"HE WENT AWAY SORROWFUL" Matthew 19:22 I. Introduction. A. The unwillingness to give up "things" is not peculiar to the modern age. B. Throughout man's existence few have been willing to completely remove the barriers that prevent one from following God. C. Even Jesus observed: Matthew 7:14. D. There are many who are "sorry" they do not follow Jesus-but not led by godly sorrow: II Cor. 7:8-10. II. Body. A. The classic example: Matthew 19:16-21. 1. Had been devoted to keeping the law. a. Not the worst of men. b. Probably set forth as an example(different from modern media heroes(?)). 2. The commands covered one's personal moral life and relationships to others. 3. Note: "Keep the commandments"(His word-"kept"). 4. But something stood in his way: great possessions. 5. It is not enough as to what I would do--but what would I give up? 6. The sadness of rejection: "He went away sorrowful." a. Word means "to grieve, to make sad." b. Mark states: "His countenance fell" in Mark 10:22. c. Luke states "exceedingly sorrowful": Luke 18:23(intensive grief). d. He did not leave in anger. e. Did not accuse the Lord of asking too much. 7. He was Hebrew because of birth: needed to follow Christ by choice. 8. Mark reveals Jesus' feeling for the certain ruler: Mark 10:21. a. The man was not a repulsive person. b. Showed characteristics that provoked Jesus to have strong feelings for him. c. Even sadder that he does not follow the Lord. 9. If the ruler had been poor and powerless, would his reaction have been different?(Obviously-- his riches had never satisfied him.) 10. It brought him more sorrow to depart from his riches than to depart from Christ! a. Jesus offers no discount for eternal life! b. His tastes & lifestyles kept him from being a saint. c. And...as a young man...his life was before him. B. Judas went away sorrowful. 1. Even "repented": Matthew 27:3. 2. Took action: returned silver. 3. Confessed his wrong--. 4. But--took his own life: Matthew 27:5. 5. Went to his own place: Acts 1:25. C. Some want acceptance of what they are--without changing. 1. The world's acceptance does not make one right. 2. Doing what is legal does not make one right. 3. Acceptance by friends does not make one right. 4. Acceptance by family does not make one right. 5. Acceptance by brethren does not make one right. 6. Whatever one does--his hope must be set on God & what he does must be accepted by God! D. There are some, as the young ruler, who are sorry. 1. They are sorry because they lack the determina- tion to make the sacrifice. 2. They are sorry they got caught. 3. They are sorry for the shame they bring on them -selves and to others. E. For these, they go away sorrowful: 1. Desire to renounce sin is too weak. 2. The "lifestyle" they follow keeps them prisoners. 3. The lack of the spirit of sacrifice is a barrier to righteousness. III. Conclusion. A. Will you go away sorrowful