[Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:25-26]

Introduction

A. Too many people achieve success in a small thing only to fail in the things that really matter most.

B. If salvation is the ultimate goal for all of us, and if Jesus is the only way to salvation, we need to listen to what He says on the subject and learn to ignore every voice besides His.

Discussion

I. Many winners are losers.

A. The rich may seem to have it all, but they really don’t (Luke 12:20-21; 16:19-23; 18:22-25).

B. The victor doesn’t always get to enjoy the spoil (1 Kings 16:18; Acts 12:22-23; Ecclesiastes 5:13-15).

C. Our victories always come at a cost (cf. Luke 14:28).

II. Many losers are winners.

A. The losers from this world’s perspective actually hold the advantage from heaven’s viewpoint (Matthew 5:3-6).

B. Jesus often bestowed honor and blessings upon the poor (Luke 21:3; 16:19-23; 4:18).

C. Salvation is not won by conquest, but by surrender (Matthew 26:39,55-57; Luke 23:46).

D. Anything you hold too dear to give up to win Christ is really a loss (Philippians 3:7-8).

Conclusion

A. To win the prize that Christ offers, you will have to discipline yourself and follow the rules (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

B. This world is filled with losing victors. The smartest choice you will ever make is to be a victorious loser—losing yourself so that you may win eternal life.