The Redemption of the Soul

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. 

I.           THEIR MISPLACED RELIANCE (Psalm 49:6) 

A.   Relying on Their Wealth (v.6; Proverbs 13:8; 23:4-5; Psalm 52:6-7; 1Timothy 6:17) 

B.   Relying on Their Fame (v.11 – “they call their lands after their own names”)

1. Absalom rears up a pillar for himself (2Samuel 18:18)

2. Naaman had everything, “but he was a leper” (2Kings 5:1) 

C.   Relying on Their Way (v.13 – “their way is their folly”)

1. v.13 – posterity: future generations

2. A way which seems right (Proverbs 14:12)

3. We turn to our own way (Isaiah 53:6) 

D.   Relying on the Praise of Others (v.18 – “men will praise thee”; John 12:43) 

II.          THEIR MEAGER RANSOM (Psalm 49:7) 

NOTE: ransom: the price paid for the release of a captive 

A.   Unable to Help a Brother (v.7; Mark 8:36-37) 

B.   Unable to Keep Their Wealth (v.10: Ecclesiastes 2:18-19) 

C.   Unable to Keep From Dying (v.12, 14; Psalm 89:48; Ecclesiastes 8:8; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:26) 

D.   Unable to Take Anything With Them (v.16-17; 1Timothy 6:7) 

E.   Unable to Ever See Light (v.19-20; Psalm 73:3, 17) 

III.         THEIR MARVELLOUS REDEMPTION (Psalm 49:8-9) 

NOTE: redemption: a buying back 

A.   The Redemption of Our Soul (v.8; Mark 8:36) 

B.   Redeemed For Eternity (v.8; John 3:16) 

C.   Redeemed From the Power of the Grace (v.15; 1Corinthians 15:54-57) 

D.   Redeemed With a Precious Ransom (v.8; 1Peter 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?