|
Post by Bro. Freddie on Apr 27, 2013 8:31:06 GMT 12.75
Matthew 13: 33-35 (King James Version)33: Another parable spake He unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. 34: All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake He not unto them:35: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. As usual we need to have a small review before we start looking at this next parable. We have been looking at the eight parables that are found in this chapter of Matthew and we have learned a lot of very important lessons. We are about halfway through with his parables and I hope and pray that you have learned as much as I have. Today we're going to look at a parable that from my studies I have found that some scholars have misinterpreted it. They have placed too much value on one aspect of this parable and not on the true aspect of this parable. I hope I can make clear to each one of you the true meaning of this parable. The first thing I noticed about verse 33 was the word another. Even though this is a short parable it is a complete parable all unto itself. As stated previously there are several parables in this chapter. Each parable is a lesson unto itself and if we will properly understand it, and apply it to our lives, we would be better servants unto Him. The next thing I noticed in this verse is the phrase kingdom of heaven. We have discussed this before so I won't go into it in much detail, but when you see this phrase in the Scriptures know that the majority of the time it is referring to Jesus. The next thing we need to look at in this verse is the word leaven. Now we don't use the word leaven much in this day and age, but we do use another word that means the same thing. That word is yeast. The word yeast is just a modern-day word for leaven. Yeast, as you know, is put into meal, flour, and other bakery goods to make the dough rise. Those of you who cook more than I do understand this better than I do. The next thing we need to look at in this parable is who is doing the action in the parable. It is a woman! This tells me that where the parable took place is in a home. In that day and age women took care of the home and done the cooking. It is not a chauvinistic attitude but just the way it was in that day and age. Next we see what the woman did with the yeast or leaven. She put it the meal! Now I have been told that you really don't put yeast in meal but that you do put it in flour. Therefore it is possible that instead of meal this was flour that she put the yeast into. Or it could have been meal that she put the yeast into instead of flour because it could have been a local meal or delicacy. We don't really know, but does it really matter? NO! What really matters is the teaching of this parable that we will get into it a little bit. I also found it interesting that the w woman would put it in three measures of meal. Not one, or two, but three. This will be very important in the explanation of this parable. And in the last part of this verse we see the end results of putting yeast into the flour or meal. All the meal was leavened! Not just a little bit but all of it. And it did not happen immediately. There was a time delay of some sort. We don't know how long but it doesn't really matter. All that matters is that all the meal was leavened and that there was a small time delay. Normally I go through all of the verses that we are looking at and then I offer the explanation of these verses. But I am going to change that in this sermon note. At this time I will offer the explanation and/or meaning of this parable. But first a little background. When I was ordained, Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, who ordained me, presented me with a study Bible. This was a nice-looking Bible and was full of useful information. When I first started studying this parable I used that study Bible in my studies to help me understand this parable better. But, I found a major mistake. This study Bible stated that every time the word leaven was used in the Scriptures that it was referring to sin, and that leaven was a picture of sin. This is utterly false! Why do I say that? Let's look at two aspects of our verse. The first is the phrase kingdom of heaven. And the second is the word leaven. Now we have already established that the kingdom of heaven is referring to Jesus. If leaven always refers to sin, then this verse is saying that Jesus is sin. That is totally and utterly false! Jesus lived the perfect life, meaning no sin, and died a substitutionary death for me and you. He could not have been the substitution for us if he had been sinful. So if leaven in this verse is not referring to sin, then what is referring to? It is referring to Jesus' love! Let me try to explain. When I was saved as a young boy all I knew was that Jesus loved me and that he died for me. As I grow and mature in the Lord I have come to realize that his love has spread throughout me just as yeast spreads throughout the dough. His love for me has permeated my entire being. And just as yeast slowly permeates the dough, my growth in the Lord has been slow, at times, but steady. And just like when yeast is placed in the dough that it cannot be removed, his love for me cannot be removed. And just like the yeast is placed in the three measures of meal, so I am to tell others of his love for me. See, a little yeast goes a long way. Jesus' love goes a long way too. In verse 34 it states that Jesus spoke unto the multitude in parables and did not speak to them unless it was in parables. As I meditated upon this verse I had to ask myself a question. Why did Jesus speak to the multitude in only parables? Verse 35 gives us the scriptural answer, but I was wondering on the physical side why He spoke in only parables to the multitude. As I thought about this, and prayed about this, I placed myself in the multitude. And then it hit me! Jesus spoke to the people in a way that they could understand! He spoke of things in everyday life so that each and every one of the people in the multitude would understand His meaning. He did not want any misunderstandings! In verse 35 we have the fulfillment of prophecy. The prophet that this verse is speaking of is David and this comes almost word for word from Psalm 78:2. By speaking in parables Jesus was fulfilling prophecy that was spoken over 700 years earlier. Jesus spoke of things that the people knew about, and on the things that they had never thought about. In other words, Jesus taught the people in parables about the things they did understand, and about the things they didn't understand. Look at it this way. Jesus taught the people in parables about things they understood such as sowing seed, and things they didn't understand totally, such as the mustard plant and the rest it gave the birds. In conclusion, we have looked at the parable of the leaven. We have seen how leaven permeates the entire dough and how that is like Jesus' love for us. We have also seen how Jesus spoke to the multitude only in parables and how that this was a fulfillment of prophecy by David. My question to you today is simple. Do you have the love of Jesus in your life? Have you ever experienced His love? If not, why not? He gave His life on Calvary for every one of us, including you. That is how much He loved you. To experience His love, I urge you, by faith, to turn to Him repenting of your sins and acceptting him into your life today. My prayer today is that someone who is reading this will realize how much that Jesus loved them and turn to Him today. Read more: ohiocampcooks.proboards.com/thread/4103/matthew-13-33-35##ixzz2RbEsB9Qq
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on Apr 28, 2013 3:25:02 GMT 12.75
Thank ya thank ya thank ya, Pastor...
Question time. I think I understand the reason for speaking in multiple parables. Kind of a leave no one with doubt sort of thing. Covering all the bases to be certain that even the most under-educated amongst them could understand and find commonality in his teaching.
But, why did he say the woman divided the leaven into thirds? Why not just tell us she put a lot in? Could the Kingdom of Heaven then be a reference to the Holy Trinity, of which only Jesus himself could possibly be aware of at that point in time? So why thirds?
Another question is why did He say she "hid" the leaven in the meal? Why not say she just put it in the meal? Was He trying to tell us maybe that as we accept the meal unaware of the leaven, that we also enjoy blessings we aren't aware of either? I might be out in left field, but He didn't mince words, and clearly said she "hid" it in "Three Measures".
Also, what do you get if you add yeast to meal instead of flour? Is it still bread? Will meal rise like flour dough? I dunno nothing about baking with meal as opposed to flour, so I'm not sure if the results would be satisfying or not, so it still confuses me why she "hid" the leaven in "three measures" in "meal" and not flour?
I totally got the mustard seed; you 'splained that one real good, but don't follow this one all the way.
Reckon He was trying to confuse us a little also in some of these parables? Make us try to figure it out and earn our understanding?
Thanks some more!!!
|
|
|
Post by Bro. Freddie on Apr 29, 2013 10:16:57 GMT 12.75
Thank ya thank ya thank ya, Pastor... Question time. I think I understand the reason for speaking in multiple parables. Kind of a leave no one with doubt sort of thing. Covering all the bases to be certain that even the most under-educated amongst them could understand and find commonality in his teaching. But, why did he say the woman divided the leaven into thirds? Why not just tell us she put a lot in? Could the Kingdom of Heaven then be a reference to the Holy Trinity, of which only Jesus himself could possibly be aware of at that point in time? So why thirds? I don't believe this is a reference to the triune aspect of God. Remember we have already seen the triune aspect of God following Jesus' baptism. So Jesus wasn't the only one that was aware of this triune aspect therefore I don't think that this was a reference to that. But why divide the leaven into three? How about this explanation. What if the leaven was put into three measures of meal to show that each batch of dough or meal was separate or individual from the other and this was a picture of how Jesus' love will permeate anyone. I'm not sure but this explanation comes to mind. David is quoted in the Old Testament of saying "I will hide Thy words in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Did he actually hide these words in his heart or was it that he committed them to memory and lived them? I think this would be basically the same thing. The woman hid/placed the leaven in the meal. It is possible that it could be referring to blessings at your not aware of when you accept him as Savior, but I'm not sure. I don't know what you get if you add yeast in meal instead of to flour. It is possible it is Middle Eastern delicacy or it could have been all she had. Like you I am not a cook so I don't know the answer to some of your questions. Now, as to the confusing part. The subject of the parables might have been confusing to the people at that time but they shouldn't be to us. We have more knowledge today of agricultural practices than the average person of that day and age. We also have the completed word of God. So the parables shouldn't be confusing. I think a lot of times we try to read too much into what Jesus said and end up getting ourselves confused. I have been known to do that myself. This help any?
|
|
|
Post by Simpleton on Apr 29, 2013 10:44:34 GMT 12.75
Another question is why did He say she "hid" the leaven in the meal? Why not say she just put it in the meal? Was He trying to tell us maybe that as we accept the meal unaware of the leaven, that we also enjoy blessings we aren't aware of either? I might be out in left field, but He didn't mince words, and clearly said she "hid" it in "Three Measures". I'm not sure but this explanation comes to mind. David is quoted in the Old Testament of saying "I will hide Thy words in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Did he actually hide these words in his heart or was it that he committed them to memory and lived them? I think this would be basically the same thing. The woman hid/placed the leaven in the meal. It is possible that it could be referring to blessings at your not aware of when you accept him as Savior, but I'm not sure. I don't know what you get if you add yeast in meal instead of to flour. It is possible it is Middle Eastern delicacy or it could have been all she had. Like you I am not a cook so I don't know the answer to some of your questions. Now, as to the confusing part. The subject of the parables might have been confusing to the people at that time but they shouldn't be to us. We have more knowledge today of agricultural practices than the average person of that day and age. We also have the completed word of God. So the parables shouldn't be confusing. I think a lot of times we try to read too much into what Jesus said and end up getting ourselves confused. I have been known to do that myself. This help any? Oh, c'mon guys!! Am I the only one who knows how to make corn liquor?? Yep! That's what you get when you add leavening (yeast) to meal. And it would be a great way of "hiding" it unless you've been doing a little too much sipping. Kidding aside, there IS leavening in corn bread, and even oatmeal bread. That's the baking powder.
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on Apr 29, 2013 19:48:17 GMT 12.75
That do clear it up some... Thanks a lot. And Thanks Faith; I didn't know you put baking powder worked as leavening in cornbread. I always put it in the cause the recipe said to, haha. I think the quote from David helps, Freddie... If you hid it in your heart, then yeah. Something you're aware of, but not dwelling on maybe? I know you're right, the parables ought not be confusing, but I still get things tangled in my head from time to time. Looking forward to next week!
|
|
|
Post by Bro. Freddie on May 4, 2013 22:39:21 GMT 12.75
Matthew 13:36-43 (King James Version)
36: Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and His disciples came unto Him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
37: He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of Man;
38: The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
39: The enemy that sold them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
40: As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
41: The Son of Man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend and them which do iniquity;
42: And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
43: Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. As normal a short review before we start looking at our verses for this week. We have been looking at the parables that Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 13. We have seen the parable of the sower, the parable of the tares of the field, the parable of the mustard seed, and the parable of the leaven. We have learned a lot during these parables that Jesus spoke, and I hope we learn a lot more during our study of the parables to follow. We have also seen Jesus' explanation of the parable of the sower and how this affects our life. Today we're going to look at Jesus' explanation of the parable of the tares of the field. I hope and pray that you learn as much from this parable as I have and from the other parables we have studied. The first thing I want us to look at in verse 36 is that Jesus sent the multitude away. The multitude had been following Jesus and listening to his teachings but it was time for them to leave and for Jesus to get a little bit of rest. A lot of times we fail to remember that Jesus had a human body and that this human body needed rest just like ours does today. So He sent the multitude away and went into the house. We are not sure whose house this was that Jesus went into but we do know that he went into it and taught the disciples. The next thing we need to notice in this verse is that the disciples were anxious to learn. They went unto Jesus and asked Him to declare/explain the parable of the tares of the field. The way this is worded in the King James Version of the Bible makes a lot of people think that the disciples were demanding of Jesus to tell them about this parable. But when you go back to the original Greek language you will find that it shows they are asking, not demanding explanation of the parable. Brethren, we should all be like the disciples. We should be willing to learn at all times. Are we? In verse 37 through verse 39 Jesus begins to identify the main characters of this parable. They are as follows: the sower of the seed is Jesus; the field is the world; the good seed are the saved; the bad seed/tares are the lost; the one who planted the tares is Satan; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are angels. Before we go any further I need to go back and make a quick summation of the parable of the tares. This will be just a quick overview of verse 24 through verse 30. I am not going to go word for word but just a quick review. The parable of the tares is a parable of a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while his workers slept his enemy came and sowed tares/bad seed among the good seed/wheat. This trickery was not discovered until the crop had sprung up. When this crop had sprung up it was noticed that the bad seed/tares was growing along with the good seed/wheat. The servants told the owner of the field and asked if they should go harvest the crop. The owner said no because they would have pulled up the wheat along with the tares. The owner said to just let it grow until harvest time and in the wheat and the tares would be separated then. Now like I said earlier that is just a short summation of the parable of the tares. We do not have the time nor the space to go into this parable in detail. If you're more detail I urge you to go back and look at Matthew 13:24-30. In verse 40 Jesus begins the explanation of this parable and continues through verse 43. In verse 40 Jesus says that just like tares are gathered together at harvest and burned so shall it be at the end of this world. We have seen earlier that the tares in the parable were children of Satan or as we would say, the lost. At the end of the world they will be judged, and cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, because of their unbelief. Verse 41 and verse 42 goes right along with verse 40. In verse 41 Jesus says that He will send His angels and gather all the things that offend and them that cause iniquity. Offend in this verse would be defined as something that causes stumbling and iniquity would be defined as sin. So we see that Jesus is going to send His messengers (angels) to gather the ones who calls stumbling or commits iniquity and cast them into the lake of fire and brimstone. This is commonly referred to as the Great White Throne judgment. At this judgment all who have never accepted Jesus as Savior will be cast in the lake of fire and brimstone. Verse 42 tells us what will be going on at this time. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth! This will be a great time of sorrow for those who have never accepted Jesus as Savior because they will realize it is too late. In verse 43 we find out what the people who have accepted Jesus as Savior will be doing. They will be shining forth as the sun in the kingdom of the Father! In other words we will be praising Jesus and learning from Him for all eternity. Brethren, I know in my personal Life I would rather be learning than being punished. The lake of fire and brimstone is punishment for not accepting Jesus as Savior. Heaven is the reward for accepting Jesus as Savior. Which one would you rather have? In the last part of verse 43 we find where Jesus says who hath ears to hear, let him hear. In other words, listen and understand. Do you understand what Jesus is saying today? In conclusion this morning we have seen where Jesus has explained the parable of the tares of the field to the disciples. We have seen his explanation of who is depicted in this parable and the meaning of this parable. Folks, this is not the only place in the Scriptures that it teaches that there is a judgment of the lost and the saved. My question to you is simple today. Which judgment will you be at? The saved will be at the Judgment Seat of Christ, not to be judged whether they are lost or saved, but where rewards will be handed out. The lost will be at the Great White Throne judgment, not to be judged whether they are lost or saved, but where punishment will be handed out. To be at the Judgment Seat of Christ you have to have accepted Jesus as your Savior before your physical death. Have you accepted Him as Savior? If not, I urge you to repent of your sins, by faith turn to Him, and ask Him to save you. And you know what? He will! Have you accepted Him today? Read more: ohiocampcooks.proboards.com/thread/4105/matthew-13-36-43##ixzz2SJdgRDqe
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on May 5, 2013 18:22:50 GMT 12.75
Fantastic!
This one rings clear as a bell and the way I figured it matches up plumb right with your teaching!
Reckon if he was tired, why'd he continue teaching the few inside the house? Or maybe he imparted the prophesy via parable only on the disciples cause he figured they were the key to beginning the church and needed to hear that message clearest?
Yeah, prolly not...just thinking on it.
Here's a question though. The Angels are reapers and the tares get tossed to Hell. Satan is an Angel of sorts...does he get tossed in the fires or does he remain?
|
|
|
Post by Bro. Freddie on May 6, 2013 10:14:16 GMT 12.75
Fantastic! This one rings clear as a bell and the way I figured it matches up plumb right with your teaching! Reckon if he was tired, why'd he continue teaching the few inside the house? Or maybe he imparted the prophesy via parable only on the disciples cause he figured they were the key to beginning the church and needed to hear that message clearest? Yeah, prolly not...just thinking on it. Here's a question though. The Angels are reapers and the tares get tossed to Hell. Satan is an Angel of sorts...does he get tossed in the fires or does he remain? Have you ever been tired and still kept going? That's what Jesus did because His disciples were the closest people to Him. They spent 3 1/2 years with Him therefore it stands to reason that they were close friends. So, with them being close friends He offered explanations to them away from the public. Also, He knew that this would be recorded in the book of Matthew for the rest of the world to see. I figure it was just that the disciples were curious so He answered their question. You are right about one thing. Satan is an angel, not of sorts, but complete angel just like Michael and Gabriel. But he revolted against God and Michael and Gabriel did not. He said to himself "I will be like the Most High"and rebelled against God. By Satan sin entered into the world and because of this mankind sinned. Satan has been fighting against God's leadership/authority since before man was made. He will continue to fight against God's leadership/authority until this Earth is destroyed. At that time he will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone which was prepared for him and his angels. Now remember, when Satan rebelled against God he took one third of the angels with him. That's why the Scriptures say that the lake of fire and brimstone was prepared for Satan and his angels.
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on May 6, 2013 16:57:38 GMT 12.75
Freddie, Will the Devil die? After throwing it into the lake of fire will it kill and end the evil or will it simply contain Satan for the rest of eternity? Wailing and teeth gnashing while it comes to an end or will it exist in burning pain forever; same with them what ain't got Jesus in their heart? I always heard they'd burn in Hell forever; just wondering if that's true according to scripture or just what folks tell little kids to keep us walking the right path.
Here's the question what popped into my head... Could Hell be vengeance for the evil or is there any chance of mercy? Mercy being an eternal death as opposed to eternal pain.
|
|
|
Post by Bro. Freddie on May 7, 2013 9:40:01 GMT 12.75
Freddie, Will the Devil die? After throwing it into the lake of fire will it kill and end the evil or will it simply contain Satan for the rest of eternity? Wailing and teeth gnashing while it comes to an end or will it exist in burning pain forever; same with them what ain't got Jesus in their heart? I always heard they'd burn in Hell forever; just wondering if that's true according to scripture or just what folks tell little kids to keep us walking the right path. Here's the question what popped into my head... Could Hell be vengeance for the evil or is there any chance of mercy? Mercy being an eternal death as opposed to eternal pain. Okay let's take this one question at a time. Toby's first question was "Will the devil die?" The answer to his question is NO! Satan was at the Garden of Eden where he tempted Eve. That happened over 6000 years ago. If he has been alive all that time then it stands to reason that he is eternal. Notice I said eternal but I did not say perfect. Satan/Lucifer is not perfect but he is everlasting. And since he is everlasting that means that the Lake of fire and brimstone is designed to contain him and the one third of the angels he took with him. While he is in the Lake of fire and brimstone he will be tormented day and night. The Scriptures speak of a place where the worm/maggot will never die. Since the maggot will not die that means the people who are sentenced to spend eternity in the Lake of fire and brimstone will be tormented by pain, smoke, darkness, and loneliness. I have heard people say that they want to go to hell/Lake of fire and brimstone to be with their friends. But when you break it down and look at it closely you will see that they will not be with their friends but that they will spend eternity alone. They will be tormented for all eternity for their rejection of the free gift that Jesus gave to us. That gift is salvation! Okay Toby's second question was "Could hell be vengeance for the evil or is there any chance of mercy?" The answer is no to both. Hell is not vengeance but punishment for the rejection of the free gift that Jesus gave us which is salvation. People commonly say that they don't believe that God would send anyone to hell. God DOES NOT send anyone to hell. It is that persons choice! Everyone that has reached a level of maturity to realize that they are a sinner has a choice to make. Their choice is either to accept or reject Jesus while here on this earth. If they accept Him they will enter into heaven. If they reject Him they will be sentenced to spend eternity away from Him which means that they will spend eternity in the Lake of fire and brimstone. They have a choice to make while here on earth. After death there is no second chance. Any more questions?
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on May 7, 2013 19:00:49 GMT 12.75
No Sir; I got it clear! You well know the choice I make!!!
|
|
|
Post by Bro. Freddie on May 11, 2013 7:43:31 GMT 12.75
Matthew 13: 44–46 (King James Version)
44: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
45: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
46: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. If you recall we have been looking at the parables found in Matthew chapter 13. These parables were spoken by Jesus and are different from a fable. A fable gives attributes to something that normally doesn't have those attributes. In other words, a fable might have an animal speaking where in real life it doesn't really speak. A parable uses real-life things to teach a spiritual lesson. In this sermon note we're going to look at two parables. While each of these parables is in itself a complete lesson, they also complement each other, I thought these were so short we would cover two of them. Ready to get started? I am so let's get started. In verse 44 the first thing I want us to look at is the word again. This tells me that there was a continuous speaking to the people/disciples of parables. Let me try and explain what I mean. I believe these parables were spoken to the multitude and not just to the disciples. I know that we have just looked at Jesus' explanation of the parable of the tares. In that explanation we saw how that Jesus explained it to His disciples in private. But we also noticed where it said that Jesus spoke only to the people/multitude in parables. And since the King James Version of the Scriptures uses the word again here it tells me that this was a continuation of speaking to the multitude not just that the disciples. The next thing we need to look at is the phrase kingdom of heaven. As we have discussed previously this phrase is identifying Jesus without actually saying that this is Jesus. This is one of Jesus' official titles and it tells us what the parable is about. It is about Jesus! With that thought in mind let's go ahead and look at the parable now. Jesus said that He was like a treasure hid in a field. This treasure is very rare and valuable. Now I don't know how this treasure came to be he had in this field but it was. If it is easier for you to imagine up pirate treasure hid then imagine that. Whatever it is this was a very valuable treasure hid in this field. A man found this treasure and he was so happy to have found it that he went and sold everything he had and bought that field that contained the treasure. In other words he sold everything he had just so he could have this treasure that was in this field. Before we go any further I want to explain one thing. I will wait until we finish both of these parables to offer the explanation of what these parables mean. These are very similar parables and they both have basically the same explanation. I could go ahead and explain this parable but I would really run the risk of repeating myself. Why repeat myself whenever the message is about Jesus and not me? So I will wait until the end of both parables to offer the explanation. In verse 45 we again see the word again. And just as I explained earlier this is a continuation of the teaching of the people. Also, as I thought about this word, I came to realize what Jesus was doing. He was teaching the people, the parables, yet He was using different parables to say the same thing. It is just a like when I use the phrase "in other words" during some of my sermon notes. He is saying the same thing yet He was putting it in a different way so that maybe other people that was in attendance could understand. In verse 46 and verse 47 we see the parable of the goodly pearl. This parable basically says that a man was in search of a costly/valuable pearl. When he had found the pearl that he was looking for he went and sold everything he had just to buy this one pearl. This pearl was very rare and expensive. We could say that there was never another pearl like this one. Think about this for a moment if you will. If you had found something that was so valuable that you would be willing to sell everything else you had just to obtain that valuable item then wouldn't it stand to reason that this item was exceptionally valuable? Yes! Folks, this was an extremely valuable pearl and this man sold everything he had just to buy this one pearl. Now, to my mind, that is valuable. Now, for the explanation of these parables. The first parable was the parable of the valuable treasure. A man found a treasure in a field, desired that treasure, sold everything he had just to buy the field that this treasure was in. Folks, that tells me that this man really wanted that treasure. He wanted it above everything else. The second parable is like the first in the fact that the object, in this case a pearl, was very valuable. The man in the second parable sold everything he had just to buy this one pearl. In both of these parables there was an object that was very valuable and the people in the parable sold everything they had just to buy that one object. And in both of these parables the object is referred to as the kingdom of heaven. Brethren, answer me this question. What is the most valuable thing you can obtain in this life? Is it money? Is it precious jewels? Is it precious artifacts? The answer to each of these questions is NO! The most valuable thing that you can obtain while here on this earth is salvation. It is a gift that is freely given but it is extremely valuable. This gift is like a treasure hid in the field and the goodly pearl in that it is very valuable and that obtaining this object would change your life. Well what about the phrase the kingdom of heaven that is used in these parables? Folks, without Jesus there is no salvation! Without the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary as a substitutionary death for me and you there would be no salvation. Therefore, Jesus is the most important object that you can ever obtain while here on this earth. In conclusion we have looked at two parables today. Both of these parables were about someone giving up all they had to obtain a very valuable object. We have seen that the valuable object is Jesus and that giving up all we have to obtain Him means turning away from our sins and trusting in Him. Have you trusted in Him? Have you turned your life over to Jesus? If not, I urge you to today. Read more: ohiocampcooks.proboards.com/thread/4107/matthew-13-44-46##ixzz2SuvjP5OB
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on May 11, 2013 10:30:02 GMT 12.75
Yes siree, I you explained the wy I sort f figured it too! I ain't always to dumb to get His meaning, lol. Once you've learned about The Kingdom Of Heaven, there shouldn't be anything stand in your way of coming to Him; even if you have to sell off or throw away everything you have to get to Him. No doubt, He's that important!
|
|
|
Post by Bro. Freddie on May 11, 2013 10:57:11 GMT 12.75
Hallejuah!!! You never said anything more right!
|
|
|
Post by Bro. Freddie on May 18, 2013 23:22:42 GMT 12.75
Matthew 13:47-50 (King James Version)
47: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, and was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind;
48: Which, when it was full, they drew too shore, and set down, and gathered the good in the vessels, but cast the bad way.
49: So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50: And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
51: Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto Him, Yea, Lord.
52: Then said He unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. As usual we need a short introduction before we begin to look at our verses for this sermon note. We have been looking at the parables that's recorded in Matthew chapter 13. We have seen the parable of the sower, the parable of the tares, the parable of the goodly pearl, and the parable of the treasure of the field. In this sermon note we're going to look at two more parables that is recorded in this wonderful chapter. We will look at the parable of the net, and a parable of the householder. These two parables are distinct and different and at first glance seems like they shouldn't even be together. But as we go into this lesson I hope to bring out what Jesus was teaching and why these two parables should be together. I hope you are is blessed as I was when I first studied this lesson. In verse 47 the first thing we need to define is "the kingdom of heaven". Now, I know you that have been reading these all along know what/who the kingdom of heaven is. But what if this was the first sermon note a person had read? Do I need to assume that they know what/who the kingdom of heaven is? No! Brethren, I don't need to assume anyone/everyone knows what I am talking about. That is why I have to go into detail on every sermon note and define words/people that we should already know. Please don't think I'm getting repetitive just to fill space. I am not. I am just trying to make sure everyone who reads is understands. Now, getting back to "kingdom of heaven". This is one of Jesus' official titles and is referring to Him. Jesus is the King of heaven therefore using that logic, He Is also "the kingdom of heaven". So, when we substitute the word Jesus for "kingdom of heaven" we see that Jesus is like a net, that is thrown into the sea/lake and is used to catch fish. This net is what today we would refer to as a seine net. A seine net is a net that one man can throw out into a body of water and catch different species of fish. This seine net does not target specific fish just fish in general. This seine net catches both good fish and bad fish. Now to a Jew a catfish would be considered a bad fish because it does not have scales but instead has skin. A perch, a bass, and other fish that have scales would be considered good fish. Think about this for just a moment. A man is standing on the shoreline casting this seine net. After he casts it out he draws it in by means of a drawstring that is attached to his arm catching everything that is in the net. Can this man see what is underneath the water? No! So he catches what he can. He may not want every fish that is in the net but he has to bring all that is in the net to the shore. After the fisherman just the net to the shoreline he then sorts the fish. The fish he desires to keep he puts over to one side and the fish he doesn't want he throws back into the water. What I have just related is the gist of verse 48. As we look to verse 49 and verse 50, we see Jesus' explanation of this parable. Remember now, Jesus is the net that was used by the fisherman. Every person has a chance to be saved. Even if the Gospel is not presented to them in the spoken word, they can still look at nature, see that there is a God, and accept him as Savior. At the end of the world/age there will be a rapture. At this rapture all who were saved will be taken out of this world. My personal belief is that this will happen about 3 to 6 months prior to the end of the Great Tribulation Period. This would be like a fisherman sorting the fish is caught in the two distinct categories meaning good fish and bad fish. Those who are saved/good fish will spend eternity in heaven. Those who are lost/bad fish will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone there to spend eternity with Satan and his angels. This will be a time of great anguish, sorrow, and regret for those who are not accepted Jesus as Savior. In verse 51 Jesus asked His disciples if they understood this teaching. Their answer was yes. Now I realize that my teachings aren't as good is Jesus' and that sometimes I do not make myself clear. But basically the question is the same. Do you understand this parable? Do you understand the teaching that there will be a judgment and that some will spend eternity separated from Jesus? It is a popular teaching in this day and age to teach that God is love and that He would not send anyone to hell/lake of fire and brimstone. Folks, God doesn't send anyone to hell! Each person has a choice and their choice determines whether they will spend eternity in heaven or hell. Do you understand this teaching? If so, have you done anything about it? In verse 52 we see another short parable. If we were to put a title to this parable it would probably be titled "The parable of the householder". Jesus presented this parable in a little different way than He did the other parables. First, I want us to look at the main subject of this parable then we will get into the parable itself. Jesus said that every scribe/lawyer that was instructed/made a disciple unto/concerning the kingdom of heaven/Jesus was like this householder. Back in the days of the New Testament a scribe/lawyer was someone whose occupation was to copy the Mosaic Law. This person naturally knew the Law because he had been copying it. Now this is not to say he obeyed the Law just that he knew what the Law said. With that in mind, let's look at the parable. Jesus said that this scribe/lawyer was like a householder/homeowner who would bring out of his treasure vault new treasures to be shown to other people. These treasures might have been very valuable to this homeowner and he was showing them off to his visitors. Now, let's look at the meaning of this parable. When someone who is very knowledgeable in certain areas of academic study learns something new in that specific area of study normally they want to share that with other people. When a scribe/lawyer accepted Jesus as their Savior all the pictures of Jesus in the Old Testament came to life for them. The pictures that God gave us in the Old Testament concerning the coming Messiah would take on new meaning to the scribe/lawyer. In other words, the Scriptures would make more sense to this person. But what does this have to do with us? We are not scribes/lawyers so why would this affect us? Folks, every time I study the Scriptures I see/learn something new. Not a new doctrine, but I see something different than I did time before. A good case in point. I preached this sermon a little bit over two years ago. Today, I seen things different than I did two years ago. Was it doctrine? No! I seen things a little different because of my spiritual growth. Are you growing in the Lord? Today we have seen two parables. We have seen the parable of the net and the parable of the householder. We have seen that one day there will be a judgment and those who are lost will be condemned for eternity. We have also seen that people who study the Scriptures learn new things or see things in a slightly different light. My question today is twofold. Are you considered a good fish/saved or are you considered a bad fish/lost? If you have never accepted Jesus as your personal Savior then you are lost. If you're in this condition you are doomed to spend eternity in hell. But, there is a way out! By faith, realize that Jesus died on the cross for you, repent of your sins, and ask Him to save you. And you know what? He will! And then was spend eternity in heaven with Him. My second question is unto those who have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior. Are you growing in the Lord? Are you studying the Scriptures and learning more about Him? If not, why not? He paid the ultimate price for you so why not learn more about Him. Jesus desires that you learn more about Him, and by learning more about Him, become a better witness for Him. Are you doing that? Read more: ohiocampcooks.proboards.com/thread/4109/matthew-13-47-52##ixzz2TdXehKxL
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on May 19, 2013 4:46:09 GMT 12.75
Seems pretty clear to me, Pastor! I totally get the fisherman parable. I've set in the boat sorting keepers from trash fish many times and I can visualize our Lord doing the same on Judgement Day.
Reckon that's the whole reason for all the parables. He was looking for common ground and understanding for everybody. Some I understood, so I didn't. About like a feller with a different background and experience would understand the ones I didn't and be baffled by the ones I did. Now THAT is some good teaching right there the way He was certain not to leave anybody out of the lesson.
Thanks a lot for taking the time to do this for me. I wish the others would get their heads out of their backsides and come learn this with me. I know there's other places and other ways to learn it, but you got a good way of helping me understand it right.
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on May 19, 2013 4:58:10 GMT 12.75
One thing been in my head, but I don't think I understand it just right. If we go back some more to when you was explaining a couple weeks ago that God prepared that lake of fire for Satan and his angels. Said Satan got claim to a third of all the angels when he left Heaven and fell out of grace, so him and a whole third of all of God's angels will burn in that lake of fire.
Well that stuck, but it hit me kinda hard. Does it mean that a third of all of us too ain't gonna make it to Heaven? Is that the way it's figured; that a third of us will turn away or not believe in Jesus?
I look at my little family and I know that we all believe in Jesus; we was raised that way. There ain't that many of us, but to think on any of them not making it to Heaven... I get a little choked up, Pastor. I ain't lying, they's real tears in my eyes right now just thinking on it some more.
We talk of Jesus when we are in need. Someone gets sick or someone dies, we pray to Him for help and guidance, as a family. I have little talks with Him every single day and throughout the day, but I can't have any idea how often they talk with Him. Don't seems enough to want him when it's convenient, I want them to want Him every day.
A whole third of us. One of every three in my family might not make it. It hurts real bad to think on it that way...
|
|
|
Post by Bro. Freddie on May 20, 2013 10:29:20 GMT 12.75
One thing been in my head, but I don't think I understand it just right. If we go back some more to when you was explaining a couple weeks ago that God prepared that lake of fire for Satan and his angels. Said Satan got claim to a third of all the angels when he left Heaven and fell out of grace, so him and a whole third of all of God's angels will burn in that lake of fire. Well that stuck, but it hit me kinda hard. Does it mean that a third of all of us too ain't gonna make it to Heaven? Is that the way it's figured; that a third of us will turn away or not believe in Jesus? I look at my little family and I know that we all believe in Jesus; we was raised that way. There ain't that many of us, but to think on any of them not making it to Heaven... I get a little choked up, Pastor. I ain't lying, they's real tears in my eyes right now just thinking on it some more. We talk of Jesus when we are in need. Someone gets sick or someone dies, we pray to Him for help and guidance, as a family. I have little talks with Him every single day and throughout the day, but I can't have any idea how often they talk with Him. Don't seems enough to want him when it's convenient, I want them to want Him every day. A whole third of us. One of every three in my family might not make it. It hurts real bad to think on it that way... Toby, in a way, yes, you do understand it right, but in a way you do not. When Satan sinned against God it was like he led a rebellion against God. Satan led one third of all the angels in a rebellion against God. But does this mean that one third of the people will not be saved? No! Every person has an opportunity to be saved. No matter who they have an opportunity to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. All those who do not accept Him as Savior will be doomed to spend eternity separated from Him. Let's try this way. There are roughly 6,000,000,000 people on this earth. That's the last number I heard so it's probably more but let's work with this number. If one third of these people were doomed to spend eternity separated from God how would mean 2 billion people would be doomed. Like I stated earlier every one of these people have a chance to be saved. My personal opinion is that there will be more than one third of these people that don't accept Jesus as Savior. Look at all the people in China. I have no idea how many people there are in China but very few of them except Jesus as Savior because Christianity is outlawed in China. Same way for the majority of the Middle Eastern nations. Am I saying that there will be no Middle Eastern or Chinese in heaven? No! It's just that these nations refuse to accept Christianity in their people. I know it is heartbreaking to look at your small family and think that one out of every three will not be in heaven. Who knows? Every person in your family may be saved and will spend eternity with Jesus. I don't know their personal relationship with Jesus. I hope and pray they are saved! God will not rely on numbers to determine who will spend eternity in heaven and who won't. It all depends upon a repentance of sins, and an acceptance of the free gift that Jesus has given unto us. While it is simple a lot of people won't do it because of pride. They refuse to humble themselves before Him. All we can do is present the Gospel to every one and hope/pray that they come to a saving knowledge of the Lord.
|
|
|
Post by Toby Benoit on May 20, 2013 17:30:08 GMT 12.75
It's scarey to think of folks facing that lake of fire... Scarier still if it was some of my loved ones.
I'm gonna talk with them some more and try to open them up a bit more about their acceptance of Jesus. Like I said before, I know they pray to him in times of need. I want them to pray ti Him in times of plenty too. Reckon I need to know they're gonna make it.
One out of three... That hurts my heart thinking on what they're risking. What I'm risking...I know I got a lot of love in me for the blessing He's provided and I talk to Him every day. I try to be good and do right, but I ain't gonna get all uppity thinking believing is enough.
|
|
|
Post by Bro. Freddie on May 21, 2013 9:03:56 GMT 12.75
I try to be good and do right, but I ain't gonna get all uppity thinking believing is enough. Why do you think believing is not enough? What about what Paul wrote in Ephesians 2: 8, 9? 8. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Now the works, lest any man should boast." Nowhere in that passage do I find where it says you have to live a good life to go to heaven. Nowhere in that passage do I find where you have to be baptized go to heaven. Sure, living a good life brings glory unto God but it doesn't save you. Sure, baptism is the answer to a good conscience toward God after salvation but, baptism doesn't save you. We are saved through faith! After a person is saved they will desire to live a life that is pleasing to God (a good life) but that is a result of salvation not for salvation.
|
|