For whosoever will save his life shall lose it
William MacDonald teaches that true life is found not in self-preservation but in self-sacrifice for Christ, where losing one's life for His sake leads to genuine salvation.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the profound teaching of Jesus in Luke 9:24 about the paradox of life and death in the Christian walk. He contrasts the natural human desire to preserve life with the call to lose it for Christ’s sake, highlighting the blessings found in self-sacrifice and service. MacDonald challenges believers to embrace a life of joyful giving and open-hearted hospitality, revealing that true life is found when we surrender ourselves fully to God.
Text
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” (Lu. 9:24)
Basically there are two attitudes we believers can take toward our life. We can try to save it or we can purposefully lose it for Christ’s sake.
The natural thing is to try to save it. We can live a self-centered life, trying to protect ourselves from effort and inconvenience. We can make careful plans to cushion ourselves from shocks, to guard against loss, to avoid any form of discomfort. Our house becomes like a private estate posted with “No Tres; passing” signs. It is for the family only—with minimal hospitality shown to others. Our decisions are made on the basis of how things will affect us. If they disrupt our plans or involve a lot of work or require expenditure of funds to help others, we turn thumbs down. We tend to devote inordinate attention to our personal health, refusing any service that might call for sleepless nights, for contact with sickness, or death, for any physical risks. We also give a higher priority to personal appearance than to the needs of those around us. In short, we live to cater to the body, which, in a few short years, will be eaten by worms if the Lord doesn’t come.
In trying to save our life, we lose it. We suffer all the miseries of a selfish existence and miss out on all the blessings of living for others.
The alternative is to lose our life for Christ’s sake. This is a life of service and of sacrifice. While we do not take needless risks or court martyrdom, we do not turn away from duty with the plea that we have to live at all cost. There is a sense in which we “fling our soul and body down for God to plow them under.” We count it our greatest joy to spend and be spent for Him. Our home is open, our possessions are expendable, our time is available to those in need.
In thus pouring out our lives for Christ and for others, we find life that is life indeed. In losing our lives, we actually save them.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Two attitudes toward life: saving it or losing it for Christ
- The natural tendency to self-preservation and its consequences
- Living a self-centered life leads to loss
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II
- The characteristics of a life lived to save oneself
- Selfishness results in misery and missed blessings
- The futility of catering to the body
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III
- The call to lose life for Christ’s sake
- A life of service, sacrifice, and joyful giving
- Finding true life by pouring out oneself for God and others
Key Quotes
“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” — William MacDonald
“We tend to devote inordinate attention to our personal health, refusing any service that might call for sleepless nights, for contact with sickness, or death, for any physical risks.” — William MacDonald
“In thus pouring out our lives for Christ and for others, we find life that is life indeed.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Evaluate areas where you are trying to protect your life at the expense of serving others and Christ.
- Practice open hospitality and generosity as tangible ways to lose your life for Christ.
- Embrace joyful sacrifice by prioritizing God's purposes over personal comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'lose your life' for Christ?
It means willingly sacrificing personal comfort, plans, and possessions to serve Christ and others, prioritizing His purposes above self-preservation.
Is self-sacrifice the same as recklessness?
No, self-sacrifice involves thoughtful service and sacrifice without courting needless risks or martyrdom.
Why does trying to save your life lead to losing it?
Because living selfishly results in spiritual emptiness and missing out on the blessings of a Christ-centered life.
How can believers practically lose their lives for Christ?
By opening their homes, sharing possessions, offering time to those in need, and embracing service as a joy.
What is the ultimate reward for losing your life for Christ?
The ultimate reward is finding true life—life that is abundant and eternal in Christ.