Chuck Smith explores the story of the young man who approached Jesus, highlighting his admirable qualities such as humility and a clean record, yet he lacked a central authority in his life. Jesus identified the young man's true lack as the need to follow Him, emphasizing that material possessions were standing in the way of his spiritual fulfillment. The sermon challenges listeners to consider what they may lack in their own lives that prevents them from fully committing to Christ. Smith concludes by suggesting that the young man's eventual fate is uncertain, leaving the audience to reflect on their own response to Jesus' call. Ultimately, the message is about recognizing and addressing the one thing that hinders our relationship with God.

"ONE THING THOU LACKEST" I. THE YOUNG MAN. A. Fine temperament (discerning, courageous). B. Man of humility (knelt). C. Man with a clean record. 1. No value in pollution. 2. Six commandments (7th table.. a. He kept these from youth (empty, boast). 1. Jesus looked on him and loved him. D. Man of true aspiration ("what must I do to inherit eternal life"). 1. What is meant by eternal life? a. Not life that continues only, but life that contains. b. He realized a lack within. c. The cry of the lost off-spring of God after the Father. II. WHAT WAS HIS LACK? A. Popular interpretation (he lacked poverty) No application to us. B. Christ's word to this man was "Come follow Me." 1. He lacked a center of authority. 2. He lacked a dominating principle in life. 3. Roman Centurion "I also am a man under authority, having under myself soldiers." a. No man can reign who does not serve. C. The question of Christ "Why callest thou Me good?" "None good savest One, even God." 1. Not idle question. 2. One statement Prof. Schniedel acknowledges as true. 3. Was Jesus saying "I am not God"? 4. He meant one of two things. a. I am not good or - b. I am God. You must find your king who is God, come follow me. III. HOW IS HE TO FOLLOW HIM? A. One thing is standing in the way. 1. His possessions 2. Lose them for the moment and you will gain them for eternity. IV. WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS YOUNG MAN? A. You have no right to say he never found his way to Christ - you don't know. "He went away sorrowful, because he had great possessions." B. One of two things happened. 1. He came home again and presently forgot the experience and went on in internal emptiness. 2. He went home - sold out - and came after Christ. V. APPLICATION. A. Story old - its fresh. Eastern - Western. Happened long ago - happening now. You with fine temperament, clean record - your heart sobbing after life. One thing thou lackest - go - come follow Me.