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Intimacy with God  /  Chapter 21: Can the Rich Be Saved  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 9
Bercot says Jesus doesn’t envy possessions, but asks, “Are you overcome and conquered by your wealth? If so, leave it… hate it… renounce it,” comparing it to cutting off an offending eye/hand/foot; what practical tests could reveal whether wealth (or any comfort) is conquering you, and what radical step of “cutting off” would you most resist?
Another way to ask: What practical signs could show that wealth or comfort is controlling you? What “cut it off” step would you most not want to take?

Direct Answer The transcript’s test is whether wealth or comfort has “overcome and conquered” you—whether it functions like an “offending” body part that leads you to evil and threatens the kingdom. A radical “cutting off” would mean renouncing or fleeing whatever is actually causing sin or attachment, because the kingdom is worth more than remaining “whole” with something that drags you toward destruction.

Support from Transcript:

  • The key diagnostic question is explicit: “But are you overcome and conquered by your wealth?”
  • If yes, the response is radical: “leave it. Throw it away. Hate it. Renounce it. Flee from it.”
  • Jesus’ analogy: “Even if your right eye offends you, quickly cut it out.”
  • The logic: “The kingdom of God is better… than the fires,” so loss now is preferable to judgment.
  • The principle is broad: “Whether it’s your hand, your foot, or your soul that offends you, hate it.”
  • What is surrendered “for Christ’s sake… will be restored in the life over there,” tying renunciation to eternal hope.
Discussion Follow-ups According to the transcript, what counts as evidence that something is “leading you to evil”? How do you distinguish wise stewardship from being “conquered” by comfort?

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