Prepared for the Kingdom: Embracing God's Invitation
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor setting the stage for a series on the Parables in Matthew 22. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's authority and turning one's life around, rather than being preoccupied with personal affairs. The pastor then delves into three parables shared by Jesus. The first parable underscores the importance of listening to God and following His teachings. The second parable, set in a vineyard, teaches us that we are merely stewards of what God has given us, and our lives should be dedicated to producing fruit for Him. The final parable points to Jesus' imminent return, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for His coming.
The pastor then reflects on the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, drawing parallels between the people in the parable and the members of the community. He emphasizes the importance of being obedient servants to God and doing His work. The pastor also highlights the compassion and abundance of God's kingdom, stating that God wants to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask or imagine. He encourages the congregation to be obedient and involved in God's work, inviting everyone to the party and not discriminating against others.
The pastor further discusses the parable of the Wedding Banquet, emphasizing the importance of the wedding feast in the last days and the significance of being chosen. He reminds the listeners that as followers of Jesus, they are part of the royal priesthood and have a responsibility to intercede for the world. The pastor also emphasizes the importance of responding to the call of Jesus, stating that it is our response to the invitation that allows us to be chosen by God.
The pastor then focuses on the importance of being prepared and properly attired when called upon by God. He shares an example from Cambodia, where even if someone did not have the proper attire, they would borrow it to avoid embarrassment. The pastor suggests that in the parable, the wedding garment may have been provided by the host to level the playing field and prevent judgment based on status. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the end times, also known as eschatology, and the need for readiness and the importance of prioritizing the invitation to the kingdom of God.
Key Takeaways:
- The parables of Jesus teach us the importance of listening to God, being good stewards of what He has given us, and being prepared for His return. These teachings should guide our lives and actions. [12:45]
- As followers of Jesus, we are part of the royal priesthood and have a responsibility to intercede for the world. This responsibility requires us to be obedient servants to God and to invite everyone to His kingdom, without discrimination. [24:30]
- Our response to the call of Jesus allows us to be chosen by God. It is not through our methods or possessions that we can be chosen, but through our commitment to following Jesus and living out His will in our lives. [36:15]
- Being prepared and properly attired when called upon by God is crucial. This preparation includes being ready for the end times and prioritizing the invitation to the kingdom of God over personal commitments. [48:00]
- Having a genuine relationship with Jesus is essential in the last days. This relationship is compared to the wedding outfit that one must wear to be present at the party. Being chosen by God is based on living according to His will, not just looking the part. [59:30]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 22:1-14: "Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are invited, but few are chosen."
2. Ephesians 3:20: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
3. John 14:2-3: "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
Observation Questions:
1. What are the different reactions of the people invited to the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14?
2. In Ephesians 3:20, what does it mean that God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine?
3. What does Jesus promise in John 14:2-3?
Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14 symbolize in the context of the kingdom of heaven?
2. How does the promise in Ephesians 3:20 relate to our understanding of God's power and His work within us?
3. How does the promise in John 14:2-3 reflect on the concept of Jesus' return and our place in His kingdom?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were ignoring God's invitation like the people in the parable of the wedding banquet. How can you respond differently in the future?
2. Considering Ephesians 3:20, what is one specific way you can trust God's power to work within you this week?
3. In light of John 14:2-3, how can you live in anticipation of Jesus' return? What is one action you can take to prepare for His coming?
4. Reflecting on the parable of the wedding banquet, how can you extend God's invitation to others in your life this week?
5. Considering the man without wedding clothes in the parable, how can you ensure you are 'properly attired' for God's kingdom? What does this look like in practical terms?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Teachings
God's teachings are not just words to be heard, but instructions to be followed. They are the compass that guides us through life's journey, leading us to a path of righteousness and peace. As we listen to God and follow His teachings, we become better stewards of the gifts He has given us, and we prepare ourselves for His return. [12:45]
Luke 11:28 - "He replied, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you had to make a decision. Did you seek God's guidance in His word? How can you ensure to consult God's teachings in your future decisions?
Day 2: Serving as God's Royal Priesthood
As followers of Jesus, we are part of a royal priesthood, called to intercede for the world. This is a high calling that requires obedience and a heart for service. We are to invite everyone to God's kingdom, showing no discrimination, and reflecting God's love and compassion to all. [24:30]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: How are you currently serving as part of God's royal priesthood? Identify one way you can better serve others and invite them to God's kingdom.
Day 3: Responding to Jesus' Call
Our response to Jesus' call is a defining moment in our spiritual journey. It is not our possessions or methods that make us chosen, but our commitment to following Jesus and living out His will in our lives. This commitment is a response to His love and grace, and it is what allows us to be chosen by God. [36:15]
John 15:16 - "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."
Reflection: Reflect on your response to Jesus' call. Are there areas in your life where you need to surrender more to Jesus? What steps can you take to live out His will more fully?
Day 4: Preparing for God's Call
Being prepared and properly attired when called upon by God is crucial. This preparation includes being ready for the end times and prioritizing the invitation to the kingdom of God over personal commitments. It is a call to readiness, to live each day as if it were our last, and to always be prepared for God's call. [48:00]
Ephesians 5:15-16 - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
Reflection: How are you preparing for God's call? What personal commitments are hindering you from prioritizing God's kingdom? How can you adjust your priorities to be more aligned with God's call?
Day 5: Cultivating a Genuine Relationship with Jesus
In the last days, having a genuine relationship with Jesus is essential. This relationship is compared to the wedding outfit that one must wear to be present at the party. Being chosen by God is not about looking the part, but about living according to His will and cultivating a genuine relationship with Him. [59:30]
James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? Are there areas in your life that need to be cleansed and purified to deepen your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to cultivate a more genuine relationship with Jesus?
Quotes
"Jesus is saying in that last last verse that it's our response to the call that allows us to be chosen by God because he sees that we are living it out within our lives." [01:11:23]
"There is power for him who desires to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask or imagine according to the power that he has put within us right" ([42:22])
"There is something that you have to have and that's a relationship with Jesus... you have to walk in relationship with Jesus, that's the wedding outfit that we have to wear." #!!01:09:00!!#
"We have to always live ready for him because our life is not segregated into these little pockets our life is to be solely sold out to Jesus in everything everywhere all the time." #!!01:04:47!!#
"We are to take care of that which God has given us and produce fruit, meaning our lives are to be one that represent him and we are to be working in the garden for him because we're just here for a little time." #!!52:02!!#
"The kingdom moves as we move as our hands move as our feet move and so we have very obedient servants even when there's suffering uh in the you know like part of the whole group gets killed even when they're suffering along the way uh the the the they go about and they do the father's business." #!!58:20!!#
"But it's not just showing up in your cut off shorts and U you know things, it's dressing nicely and that's what it means...even if you have to borrow it to be there because it's embarrassing if you're not dressed properly." #!!01:06:34!!#
"I just want to remind us that all who call on the name of Christ and you and you are a follower of Jesus you have become part of the royal priesthood of God you are part of those the intercessors for the world that is." #!!55:52!!#
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