Five to Thrive (Serving)

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE

Matthew 25: 31-46

Complementary Passage: John 10: 1-18

SERMON AUDIO

SERMON NOTES

Background Context

• Passage of Matthew Chapter 23 ended with a reference to the destruction of the temple (verse 38) and to the second coming of Christ (verse 39). These two themes are taken up and expanded in chapters 24-25.
• Matthew 24-25 are known as the Mount Olivet discourse, the last messages Jesus shares with the people and his disciples.
  • The main theme of this discourse is the coming Messiah and signs of his 2nd coming.
  • Two questions from the disciples in Matthew 24: 3.
    • When will the temple be destroyed?
    • What will be the sign that the  Son of Man is about to return?
    • Jesus’ answer: In light of the second coming of Christ, how ought people to live?
  • Matthew 24: 4-44 provides four answers to this question
    • First, do not be deceived by false Christs who will appear (verses 4, 5, 11, 24)
    • Second, followers of Jesus must not be alarmed at tribulations, wars, and disasters (verses 24: 4-14)
    • Third, disciples are to remain faithful to Christ in the midst of tribulations and persecutions, knowing that only those who endure will receive eternal salvation when Christ returns (24: 9-14)
    • Fourth, disciples must be sure they are ready at all times for Christ’s return (24: 36-44)
  • Jesus expands upon this theme of constant readiness in Matthew 24: 45-25: 46
    • The parable of the wicked servant (24: 45-51) indicates that leaders in the church should perform their service always with an eye toward the fact that Jesus may return at any moment.
    • The parable of the ten virgins (25: 1-13) poignantly expresses the tragedy of experiencing the second coming of Christ unprepared.
    • The parable of the talents (25: 14-30) suggests that readiness involves active service. Christians who (because of laziness and lack of affection for God) refuse to use the gifts God has given them for his work will encounter an angry and judging Christ when he returns.
    • The parable of Sheep and Goats (25: 31-46) This section reaches its climax with a scene of the Last Judgment

Body

Matthew 25: 31-46 Sheep and Goats (final judgment)

Theme is serve others with compassion and mercy based upon the grace we have received from Christ at our salvation.

Application

Basic definition

• Definition of Compassion or pity (by W. L. Walker, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) is one of God’s virtues made evident through His mighty acts in history on behalf of the covenant people. In both Hebrew and Greek languages compassion is literally a “gut feeling” for the needs of others. The compassionate God is one of the essential marks of the Christian faith.
• The lesson is that Christians must respond compassionately to human need, not allowing their hearts to be hardened. Further, in Jesus’ description of the judgment (Matthew 25: 31-46) the prime criterion for division of the just from the unjust is whether or not their lives have been characterized by acts of compassion.

Why

• Christ’s example of his compassion toward us
  • Matthew 9: 36
  • Matthew 14: 14
  • Matthew 15: 32
  • Matthew 20: 34
• What we are called to do
  • Ephesians 4: 31-32
  • Colossians 3: 11-13
  • Galatians 5: 13
  • John 12: 26
  • 1 Peter 4: 8-10
  • 1 Peter 3: 8-9 (NIV)
• How
  • Various LRBC ministries