Sunday, October 9, 2022
Title: What Matters Most?
Theme Verse: Matthew 25:21 (ESV)"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’"
Key Verse: Matthew 25
Every person wants a fulfilling future.
Future: the time in front of you
Fulfilling: achievement of something you desire
Do you know how to secure what matters most?
Jesus tells us how to secure a fulfilling future in Matthew 25.
Parable: a fictional story with a spiritual purpose
- The Parable of the Bridesmaids/Virgins
- The Parable of the Talents
- The Parable of the Final Judgment
What all three parables have in common: Finances
Our finances play a role in securing a fulfilling future.
Our money plays a significant role in our spiritual lives.
Matthew 6:21 - Your money follows your heart/what matters most.
And if you want to change your life, put your money where you want your heart to go.
To help teach his disciples how to secure what matters most in the end, Jesus tells this story:
Matthew 25:1-13 - The Parable of the Bridesmaids/Virgins
The three stages of a Jewish Wedding Ritual:
Engagement - a contract or agreement by the parents
Betrothal - vows given one year before to begin preparation
Wedding Feast - the ceremony to celebrate with friends and family
Jesus is the Bridegroom.
The collective church is the bride.
The people are the bridesmaids.
Wise people use their earthly resources to prepare for Jesus’ return.
Foolish people are not prepared and try to borrow others'.
Bottom Line: My Fulfilling Future begins by being Faithful Today.
Is your heart faithfully trusting God today?
How can you know? Follow your finances. Are you trusting him financially?
The old testament invitation of "firstfruits" meant giving the first ten percent (tithe = tenth) to the temple/to God. It was an active way of demonstrating trusting God first. Why? Because your heart follows your money and your money follows your heart.
"Your heart will follow your money, so send your money where you want your heart to be." -Aaron Brockett
Questions for reflection:
Are you trusting God financially? What might that be costing you in the end?
Where is God inviting you to trust him faithfully today?