ER9: The Judgment Seat of Christ - Part 2
Intimacy - Relationship personal devotion and surrender to will of Father
Faithful Service - Faithfulness How we have fulfilled our assignment & responsibilities
Transformation - Maturity, how we have submitted to God’s \formation process
I. What is the Judgment Seat of Christ?
I. The Judgment Seat of Christ
1. Every Believer has an Appointment at The Judgment Seat of Christ
* Rom 14:10-12 - For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ …..So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
* 2Co 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
* Every believer must stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
2. At the Judgment Seat of Christ our Service as a Believer is evaluated
* There are no exceptions. This is an appointment that every believer will keep
* Every believer will stand before Christ and give an account of how they have lived as a believer
* In ancient times judicial decisions were typically handed down from an official seated on a bema seat, a raised platform on which a judge or magistrate would sit as he pronounced a decision in some matter before him.
* At the Judgment Seat each believer will be rewarded (or experience loss) for what he has done during his life
* Jesus will evaluate our service based according to what we have done…our lifestyle
“Done”….Gk. prasso …to practice, to perform repeatedly, or habitually (not single acts)
Whatever we have regularly practiced will have consequences
* Mat 16:27 - For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
II. God Judges the Works of Every Believer
1. Every Believer is Called to Faithfully Serve Our Father
(i). We are Created for Lifestyle of Good Works
Eph. 2:10 - For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
(ii). We are to be Zealous for Good Works
Tit. 2:14 - who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
(iii). We are to be Careful to Maintain Good Works
Tit. 3:8 - This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
(iv). We are to be Fruitful in Good Works
Tit. 3:14 And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
(v). We are to Encourage Others to Good Works
Heb. 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
(vi). We are Commanded by Jesus to do Good Works
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
2. All our Works will be Judged to Qualify for Rewards
* Works…..our actions, things that we do, the visible overflow of our heart
* Works are flavoured by the heart attitude that we perform them…love and faith..…duty, obligation, guilt ,fear
* Works flowing from faith and love and obedience to Holy Spirit are an act of worship seen and acknowledged by God
* Eph.6:5 - Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
* Eph. 6:6 - not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
* Eph. 6:7 - with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
* Eph. 6:8 - knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
* Col 3:22 - Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
* Col. 3:23 - And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
* Col. 3:24 - knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
* Col. 3:25 - But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
* Mat. 16:27 - For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.
3. What will God take into Account When Judging Our Works?
* 1Col. 4:5 - Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.
Things that God will take into Account
(i). Our Alignment with His Will and Purpose (Mat.7:21-23)
Mat. 7:21 - "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Alignment with the will of God comes out of intimacy and surrender to Him
(ii). Our Motivation….Purity of heart (1Cor.13:3)
Luke 6:35 - But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.
1Col. 13:3 - And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Purity of heart means purity of motivation. It comes out of experiencing His love and yielding to His Spirit and transformation work
Prov. 22:11 - He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend.
(iii). Our Faithfulness (Mat.25:23)
Mat. 25:23 - His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter the joy of your lord.
There is no limit to the faithfulness we can demonstrate.
It is developed through serving with excellence and persevering through difficulties
Equal faithfulness brings equal reward
(iv). Our Diligence (Luk.19:)
Luke 19:17 - And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.'
There is no limit to the diligence that we can demonstrate
It is developed by serving with diligence, passion and excellence
The greater the diligence and fruitfulness the greater the reward
(v). Opportunity We have been given (Mat.20)
Gal. 6:10 - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
God takes into account the opportunities that have been given to each person
(vi). What We have Overcome (Rev.2-3)
Rev. 3:21 - To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Every believer has unique battles to overcome during the course of their life
Overcomers are promised specific rewards in Rev.2-3
Rewards are promised for overcoming: Cold love, persecution, false doctrine, false teachers and prophets, spirit of Jezebel, compromise, self-satisfaction, Luke warmness, temptation.
(vii). What We have Become…Our Response to His Transformation Process (1Pet.1:5-11)
2Pe. 1:8 - For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2Pe. 1:9 - For he who lacks these things is short-sighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
2Pe. 1:10 - Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;
2Pe. 1:11 - for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
(viii). The Words We have Spoken (Mat.12:36)
Mat. 12:36 - But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
(ix). The Revelation Given to us (Luk.12:48)
Luke 12:48 - But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
James 3:1 - My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
(x). How We have Judged others (Jam.2:13)
James 2:13 - For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
III. Faithfulness in Assignment: Having a Faithful and Loyal heart
1. Faithful and Loyal Heart
* All servants of God are required to be faithful to the Lord and His assignment
* 1Col. 4:2 - Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
“Found”……Gk. Heurisko…to search after, to find by enquiry or examination
* Rev 17:14 - These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."
* Faithful: means to be reliable, steadfast, predictable in fulfilling responsibilities
* Faithfulness is a personal choice…There is no limit. It is demonstrated in many different ways
Small things, Finances, Entrustment from others (Luke16:10-13)
* Faithfulness is a rare quality, and of great value in the Kingdom of God
* Pro 20:6 - Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?
* Example Timothy
Php 2:20 - For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
Php 2:21 - For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
Php 2:22 - But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
* Loyal: Means to be faithful and unswerving in ones allegiance, regardless of difficulties, hardships. Having a heart undivided between to masters
* 2Ch 16:9 - For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore, from now on you shall have wars."
2. The Example of Jesus
* Heb. 3:5 - And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
* Heb. 3:6 - But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
* Joh. 17:4 - I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.
3. Jesus Acknowledges and Rewards Faithfulness
* The parables of the Talents and the pounds address the issues of faithfulness of the servants of Jesus
* The parables differ in the amount left to the individual servants, the exact time following His return the Lord reckons with His servant, the actual rewards given, and the basis of reward
IV. The Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30)
* This parable comes after the parable of the ten virgins which terminates with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
* This parable also concludes with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb which precedes the Reign of Christ
Mat 25:14 - For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.
Mat 25:15 - And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
Mat 25:16 - Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
Mat 25:17 - And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.
Mat 25:18 - But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money.
Mat 25:19 - After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
Mat 25:20 - So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.'
Mat 25:21 - His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
Mat 25:22 - He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.'
Mat 25:23 - His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
Mat 25:24 - "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
Mat 25:25 - And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'
Mat 25:26 - But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
Mat 25:27 - So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
Mat 25:28 - So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
Mat 25:29 - 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
Mat 25:30 - And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
Commendation and Reward
(i). “The man travelling to a far country”
* This man represents Jesus
* He entrusts goods to His servants according to their ability...different amounts according to different ability
* “Talent” …a substantial sum of money. This does not refer to natural talents
(ii) “According to his own ability”
The master recognised the different abilities and limitations of each servant and assigned responsibilities to each accordingly
Jesus gives talents that are unique to every persons gift, ability, capacity, background
Some servants are entrusted with more than others.
* Regardless of the personal capacity or degree of responsibility each servant is expected to devote time and attention to managing the talent entrusted to him
* All servants are expected to be productive…to act on His behalf and advance His interests
* Every Christian is responsible to The Lord, but each differ in the capacities for carrying out responsibilities
* The issue is not how many talents that a believer is given, but the faithfulness of the believer towards the responsibility that he has been given
* Every Believer is able to earn Jesus commendation whatever their capacity and unique calling
(iii) “He settled accounts”
* When the master returns he calls each servant to give account of his service, how faithful he has been in fulfilling his assignment
* Likewise at Jesus coming each believer will stand before the “Bema” seat of Christ and give account of his service (2Cor.5:10), how faithful he has been in fulfilling his assignment
* The first slave doubled his five talents as did the slave given two talents. Both slaves received the same commendation from the master.
(iv) Jesus Commendation:
“Well done…Good and faithful servant”
Mat 25:21 - The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. NLT version
#1 “Well done”:
* Well done”….The servant has brought great pleasure to his master
* Jesus will affirm faithful believers before the Father and the angels (Rev. 3:5).
* He who overcomes...I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels." (Rev. 3:5)
#2 “Good and Faithful Servant”:
* Note three affirmations that Jesus will declare over His people.
“Good”………..Gk “Agathos”…excellent, distinguished, upright, honourable
Good points to godly motivations with sincere intentions to do God’s will.
* Faithful highlights diligence and follow-through of our intentions to do good in the face of pressure, obstacles, mundaneness, and temptation.
‘Faithful”…….Gk “Pistis”………trustworthy, can be relied upon to fulfil his responsibilities
Steadiness over years is emphasised here.
* Servant speaks of being willing to sacrifice our comfort, honour, and personal agenda.
“Servant”……Gk. “Doulos”….devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests
Mat 20:27 - And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave (doulos)
Mat 20:28 - Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many
#3 “Faithful over Few things”:
* Most people have a small “assignment” (sphere of responsibility and influence).
* Some believe that their work only matters if it impacts many people.
* Our life assignment may be small in man’s eyes, but it is so important in God’s eyes that He greatly rewards those who are faithful in it.
(v). The Rewards:
Mat 25:21 - His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
Rewards which Believers receive after the Bema Seat of Christ will be based upon their faithfulness to Christ in this present age
Each believer will be judged and must be found worthy of reward
#1 “I will make you ruler over many things”:
* Jesus’ generosity is seen here in that He rewards our “few things” with “many things.”
* “Ruler”…. To appoint someone over or in charge, to appoint to administer an office
* The realm of ruling with Jesus in the Millennial Kingdom is related to faithfulness over “few things” in this age
#2 “Enter into the joy of your Lord”
* We have joy in knowing that He values our efforts to serve and that our choices matter to Him.
* Servants judged to be faithful enter into the marriage Supper of The Lamb to celebrate with Him
* In addition to the great joy of the Marriage Supper will be the joy of ruling with Christ
* The reign of Christ is mentioned vs21,23, but this is not the main subject of this parable and the one before it of the Ten Virgins
(vi). The Key: A Good and Faithful Heart
* Jesus will reward faithfulness in fulfilling our assignment regardless of its size
Even though the master assigned a different degree of responsibility to each slave, when both slaves performed faithfully, the master awarded each slave equally.
The master’s commendation to each slave in v.21 and v.23 was identical.
Jesus will emphasise each servant’s faithful service rather than the magnitude of his achievement.
* Even our smallest efforts will not be forgotten by God
Mat 10:42 - And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward."
* Jesus does not forget every act of love we show Him in serving family, friends and others.
Heb. 6:10 - For God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
* Paul taught believers to be diligent in knowing that the Lord watches and rewards them.
Col 3:23-24 - And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
By knowing that He watches us, we can serve “heartily,” with diligence. Some only serve with diligence before the people who can promote them! The Lord is our ultimate promoter.
Rebuke and the Loss
Mat 25:24 - Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
Mat 25:25 - And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'
Mat 25:26 - But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
Mat 25:27 - So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
(i). The Mindset of the Servant
#1. I knew you to be a hard man vs.24
This servant complains that Jesus’ leadership is unfair and unreasonable
This servant complains that Jesus requires too much, offers too little help, and does not understand how difficult their life is.
#2. Reaping where you have not sown vs.24
The complaint, or accusation, against the Lord in this statement is that He requires more from His servants than He invests in them. He considers Him demanding and unreasonable
#3. I was afraid vs.25
This servant claimed that he buried his talent in the ground because of fear.
Fear of failure, rejection, shame, difficulty, opposition from people, fatigue, loss of free time, or inconvenience leads many to refuse to seek and serve God faithfully and consistently
(ii) Jesus Rebuke:
“You wicked and lazy servant”
#1 Wicked…Gk. ‘Poneros”…..having a hurtful, negative or destructive influence upon others
#2. Slothful…Gk. ‘Okneros” …slow, lazy and unwilling to work
#3. Unprofitable….producing no gain or good result, not fruitful or beneficial to the Kingdom
* He lacked revelation or intimacy with Jesus.
* He had a distorted view of Jesus
* He failed to provide faithful service to his master
* He preferred to spend his time money and efforts on his own comfort and honour
* Mat 25:25 - And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground
A fearful and unbelieving heart caused him to hide his talent ….he avoided service or any personal risk. His focus is on himself and on self-preservation. He is self-centred but anticipates approval
(iii) The Loss:
#1. Loss of Opportunity
Mat 25:28 - So take the talent from him and give it to him who has ten talents.
#2. Exclusion from the Marriage Supper and Celebration
Mat 25:30 - And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
(iv). Outer Darkness vs.30
This cannot refer to Hell. Hell cannot be both a place of darkness and burning
Banquets in ancient times, just like today, usually took place in the evening.
There was a distinct contrast between the lighted Banquet Hall and the darkness outside where there were no lights. Inside the hall was filled with light. Outside the hall was completely dark
Outer Darkness does not describe Hell, but the conditions outside the Banquet Hall
Outer Darkness means exclusion from the celebrations of the Marriage Feast
(v). Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth vs.30
The servant who is excluded from the Wedding banquet experiences weeping and gnashing of teeth
“Weeping”……………….means deep grief and sorrow at the realisation of what has been lost
“Gnashing of teeth”…means anger at being outside when he should have been inside celebrating
This is not an expression of suffering in Hell, but rather immense regret, sorrow and anger at being excluded from the feasting and laughing and celebration of the Wedding Feast with Jesus and with those servants who have been found faithful
When Jesus returns to establish justice and peace upon the earth some Christians will experience His coming with Joy, gladness and celebration because they prepared and were faithful
Other Christians will experience shame, regret, grief and great sorrow at their unfaithfulness and exclusion from Eternal Intimacy, Authority and Glory, as they see others celebrating
Principle: All believers are expected to develop a faithful and loyal heart
All believers are expected to serve the Lord faithfully with the talent they have been given
V. Diligence in Assignment: Having a Diligent Heart
The Parable of the Minas (Pounds) (Luke19:11-27)
* This parable of the kingdom look similar but is vastly different
* In the Parable of the Talents:
(i). Faithful servants are given positions of honour and glory at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.
Unfaithful servants are excluded from the Supper and celebration
(ii). Equal faithfulness by the servants (100-fold gain) receives equal rewards (Same Commendation)
* In the Parable of the Minas:
(i). Faithful servants are given positions of honour and glory and authority in the Kingdom.
Unfaithful servants are denied these positions of responsibility and authority
(ii). Greater diligence by the servants receives greater rewards
Luke 19:11 - Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately.
Luke 19:12 - Therefore He said: "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return.
Luke 19:13 - So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.'
Luke 19:13 - So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, 'Do business till I come.'
Luke 19:14 - But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us.'
Luke 19:15 - And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
Luke 19:16 - Then came the first, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned ten minas.'
Luke 19:17 - And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.'
Luke 19:18 - And the second came, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned five minas.'
Luke 19:19 - Likewise he said to him, 'You also be over five cities.'
Luke 19:20 - Then another came, saying, 'Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief.
Luke 19:21 - For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.'
Luke 19:22 - And he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow.
Luke 19:23 - Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'
Luke 19:24 - And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.'
Luke 19:25 - (But they said to him, 'Master, he has ten minas.')
Luke 19:26 - 'For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
Luke 19:27 - But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.' "
(i). A Certain Nobleman
* Nobleman….Person of high rank
* The day is coming when Jesus will return literally and physically as King of Kings and Lord of Lords
* After He has returned He will call His servants to give account of their service
* The sequence of events will be as follows:
Jesus returns, The Judgment seat of Christ, The Marriage Supper of the Lamb, Saints empowered to rule
(ii). Ten servants and Ten Minas
* Ten is the number of completion. It represents all the servants and all the pounds
* Jesus has left His servants in charge of all His business during the time He is in a far country(Heaven)
* In This parable each of the servants are given the same amount
(iii). “Do business till I come”
* Each servant is commanded to be busy advancing the masters business
* Each servant is expected to be faithful to fulfil the masters command until he return
(iv). “How much every man had gained by trading”
At the master’s return he calls every servant to give account of their serving
“Trading”……thoroughly occupy self with, to engage in exchange or purchase
Christians are to take the Lord’s goods and to use these goods to produce an increase
Each servant was expected to fully occupy them self in advancing the masters interests in his absence
Trading involves risk, possible loss and suffering
Commendation and Reward
Luke 19:17 - And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.'
Luke 19:18 - And the second came, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned five minas.'
Luke 19:19 - Likewise he said to him, 'You also be over five cities.'
(i). “Well done good servant”
The servant is commended for his serving that has been so productive
He has been extremely diligent and fruitful. One Mina has now earned ten Minas
Fruitfulness comes forth from abiding in Christ and His Word abiding in us
Joh 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit for without Me you can do nothing.
(ii). “Faithful over very little
He has both a faithful and diligent heart over very little. He has laboured and been very productive
(iii). Have authority over ten cities
In this parable the reward for faithful service is authority in the coming Kingdom
The servant who gained ten minas is rewarded with a position of authority over ten cities
This servant shares with Jesus responsibility and authority for ruling and reigning
He will partner with Jesus in establishing the Kingdom with power and authority
(iv). “Likewise he said to him “You be also over five cities”
The second servant started with the same Mina that the first servant did.
He has also been faithful but has only made five minas by trading
He is diligence and fruitfulness were less than the first servant
(v). “Have authority over five cities”
This servant is also rewarded with a position of authority, over five cities
His reward reflects that he has been less diligent and less productive than the first servant
At the Judgment Seat Jesus will not only take into account our faithfulness but also our diligence
Note:
In this parable the rewards are determined in relation to the diligence the person showed
Greater diligence and fruitfulness will result in a greater reward
Rebuke and Loss
* Luke 19:20 - Then another came, saying, 'Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief.
Luke 19:21 - For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.'
Luke 19:22 - And he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow.
Luke 19:23 - Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'
(i). “ I feared you, because you are an austere man”.
This a servant has a distorted view of the master
He views the master as being hard, demanding, lacking compassion
He has never developed intimacy or relationship or come to know the masters true nature
He has a heart of fear and unbelief and does not have the masters interests in his heart
He is interested only in himself and his own welfare. He will not take risks and engage in serving
(ii). “ I have kept the Mina hidden away”
He has preserved what he was entrusted with but he has failed to invest and be productive
He is like many believers who bury or hide their gifts and never engage in advancing the Kingdom
They enjoy the benefits of Jesus but will not give their heart and lives to serve and please Him
They enjoy Jesus as the Saviour who saves, forgives, heals, comforts, provides and guides
They do not embrace Jesus is King and surrender their lives to His will and purpose.
The Master’s rebuke
* Luke 19:22 - And he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow.
Luke 19:23 - Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'
(i) “You wicked servant”
“Wicked”……..to have a hurtful influence upon others causing pain and trouble
When Christians are self-centred and consumers, they drain and demotivate other believers
They have a negative influence on the community because they do not serve others
(ii). “Why did you not put my money in the bank?
Jesus expects each believer to use their gift to trade and gain increase, or to make it available to others who are committed to trade and make increase
Every believer has a role to serve the local church working with others to fulfil the Great Commission
The Servant’s Loss
* Luke 19:24 - And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.
Luke 19:25 - (But they said to him, 'Master, he has ten minas.')
Luke 19:26 - For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
#1. Loss of opportunity to serve and gain reward
#2. Loss of Authority and position ruling with Jesus in His coming Kingdom
Key Kingdom Principles
* Principle: “Everyone who has, more will be given, but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away”—
* Jesus spoke this principle five times (Mt. 13:12; 25:29; Mk. 4:25; Lk. 8:18; 19:26).
#1. Everyone who has:
Everyone who has a tender, responsive, understanding, and faithful heart
We must respond to and apply truth to keep from losing it—
#2. More will be given—an abundance
If we faithfully serve God, we will experience an increase in understanding, capacity, & opportunity
#3. He who does not have:
This person is saved but is unresponsive to God. He lacks understanding and does not Respond. He seems to be spiritual but does not respond to Jesus directives
#4. What he has will be taken away
When the Holy Spirit gives us insight and understanding we must respond with action or our heart hardens and becomes unresponsive. Spiritually we go backwards
* Principle: Equal faithfulness will receive equal reward
* Principle: Greater diligence will result in greater reward
VI. The Parable of the Vineyard (Mat.20:1-16)
* In this parable the rewards are determined in relation to the opportunity the person had
Even those who are last into service can receive and equal reward as those who laboured all day
Jesus takes into account the opportunity we have had to serve and how we used it
* Mat 20:1 - "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
Mat 20:2 - Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
Mat 20:3 - And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
Mat 20:4 - and said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went.
Mat 20:5 - Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.
Mat 20:6 - And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, 'Why have you been standing here idle all day?'
Mat 20:7 - They said to him, 'Because no one hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.'
Mat 20:8 - So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.'
Mat 20:9 - And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.
Mat 20:10 - But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.
Mat 20:11 - And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner,
Mat 20:12 - saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.'
Mat 20:13 - But he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
Mat 20:14 - Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.
Mat 20:15 - Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?'
Mat 20:16 - So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."
(i). Hire laborers for his vineyard
The landowner who went out to hire laborers for his vineyard is Jesus
The Vineyard is the Church…..people who have received Christ and become the planting of the Lord
The laborers are idle (unemployed) in the marketplace (The World”)…….spiritually
Unoccupied in world
Jesus calls each of us to Himself, and then to labour with Him in His Vineyard
(ii). Sent them into his vineyard
“Sent” …Gk.. “Apostello”….to give an apostolic commission.
Believers have an apostolic commission to advance the Kingdom of God, to serve Jesus and people
The first vine to tend is our own life, which needs cultivating and protecting spiritually
Jesus promises each laborers a wage for labouring in His Vineyard - Give them what was right!
Each laborers works for a day, representing the course of his life
(iii). Third, Sixth, Ninth, Eleventh hour
Laborers were recruited at the first hour, 6:00AM, the third hour, the sixth, ninth, and eleventh hour
People are saved and called to serve the Lord in His Vineyard at different stages of their life
Some are called in childhood, some as young adults, some in midlife and some in the latter years
People have different opportunities to serve depending upon when they are called
(iv). Made equal to those who have born the burden of the day
The master calls the servants and paid them their wages starting with paying the last first
All servants were paid according to what was agreed by the master, not according to hours worked.
This first bargained with the landowner, the others agreed to receive what the master thought right
The first laborers hired complained. They were under law, the other laborers were under grace
God is sovereign: Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? vs.15
Principle: Different Opportunity, the Same Reward
God’s rewards are a matter of grace and not law. Everyone has equal opportunity
VII. Wisdom: Having a Wise and Understanding Heart
1. Wise and Understanding Heart
* Pro 24:3 Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;
* Have we built according to God’s Eternal Purpose or not?
4. The Parable of the Wise Servant (Mat.24:45-51)
The servant was faithful and wise. He had understanding of the times
* He was sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit and learned to be obedient
Mat 24:45 - Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?
Mat 24:46 - Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.
Mat 24:47 - Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.
Mat 24:48 - But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,'
Mat 24:49 - and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,
Mat 24:50 - the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,
Mat 24:51 - and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The Wise and Faithful Servant
(i) He is a servant of The Lord, a believer
(ii). His heart is sensitive to the Master and His requirements. He is practices intimacy
(iii). He is faithfully serving God’s people
(iv). Meat in due season
Meat - means nourishment. It refers to spiritual food (wisdom) for mature believers
(Heb.5:12-14) Due Season - Means at the appropriate time.
He has an understanding heart and discerns what God is saying and doing (1Chron.12:32)
He possesses wisdom understanding and revelation
(v). The Wise Servant’s Reward
“Make him ruler over His household”….and Make him ruler over all his goods”…
If this wise steward is to be made “ruler,” then we know he is of the first resurrection, for these rule and reign with Christ a thousand years.
The wise steward is one who has learned to be a good servant, one who abides by the laws of the household and does the will of his Master.
He has learned that ruling does not mean having servants, but being a servant and having the authority to serve others.
The Foolish and Unfaithful Servant
(i). He is a servant of the Lord, a believer
(ii) His heart is hardened …lack of intimacy and love
(iii). He is unconcerned at the prospect of his Master returning
He has no fear of the Master or of the consequences of being unprepared for His return
(iv). His neglect of love for the Master is shown in his attitude and behaviour towards fellow servants
His words and actions are destructive towards the fellow servants
(v). His lifestyle is entangled with ungodly people
(vi). He is totally unaware of the spiritual season and timing. The Lord returns suddenly & unexpectedly
(vii). The Foolish Servant’s Loss
Cut in two (Lit. To flog severely)………...Refers to painful discipline because of his behaviour
Portion with the hypocrites…………….….Excluded from all the celebration and reward
“Weeping and gnashing of teeth”………..Deep sorrow and anger at the greatness of his loss
VII Personal Reflection and Action
1. What has the Holy Spirit been speaking to you about in this session?
2. What actions do you need to take in response?
3. Of the factors God will consider in judging believers, which one challenged you most? Why?
4. In what areas do you feel challenged to greater faithfulness?
5. In what areas do you feel challenged to greater diligence?
6. Why do you think God places such value on wisdom and understanding?
7. How is or service (works) related to intimacy with God and personal heart transformation?