Teaching Series

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

The Second Coming of Jesus

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3 (NIV)

Be Prepared — The 10 Virgins.

Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13 (NIV)

Be Faithful — The 3 Servants.

Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21 (NIV)

Be Compassionate — The Sheep And Goats

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on His left. Matthew 25:31-33 (NIV)

The basis of God’s judgement is not theological but relational.

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37–39 (NIV)

The King Of Compassion

“The King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.’

Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.’ Matthew 25:34–40 (NIV)

Both the One who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11 (NIV)

Those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 11:29–30 (NIV)

1. Recognising Christ

Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? Matthew 25:35–37 (NIV)

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.’ Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. Acts 9:4–5 (NIV)

In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4–6 (NIV)

2. Moved With Compassion

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35–36 (NIV)

Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticise, and condemn, but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but it takes heart to comfort. Samuel Chadwick

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 1 John 3:14 (NIV)

Pay Attention To Your Heart!

For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25:35–36 (NIV)

When did we ever see You? Matthew 25:39 (NIV)

How are you engaging with the Body of Christ, whom Jesus calls His brothers and sisters?

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. Matthew 25:31 (NIV)

Judgment awaits everyone.

People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)

Pluralism is a lie.

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NIV)

How will you respond to Jesus?

Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.

HEBREWS 12:1 (LB)

1. GET GOING WITH GOD.

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit. 9We are hunted down, but God NEVER abandons us. We get knocked .down, but we get up again and keep going. 10These bodies of ours are constantly facing death just as Jesus did; so it is clear to all that it is only the LIVING CHRIST WITHIN who keeps us safe.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:8-10 (LB)

Time for a WAKE UP CALL:

• Stop looking at YOU and start speaking out the Word of God over your life.

• Start seeing yourself as God says you are.

• Stop limiting what God wants to do through you – be open to everything, even if it isn’t your thing.

It’s not about you, it’s ALL about Him, His Kingdom and His purposes.

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

PHILIPPIANS 3:12-14 (NKJ)

2. GET INTO SHAPE.

Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back.

HEBREWS 12:1 (LB)

Train or exercise yourself toward godliness – keeping yourself spiritually fit. For physical training is of some value – useful for a little; but godliness (spiritual exercise & training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.

1 TIMOTHY 4:7-8 (AMP)

3. GET THE RIGHT SHOES.

Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up.

HEBREWS 12:1 (LB)

And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

EPHESIANS 6:15 (AMP)

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

ROMANS 16:20 (ESV)

4. GET GOING FOR THE LONG HAUL.

Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.

HEBREWS 12:1 (LB)

Then, knowing what lies ahead for you, you won’t become bored with being a Christian nor become spiritually dull and indifferent, but you will be anxious to follow the example of those who receive all that God has promised them because of their strong faith and patience.

HEBREWS 6:12 (LB)

Patience is not an ability to wait. It is a fruit of the Spirit that manifests while we are waiting.

But those who wait for the Lord – who expect, look for and hope in Him, shall change and renew their strength and power: they shall lift their wings and mount up (close to God) as eagles (mount up to the sun); they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

ISAIAH 40:31 (AMP)

I BELIEVE ... God is cheering you on!

• Get going with God

• Get into shape

• Get the right shoes

• Get going for the long haul.

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Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is Lord. Philippians 2:11 (NIV)

The Second Coming of Jesus

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3 (NIV)

Plan as though Jesus is not returning for a hundred years and live as though Jesus is returning today.

A Tale of Talents

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming, for like a man travelling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. Matthew 25:13-14

1. A Departed King

The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. Matthew 25:14 (NLT)

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth… You know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:16–18 (NIV)

2. Entrusted Stewards

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. Matthew 25:14 (NIV)

Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV)

Kingdom Stewardship

3. The Talents

Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. Matthew 25:14–15 (NIV)

4. The Servants

The servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free.’ Exodus 21:5 (NIV)

The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. Matthew 25:16–17 (NIV)

5. The Judgment

After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. Matthew 25:19 (NIV)

I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. Revelation 20:12 (NIV)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV)

6. The Failure

Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ Matthew 25:24–25 (NIV)

So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ Matthew 25:24–25 (NIV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

7. The Relationship

But the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man… His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! Matthew 25:24, 26 (NIV)

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us. A. W. Tozer

Nothing twists and deforms the soul more than a low or unworthy conception of God. A.W. Tozer

The people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]. Daniel 11:32 (AMP)

Sean Stanton — Sunday 16 June 2024​​ of

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NIV)

Christians who refused to proclaim “Caesar is Lord” were subjected to cruel punishment (Tacitus, Annals, 15.44). 

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

The Second Coming

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3 (NIV)

The Timing Unknown

But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:36 (NIV)

Indifference Toward God

As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:37 (NIV)

Are You Living Ready?

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42 (NIV)

A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility… If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. Matthew 24:45–46 (NLT)

The faithful servant is faithful because he expected his Lord’s return.

 Plan as though Jesus is not returning for a hundred years and live as though Jesus is returning today.

The Great Criterion

wisdom/preparedness—the ten virgins

productivity/stewardship—the talents

compassion/others—the sheep and goats.

The Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1-13)

At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Matthew 25:1 (NIV)

 The Similarities

The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. Matthew 25:3–5 (NIV)

The Distinctives

The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them… At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ Matthew 25:3, 6–8 (NIV)

The Holy Spirit

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. John 3:5–6 (NIV)

Conviction

Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.  When He comes, He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment. John 16:7–9 (NIV) 

Infilling

Be constantly filled and stimulated (controlled) with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

Lordship

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV) 

Therefore Keep Watch

Being prepared is not transferable. J.M. Boice

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13 (NIV)

In those days, John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 3:1–2 (NIV).

What Is The Kingdom of God?

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9–10 (NIV)

For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13–14 (NIV)

Rescued: To draw or snatch from danger, rescue, deliver.

The kingdom of God is the redemptive presence of God. Richard P. McBrien

Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and power. For He must reign. 1 Corinthians 15:24–25 (ESV)

The Gospel Of The Kingdom

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17 (NIV)

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 7:21 (NIV)

If it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Matthew 12:28 (NIV)

The Parables Of The Kingdom

The disciples came to Him and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Matthew 13:10–11 (NIV)

The Kingdom Authenticated

Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20–21 (NIV)

The Presence Of Jesus

Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:19–20 (NIV)

Among the lampstands was someone like a Son of Man, dressed in a robe reaching down to His feet and with a golden sash around His chest. Revelation 1:13 (NIV)

Proclaiming The Gospel

The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour. Luke 4:18–19 (NIV)

Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. John 3:3 (NIV)

The Power Of The Spirit

Exalted to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Acts 2:32–33 (NIV).

Childlike Faith

He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 (NIV)

Active Faith

Indeed, from the days of John the Baptizer until this moment, the kingdom of heaven is being taken by storm, and the strong and forceful ones claim it for themselves eagerly… He who has ears, let him be hearing. Matthew 11:11, 15 (WUESTNT)

The kingdom has come with holy power and magnificent energy that has been pushing back the frontiers of darkness. …The kingdom is making great strides; now is the time for courageous souls, forceful people, to take hold of it. D.A. Carson