… the power and authority of Jesus
Pharisees etc … abandoned by God because they have rejected Jesus.
But what about those who follow Jesus? How should they live until Jesus returns?
Be ready because no one knows the day or the hour
… but Jesus does not want us to be passive waiting, idly sitting by waiting till Jesus returns.
Invest wisely (Matthew 25:14-30)
… with the things God has given us.
What living in the KOG is to be like as we wait for the return of Jesus.
A talent IS NOT some sort of natural skill BUT it is a unit of weight
The servants are accountable to the Master
First two servants…
… get the same reward of enjoying the master’s happiness.
Third servant
… actions really reflect his heart
… did not know this master as his friend.
… missed out on the one opportunity he had to share in the Master’s happiness.
For us today
HOW are we going to use the time God gives us constructively, for the good of the kingdom?
What sort of servants are we?
What has he given you?
… wealth
… Time
… communication
… specialised skills
Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
… are very hard to tell apart.
A problem with this section
… get saved because they visit those in prison, give out glasses of water and feed the hungry, but others are not saved because they do not do this.
Judgement day… all the nations are gathered before the judgment seat of God and people will be separated, one from another.
… receiving their inheritance
… whose faith results in works.
“these brothers and sisters of mine”
Gal 6:10, “Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers”
Misreading verse 31
… not giving some idea that some nations are Christians and some nations are not.
… anonymous Christians … surprised to find themselves in heaven?
For us today
How does your trust in God affect the way that you treat others?
Question
Christians are saved by the grace of God. Our salvation has been won for us through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. How much does the reality of the coming judgement shape what you do with what God has given you and the way we relate to each other?