in life? How can our group encourage one another to live with eternity in view, rather than just temporary rewards here and now?

GO…

Is there someone in Your World who seems ‘too far gone’ to be saved? How does this passage encourage you to keep praying for them and looking for opportunities to share the Good News with them?

Pray for each other as you go to Your Worlds this week.