Matthew 13:44-52
1) See the Value of This Kingdom v.44
2) Trade all for This Kingdom v.45-46 & Phil 3:7-8
3) Be motivated by JOY v.44
4) Conditions of this Kingdom
Acts 16:31 believe on him;
John 1:12 receive him,
Acts 3:19 turn from sin
Hebrews 5:9 obey him,
Matt 18:3 humble ourselves,
Matt 10:37/Luke 14:33 love him more than anything else
Matt 13:44 Joy unites them all
“Can you make a decision for Christ without the incentive of joy? The issue is should you? Would it do you any good if you could? Is there any evidence in scripture that God will accept people who come to him out of any other motive than the desire for joy in him?" -John Piper
5) This Kingdom Divides v.47-49
6) This Kingdom is Fulfilled in Jesus v.50-51
Luke 24:27
"Jesus is the true and better Adam, he passed a test in the garden and his obedience is credited to us. Jesus is the true and better Abel, innocently slain, his blood demands not condemnation, but acquittal. Jesus is the true and better Isaac, not just offered up by his father, but was sacrificed for us. God said to Abraham, “Now I know you love me because you did not withhold you son, your only son whom you love, from me.” We now can say to God,”we know that you love us because you did not withhold your son, your only son, whom you love, from us.” Jesus is the true and better Jacob, who wrestled and took the blow of Justice we deserved, so we, like Jacob, only receive minor wounds of grace to wake us up and discipline us. Jesus is the true and better Joseph, at the right hand to The King, forgives those who betrayed him and uses his power to save them. Jesus is the true and better Esther, who didn’t just risk leaving an earthly palace, but lost an ultimate and heavenly one, who didn’t just risk his life, but gave it up to save his people. Jesus is there true and better Jonah, abandoned in to the sea so we could be saved, Jesus is the real Rock of Moses, the real Passover Lamb, innocent, perfect, helpless, slain so the angel of death will pass over us. He’s the true temple, the true prophet, the true king, the true sacrifice, the true lamb, the true light, the true bread.
Questions:
Lately, has the Kingdom of God felt more like a great bargain or a great chore?
What are you most looking forward to when the Kingdom of God is fulfilled and Jesus returns?
If the Joy of salvation is work of the Holy Spirit, do you need to pause and pray for that now?
Who in your life needs to hear about the Kingdom deal of a lifetime?
Who needs to be encouraged that they have chosen the best Treasure and they are not going to miss out?