Pleasant Hill UMC

Sermon for Sunday, September 8,1996. Matthew 24

Faithful and evil servants Matthew 24:42-51 In this parable we learn about the coming of Christ. He will come as he promised in 14:1-3. There are over 300 references in the New Testament about His return to earth. There are only 70 references about repentance, 19 about water baptism, 6 about communion. One verse out of every 25 in the New Testament has something to say about the coming of Christ. The prophecies of Matthew 24 have been or are in the process of being fulfilled. He could come at any time. I. Prepared for His Return v. 42-44 A. Watching - v. 42. As Christians, we are not like those in spiritual darkness. 1 Th 5:5-6 "You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober." We should watch - keep our eyes upon Jesus. B. Working - v. 43. As one protects his house from a thief, so we must protect our lives from Satan. 1. Protection. 1 John 4:4 "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 2. Power. Rom 8:31 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" If God is for us it really does not matter who is against us. C. Waiting - v. 44. Be ready and waiting. The new birth prepares us for heaven. A clean and holy life must follow the new birth. 2 Cor 7:1 "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Also I John 2:15-17. II. Promise of His Return v. 45-47. A. Responsibility v. 45. The servant was responsible to the master. We are responsible to Christ's command. Mark 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." His work depends on our response. B. Rejoicing v. 46. Joy at Christ's's return will depend on whether or not we are doing His will. David sought God's will in Psalm 143:10, "Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness." Paul tells us to seek God's will through surrender. Rom 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." And those who do God's will live forever. "1 John 2:17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." C. Reward v. 47. He will reward us. Rev 22:12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work." God keeps a good record book of our deeds. Mal. 3:16. III. Punishment at His return v. 48-51. A. Slothful v. 48 The thinking of the servant that the master would delay his return also pertains to the coming of Christ. 2 Pet 3:-4 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." People did not accept the preaching of Noah. It will be the same before Jesus returns. B. Sinning v. 49. While waiting for his lord to come, the servant could become unfaithful, using his waiting time in wild living, as did the Israelites when Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days. Exod. 32:4-28. C. Separation v. 50-51. The master would return at an unexpected hour. Christ, too, will return at an unexpected time. Acts 1:6-7, "Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority." Many will not be ready when Jesus returns. The story He told in Mat 7:21-23 explains our need to be constantly watching for the return of the Master. Mat 7:21-23, "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. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" Are you ready? Can you say what John said in Rev 22:20, "He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"