Use it or Lose it - Matthew 25:14-30 - September 28, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – Use It or Lose It – September 28, 2008

This is lesson four (4) in our series of study.

Our scripture is Matthew 25:14-30.

JESUS is telling another parable. It focuses upon being faithful stewards of what GOD has entrusted to believers. It deals with the final judgment of GOD. This involves both believers and non-believers.

The most cherished treasure entrusted to all believers is CHRIST. Do we invest what we have been entrusted with as believers or do we hide it because of fear or lack of trust?

Keep in mind the possible applications of this parable regarding judgment are: (1) rewards for the believer who invests what he or she has been entrusted with (2) the lack of rewards, other than salvation, for the believer that hides the resources GOD has given to him or her (3) judgment for non-believers, includes those who have heard the truth but chose not to respond (4) It is a wake-up call for non-believers to know that judgment day is coming.

If those who know the truth hide the truth, then GOD is not pleased.

GOD also entrusts to believers a variety of treasures when they receive CHRIST as their SAVIOR. Among them are spiritual gifts. There are about twenty-nine (29) spiritual gifts listed in the Bible. I believe there are many more spiritual gifts than the ones recorded in the scriptures. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 records a few of the spiritual gifts but pay special attention to verse 11- GOD grants spiritual gifts as HE chooses. We can desire a gift but only GOD can give the gift. Why? Because HE will never give HIS children something that will harm them.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11:

4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are different activities, but the same God is active in everyone and everything.[2] Lit God acts all things in all 7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial: 8 to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9 to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of languages, to another, interpretation of languages. 11 But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each one as He wills.

Once believers accept CHRIST as their SAVIOR, HE makes available to them various resources. As believer’s we have a choice. Do we yield our will to GOD and allow HIM to guide and control our lives by making HIM LORD of our lives or do we follow our own desires. GOD wants HIS children to seek the fullness of HIM and grow and mature spiritually. GOD entrusts certain resources to us to help us to grow and mature both physically and spiritually.

These resources can be spiritual gifts, personality, material resources, time, talents, abilities, attitude, intelligence, helps, cheering others up, administration, wonder working faith, faith to trust the LORD completely and the list goes on. The flesh has to be brought under the control of the SPIRIT. The flesh and the born-again spirit reside in the body of every believer. When the Spirit rules, we accomplish GOD’S plan and purpose. When the flesh rules, we are enticed to follow the dictates of the flesh.

What has GOD entrusted with you? Are you allowing HIM to use the resources HE has entrusted to you, as HE chooses? GOD’S objective is for every believer to be obedient to HIM and to accomplish HIS plan. To accomplish HIS plan and purpose believers need to build an intimate relationship with HIM, to get to know HIM and not to just know about HIM.

In our parable the master knew his servants and his servants knew him.

Also, keep in mind that two (2) of the servants were eager to invest the money and earn substantial gain, knowing that it would make their master even richer. They did it for the joy of serving their master.

The servant that hid the money knew his master but he had a heart problem. He knew his master was a tough man. Did he think the master already had enough and he was not going to make him richer? We see in the scripture that the master called this servant evil and lazy. When GOD hands HIS child a resource, doing nothing is not an option. However, if nothing is done HIS child has to suffer the consequences.

Let’s read Matthew 25:14-18:

The Parable of the Talents

14 “For it is just like a man going on a journey. He called his own • slaves and turned over his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents;[3] Worth a very large sum of money; a talent = 6,000 • denarii to another, two; and to another, one—to each according to his own ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately 16 the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. 17 In the same way the man with two earned two more. 18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

A man who has servants is going on a journey. He leaves trusted servants in charge of his possessions. In JESUS’ day servants could be thought of as business associates and the master could entrust large sums of money to them.

The master chose three (3) servants and gave each one a varying amount of money commensurate with their ability. A talent was a unit of weight that became a monetary unit. A talent was thought to be worth about 6,000 denarii. A denarii was considered a day laborer’s wage for a day. If a person worked 300 days a year then one (1) talent would be wages for about 20 years.

The master leaves and immediately the servants with five (5) and two (2) talents, respectively, put their talents to work. However, the servant with one (1) talent hides his talent in the ground.

We need to keep in mind that these talents are money. Today, we use the word “talent” differently. We speak of people having a talent to speak, organize, play a musical instrument, manage resources and the list goes on. We often try to explain the difference between a spiritual gift and a talent. Often that difference is evidenced in the eyes of a believer’s heart.

JESUS used this parable to emphasize the need to use what GOD has entrusted to believers and to get the attention of non-believers. Fear can cause believers not to use the resources GOD has entrusted to them. JESUS gave us the great commission in

Matthew 28:18- 20:

18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of[6] Lit and instruct, or and disciple (as a verb) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,[7] Lit look I am with you always,[8] Lit all the days to the end of the age.”

I have heard Christians say I cannot do such and such because I am afraid I will say or do the wrong thing. Fear can be paralyzing and also can be an excuse. If you have such fear confess it to GOD and ask HIM to help you overcome your fear. But let HIM lead you and equip you to serve HIM and use the resources HE has entrusted to you. A believer can faithfully serve by giving a cup of cold water, providing money, speaking a kind word of encouragement and in many ways. The key is to serve as GOD leads you.

Let’s read Matthew 25:19-23:

19 “After a long time the master of those • slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. Look, I’ve earned five more talents.’ 21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful • slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’ 22 “Then the man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. Look, I’ve earned two more talents.’ 23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful • slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’

This parable is related to the second coming of JESUS and accountability (Judgment). CHRIST is the Master Who is going away and has entrusted the gospel to HIS believers. GOD equips each believer with certain resources, based upon his or her ability, to carry out HIS plan and purpose. At the end of times there will be an accounting.

In verse 19, we learn that the master was gone a long time. He was gone long enough to give ample time for the servants to invest their resources and return a profit. The master wanted them to be successful.

The master returned to settle the accounts with them. Judgment day had arrived. Each servant knew he was accountable to his master. The servant who had been entrusted with five (5) talents came immediately and reported that he had doubled the money entrusted to him. His master was pleased and said the words all believers long to hear when we meet JESUS, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

The servant who had been given the two (2) talents also had doubled the money entrusted to him and received the same commendation.

Let’s read Matthew 25:24-30:

24 “Then the man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a difficult man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you have what is yours.’ 26 “But his master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy • slave! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then[4] Or So you knew . . . scattered? Then (as a question) you should have deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned I would have received my money[5] Lit received what is mine back with interest. 28 “ ‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has 10 talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 30 And throw this good-for-nothing slave into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

The servant receiving the one (1) talent approached the master and immediately began with a long explanation. Those who have dealt with employees or the public know when a person begins the conversation with an explanation there is usually a problem lurking.

This servant dug his own grave so-to-speak. He acknowledged that his master expected results. He did not want excuses but results. Bottom line the servant did not know his master as well as he thought he did. Was the servant hoping if he returned to him what had been entrusted to him, all would be well? That was not the case. Instead the servant heard the stinging words “You evil, lazy, slave!” It seems the master was giving this servant an opportunity to prove himself but he blew it.

The servant quickly learned that what had been entrusted to him was taken away and given to the servant who had the most.

Use it or lose it is the principle. Every human is entrusted with life. Some people acknowledge JESUS as their SAVIOR and become believers. Believers are entrusted with the gospel and are equipped with various other resources. GOD expects a return on HIS investment.

There will be an accounting one day. When we have the relationship with HIM, we will serve HIM as HE directs. We must seek first the relationship and let HIM guide us as we grow and mature spiritually and journey with HIM. Some may they are too old and it is too later change. It is never too late!!! Once you recognize what you should be doing, then do it. What matters is your obedience.

Our Master is waiting for each of us to use what HE has entrusted to us.
The master had the talent taken from the servant who hid the resource entrusted to him and had him tossed out. He was rejected by his master. This servant heard how the master rewarded the servants who made a profit. The master never told the servants what to do with their talent(s) but the servants knew what the master expected them to do. They knew their master.

To me the greatest hell is to have been exposed to the truth, had it in your hand and you know you rejected it or decided to wait and you met JESUS. Satan tells those who are considering CHRIST, “You have plenty of time so just wait.” Keep in mind you are one (1) heartbeat away from eternity.

Settle this issue now! Ask CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and to come into your heart. You will receive the miracle of rebirth. You will receive the gift and resource of the HOLY SPIRIT, WHO indwells you and reveals truth to you as you seek to build a relationship with HIM.

No Time Like the Present - Matthew 25:1-13 - September 21, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – No Time Like The Present – September 21, 2008

This is lesson three (3) in our series of study.

Our scripture is Matthew 25:1-13.

In Matthew Chapter 24, JESUS and HIS disciples were leaving the temple. (This was still during the week of HIS crucifixion.) HIS disciples were admiring the buildings and JESUS made an astonishing statement.

Matthew 24:1-2: 1 As Jesus left and was going out of the • temple complex, His disciples came up and called His attention to the temple buildings. 2 Then He replied to them, “Don’t you see all these things? • I assure you: Not one stone will be left here on another that will not be thrown down!”

This statement peaks their interest and they ponder it. JESUS took a break on the Mount of Olives and the disciples asked HIM, "When will these buildings be destroyed?"

Matthew 24:3:

3 While He was sitting on the • Mount of Olives, the disciples approached Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what is the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”

JESUS told them about the last days. HE ended this discourse with a parable (still in Chapter 24) regarding the need to remain on the alert for HIS return. This led to the parable in today’s study regarding a wedding involving ten (10) bridesmaids.

JESUS gave a parable regarding a wedding. The wedding ceremony had taken place at the bride’s home and the wedding party was waiting for the bride and groom at or near the bride groom’s parents’ home or the bride groom’s home. It was customary for the bride and groom to leave her home and go to his parents’ home or his home for a celebration. The bridesmaids or young women had a duty to perform. Those bridesmaids were all virgins. Since it would be dark, the bridesmaids would wait with lamps to light the path for the bride and groom. It was critical that they be prepared and at the right moment have oil in their lamps to light the way.

Let’s read Matthew 25:1-5:

The Parable of the 10 Virgins

1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins[1] Or bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them. 4 But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5 Since the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

This was an event that most, if not all, of the hearers of the parable could relate.

In Chapter 24, JESUS had been talking about a certain master who left a trusted servant in charge of his household. The master left but had not returned for a long time, so the servant began mistreating those who had been entrusted to him. The unexpected return of the master caught the servant mistreating those his master had entrusted to him. The true nature or heart of the servant was revealed. As a result of his unfaithfulness, he suffered the consequences of his unfaithful actions.

In this parable, JESUS is the Master and all believers are HIS trusted servants. HE would go to heaven but one day, when least expected, HE will return to earth. HE left all believers in charge of preaching, teaching, witnessing and living the gospel until HE returns or we go to HIM in heaven through death.

In Chapter 25, JESUS continued the idea of faithfulness versus unfaithfulness and the importance of being prepared for the coming of the LORD. Only GOD knows when the end times will happen, so stay alert.

The ten (10) virgins were likely friends or relatives of the bride and groom. They were all single women. Their duty was to be prepared with lamps to provide light for the bride and groom. The bride and groom would go from her parents’ home to his parents’ home or his home following the wedding ceremony and celebrate the wedding. The celebration would go on for up to seven (7) days.

There were ten (10) virgins each with the responsibility to have a lamp with oil to light the way for the bride and groom. They gathered at the appointed place. You would think when they were all together it would be obvious that five (5) had extra oil and five (5) did not. When the five (5) foolish virgins realized they did not have extra oil, they could have gone immediately to obtain what they needed. But they chose not to do so.

All ten (10) of the virgins fell asleep. The issue was not that they fell asleep, although it was vital time lost for the five (5) foolish virgins to be properly prepared. The issue was that the five (5) foolish virgins ran out of oil. The very thing they needed most, they treated carelessly.

The five (5) foolish virgins represent those who know CHRIST intellectually. They have never experienced HIM personally and lack the extra oil of the HOLY SPIRIT to secure their salvation. They are willing to take a chance with their own theology in spite of the evidence that their theology is flawed.

Let’s read Matthew 25:6-9:

6 “In the middle of the night there was a shout: ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 “Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 “The sensible ones answered, ‘No, there won’t be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.’

The ten (10) virgins were all asleep when all of a sudden there was a mighty shout, “Here’s the groom!” All ten (10) virgins trimmed their lamps. That is when the five (5) foolish virgins realized their lamps were running out of oil and asked the wise virgins to share some of their extra oil with them. The wise virgins refused because they wouldn’t have enough oil to complete their responsibilities. It was better to have five (5) lamps burning brightly than no light or dim light.

JESUS was making the point that each individual is responsible to be prepared for the coming of the LORD. No person can depend upon someone else.

This brings to mind what I have heard some people say when asked if they are Christians. Their reply is, “I was born a Christian”, or “My parents were Christians”, or “I was raised in a Christian home” or “I always go to church.” These are all well and good but the question is “Have you accepted CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR?” GOD holds each of us personably accountable. Remember, it is CHRIST in you that makes you a Christian and nothing else. It is the miracle of rebirth in your spirit that makes you a Christian and not the church you attend.

Let’s read Matthew 25:10-13:

10 “When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Then those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. 11 “Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, ‘Master, master, open up for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘• I assure you: I do not know you!’ 13 “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour.[2] Other mss add in which the Son of Man is coming.

JESUS emphasized the importance of being ready and staying ready to meet HIM. Many think they have plenty of time but every human is one (1) heartbeat away from meeting GOD.

When the five (5) foolish virgins were off buying oil for their lamps, the groom arrived. The five (5) wise virgins, who were ready, went in the house along with the bride and groom and the door was shut. When GOD closes the door it is closed for good. Why not go into heaven with CHRIST while there is still time?

That is why now is the time to ask CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and ask HIM to come into your life. The moment you ask HIM into your life, HIS Spirit unites with your spirit and you are born-again in your spirit. At that instant you become a child of GOD. You have been born into HIS family and are now a citizen of heaven. Just as when the sperm unites with the egg that union is permanent and so is our rebirth in CHRIST. It is your born-again spirit that leaves your body when you die. Your destination, the instant you die, is heaven. You enter and the door is shut for you.

The Good News is that you will be in with JESUS, the Bride Groom!!!

These parable main points are:

- JESUS is telling them and us today that each person is responsible and accountable to GOD.

- Each individual needs to be prepared. If he or she does not know what is required he or she needs to find out and do it.

- Being unprepared has severe consequences.

- There are those around you who are wise and prepared. While there is time, when a person realizes they are not prepared, they need to prepare.

- No person should think he or she has plenty of time and is lulled into complacency. Then, all of a sudden, awake at the last minute to realize he or she is not prepared. Be fully prepared for the return of the LORD by having enough oil for your lamp, which is the confirmation of the HOLY SPIRIT in your heart. Romans 8:16: 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

- We do not have to wonder or guess if we have been born-again in our spirit. Our spirit within testifies to our hearts that we are GOD’S children. It is a knowing that only you know. It is a confirmation in the eyes of your heart.

Salvation is simple, yet so hard. We try to understand it intellectually but salvation from sin and death will never be understood intellectually. (I know, I tried for many years to figure it out.) You must take a step of faith and trust GOD through CHRIST. CHRIST is the earthly presence of GOD in human form. HE died for your sin and mine. HIS death paid the debt for sin as required by GOD. The proof that CHRIST was and is the SON of GOD is HIS resurrection from the dead. Of all religious leaders in the world, JESUS is the only ONE to be resurrected from the dead.

Salvation from sin and death is a free gift from GOD to you though CHRIST. It is your choice, accept or reject CHRIST as your SAVIOR now.

Come One, Come All - Matthew 22:1-14 - September 14, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – Come One, Come All – September 14, 2008

This is lesson two (2) in our series of study.

Our scripture is Matthew 22:1-14.

Today’s lesson is one that prompts more discussion and disagreement than many other subjects theology addresses. Who will GOD allow into HIS heaven?

Recently, we had a Jewish teacher, Dr. Levine, speak in our church. Dr. Levine teaches New Testament at Vanderbilt. If Dr. Levine was a born-again believer, I could understand her teaching New Testament at a seminary but to be a professing non-Christian, it dumb-founds me. You automatically know she is not teaching truth as revealed by the HOLY SPIRIT.

From an intellectual point-of-view you can learn from others. However, it is vital, when you hear people with other views, to keep a close eye on how you explore questions that come up in your mind. Seek truth and understanding through the Bible and prayer. Ask GOD to reveal truth to you.

Who are we, as humans, to define who is eligible to enter into GOD’S heaven? GOD is sovereign; HE created both heaven and earth. HE is the ONE WHO decides who enters HIS heaven and what the requirements are for entering.

Many people try to rationalize that since GOD is love, HE will allow any who profess some kind of faith into heaven. Those who spread this ideology do not know and understand the Bible. GOD has been and is very clear on what HE demands.

In our past lessons we have studied how GOD required the priests to approach HIM in a prescribed manner. When CHRIST gave HIS life for the sins of mankind, HE changed the way believers can approach GOD. CHRIST inaugurated the priesthood of the believer. There is no longer a need for sacrifice. HE opened the right for all believers to approach GOD and call HIM DADDY. Come one and come all but on HIS terms – Salvation through the shed blood of HIS ONLY SON JESUS!!!

In the Old Testament, GOD makes it clear that the very best in us is as a pile of filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6: (KJV) 6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

No one can earn his or her right to enter heaven through merits of their own.

If humans can get to heaven any other way, JESUS died in vain. JESUS did not have to come to earth and suffer for the sin of mankind. JESUS Himself said in John 14:6: 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

This is what we know. To suggest some other way flies in the face of what the Bible tells us. As believers, we are to present truth. GOD is the ONE that deals with the hearts and minds of every human. HE issues the invitation to each person to accept JESUS as his or her personal SAVIOR. Our role is to be obedient to HIM and present the Word whenever and wherever HE asks us. It is HIS job to bring about salvation. HE works in the most secret place within each human and that is the eyes of our heart. It is there that we know truth and whether or not we accept truth.

JESUS used a parable to make clear a spiritual truth. The subject is heaven and who will enter.

Let’s read Matthew 21:1-7:

The Parable of the Wedding Banquet

1 Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables: 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent out his • slaves to summon those invited to the banquet, but they didn’t want to come. 4 Again, he sent out other slaves, and said, ‘Tell those who are invited: Look, I’ve prepared my dinner; my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet. ’ 5 “But they paid no attention and went away, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 And the others seized his • slaves, treated them outrageously and killed them. 7 The king[1] Other mss read But when the (that) king heard about it he was enraged, so he sent out his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned down their city.

JESUS again spoke to them in parables. Who are “them?” This was the last week of JESUS before HIS crucifixion. HE was speaking to the Jewish religious leaders and they knew HE was talking about them. Prior to the scripture in our lesson, JESUS had spoken to them about the vineyard in Matthew 21:33-45: (The vineyard is Israel. The slaves are the prophets and John the Baptist. The son is JESUS. GOD is the owner. The Israelites are the tenant farmers and the religious leaders knew HE was talking about them.)

33 “Listen to another parable: There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watchtower.[9] Isaiah 5:1–2 He leased it to tenant farmers and went away. 34 When the grape harvest[10] Lit the season of fruits drew near, he sent his slaves to the farmers to collect his fruit. 35 But the farmers took his slaves, beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. 36 Again, he sent other slaves, more than the first group, and they did the same to them. 37 Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. 38 “But when the tenant farmers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance!’ 39 So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 40 Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?” 41 “He will completely destroy those terrible men,” they told Him, “and lease his vineyard to other farmers who will give him his produce at the harvest.”[11] Lit him the fruits in their seasons 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.[12] Lit the head of the corner This came from the Lord and is wonderful in our eyes?[13] 1 Pt 2:7 [14] Ps 118:22–23 43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing its[15] The word its refers back to kingdom. fruit. [ 44 Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder!”][16] Other mss omit this v. [17] Dn 2:34–35,44 45 When the chief priests and the • Pharisees heard His parables, they knew He was speaking about them. 46 Although they were looking for a way to arrest Him, they feared the crowds, because they[18] The crowds regarded Him as a prophet.

This is a last ditch effort by JESUS to appeal to GOD’S chosen people, especially the
religious leaders. JESUS was speaking to those who should know the scriptures and who should know who HE was.

Since JESUS had their attention, HE gave them another parable.

A Jewish wedding was a grand and festive occasion. A wedding banquet was celebrated over several days. The finest of food and wine were brought out to celebrate the occasion. This is an event to which all Jews could relate. This is an event hosted by the king. It would be spectacular.

Typically the host would issue two (2) invitations. One to alert those invited that a banquet was being planned. The second one was issued when the banquet was ready. In this parable, the king issued three (3) invitations showing that he really wanted those invited to come.

JESUS began the parable by telling those listening that it related to the kingdom of heaven. This refers to the reign of GOD over HIS people. GOD is the authority and ruler. GOD is planning a banquet and issued an invitation to those who chose to
attend. However, the choice is theirs to make.

The setting for the story was that a king had a son who is about to be married. The king had notified specific people within his kingdom of the up-coming event. (Invitation one (1).)

We can relate this parable to GOD as the king and JESUS as the son. The slaves delivering the invitation referred to the prophets and John the Baptist who spoke and wrote of the coming Messiah.

When the king issued the invitation the first time, no one refused. So the king proceeded with the preparations. Now the banquet had been prepared and the king sent his servants to let the invited guests know. (Invitation two (2).)

The servants got negative responses. The invitees decided not to come. The king thought maybe they didn’t understand the food was ready. So he sent a second group of servants who made it clear that the food was ready and they were invited. (Invitation three (3).)

To show the king that they fully understood the invitation but rejected it, they mistreated his servants, even killing some who brought the message that the banquet was ready. It is clear those invited do not want to attend the banquet. They did not have a good excuse for not attending. They went about their daily routine – business and farm. So the king responded with a show of force. The rejection revealed the heart of those the king thought were open to his invitation.

Some Bible scholars relate the show of force by the king to how GOD brought destruction upon the Israelites over the years when they disobeyed HIM. It also showed that the king was the authority.

Let’s read Matthew 21:8-10:

8 “Then he told his • slaves, ‘The banquet is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore, go to where the roads exit the city and invite everyone you find to the banquet.’ 10 So those slaves went out on the roads and gathered everyone they found, both evil and good. The wedding banquet was filled with guests.[2] Lit those reclining (to eat)

Since all preparation had been made, the food is ready and the people, the king wanted to attend the banquet, had refused. The king instructed his slaves or servants to go and invite everyone they can find to the banquet. Regardless of the attitude of those invited the event will be celebrated. He sent them to the area where a wide variety of folks would be found. So the slaves responded, inviting both the evil and the good. Even these new invitees had to make a decision whether or not to respond to the invitation. We know that many did respond.

We know from the Bible that the promised MESSIAH was promised first to the Jews. The Bible is replete with this message to the Jews. The Jewish religious leaders were the experts in the scriptures but had rejected JESUS (The son). The king, who represented GOD, now included all of mankind in the invitation to come to the banquet for his son - Jews, Gentiles, Barbarians, all people regardless of their gender, race, economic status, social status, religious training, education, wealthy, personality, age and the list goes on.

We, as believers, can relate to this parable. We can consider ourselves as slaves or servants of our King. HE asks us to issue the invitation of salvation to everyone regardless of their social standing or our opinion regarding their worthiness. HIS invitation is to everyone and HE will provide the necessary wedding clothes after HIS invitation is accepted. Our job is to be obedient to our calling. GOD does the rest. The banquet is prepared. The time to accept the invitation for eternal life is now.

The slaves were successful and filled the wedding banquet with guests. Let the festivities begin!!!

Let’s read Matthew 21:11-14:

11 But when the king came in to view the guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed for a wedding. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. 13 “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him up hand and foot,[3] Other mss add take him away and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

The king entered the banquet to see the guests and to welcome them when he spotted a man not dressed for the wedding. My first thought was, “Gee the slaves invited everyone. So why pick on this poor man?” The LORD was quick to answer.

It was a custom for the host to provide suitable wedding clothes for their guests. The man not wearing proper attire is an example of a person coming to the wedding banquet on his (or her) own terms and not on the terms of the king. The king had a right to toss him out of the banquet. He had provided the proper clothes but this guest chose not to wear them. [Some Bible scholars think the wedding clothes were normal clothes but clothes that had been cleaned. The king spotted the man wearing dirty clothes. Others think they were special wedding clothes. I lean toward special wedding clothes. It does not matter except the man did not comply with the king’s rules.]

This gets us back to the original question. Who will GOD allow to enter into HIS heaven, anyone that chooses to follow any path to heaven? NO!!! GOD makes it plain. HE sent HIS ONLY SON into the world to die for the sins of mankind. All who accept that forgiveness and acknowledge CHRIST as their SAVIOR is immediately cleansed of all unrighteousness. Believers are made righteous by the shed blood of JESUS and clothed in the clothes of righteousness. GOD provides all we need to attend HIS banquet. WOW!!!

2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

HIS righteousness makes us acceptable to GOD. This allows us to approach GOD in HIS very throne room and call HIM DADDY. This is not to trivialize this relationship but to let you know what a heritage we have through CHRIST and through the miracle of rebirth.

The man entering the banquet on his own terms as asked how he got into the banquet. He was speechless. Had he simply followed the crowd? Was he hoping that since the king was so generous that he would allow him to stay? But that did not happen. There was no opportunity for him to get a wedding garment. Instead he was bound and cast out of the banquet. Comply with the rules or else you cannot enter or remain.

Why did the king have him bound? The fact that the man did not comply with the rules, revealed his heart. He wanted to do things his way and would disrupt the banquet. The fact that he did not have on the proper wedding clothes showed disrespect to the king and the son. He was bound and cast out to show the king’s authority over him and to show to those who complied, to the king’s rules, the reward for their obedience. Binding him would keep him from trying to reenter the banquet and disrupting it.

Why take a chance on not getting to heaven based upon you own theology?

One day every human on the face of this earth will know the truth. GOD has sent HIS servants, has given us HIS Word and sent HIS ONLY SON. It is clear what GOD requires of those who seek salvation and eternal life. Shall you believe the truth or what sounds good? Stick with the tried and proven. Stick with what the Bible tells us. JESUS is the way and the only way to the FATHER. Argue all you want but the truth is recorded in HIS Word.

See you at the banquet!!!

Forgive Early and Often - Matthew 18:21-35 - September 7, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – Forgive Early and Often – September 7, 2008

This begins a new series of study entitled “Short Stories and Tall Orders.”Our scripture for the month will be taken from Matthew Chapters 18, 22, and 25.

Our scripture for this lesson is Matthew 18:21-35.

The Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew one of JESUS’ disciples between 60 and 65 A. D. Matthew was a Jewish tax collector before he became a follower of JESUS. Matthew’s gospel was written to the Jews connecting the Old Testament prophecy and how CHRIST fulfills that prophecy. Therefore, when you compare Matthew’s gospel to the other gospels you can see the areas the HOLY SPIRIT led him to focus upon.

Our subject is forgiveness. It is easy to tell someone to forgive another for a wrong done to him or her; however, when we are the ones wronged, it seems to be another matter. It depends upon the extent of the wrong we have encountered as to how easy it may be to forgive.

A spouse being betrayed and everyone knowing about it, except the betrayed spouse, is major and an understandable tragedy in a person’s life. To forgive and rebuild a betrayed relationship takes agape love. When that happens, to me, the betrayed spouse shows the love that GOD shows to us sinners who are saved by HIS grace. It is a forgiveness that cannot be paid by contrition. Does that mean the betrayed spouse forgets? No. But it does mean that the forgiven spouse must never betray that trust again in order to continue the rebuilding process.

There are many other examples such as when someone trusts another with secrets and that person betrays that confidence by telling someone else, handling finances in a dishonest manner, borrowing money with the promise that it will be paid back promptly and it is not, a trusted person who abuses a loved one and the list goes on.
JESUS is a master story teller. HE used ordinary examples in everyday life to impart spiritual truth. HE spoke in parables, which are earthly stories with a heavenly message. GOD speaks to us today, through parables, to teach us spiritual truth. When we have a question and ask the LORD to help us understand it, often, HE does so through things we observe during daily life. To me it is awesome when HE reveals truth through earthly examples.

Let’s read Matthew 18:21-27:

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 “I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus said to him, “but 70 times seven.[19] Or but 77 times 23 For this reason, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his • slaves. 24 When he began to settle accounts, one who owed 10,000 talents[20] A huge sum of money that could never be repaid by a slave; a talent = 6,000 denarii was brought before him. 25 Since he had no way to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. 26 “At this, the • slave fell facedown before him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything!’ 27 Then the master of that • slave had compassion, released him, and forgave him the loan.

The Apostle Peter asked JESUS a question. Peter had been raised going to the Jewish temple and he knew the Jewish law. He knew that the law required a person offended by another to forgive that person up to three (3) times. After forgiving the offending Jew three (3) times a practicing Jew did not have to forgive the offending Jew any longer. Peter asked JESUS a question regarding forgiveness. Peter could have been looking for an at-a-boy from JESUS. His question gives us insight into the very heart of forgiveness for believers.

Peter doubled the required three (3) by the Jewish religion, added one additional time for good measure as to the number of times a fellow brother should be forgiven. Peter could have been focused on the number seven (7) as the number Jews considered the number for completion. I tend to think Peter thought of seven (7) as the number for completion.

JESUS responded with numbers for completion, seventy times seven along with a parable.

JESUS said there was a king who took an inventory of his assets in order to settle accounts. During this inventory it was discovered that the slave (or servant), over a certain territory for the king, owed him 10,000 talents. Scholars try to place a value on what 10,000 talents would be the equivalent of today. Some suggest it would be like our national debt. Ten thousand (10,000) is the largest written number in the Greek language. It is a huge amount of money plus being a slave it was impossible for him to pay back. Since the salve could not even think of repaying the debt, the king decided to liquidate everything the slave had which was his wife, children, himself and all his possessions.

The slave pleaded with the king. Notice the words the slave uttered because they will be important as the story continues. The slave said, “Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything!” This plea softened the king’s heart and he showed compassion, released the slave and forgave his debt. So far so good but JESUS continued the story.
Let’s read Matthew 18:28-30:

28 “But that • slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him 100 • denarii.[21] A small sum compared to 10,000 talents He grabbed him, started choking him, and said, ‘Pay what you owe!’ 29 “At this, his fellow • slave fell down[22] Other mss add at his feet and began begging him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he wasn’t willing. On the contrary, he went and threw him into prison until he could pay what was owed.

JESUS continued the parable. The forgiven slave immediately went to find a fellow slave who owed him 100 denarrii. One (1) denarrii was one (1) days wage. So the fellow slave owed the forgiven slave 100 days worth of wages, which is peanuts compared to what the forgiven slave owed the king. The difference between the amounts owed is huge like the national debt versus $100 - One doable and the other impossible.

The forgiven slave grabbed his fellow slave and began choking him while demanding the fellow slave to pay him. The fellow slave pleaded with the forgiven slave using close to the same words the forgiven slave had used with his master – “Be patient with me, I will pay you back.” The forgiven slave in essence said, Oh, no! Off to the clinker you go until you pay me what you owe.

Those hearing the story likely realize that JESUS was about to add the final touch, as only HE can do so well.

Let’s read Matthew 18:31-35:

31 When the other slaves saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then, after he had summoned him, his master said to him, ‘You wicked • slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And his master got angry and handed him over to the jailers[23] Or torturers until he could pay everything that was owed. 35 So My heavenly Father will also do to you if each of you does not forgive his brother[24] Other mss add his trespasses from his[25] Lit your heart.”

The other slaves (responsible servants) knew the whole story and were distressed about what had happened. So they reported the matter to the king. The king summoned the forgiven slave. The first words, the forgiven slave heard were “You wicked slave!” I can see the blood drain from the slave’s head. He knew he was in deep trouble. The king reminded the slave that he had begged and he was forgiven. And asked him if he shouldn’t have also extended the same forgiveness to his fellow slave? The king was angry because the one shown grace did not extend grace.
JESUS made the spiritual application to answer Peter’s question. It was not the number of times a person forgave another; it is a matter of the heart. We all have to realize that GOD has forgiven us of a debt we cannot pay. HE has forgiven us and extended grace to us. Grace is unmerited favor. There is nothing a person can do to earn grace; it is a gift from GOD. When we realize what GOD has done for us, we have to do the same.

The king can be thought of as GOD and we are the slaves or servants that owe a debt that we cannot pay. GOD sent JESUS WHO gave HIS life to pay in full our sin debt. When we come to JESUS and ask HIM to forgive us of our sins, HE does. Our sin debt has been paid in full and continues to be paid in full because of GOD’S grace extended to all believers. As we have been forgiven and continue to be forgiven, GOD expects HIS children to also forgive others. It is a matter of the heart. Un-forgiveness shows that HIS child has a heart problem and it is tune-up time. In the parable JESUS tells us tune-up time can be severe.

JESUS ties forgiveness to the heart. It is not a numerical figure but a matter of the heart.

Again, like our other lessons, it is a matter of our relationship with CHRIST. Forgiveness in our own strength is impossible but in CHRIST all things are possible. When GOD forgives, HE forgets but that is often very hard for us to do. Only the grace of GOD can help us on a daily basis deal with our memory. Our relationship with HIM keeps our hearts and minds focused upon HIM and bring healing to our broken hearts.