Matthew 25:1-30 Ready or Not, Here I Come

Chapter 24 – Signs of His Second Coming "The last days are upon us. Weigh carefully the times. Look for Him who is above all time, eternal and invisible.“ Ignatius in 110 AD “…Because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (24:42) “…the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (24:44)

Matthew 25 – Parable Applications Be Ready (v.1-12) Be Watchful (v.13) Be Working (v.14-30)

Be Ready (v.1-12) “Am I ready?” Didn’t know which were wise and which were foolish…until the bridegroom came. Foolish were not prepared.

Be Ready (v.1-12) Once they realized they weren’t ready, it was too late…were told “I don’t know you”

Be Ready (v.1-12) "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:21-23

Be Ready (v.1-12) How to get ready… “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31 Limited time offer…act TODAY! “So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Hebrews 3:7-8a

Be Watchful (v.13) “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:42 Watching Gives: Hope Comfort Perspective

Be Working (v.14-30) What we have is not ours (v.14) “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1 We have each been given something different (v.15) Money/Possessions Talents/Abilities Health/Strength Time

Be Working (v.14-30) What we have is not ours (v.14) We’ve each been given something different (v.15) We must invest what we've been given (v.16-18) Excuses: Feel inferior when comparing with others Afraid that “I’m not good enough” Disobedient/Lazy – “I don’t feel like it” “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Be Working (v.14-30) Stradivarius Violin on display at Library of Congress

Be Working (v.14-30) What we have is not ours (v.14) We’ve each been given something different (v.15) We must invest what we've been given (v.16-18) A day of accountability is coming (v.19) “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12 “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13 “And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” 1 John 2:28

Be Working (v.14-30) What we have is not ours (v.14) We’ve each been given something different (v.15) We must invest what we've been given (v.16-18) A day of accountability is coming (v.19) Our actions (or inactions) in this life determine our reward and position in the next (v.20-30)

Be Working (v.14-30) Faithful Servants Unfaithful Servant Affirmation - "well done good and faithful servant" Promotion - "I will put you in charge of many things" Celebration - "Come and share your master's happiness" Rebuke - wicked, lazy, worthless Demotion - talent taken from him and given to another Condemnation - thrown into darkness

Be Working (v.14-30) 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. I Cor. 3:12-15

Ready or Not?