Sobering Realities #02: an exposition of Matthew 25:31-46. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, March 18, 2012.
Intro:
It the kind of thing that is easily dismissed as a relic from former days. People don’t give it a whole lot of thought any more. In fact it conjures up images that are laughable to most. Images of a red-faced preacher, arms flailing, voice thundering as he warns of the coming judgment of God. Most moderns dismiss such images. Others get nostalgic about former days listening to the evangelist as they fanned themselves with paper fans provided by the local funeral home. But the evangelist’s voice is faded. His warning a distant memory. We don’t like to think in terms of judgment. All that talk of hell and giving an account is depressing. We would rather think about tapping into our unlimited potential. We prefer to think of how we can get the most out of life. But the fact is – there is a coming judgment.
The New Testament expressly declares “He has appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:31). Peter warns of the “day of judgment”. And Jude speaks of “that great day.” John, in the Revelation, speaks of “the great day of wrath.” The apostle Paul reminds us of “the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God” and of “the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” Yes, there is coming a judgment. Such a day does not demand shouting, shaking a fist or a threatening tone. Rather it demands a sober warning through tears. I’ve listened to preachers in the past that spoke of this coming judgment and the awful events surrounding it and they spoke as if they enjoyed the idea. The fact of the matter is I would just as soon not deal with it – but to remain silent would be to fall into the category of the black-hearted false prophets who cried, “Peace” when there was no peace. The coming judgment is real and we must plead that all men prepare for that day. The truth of judgment and hell is not just about doctrine, it is about destiny. When you go to lunch here in a little while. I want you to take a look around the restaurant. Listen to the laughter. Look at the people around the room. The wait staff. Then think, “A large percentage of these folks will one day be in hell.” Our text this morning is found in Matthew chapter 25.
Text: Matthew 25:31-46
We are in the final days of the life and ministry of our Lord.
He has deliberately chosen to come to Jerusalem at this time.
For his time has come.
That time ordained by his Father in eternity past.
Redemption draws nigh.
The door to the kingdom is about to be thrown open.
As he approach the city he wept over it.
“Oh Jerusalem, how I long to gather your children unto myself but you would not…”
He entered the city triumphantly as the Messiah.
He assumed his rightful place as Lord of the temple.
He silenced his critics.
He spoke of the coming destruction of Jerusalem and of his coming again.
Then, through the use of parables, he taught us to live expectantly, wait patiently and work diligently.
Now he tells us what will happen when he comes.
Throughout the Gospels he has talked of owners or masters going away and then settling accounts when they returned. Now he tells about settling accounts when He comes again.
Many find this passage disturbing. They think of God as a benevolent grandfather who only does “good” for people. That he is never really angry with us. He would never harm us in any way. So when Jesus speaks these words it seems “wrong.” Remember our Lord said, “I did not come to bring peace, but to bring a sword.” We often talk about the infinite grace of God. But it is not infinite. It has a limit. As of now his grace is extended to all. “It rains on the just and the unjust.” He offers life and hope to all who will believe. But there is coming an end to that offer. There is coming a day when the opportunity will be gone. In that day all will stand before him and give and account for the life lived in the flesh.
Concerning that day, we learn:
Thesis: The return of Christ marks the end of the day of grace and announces the beginning of the Day of Judgment.
His coming will bring great joy to some and great sorrow for others. Just as the virgins of verses 1-13, for those prepared it will be glorious. For those unprepared it will be disastrous.
Think of it, these words are being spoken by the one and only Son of the Living God, days before he will be beaten and crucified as he gives his life a ransom for those who believe. This sovereign judge is about to become the sacrificial lamb. He will stand silent before his accusers. He will not say a word as a petty ruler stands in judgment over him. This poor, itinerate rabbi, will one day sit in judgment over nations but not before he willing gives his life for those who should rightfully condemn! This is an incredible moment.
As we consider this text there are three things I want to call to your attention.
- The return of Christ will bring great joy to some. (25:31-40)
- The return of Christ will bring incredible sorrow to many. (25:41-46)
- At issue in this judgment is this, What have you done with the Gospel?
Conclusion: You, this morning, have heard the Gospel. You will stand without excuse in the judgment. What will you do?