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Matthew 16:26
Verse
Context
Take Up Your Cross
25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.26What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?27For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul--or forfeit his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?--Instead of these weighty words, which we find in Mar 8:36 also, it is thus expressed in Luk 9:25 : "If he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away," or better, "If he gain the whole world, and destroy or forfeit himself." How awful is the stake as here set forth! If a man makes the present world--in its various forms of riches, honors, pleasures, and such like--the object of supreme pursuit, be it that he gains the world; yet along with it he forfeits his own soul. Not that any ever did, or ever will gain the whole world--a very small portion of it, indeed, falls to the lot of the most successful of the world's votaries--but to make the extravagant concession, that by giving himself entirely up to it, a man gains the whole world; yet, setting over against this gain the forfeiture of his soul--necessarily following the surrender of his whole heart to the world--what is he profited? But, if not the whole world, yet possibly something else may be conceived as an equivalent for the soul. Well, what is it?--"Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Thus, in language the weightiest, because the simplest, does our Lord shut up His hearers, and all who shall read these words to the end of the world, to the priceless value to every man of his own soul. In Mark and Luke (Mar 8:38; Luk 9:26) the following words are added: "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words [shall be ashamed of belonging to Me, and ashamed of My Gospel] in this adulterous and sinful generation" (see on Mat 12:39), "of him shall the Son of man be ashamed when He cometh in the glory of His Father, with the holy angels." He will render back to that man his own treatment, disowning him before the most august of all assemblies, and putting him to "shame and everlasting contempt" (Dan 12:2). "O shame," exclaims BENGEL, "to be put to shame before God, Christ, and angels!" The sense of shame is founded on our love of reputation, which causes instinctive aversion to what is fitted to lower it, and was given us as a preservative from all that is properly shameful. To be lost to shame is to be nearly past hope. (Zep 3:5; Jer 6:15; Jer 3:3). But when Christ and "His words" are unpopular, the same instinctive desire to stand well with others begets that temptation to be ashamed of Him which only the expulsive power of a higher affection can effectually counteract.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the son of man shall come in the glory of his Father,.... This is a reason, proving the truth of what is before asserted, that men's lives may be lost by saving them, and be found by losing them, whatever paradoxes they may seem to be; and that the loss of a soul is irrecoverable, and no compensation can be made for it; and points out the time, when all this will appear: for nothing is more certain, and to be depended upon, than that Christ, who, though he was then a mean and contemptible man, and attended with the sinless infirmities of human nature, wherefore he calls himself, "the son of man", should come; either a second time to judgment at the last day, in the same glory as his Father, as his Son, equal with him, and clothed, with power and authority from him, and as mediator, to execute judgment: with his angels; the Holy Ones, so the Syriac and Persic versions read, and so some copies; who will add to the glory of his appearance; and will be employed in gathering all nations before him, and in executing his will: or, in his power, to take vengeance on the Jewish nation; on those that crucified him, or did not believe in him, or deserted and apostatised from him. And then he shall reward every man according to his works, or work; either that particular action of putting him to death, or their unbelief in him, or desertion of him; or any, or all of their evil works, they had been guilty of: for though good works are not the cause of salvation, nor for which men will be rewarded; though they may be brought into judgment, as proofs and evidences of true faith, in the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ, by which good men will be acquitted and discharged; yet evil works will be the cause of condemnation, and the rule of judgment; and the reason of adjudging to temporal punishment here, and eternal destruction hereafter. Matthew 16:28
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:26 your own soul? “Soul” and “life” (16:25) both translate the same Greek term (psuchē) and refer to the essence of a person—the self.
Matthew 16:26
Take Up Your Cross
25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.26What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?27For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Where Is the Fire?
By Leonard Ravenhill29K1:57:36UnctionGEN 5:241KI 17:11KI 17:14PSA 23:1MAT 16:26EPH 2:8JUD 1:14In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who came to his office. The young man had been in Nicaragua and witnessed the power of God there. He tells the speaker that despite his prayers, he feels that God's favor is not present in their country. The speaker then mentions a book called "The Life of God in the Soul of Man" by Henry Scougal, emphasizing that being born again is not just about giving up bad habits but having a personal relationship with God. The speaker also mentions other books and stories about the growth of individuals and the expansion of God's work.
"Dow Jones and Revival"
By Leonard Ravenhill9.6K00:09MAT 6:33MAT 16:26LUK 12:34COL 3:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians prioritizing the kingdom of God over worldly concerns, drawing a parallel between the focus on financial markets like the Dow Jones averages and the need for a similar level of interest in spiritual matters. It challenges believers to invest their time, energy, and resources into building God's kingdom and seeking His righteousness above all else.
Finished With the World
By Keith Daniel8.4K1:15:43Love Of The World2CH 7:14PSA 17:8PSA 119:11PSA 119:105MAT 16:26GAL 6:141PE 1:15In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration and disappointment with the length and content of previous speakers at a gathering. He questions the prioritization of entertainment over the preaching of the word of God. The speaker refuses to preach for only 10 minutes, insisting on delivering a full sermon. Despite initial resistance, the audience eventually allows him to speak, and he passionately delivers a sermon that moves the young people in attendance. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not burying the word of God for the sake of entertainment and urges the audience to consider their methods of spreading the message.
Strengthen Me Just Once - Alternate 2
By Leonard Ravenhill7.3K1:19:02SamsonJDG 16:6PSA 107:20DAN 12:4MAT 16:26LUK 9:23ACT 1:8REV 22:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine experience with God that requires sacrifice and dedication. He compares the pursuit of spiritual anointing to the dedication of athletes and successful businessmen. The preacher also highlights the need for believers to agonize in prayer and seek the Holy Spirit's anointing through blood and fire. He warns against relying on material possessions and comforts, emphasizing the importance of a life fully surrendered to God. The sermon references the story of Gideon and Samson from the Bible to illustrate the power and impact of a spirit-anointed life.
What Does It Mean to Accept Christ - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer5.3K20:22Sinners PrayerMAT 16:26MRK 16:15JHN 3:3ACT 4:12ROM 10:9EPH 2:81JN 5:12In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a lawyer who was led to Jesus Christ. The lawyer credits his salvation not to the preacher's sermon, but to a conversation he had with an "odd fellow" who asked him if he wanted to go to heaven. Initially, the lawyer was angry and walked out of the church, but as he walked down the street, he couldn't shake the thought of heaven or hell. This realization led him to seek salvation and he eventually reached out to the preacher for guidance. The preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as a revolutionary act that transforms a person from the inside out, and urges young people to not be deceived by false teachings that trivialize the acceptance of Christ.
The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill5.1K38:51End TimesGEN 6:5MAT 11:20MAT 12:36MAT 16:26MAT 22:37MAT 24:37MAT 28:19In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the spiritual state of America and England. He references Matthew 11:20-21, where Jesus rebukes the cities of Khorazin and Bethsaida for not repenting despite witnessing mighty works. The speaker laments the lack of spiritual fervor in society, comparing it to the days of Noah. He emphasizes the need for individuals to prioritize reading and meditating on God's Word and to be broken-hearted over the sin and brokenness in the world.
Take My Life (Compilation)
By Compilations4.6K07:14Dedication to GodThe Value of the SoulCompilationMAT 16:26JHN 3:16ROM 3:23EPH 2:8In the sermon 'Take My Life (Compilation)', the preacher emphasizes the importance of dedicating our lives to God, highlighting that while we may gain worldly possessions, the true value lies in our souls and our relationship with Christ. The message underscores the urgency of repentance and faith in Jesus, who died for our sins and offers eternal life. The preacher calls for a reevaluation of our lives, urging listeners to confront their mortality and recognize that their souls are worth more than the entire world. Ultimately, the sermon reassures that Jesus is the only one who can fill the emptiness within us.
After This the Judgement (Compilation)
By Compilations4.0K06:14CompilationMAT 16:262CO 5:102CO 6:22CO 13:5HEB 3:15HEB 9:27REV 14:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preparing for eternity and asks the listeners to examine their souls. He urges them to test themselves in the light of scripture and not rely on emotions or the opinions of others. The preacher warns that many who call themselves Christians are actually lost and highlights the gravity and uncertainty of life. He emphasizes the urgency of accepting salvation now, as there will be a judgment where everyone will be judged according to their works. The only way to be saved is to recognize one's sin, believe in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ, repent, and surrender oneself to Him.
(Exodus) Exodus 38:18
By J. Vernon McGee2.7K07:29EXO 27:16EXO 30:13EXO 38:25MAT 16:26JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 2:28In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the colors used in the hanging for the gate of the court. The blue represents Christ's deity, as he came from heaven. The scarlet represents his humanity and the blood he shed. When combined, they create purple, symbolizing Christ's royalty as the born king of the Jews. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of the entrance into the court, which is wide enough for any sinner to come in, but the only way to enter is through Christ. The redemption price for salvation is the blood of Christ, which was freely given by God. The speaker emphasizes the need for individuals to accept this redemption and worship God in truth.
The Days of Our Flesh
By Steve Hill2.7K28:35Christian LifeECC 9:10MAT 6:33MAT 16:26JHN 9:4GAL 6:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and being motivated to make a difference in the world. He encourages the audience to seek a pastor who will challenge and convict them rather than just entertain them. The speaker shares personal stories of how his own life was transformed by his faith in Jesus and his dedication to hard work. He also highlights the urgency of spreading the message of Christ and calls for the church to rise up and take action in these critical times. The sermon references Ecclesiastes 9:10 and Jesus' words in John 9:4 to emphasize the need to work diligently while there is still time.
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 5
By Alan Cairns2.6K09:42PSA 9:17PRO 14:34ISA 5:20MAT 16:26ROM 6:23This sermon emphasizes the reality of hell and the warning it presents to individuals and nations. It discusses the downfall of once-great superpowers who neglected their spiritual responsibilities, leading to their ultimate destruction. The message highlights the importance of a nation's relationship with God and the consequences of turning away from Him, using historical examples to illustrate the dangers of forsaking God for worldly pursuits.
God's Supreme Interest in Man #2
By T. Austin-Sparks2.4K36:54Plan Of GodPSA 91:11MAT 4:5MAT 16:26MAT 22:37LUK 3:21ROM 12:2COL 3:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the sequence of events in the Gospel of Luke. He highlights the moment when Jesus is baptized and the heavens open, the Spirit descends, and a voice from heaven attests to Jesus being the Son of God. This marks the official position of Jesus as the image unto which humanity is to be renewed. The speaker then references Colossians 3:8-11, which instructs believers to put away negative behaviors and put on the new man, being renewed after the image of Christ. The sermon emphasizes that the measure of Christ's presence in our relationships determines our level of peace and fulfillment.
The Power of the Blood - Sermon 3 of 5 - Every Blessing by the Blood
By Roy Hession1.9K52:59Blood Of ChristMAT 6:33MAT 16:26EPH 1:7COL 1:14HEB 9:221PE 1:181PE 2:24In this sermon, the preacher discusses the worth of gaining the world at the expense of one's soul and relationship with God. He emphasizes that making such a bargain is a mistake and asks the audience what they can give in exchange for their soul. The preacher then focuses on the power of the blood of Jesus and the immense blessings that come from it. He mentions forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Christ, using the example of David's repentance in Psalm 51.
Three Keys to Spiritual Victory
By Jim Cymbala1.8K32:51Spiritual Victory2SA 15:21MAT 16:26ROM 7:19EPH 6:121TI 6:122TI 4:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fighting for souls and standing against evil. He encourages believers to fight for their loved ones through prayer, even when they are facing difficult situations. The preacher also highlights the need to discern when to walk away from certain battles and not waste time and energy on unnecessary conflicts. He calls for a deeper commitment to Christianity, beyond just attending church on Sundays, and urges believers to be all in for God's work. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of being fully engaged and committed in every aspect of life, just like a dedicated basketball player on the court.
Hush Little Sinner
By Steve Hill1.6K02:32MAT 16:26JHN 10:10JAS 4:71JN 2:15This sermon warns against the deceptive promises of Satan, who offers temporary worldly pleasures and distractions to lead people away from God. It emphasizes the importance of not being swayed by material wealth, fame, or false happiness, but to instead focus on the eternal consequences and the judgment to come. The message urges listeners to turn away from the lies of the enemy and choose to follow Jesus, who offers true joy and fulfillment.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt - Part 2
By Paris Reidhead1.6K09:56JER 1:7MAT 16:26This sermon delves into the concept of success and failure in the eyes of God versus the world, highlighting examples from biblical figures like Noah, Jeremiah, and Jesus Christ. It challenges the prevailing philosophy of pragmatism and humanism, emphasizing the importance of viewing God as the ultimate end rather than a means to personal gain or success.
Jesus Died of a Broken Heart
By Danny Bond1.6K39:10God's HeartISA 53:6MAT 16:26JHN 19:34ROM 8:32In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the love of God through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He explains that the blood and water that came out when Jesus was pierced on the cross is a direct reaction to bearing the sins and hell of humanity. The preacher emphasizes that there is no other way to salvation except through the blood of Jesus. He urges listeners to study the facts of the crucifixion and not let Christianity become a mere philosophy, but rather a personal understanding of God's love and sacrifice.
Leonard Ravenhill on Wotm Radio Program
By Compilations1.6K03:07MAT 7:21MAT 16:26MAT 25:21MRK 8:36LUK 9:23JHN 14:15PHP 2:171TI 6:5JAS 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrificial living and true devotion to God over material prosperity. It challenges believers to focus on eternal impact rather than temporary gains, highlighting the significance of selfless sacrifice and obedience in the Christian walk. The speaker warns against complacency and the danger of living a life without actively pursuing God's will, stressing the eternal consequences of neglecting spiritual growth and service.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt - Part 3
By Paris Reidhead1.4K09:52PSA 1:1PRO 19:21MAT 16:26ROM 12:21CO 1:18GAL 1:10PHP 2:3COL 3:23JAS 4:41JN 2:15This sermon delves into the contrast between liberalism, fundamentalism, and humanism in Christianity, highlighting the shift towards a focus on human happiness rather than true reverence for life and God. It emphasizes the danger of reducing salvation to mere intellectual assent and the betrayal of selling out God for personal gain. The speaker challenges the prevalent humanistic philosophy that distorts the true essence of Christianity and calls for a return to a genuine faith centered on God's glory and not just human happiness.
Fix Your Eyes on the Star - Part 1
By Erlo Stegen1.3K00:00Birth Of JesusEZK 3:18MAT 2:10MAT 16:26LUK 2:18LUK 9:62ACT 20:26REV 22:16In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a captain who passed away while urging his crew to keep their eyes on a star. The preacher uses this story as a metaphor for the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on Jesus Christ. He highlights the tragic reality of many people losing their way because they take their eyes off the star, leading to their spiritual downfall. The preacher also warns against the dangers of prioritizing worldly pursuits over following God's will, using examples of parents forsaking the Gospel for the sake of their children and a young man who rejected God's call for the pursuit of a degree. The sermon emphasizes the need to remain faithful to Christ and not make the mistake of taking our eyes off Him.
Escape for Thy Life
By Roy Hession1.3K56:42WarningGEN 19:171KI 18:21MAT 16:26JHN 3:161TI 6:102PE 2:6REV 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the Gospel is both bad news and good news. He explains that the world we live in is under the judgment of God because it opposes His will and rejects Jesus Christ. The preacher warns that those who are identified with this world will be involved in its ultimate judgment. However, he also highlights the hope and security found in the cross of Christ, where God pardons and gives the Holy Spirit to those who believe. He concludes by sharing a story of people fleeing from a raging fire, illustrating the urgency of escaping the judgment of God.
Audio Sermon: Cry of the Unreached
By K.P. Yohannan1.3K39:54LAM 1:12MAT 16:26LUK 14:26ROM 15:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of missions and sharing the gospel with those who have never heard about Jesus. It challenges listeners to consider the eternal destiny of those who do not know Christ, highlighting the urgency and significance of world missions. The speaker shares personal experiences and reflections on the value of life, the reality of hell, and the need for a radical commitment to reaching the lost for Christ.
Living for Eternity 1 - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.2K08:38MAT 6:19MAT 6:24MAT 6:34MAT 16:26MRK 8:36LUK 12:151TI 6:10JAS 4:141PE 5:8This sermon emphasizes the danger of allowing money to dictate our lives, urging listeners to prioritize spiritual growth over material possessions. It contrasts the worldly focus on wealth with the example of Jesus, who prioritized spiritual authority and service over financial concerns. The speaker shares personal experiences of witnessing demon possession and highlights the importance of being prepared for eternity, living each day as if it could be our last.
Circumstantial Happiness
By Jack Hyles1.2K37:40EXO 33:20MAT 16:26PHP 3:10REV 21:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing God in order to endure the hardships and challenges of life. He gives examples of biblical figures such as Paul, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, John, and Moses who were able to face difficult circumstances because they knew God personally. The preacher encourages the audience to spend time with God and develop a deep relationship with Him. He also highlights the joy and contentment that comes from knowing God, even in the midst of trials and losses.
A Man of God - Part 7
By Leonard Ravenhill1.2K09:02ISA 29:13MAT 16:261CO 3:131CO 6:19JAS 4:6REV 20:12This sermon emphasizes the need for true repentance and revival, highlighting the story of a man who experienced a deep transformation after years of living in sin and denial of God's calling. It calls for a rediscovery of the value of each human soul, the importance of genuine repentance, and the understanding of key spiritual concepts like atonement, forgiveness, and justification. The speaker also addresses the consequences of living in arrogance and sin, urging a return to a sincere relationship with God and a recognition of the coming judgment.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul--or forfeit his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?--Instead of these weighty words, which we find in Mar 8:36 also, it is thus expressed in Luk 9:25 : "If he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away," or better, "If he gain the whole world, and destroy or forfeit himself." How awful is the stake as here set forth! If a man makes the present world--in its various forms of riches, honors, pleasures, and such like--the object of supreme pursuit, be it that he gains the world; yet along with it he forfeits his own soul. Not that any ever did, or ever will gain the whole world--a very small portion of it, indeed, falls to the lot of the most successful of the world's votaries--but to make the extravagant concession, that by giving himself entirely up to it, a man gains the whole world; yet, setting over against this gain the forfeiture of his soul--necessarily following the surrender of his whole heart to the world--what is he profited? But, if not the whole world, yet possibly something else may be conceived as an equivalent for the soul. Well, what is it?--"Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" Thus, in language the weightiest, because the simplest, does our Lord shut up His hearers, and all who shall read these words to the end of the world, to the priceless value to every man of his own soul. In Mark and Luke (Mar 8:38; Luk 9:26) the following words are added: "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words [shall be ashamed of belonging to Me, and ashamed of My Gospel] in this adulterous and sinful generation" (see on Mat 12:39), "of him shall the Son of man be ashamed when He cometh in the glory of His Father, with the holy angels." He will render back to that man his own treatment, disowning him before the most august of all assemblies, and putting him to "shame and everlasting contempt" (Dan 12:2). "O shame," exclaims BENGEL, "to be put to shame before God, Christ, and angels!" The sense of shame is founded on our love of reputation, which causes instinctive aversion to what is fitted to lower it, and was given us as a preservative from all that is properly shameful. To be lost to shame is to be nearly past hope. (Zep 3:5; Jer 6:15; Jer 3:3). But when Christ and "His words" are unpopular, the same instinctive desire to stand well with others begets that temptation to be ashamed of Him which only the expulsive power of a higher affection can effectually counteract.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the son of man shall come in the glory of his Father,.... This is a reason, proving the truth of what is before asserted, that men's lives may be lost by saving them, and be found by losing them, whatever paradoxes they may seem to be; and that the loss of a soul is irrecoverable, and no compensation can be made for it; and points out the time, when all this will appear: for nothing is more certain, and to be depended upon, than that Christ, who, though he was then a mean and contemptible man, and attended with the sinless infirmities of human nature, wherefore he calls himself, "the son of man", should come; either a second time to judgment at the last day, in the same glory as his Father, as his Son, equal with him, and clothed, with power and authority from him, and as mediator, to execute judgment: with his angels; the Holy Ones, so the Syriac and Persic versions read, and so some copies; who will add to the glory of his appearance; and will be employed in gathering all nations before him, and in executing his will: or, in his power, to take vengeance on the Jewish nation; on those that crucified him, or did not believe in him, or deserted and apostatised from him. And then he shall reward every man according to his works, or work; either that particular action of putting him to death, or their unbelief in him, or desertion of him; or any, or all of their evil works, they had been guilty of: for though good works are not the cause of salvation, nor for which men will be rewarded; though they may be brought into judgment, as proofs and evidences of true faith, in the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ, by which good men will be acquitted and discharged; yet evil works will be the cause of condemnation, and the rule of judgment; and the reason of adjudging to temporal punishment here, and eternal destruction hereafter. Matthew 16:28
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:26 your own soul? “Soul” and “life” (16:25) both translate the same Greek term (psuchē) and refer to the essence of a person—the self.