STOP, LOOK & LISTEN!

MATTHEW 25

Pastor Rick Jackson

Mt. 25 presents 3 pictures of the future. The old saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." So this chapter has a lot to say. However, for times sake we can narrow down what the chapter says to 3 words--- STOP, LOOK, & LISTEN!

I. "STOP" [v. 1-13]

1. All appeared to be Christians- so STOP deceiving Yourself [v. 1-4]

2. Some plan to be Saved but waited too long- so STOP putting it Off [v. 5-10]

3. Some try to deceive others but you can't fool Jesus- so STOP trying! [v. 11-12]

4. All were surprised at His coming- so STOP trying to determine the Day! [v. 13]

II."LOOK" [v. 14-30]

-servants are rewarded according to faithfulness with what they have, not what they don't have (God doesn't expect me to be Bill Rice III but he does expect me to be the best Rick Jackson I can be)
-what you don't use, you're liable to lose (muscle tone, voice quality, etc.)

III. "LISTEN" [v. 31-46]

1. Saved or Lost by choice- what did they choose to do with Christ? [v. 31-33, Jn. 10:25ff]

2. Saved by Grace, Rewarded for Service [v. 41-46]

3. Lost by Choice, Condemned by Actions [v. 41-46]

ADDITIONAL LESSONS & CONCLUSIONS

-speaks of Christ coming to reign for 1000 years- this is not the Great White Throne Judgement

-Lost person, DON'T BE FOOLISH and put off salvation!

-Saved person, DON'T BE FOOLISH and put off service (using what God has given you)!

-Everyone, DON'T BE FOOLISH and think GOD doesn't see what you do and don't do!