Gain Through Loss
E.A. Johnston teaches that true spiritual gain comes through the willing loss of self and worldly things for the sake of Christ and the gospel.
In this powerful sermon, E.A. Johnston explores the counterintuitive biblical principle of gaining through loss. Using scriptural examples from Jesus, Paul, and missionary Jim Elliot, Johnston illustrates how true spiritual victory comes from surrendering worldly attachments for Christ. He also shares his personal testimony of embracing this truth and challenges listeners to consider their own commitment to this life-changing principle.
Full Transcript
There is a principle in scripture, friends, that goes against the common reasoning of man, and that is gain through loss. We live in a world that says the one who wins the game of life is the one who ends up with the most toys at the end. We ought to grab as much of this world as we can.
But life is an empty bubble, friend, if it's not lived for Christ. The title of my message today is Gain Through Loss. And I will prove to you this truth found in my Bible by using text from the Word of God and real life examples.
Gain through loss can be seen in the following. Number one, Christ Jesus. In John 12, 24, Jesus explains this principle to his disciples.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. Christ himself proved this principle of gain through loss by giving himself as a sacrifice for sin.
Christ gave his all on Calvary. He held nothing back at all. Number two, the Apostle Paul.
We see in Philippians 3, 8, how the Apostle Paul proved this principle as well of gain through loss. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss to the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but dung, that I may win Christ. The Apostle Paul gave up all and won Christ as his all in all.
Number three, Jim Elliot. The missionary martyr Jim Elliot proved this principle with his very life as he gave it willingly to reach the Alka Indians with the gospel. I actually met one of the men who killed him years ago.
He was going around churches with Steve St., the son of Nain St., who was also slain for the gospel. This Alka Indian who killed Jim Elliot had become a Christian, and when I met him he was as gentle as a lamb. Jim Elliot knew this principle of gain through loss, for he wrote in the flyleaf of his Bible.
He is no fool to give what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose. Number four, this poor preacher. My own personal experience.
I was reading Mark 8.35 several years ago, friends. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. I contemplated the principle of gain through loss, and I made a vow to God that day to gamble my life away on Christ and the gospel.
I wrote the following words in the flyleaf of my Bible that day, which I'm looking at right now, friends. What is my life that I should keep it selfishly for me? I choose to lose it so completely and have it found in thee. I can assure you, friends, from my own experience, this principle of gain through loss is true, for it rings true in my life, as I know from personal experience, that the pearl of great price is worth losing all for and selling all for, so he may be gained.
And lastly, what about you, friend? Do you know this principle in your own life? How is it with you?
Sermon Outline
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I. The Principle of Gain Through Loss
- Contrasts worldly gain with spiritual gain
- Introduces the biblical principle using Jesus' teaching
- Challenges worldly values
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II. Biblical Examples
- Jesus as the ultimate example of gain through loss
- Paul’s sacrifice for Christ
- Jim Elliot’s martyrdom
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III. Personal Testimony
- Speaker’s personal commitment to the principle
- Reflection on the value of losing life for Christ
- Encouragement to embrace the principle
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IV. Application and Invitation
- Questioning the listener’s acceptance of the principle
- Call to surrender life for Christ
- Invitation to experience true gain
Key Quotes
“There is a principle in scripture, friends, that goes against the common reasoning of man, and that is gain through loss.” — E.A. Johnston
“He is no fool to give what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” — E.A. Johnston
“What is my life that I should keep it selfishly for me? I choose to lose it so completely and have it found in thee.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Evaluate what worldly things you may need to surrender to follow Christ fully.
- Embrace sacrifice as a pathway to spiritual fruitfulness and eternal gain.
- Commit daily to live for the gospel, even when it requires personal loss.