Faithfulness and Judgment: Preparing for Eternal Rulership
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound biblical concept of judgment and dominion, particularly focusing on the eternal implications of our actions here on earth and how they shape our roles in the hereafter. I began by discussing the ultimate judgment of nations, as depicted in the scriptures, where some nations will vanish like Sodom and Gomorrah due to their rejection of the Gospel. This highlights the critical importance of nations being taught the Word of God.
I then delved into the scriptural vision of a new heaven and a new earth, as described in Revelations 21 and 22. Here, a new Jerusalem descends from heaven, a city illuminated not by the sun but by the glory of God Himself. This city, and the new earth, will be places where those who have been faithful are rewarded. The trees in the new Jerusalem, for instance, will provide healing for the nations, symbolizing restoration and divine providence.
Central to the sermon was the concept of rulership in the new earth. According to Revelations 2:26, those who overcome and keep God's works to the end will be given authority over nations. This authority is not arbitrary but is a direct result of one's faithfulness and diligence in earthly life. I emphasized that in the politics of eternity, unlike earthly politics, manipulation has no place; instead, it is characterized by trials, love for God, and tribulation.
I further illustrated this point by referring to the parable of the talents in Luke 19:12-26. Here, the servants who multiplied their given talents were rewarded with authority over cities, symbolizing the heavenly reward for those who diligently utilize what God has entrusted to them. Conversely, the servant who hid his talent was stripped of it, demonstrating that inactivity and fear do not lead to heavenly reward.
Lastly, I addressed the practical implications of these teachings. I urged everyone to reflect on what God has given them, whether it be talents, wisdom, or resources, and to use these gifts faithfully to further His kingdom. This faithfulness is what prepares us for greater responsibilities in the world to come.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Judgment of Nations: Nations that reject the Gospel face ultimate judgment, similar to Sodom and Gomorrah. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of national transformation through the Gospel, emphasizing that the fate of nations hinges on their response to God's word. [01:36]
2. The New Jerusalem and Healing: The new Jerusalem, a city lit by God's glory, will feature trees whose leaves will heal the nations. This imagery not only underscores the restorative nature of God's future kingdom but also our role in promoting healing and reconciliation in our current contexts. [03:13]
3. Authority Over Nations: Authority in the new earth is granted to those who are faithful and overcome earthly trials. This teaches us that our actions and decisions today have eternal implications, particularly in how we handle what God entrusts to us. [05:00]
4. The Parable of the Talents: This parable illustrates that active engagement with our God-given gifts results in increased responsibility and reward in God's kingdom. It challenges us to evaluate how we are investing our talents and resources in the service of God and others. [06:24]
5. Faithfulness in Little Things: Being faithful in small responsibilities leads to greater ones in the kingdom of God. This principle should motivate us to diligently use whatever we have, no matter how insignificant it may seem, for God's glory. [08:07]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:36] - Judgment and the Fate of Nations
- [03:13] - Vision of the New Jerusalem
- [05:00] - Rulership through Faithfulness
- [06:24] - Lessons from the Parable of the Talents
- [08:07] - The Importance of Faithfulness in Small Things
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 21:1-5 - "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"
2. Revelation 22:1-3 - "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him."
3. Luke 19:12-26 - "He said: 'A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’ The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’ His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’ Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’ His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’ Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’ He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the new Jerusalem as described in Revelation 21:1-5? How is it different from the current world? [03:13]
2. According to Revelation 22:1-3, what is the purpose of the trees in the new Jerusalem? [03:13]
3. In the parable of the talents (Luke 19:12-26), what were the different outcomes for the servants based on how they used their talents? [06:24]
4. What does Revelation 2:26 say about those who overcome and keep God's works to the end? [05:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of the new Jerusalem in Revelation 21:1-5 and 22:1-3 reflect God's plan for restoration and healing? [03:13]
2. What does the parable of the talents in Luke 19:12-26 teach us about the importance of using our God-given gifts? [06:24]
3. How does the concept of authority over nations in Revelation 2:26 relate to our faithfulness in our current lives? [05:00]
4. What are the eternal implications of our actions on earth as discussed in the sermon? How do they shape our roles in the hereafter? [01:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the gifts and talents God has given you. How are you currently using them to further His kingdom? What changes can you make to be more faithful in this area? [06:24]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of national transformation through the Gospel. How can you contribute to this transformation in your community or nation? [01:36]
3. The new Jerusalem is described as a place of healing and restoration. How can you promote healing and reconciliation in your current context? [03:13]
4. Consider the trials and tribulations you face in your life. How can you view them as opportunities to demonstrate your love for God and grow in faithfulness? [05:00]
5. The parable of the talents challenges us to actively engage with our God-given gifts. What specific steps can you take this week to invest your talents and resources in the service of God and others? [06:24]
6. How can you be more diligent in small responsibilities to prepare for greater ones in God's kingdom? Identify one small responsibility you can focus on this week. [08:07]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt you failed in a task God gave you. How can you learn from that experience and approach future tasks with renewed faithfulness and diligence? [08:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Judgment Awaits the Unrepentant Nations
The fate of nations that reject the Gospel is a sobering reality. Just as Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for their sins, nations today face similar judgments if they turn away from God's teachings. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of spreading the Gospel and transforming nations through it. The responsibility lies with each believer to ensure that the Word of God reaches every corner of their nation, influencing laws, cultures, and societal norms to reflect divine principles. This is not merely about avoiding judgment but about creating societies that flourish under God's commandments. [01:36]
Isaiah 60:12 - "For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste."
Reflection: Consider your own country's response to the Gospel. What can you do to influence a greater acceptance and integration of biblical principles in your community?
Day 2: Healing Through the New Jerusalem
The vision of the new Jerusalem in Revelations, where the city is illuminated by God's glory and trees provide healing, symbolizes the ultimate restoration and peace that await the faithful. This imagery encourages believers to work towards healing and reconciliation in their current contexts, reflecting the restorative nature of God's kingdom on earth. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of this healing, using our God-given abilities to mend broken relationships and restore what has been damaged in our societies. [03:13]
Revelation 22:2 - "Through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can promote healing within your community this week?
Day 3: Authority Earned Through Faithfulness
Authority in the new earth is not arbitrary but a reward for those who have been faithful and have overcome earthly trials. This teaches us that our actions and decisions today have eternal implications. Just as the faithful servants in the parable of the talents were rewarded with authority over cities, our diligence and faithfulness in small matters prepare us for greater responsibilities in God's kingdom. This perspective should motivate us to handle everything God entrusts to us with utmost integrity and zeal. [05:00]
Luke 19:17 - "And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'"
Reflection: How are you managing the responsibilities God has currently entrusted to you, and how can you improve in your stewardship?
Day 4: Active Engagement with Our Gifts
The parable of the talents underscores the importance of actively engaging with the gifts God has given us. Those who multiply their talents through diligent work are rewarded, while those who do nothing out of fear or laziness face severe consequences. This principle applies to our spiritual gifts, talents, and resources. We are called to invest these in the service of God and others, not to hide them away. This active engagement is crucial for personal growth and for the expansion of God's kingdom. [06:24]
Matthew 25:29 - "For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away."
Reflection: What is one talent or resource you have been neglecting, and how can you begin to utilize it for God's glory?
Day 5: Faithfulness in Little Things Leads to Greater Responsibilities
Being faithful in small things is a principle that Jesus emphasized repeatedly. This faithfulness is what prepares us for greater responsibilities in the kingdom of God. Whether it is being trustworthy with finances, time management, or the way we treat others, every small act of faithfulness counts. It's in these seemingly insignificant areas that our true character is tested and our fitness for greater tasks is determined. [08:07]
Luke 16:10 - "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."
Reflection: What are some 'small things' in your life where you need to practice greater faithfulness? How can you start today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What you were not taught on earth you'll be taught in heaven. I don't have time to explain this one, I will need to open a lot of scripture, but let me tell you, I'm not talking about poor gutter, that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the way of the those who run from process in time, when they enter these nations, when the governors come, what they use the rod of iron to do is to carry them through a process that will bring them into who they are supposed to be in God because the process will continue." [05:00]
2. "God does not tolerate waste. Faithfulness is the key here. He said if you are faithful in little, you'll be faithful in much. When Jesus multiplied bread, he said gather every fragment, not love fragment, let nothing be wasted. So what you do with what God gave you now is the basis for what God will give you in the world that is to come." [06:24]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Those who will be entrusted with nations are those who pass the test of faithfulness. Can you bow your heads? What I shared, some of you, you are hearing it for the first time, so it's giving you headache. You can't articulate it, you can't, it's much. So you followed for 10 minutes, in the last 52 minutes you have not been following because your head is aching." [08:07]
2. "In the judgment of nations, they will be burnt off like Sodom and Gomorrah. But you see, every nation that we make it, those who overcome, God will give them authority to be rulers over those nations. And each nation has dispensations, that's why the Bible speaks of the time of John. So if you come to a nation that survive or subsist, there are many dispensations in those nations that will have different rulers depending on the degree of authority that they are given." [01:36]
3. "The new Jerusalem will descend from heaven and the Bible said that city from verse 22 to 27 will not need a tabernacle. He said God will be the light of that city and in chapter 22 from verse 1 to 3, he said even the trees that will grow on the streets of that new Jerusalem, he said to be for the healing of the nations. So there will be the new Jerusalem and there will be the new nations in the new earth." [03:13]
4. "The basis for ruling nations is the degree to which you trade with what God gave you. Now, some of you God gave you talents, some of you God gave you anointings, some of you God gave you wisdom, some of you God gave you access. What are you doing with it? Everything God gives you that you waste will disqualify you from authority and rulership in the world to come." [06:24]
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