SF322 - THE ONE THING WORTH EVERYTHING (Matthew 13 44-46)
Matthew 13:44-46
Introduction
A caricature of Calvinism and irresistible grace
Ø George does want to be saved but because he is among God’s elect, God drags him into heaven kicking and screaming.
Ø Sally wants to be saved but because she is not among the elect God rejects her.
God does not disregard or act contrary to the will of man.
Ø God regenerates the person and in so doing changes George’s rebellious will.
Ø The fact that Mary desires to come is evidence of God’s regenerating work.
John Gestner has written, “When [people are] made over again… they come running irresistibly because they would not have it any other way. You can put all kinds of obstacles in their path, but they are men of violence. They are going to take the kingdom by force! When they find this pearl they are going to sell everything they have and get it. That hidden treasure is going to be theirs. They are going to have, because they hunger and thirst after righteousness.”
These parables describe someone who has been made alive in Christ.
Ø These are the good soil and the good seed.
1A. The Details Parables
1B. The context
The treasure
Ø No banks, valuables were often hidden in the ground
Ø No details about the owner
Ø The treasure represents the kingdom
The pearl
Ø Pearls were greatly treasured in that day
Ø They were of great value
Ø The pearl represents the kingdom
2B. The characters
The man
Ø He was not looking for the treasure
Ø He was going about his daily business
Ø But he recognized its value
Isaiah 65:1 "I was sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. I said, 'Here I am, here I am,' To a nation that was not called by My name.
The merchant
Ø 'merchant.” a wholesale tradesman.
Ø He was searching for the pearl
“I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek him, seeking me;
It was not I that found, O Savior true;
No, I was found of thee.
2A. The Lessons of the Parables
1B. The kingdom of heaven is priceless.
The two men recognized the value of what they had found.
Ø They were determined to have what they found.
What kind of person recognizes the value of the kingdom?
Ø He says with David…
Psalm 84:10 …I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Ø He says of God’s laws…
Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold…
Ø He says with the Apostle Paul…
Philippians 3:13-14 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.
2B. The kingdom of heaven is costly.
These men sold everything to make their purchase.
We must surrender everything for the kingdom
Ø Salvation cannot be earned or deserved.
Ø Our sin (self will) is our most valued possession
Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
We must value the kingdom above everything
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
“Salvation that is not desired above everything else is not truly desired. Salvation costs nothing in the sense of payment but everything in the sense of surrender.” (MacArthur)
3B. The kingdom is personally and individually acquired
These men personally and individually acquired their treasure.
The kingdom of heaven is acquired by faith
Ø Faith requires knowledge
“I cannot have God in my heart if He is not in my head.” (Sproul)
Ø Faith requires belief
It is possible to know the gospel and not belief the gospel (James 2:19)
Ø Faith requires trust
John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
Matthew 13:44-46
1A. The Details Parables
1B. The __________________
The treasure
The ________________________
2B. The characters
The ______________________
Isaiah 65:1 "I was sought by those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. I said, 'Here I am, here I am,' To a nation that was not called by My name.
The ______________________________________
2A. The Lessons of the Parables
1B. The kingdom of heaven is ___________________.
The two men recognized the _________________ of what they had found.
What kind of person recognizes the ___________ of the kingdom?
Psalm 84:10 …I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold…
Philippians 3:13-14 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.
2B. The kingdom of heaven is ___________________.
These men sold everything to make their purchase.
We must surrender _________________________ for the kingdom
Ø Salvation cannot be earned or deserved.
Ø Our sin (self will) is our most valued possession
Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
We must value the kingdom above everything
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
3B. The kingdom is ____________________________ and individually acquired
These men personally and individually acquired their treasure.
The kingdom of heaven is acquired by _________
Ø Faith requires knowledge
Ø Faith requires belief
It is possible to know the gospel and not belief the gospel. (James 2:19)
Ø Faith requires ________________________
John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"