Matthew 25:14-30

Preached Sunday Morning September 6, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

• Context is the coming kingdom
• Someday we will all face Jesus and account for what He has given us
• We saw that only the truly saved will enter into the wedding celebration
• Today we will study a Parable of stewardship

 

I.                   The Master gives His assets to His servants

 

 

Matthew 25:14-15

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.  

 

A.     Not everyone is given the same thing

 

B.     Talents are dispersed based upon ability

 

C.     There is a level of trust given to the servants

 

1.     The master knows His servants

2.     The servant’s faithfulness reflects his relationship with the Master

 

D.    We hare accountable for all the things that God has entrusted us with – The more that is given, the more that is expected in return.

 

 

 

Luke 12:48

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

 

1.     Freedom

2.     Modern communication

3.     Complete Bible in our Language

4.     The specific teaching, preaching and personal exhortation that God has brought into your life.

5.     Natural abilities and talents that God has brought into your life.

 

E.     These were always the Master’s talents; they never belonged to the servant.

 

II.                The servants took temporary custody of the Master’s talents

 

Matthew 25:16-18

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

 

A.     The true servants

 

1.     Knew that the talents were meant to be invested.

2.     Knew that their job was to bring gain to the master.

3.     Knew that their job was not only to protect the master’s money, but also to invest it.

4.     Were not paralyzed by fear but motivated by love.

 

1 John 4:18-19

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us.

 

B.      If you are a true servant of the Master you will:

 

1.     Realize that everything you have been given is not yours

2.     See your responsibility to invest what you have been given to get gain for the Master’s Kingdom

 

–         Time

–         Privilege

–         Talent

–         Opportunity

–         Money

–         Possessions

–         Career

 

C.     The unsaved person is an unprofitable servant.

 

1.     Does not really know the master

2.     Is driven by fear, not love

 

Romans 8:15

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

 

3.     Hid the one talent that he had been given.

 

III.             The Master returns to see what the servants had done with His money.

 

 

A.     The wise servants

 

Matthew 25:19-23

19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22  He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

 

1.     Each one returned the principle with interest

2.     Each one received commendation

3.     Each one received promotion

4.     The promotion was greater responsibility and accountability – Ruling in the Kingdom.

 

Luke 12:43-44

43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

 

5.     With that increased responsibility, they entered into the Joy of the Lord.

 

Matthew 11:28-30

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

B.     The unprofitable servant

 

Matthew 25:24-30

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26  His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 

1.     Acted in fear

2.     Lost what he was given because he did not use it.

3.     Was cast into outer darkness – His actions show that he never had a relationship with the Master in the first place.

 

Matthew 7:21-23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them,  I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

 

4.     Even the unsaved person has been given assets to invest for the Lord

 

–         Access to the Word

–         Hearing this message

–         The opportunity to believe before it is too late

II Corinthians 9:1-10

Preached Sunday Morning, July 5, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

Matthew 9:28-29

28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

 

          In many churches across this country I am sure that preachers will be reflecting upon freedom and the state of our great nation.  It is no secret that we are facing some challenging and even dangerous times.  I would go so far as to say that the nation that we grew up with is being radically changed, perhaps even beyond repair, and apathetic, ineffective Christianity is to blame. 

 

          Today we are going to talk about economics.  Jobless rates are at historical highs.  The stock market is plummeting, and our retirement is fading away.  It would seem that God is slowly removing His hand of blessing from our at one time very prosperous nation.  This morning we are going to look at a way to protect our assets and our jobs.  You see, God provides for us in order for us to serve Him with our increase.  If we do not place our faith in Him regarding our finances, then He has no reason to protect what we have and provide future financial blessing.

 

          You have heard the term “Faith Promise Missions” from time to time.  This morning we are going to explain exactly what we mean by that, where we get it in the Bible, and why giving sacrificially to Faith Promise will help to protect and increase your financial ability to serve God.  The blind came to Jesus and He told them that the blessings that they would receive would be in direct proportion to their faith in Him.  I believe that this same principle applies to our finances.  God blesses us according to our faith, this is the premise of faith promise giving.

 

I.                   Faith Promise Giving is not Tithing

 

A.     Tithing was done before the Law and commanded by Jesus, therefore it was not done away with after Calvary.

 

Genesis 14:20

20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

 

Genesis 28:21-22

21 So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: 22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

 

Matthew 23:23

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.  

 

B.     Specific directions and promises correspond with tithing.

 

Malachi 3:8-11

8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.  11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. 

 

1.     A Tithe is 10%

 

2.     To withhold a tithe is to rob God.

 

3.     To withhold a tithe is to bring a curse on your finances.

 

4.     To obey God and give tithes brings God’s blessings.

 

5.     Tithes Go into God’s house.

 

6.     The Church is God’s house this side of Calvary.

 

1 Timothy 3:15

15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 

 

7.     Offerings are something given that is different than tithes.

 

II.                Faith Promise Giving Supports works outside the Local Church.

 

 

A.     The Church of Macedonia gave in spite of their poverty to support Paul and the other missionaries with him.

 

2 Corinthians 8:1-4

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.  3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

 

1.     They were very poor

 

2.     They were sacrificially giving to mission support.

 

3.     Their gift was a way to join in fellowship with the missionaries.

 

B.     Paul uses the Church of Macedonia to encourage the Corinthian church to continue the same practice.

 

2 Corinthians 9:1-5

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. 3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready,  as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.  

 

 

1.     Paul is encouraged by the openness to missionary giving.

 

2.  Compliance by the Corinthian Church had a direct effect on their testimony in the region.

 

III.             Faith Promise Giving taps directly into the Promises of God.

 

A.     You reap as you sow

 

2 Corinthians 9:6

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

 

Philippians 4:15-17

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

 

Matthew 9:29

29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

 

B.     This giving is not tithing because the individual determines the amount that you give.

 

2 Corinthians 9:7

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 

C.     God will increase His grace toward those that need it.

 

2 Corinthians 9:8

8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

 

D.    Eternal souls are impacted by your faith or lack of it.

 

Romans 10:13-17

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?   17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

1.     To call upon the Lord, one must believe.

 

2.     To believe, one must hear.

 

3.     To hear, there must be a preacher.

 

4.     To have a preacher, he must be sent.

 

5.     Some missionaries will be hindered if we fail to meet our financial commitments.

 

6.     There are many more mission fields that are waiting for preachers.

 

7.     We need to send more missionaries, not just maintain the ones we have.

 

8.     What are you willing to do regarding this need?

 

9.     God will directly bless you according to your faith.

Romans 8:14-27

Preached Father’s Day June 21, 2009

Introduction:

         

          It is appropriate on this Father’s Day to think about our Heavenly Father.  Did you know that all human beings cannot call God their father?  Yes, God is their Creator, but we do not start out as children of God.  This transformation takes place once we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone as our personal Savior.  Once we receive the gift of eternal life, we have a brand new relationship with God.  He is no longer our judge, he is our Father.  This morning as we think about the change in one’s relationship to God, let us consider just what happens when one receives the Spirit of Adoption.

 

I.                   The Spirit that sets men free – vs 14-17

 

A.     Free from wandering – Spirit leading is evidence of sonship

 

Romans 8:14 – For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

B.     Free from fear

Romans 8:15 – For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

1.     Our old natural father, the devil

John 8:44 – Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

2.     Fear – of physical results of sin

Romans 1:26-27 – 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

James 1:15 – Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

3.     Adopted into a new family

John 1:12 – But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Galatians 4:5 – To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Ephesians 1:5 – Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

4.     Intimacy with the One who was once our judge – Abba = “Daddy”

C.     Free from doubt

Romans 8:16 – The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

1.     His Spirit talks with our spirit, or inner man

2.     The Spirit can be grieved or quenched

1 Thessalonians 5:19 – Quench not the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:30 – And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

3.     God is greater than our hearts

1 John 3:20 – For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

D.    Free from death

Romans 8:17 – And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

II.                The Spirit that brings hope

A.     The hope (calm assurance) of the future dwarfs the anguish of this present world

Romans 8:18 – For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

B.     All of creation has the earnest expectation of deliverance

Romans 8:19-22 – 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

1.     Fall of man = curse of creation

2.     All of creation yearns for the second advent – 1000 years where Eden is restored

3.     We wait for the redemption from our corrupt bodies

Romans 8:23-25 – 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

III.             The Spirit that intercedes for us

Romans 8:26-27 – 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

A.     Helps our infirmities – infirmities = want of strength

B.     Prays for us – vs 26-27

1.     Groanings not uttered

2.     From the heart

3.     According to God’s will

 

Mathew 22:15-40

Preached Sunday Morning, May 31

 

Introduction:

 

          What is the greatest and most important commandment?  Jesus was asked this question by the Pharisees who wished for nothing more than to find something to accuse Jesus of.  Our Savior responded with wisdom and authority.  The most important commandment is to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your mind.  By obeying this commandment and loving your neighbor, you have accomplished the spirit upon which all of the other commandments rest. 

 

          Today many people are seeking some kind of spirituality.  They wish to know and love God, but it is hard for some to figure out exactly how to love God.  One cannot see or touch God, how can one love Him?  The answer to that very practical question comes from our text.  One loves God with his heart, his soul, and his mind.

 

I.                   Truth is denied through political distraction.

 

Matthew 22:15-22

15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. 16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth,  neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. 17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.  20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?  21 They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. 22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

 

A.     The enemies of truth tried to trap Jesus with political controversy.

B.     Jesus rose above the conflict.

C.     Jesus focused on who He served, not on who He supported.

D.    Although Christians should vote intelligently, it is the message of the Gospel and the service of the King that will change the world.

 

Ephesians 2:1-3

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 

 

II.                Truth is denied through finite reasoning.

 

Matthew 22:23-32

 

23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, 24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.  27 And last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. 31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, 32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

 

A.     The questions were asked from a position of unbelief, not from a desire to know.

B.     The questions were asked to bewilder and embarrass.

C.     When these questions are answered, the questioner must accept the truth or aggressively reject it.

 

III.             Truth is discovered in love for God.

 

Matthew 22:36-40

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

 

A.     Many claim to believe and love God.

B.     These same people who tried to make a mockery of the Messiah, claimed to love God.

C.     They focused upon external rituals to salve their consciences

D.    Now they thought they would stump Jesus with a theological question about the greatest commandment.

E.     It is all about love for God and love for your fellow man.

F.      If you pursue these, then everything else falls into place.

 

IV.              Love God with your heart = inner man

 

A.     Guard your heart = keep and protect it.

 

Proverbs 4:23

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 

 

B.     Seek God with your whole heart.

 

Deuteronomy 4:29

29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

 

C.     Serve God with your whole heart.

 

Deuteronomy 10:12

12 And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

 

Psalm 119:10

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

 

D.    Praise God with your whole heart.

 

Psalm 9:1

1  I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

 

Psalm 111:1

Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. 

E.     Repent with your whole heart.

Jeremiah 24:7

7 And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

 

V.                 Love God with all your soul = Breath, the very essence of physical life.

A.     More than any fleshly drive that resides in our carnal bodies.

1 John 2:16-17

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

B.     More than life itself.

Luke 14:26

26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

VI.              Love God with all of your mind.

A.     Get to know, and understand God’s love.

Ephesians 3:14-19

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

B.     Keep your mind clean.

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2 Corinthians 10:4-5

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 

Matthew 2:1-14

Preached Sunday Morning, May 24, 2009

 

 

Introduction:

 

          Are you one of those people who have not yet personally accepted the free gift of eternal life?  Perhaps you are still trusting in your baptism, your sacraments, or your good efforts.  It is possible that you still have not been convinced that placing your faith and trust in Jesus alone is the only way to Heaven.  Today you will hear about another invitation.  This parable is for folks who have had every chance to know about and believe the Bible way to eternal life.  This parable is also about folks who have not heard much about Jesus.  You are trapped in your sin and your circumstances.  You do not even dare to think that there could be a way out.  This message is for you to.  Jesus tells us about the marriage dinner.

 

I.                   The First Invitation

 

Matthew 22:1-3

And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

 

A.     The king = God

B.     His Son = Jesus

C.     Servants = Prophets and messengers

D.    Invitation was made world wide through the people of Israel.

E.     This invitation was generally rejected.

 

II.                The Second Invitation

Matthew 22:4

4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

 

A.     Other servants = prophets

B.     Israel was given detailed plans of the Messiah’s Mission – all the preparations were made for the wedding supper.

Isaiah 53:3-6

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.   6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 

 

1.     Despised and rejected

2.     Bore our griefs

3.     Wounded for our transgressions

4.     Carried our Iniquity

2 Corinthians 5:21

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

 

C.     After all that revelation, the invitation was still rejected.

Matthew 22:5-6

5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

1.     Made light of it.

2.     Turned to worldly pursuits

3.     Abused the messengers

4.     Aggressively rejected the message.

D.    Such rejection incurred God’s wrath.

Matthew 22:7

7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

->   Predicted the destruction of Jerusalem that took place in A.D. 70

E.  Have you, like the people of Israel, heard the message often?

F.  Have you rejected the message out of apathy, unbelief, or contempt?

III.             The Third Invitation

A.     Offered to Gentiles directly

Matthew 22:8-9

8 Then saith he to his servants,  The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

Acts 10:34-35

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

B.      The invitation is to go to as many as you can find.

2 Peter 3:9

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

C.     The invitation is extended to people of every religious background.

Matthew 22:10

10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

 

IV.              The Wedding Garment

Matthew 22:11

11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

A.     Ancient kings would give gifts of wedding garments to all who attend the dinner.

B.     The garment was usually a beautiful white robe.

C.     To reject that free gift and remain in street clothes was a terrible offence.

D.    We have all been invited to the kingdom of Heaven.

E.     The robe is the righteousness of Christ

1.     We do not have our own righteousness

Romans 3:10,23

10 As it is written,  There is none righteous, no, not one:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

2.     Jesus gives us the gift of His righteousness

Romans 3:20-22

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Romans 5:8

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

3.     That gift is received by faith alone.

Romans 5:1-2

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 10:13-14

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

F.      Without the wedding garment, we are condemned to Hell.

Matthew 22:12-14

12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

 

1.     Speechless – without excuse

2.     Cast into outer darkness

3.     Weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matthew 21:33-46

Preached Sunday Morning, May 3, 2009

 

 

Introduction:

 

          All men tend to be drawn toward the concept of God.  In every culture, in every language, and in every era, people have embraced the concept of spirituality.  Even now in our secular, post Christian society, people still identify themselves with religion and spirituality. 

 

          There is a dividing point.  People do not have a problem with folks embracing a generic god, spirit, or higher power.  A great deal of passion is stirred when one mentions Jesus Christ of Nazareth as the Messiah, God in the flesh, man’s only hope for salvation.  You see, you cannot embrace the truths of the Bible without accepting fully its teachings about Jesus Christ.

 

          Jesus is not just an important figure in the Bible; He is the foundation upon which the entire revelation of God is built.  In our passage this morning, we will read some discussion about this subject.  We will see just how central Jesus is to all of God’s revealed truth.  I pray that God will stir your heart with love for the Savior as we consider Jesus, our Rock.

 

I.                   The Stone that the Builders Rejected

 

A.     Israel rejected their Messiah

 

Matthew 21:33-41

33 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: 34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. 35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one,  and killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. 37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. 38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. 39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. 40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? 41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

 

1.     God is the householder

2.     Israel is the husbandman

3.     God desired fruits of righteousness from His chosen people

4.     Servants = prophets

 

Acts 7:51-52

51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

 

5.     Son = Jesus

 

Matthew 27:22-25

22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

 

6.     Other Husbandmen = Gentiles

 

Acts 11:18

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

 

 

B.     Religious leaders through the history of the world have rejected Jesus as the Messiah

 

1.     Reject His deity

 

John 1:1-3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

 

2.     Reject His bodily resurrection

 

1 Corinthians 15:12

12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?

 

3.     Reject salvation through faith alone

 

Galatians 2:21

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

 

C.     Today spirituality is accepted but Jesus as the Christ is rejected

 

1.     A way, not THE way

 

John 14:6

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way,  the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

2.     An option, not the ONLY option

 

Acts 4:10-12

10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

 

 

II.                The Chief Cornerstone

Matthew 21:42-43

42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 43 Therefore say I unto you,  The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

 

A.     Jesus is the foundation of salvation

1.     Everything in the Christian life is built upon Him

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 3:10-11

10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

2.     Without all the truth from Jesus, there is no foundation upon which one can build his life.

Matthew 7:24-27

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

B.     Jesus is the foundation of the Church

Matthew 16:18

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

III.             The Breaking Stone

Matthew 21:44-46

44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. 45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

 

è      You have a choice

 

A.     Fall upon Him and be broken

1.     Broken from trusting in yourself

Romans 3:19-22

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

2.     Broken from your pride

Habakkuk 2:4

4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

 

3.     Broken as a penitent sinner coming to Jesus as your only hope of salvation.

Psalm 51:2-4

2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

B.     Reject the Stone and have Him fall upon you and grind you to powder.

1.     Judgment awaits all who refuse to believe in this life.

John 3:18-20

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  

2.     All will bow down to Jesus some day.

Philippians 2:9-11

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Matthew 21:12-22

Preached Sunday Morning, April 19, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

          Often when the World thinks of our Savior, they think of Jesus as a meek, spineless individual who has little drive or personality.  They see Him as so passive that He never creates a stir.  

 

          The Bible describes Jesus as one who has great passion.  According to Webster’s Dictionary, to be passionate is to have strong emotion, to be animated.  Today we will see that Jesus is very passionate about certain things.  Make no mistake, Jesus never sinned.  He was, however, very emotional about certain things.  We can learn a lot about Jesus as we study our text this morning and discover the Passion of Our Christ.

 

I.                   Jesus is passionate about Holiness

 

Matthew 21:12-13

12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

 

A.     The Temple was a place for people to meet with God.

 

B.     The Passover was coming – Jesus was the final and ultimate Passover sacrifice.

 

C.     The people used this season as a business opportunity

 

D.    The animals were sold directly out of the temple making an increased profit for all involved.

 

E.     Jesus took personal offense to this “My house”

 

F.      Jesus took deliberate and specific action

 

1.     Jesus did not lose His temper

 

Hebrews 4:15

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

 

1 Peter 2:21-22

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:  22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

 

2.     Jesus took the time to deliberately fashion a whip

 

John 2:15

15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;

 

3.     Jesus deliberately mixed the money of the merchants

 

4.     Jesus acted with authority like He owned the place.

 

G.    Our bodies are God’s Temple this side of Calvary

 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

 

è      What are you allowing to defile your Temple?

 

II.                Jesus is passionate about honor.

 

A.     People recognized His power after He stood with authority for holiness

Matthew 21:14

14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

B.     The children shouted praise to the Messiah

Matthew 21:15-17

15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, 16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read,  Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? 17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

 

1.     Their faith was pure and simple enough to believe and respond.

2.     This simple faith enraged the self-righteous religious establishment.

C.     Jesus is worthy of all honor!

Luke 19:37-40

37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. 39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

 

III.             Jesus is passionate about feeding the hungry

Matthew 21:18-22

18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. 19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.  20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! 21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

 

A.     The literal fig tree

1.     Jesus was hungry

2.     The tree was all leaves and no figs

3.     Jesus cursed the unfruitful tree

B.     Symbol of unfruitful Israel

1.     Religious teaching happened under fig trees

2.     All leaves = a superficial list of external compliance.

3.     No figs = No fruit of a changed life and the reality of a relationship with God.

C.     Symbol of unfruitful Christians

John 15:8,16

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

 

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

I Corinthians 15:12-22

Preached Easter Sunday Morning April 12, 2009

 

1 Corinthians 15:17

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

 

Introduction:

 

          Jesus Christ is risen from the grave!  On this Easter Sunday morning, we celebrate one of the basic doctrines of orthodox Christianity, the resurrection.  Have you ever wondered why it is necessary that Jesus actually rise from the grave?  We know that He is sinless and paid the price for our sin with His death.  If His death paid the price, why does the Bible say that Jesus had to rise from the grave?  Why could Jesus not just go immediately to Heaven to be with His Father?  Some would say that He had to prove that He had power over sin and death.  To whom did He have to prove this?  Would our salvation really hinge upon this proof?

 

          This morning we are going to take a detailed doctrinal look at the reason behind the statement of 1 Corinthians 15:17.  We will discover that Jesus Christ had to rise from the dead because His blood needed to be applied in order to obtain our redemption from sin.

 

I.                   Essential Elements of the Gospel

 

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.   3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 

A.     Christ died for our sins

 

1.     Because the price for sin is death.

 

 

 

Romans 5:12

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 

 

2.     Because we cannot pay that price with works.

 

Romans 3:19-20

19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.  20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

 

Galatians 2:21

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

 

B.     Christ was buried

 

1.     Dream- an altered reality

2.     We are unaware of what is happening around us

3.     Are unable to respond to danger

4.     Are unable to warn others of danger

 

C.     Christ rose again on the third day.

 

1.     This is essential to our salvation

 

1 Corinthians 15:17-18

17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

 

2.     If Christ did not rise again, then your faith is in vain

3.     Why was the resurrection an essential element of the Gospel?

4.     Could not Jesus have still paid the price of death without the resurrection?

 

è    Jesus Christ had to rise from the dead because His blood needed to be applied in order to obtain our redemption from sin.

 

II.                The Essential Elements of the Passover

 

Exodus 12:3-7, 12-13

3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:  4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:  6 And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.  7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

 

12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.  13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. 

 

 

A.     A spotless lamb

B.     A beloved lamb

C.     Slay the lamb before all

D.    Apply the blood to the doorposts

 

1.     Sign of the Trinity

2.     The death of the Lamb was not enough

 

E.     Jesus is our Passover Lamb

 

1 Corinthians 5:7

7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 

 

 

III.             The Essential Elements of the Day of Atonement

 

Hebrews 9:7-9

7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

 

 

A.     There was a separation between God and man, the veil.

 

Leviticus 16:2

2 And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

B.     The only one allowed access to the Mercy Seat was the High Priest

C.     The High priest must enter with innocent blood offered for his sins and the sins of the people.

 

Leviticus 16:6,16

6 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house. 16 And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness. 

 

IV.              Jesus Ascended to Heaven after the Resurrection

 

 

A.     Mary was told not to touch Jesus

 

John 20:11-17

11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

 

B.     Eight days later Jesus told men to go ahead and touch Him

 

John 20:26-28

26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

C.     The Blood had been applied

 

V.                 Jesus Had to Rise Again in order to act as our High Priest and Apply His Blood for Us

 

 

 

Hebrews 9:11-14

11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 

 

A.     There is a Mercy Seat in Heaven

B.     Jesus enter Heaven with His own blood

C.     Redemption was obtained when the Blood was applied

D.    The Blood stains the mercy seat, purging you from dead works.

 

Matthew 20:17-34

Preached Sunday Morning, March 28, 2009

 

 

I.                   Jesus is our example for proper motivation

 

Matthew 20:17-19

17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, 18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, 19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

 

A.     Jesus was selfless

 

Philippians 2:5-8

5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

 

B.     Jesus was humble

 

John 1:10-11

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

 

C.     Jesus was totally surrendered to God’s will

 

Isaiah 53:4-6,10

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.   6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 

 

10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 

 

Matthew 26:39,42

39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

 

42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

 

John 10:17-18

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

 

II.                Do you seek titles and recognition?

Matthew 20:20-24

20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. 21 And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. 23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. 24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

 

A.     What motivates you?

B.     Some are motivated by public recognition

C.     We must serve unconditionally, not based upon perceived reputation and recognition?

1.     Are you willing to serve, if no one knows about it?

2.     Are you willing to serve if you do not get a title for your efforts?

3.     Will you continue to serve if people are not constantly patting you on the back telling you what a wonderful Christian you are?

III.             Do you seek to serve out of love?

Matthew 20:25-28

25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

 

A.     The world is motivated by great authority

1.     The threat from it

2.     The promotion to it

B.     God promotes based on service

C.     One must be others oriented in order to honor God.

Philippians 2:1-4

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

 

IV.              Do you seek deliverance?

 

Matthew 20:29-34

29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30 And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David. 32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? 33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. 34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

 

A.     A great crowd followed Jesus

 

B.      Two blind men aggressively sought Jesus

 

1.     Son of David – Messiah

2.     Cried aloud

3.     Have mercy

4.     Total humility and dependence while seeking deliverance

 

C.     The Blind men endured the scornful crowd

 

D.     They made specific requests

 

E.        They received a specific answer.

 

 

Matthew 19:27-20:16

Preached Sunday Morning, March 22, 2009

 

Introduction:

 

          We have learned several Bible principles in our Sunday morning visits so far.  We have discovered that salvation does not come through our own merit or effort.  Last week we discovered that Jesus paid the price for our sin on the cross, because we could not pay for sin through our works.  If works do not count for us to get to Heaven, then what is our motivation to do right?  

 

          In our passage this morning we are going to discover that God does reward His servants.  We will see that no matter what we may see with our finite understanding, God is always fair and just.  As we labor together to serve God on Planet Earth, let us conform our thinking to God’s Word as we consider the Kingdom Principles of Reward.

 

I.                   Forsake and Follow

 

Matthew 19:27

27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

 

A.     Forsake worldly lusts

 

1 John 2:15-17

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

 

1.     The Lust of the Flesh

2.     The Lust of the Eyes

3.     The Pride of Life

 

 

B.     Forsake selfish career goals

 

Matthew 4:20-22

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

 

Matthew 9:9

9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

 

Philippians 3:8

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

 

C.     Forsake any personal and selfish priorities that conflict with the will of God.

 

Luke 14:27-33

27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

 

II.                Sow and Reap

Matthew 19:28-29

28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

 

A.     This is an undeniable universal law

 

Galatians 6:7-9

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Psalm 126:6

6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. 

 

B.     There are rewards in this life

Mark 10:29-30

29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

C.     There are eternal spiritual rewards

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

 

D.    Be assured of eternal significance for actions taken now.

1 Corinthians 15:58

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

 

III.             Trust and Obey

A.     God chooses workers as He needs

 

 

 

Matthew 20:1-7

For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. 2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.  3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? 7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

Ephesians 4:16

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 

B.     God will reward as He sees fit

Matthew 20:8-16

8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. 9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. 11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, 12  Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.  13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? 14 Take that thine is, and go thy way:  I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. 15  Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own?  Is thine eye evil, because I am good? 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

 

C.     We cannot understand His infinite ways with our finite minds

Isaiah 55:6-9

6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.   8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.