Matthew 19:27-28…Working

Matthew 19:27-28…Working

19:27 Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! (Peter wasn’t just blowing smoke, they literally left everything. Peter may have been saying it for Jesus’ benefit. “It’s okay, don’t feel sad Lord, we still left everything to follow you.”-(New) Peter may also be saying in effect; “I guess it is possible with God, because that’s exactly what has happened in our case.-(New) Some question the legitimacy of Peter’s boast by pointing out; What did he really give up, some stinking fish and a old boat & net, and what he got in return was eternal life!-(New) What then will there be for us? (Not a self-righteous attitude, like what  am I going to get out of all this-New) 28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, (Your missing the bigger picture Peter-(New) at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (For a Complete Expository see Book)

Extended Sermon Notes

“Teaches what you’re going to have In the future will match the desire you’ve expressed in the presence.”  What you have in the future will Accord with your hearts desires right now. How are you going to love heaven, when you don’t love the things of heaven right now. How are you going to make Jesus Lord then, when we He’s not Lord now! How are you going to treasure Jesus then, when you don’t treasure Him now. How are you going to have Saving faith then when your life doesn’t align with your current actions and desires now. . By living faithfully and steadfastly, we ensure that the rewards we receive in the future are a reflection of the dedication and devotion we exhibit today.

“Assures those who trust and follow Jesus will receive great things, even if they don’t know where He is leading them.” ⇒ The promise of eternal rewards serves as a motivation for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain or arduous. It is a call to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that the sacrifices made in this life are not in vain but are seeds sown for an abundant harvest in the life to come. This assurance brings comfort and hope, fostering a spirit of perseverance and resilience, knowing that God’s plans are always for our ultimate good, even if the journey is fraught with challenges.

“Teaches how believers will not be standing around in heaven, but will have responsibilities and a part to play in Christ’s Kingdom.” ⇒Believers will not be idle in heaven, but will have meaningful roles to fulfill in God’s eternal kingdom. The Bible teaches that there will be responsibilities and tasks for God’s people, serving Him with joy and purpose. This belief underscores the importance of faithfulness and diligence in our earthly lives, as how we live now prepares us for the service we will render in eternity.

“Even today, Your future destiny with Christ will match the desire you have for Him here and now. How are you going to make Christ Lord later when He’s not Lord now. How are you going to treasure Christ later when you don’t treasure Him now. How are you going to rule and reign with Christ later when He’s not ruling and reigning in your life now.” ⇒ How are you going to love heaven later when you don’t love the things of heaven now. How are you going to make Jesus the priority later when you don’t make Him the priority now. How are you going to worship Christ later when you don’t worship Him now. How are you going to serve Christ later when you don’t serve Him now. Our relationship with Christ is not a switch to be turned on at a future date; it is a daily commitment to uphold His Lordship, treasure His presence, and align our lives with His eternal kingdom. The sacrifices we make, the challenges we face, and the steadfastness we maintain today are the seeds sown for an abundant harvest in the life to come. By embracing this eternal future, we prepare ourselves to fully experience the glory and responsibility that will come with ruling and reigning with Christ in His eternal kingdom.

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches how there’s nothing sinful or wrong in wanting to know what the future holds for us. In fact God expects it that’s why He gave us the book of Revelation and many other promises in scripture.

Teaches how following Christ requires present decisions and eternal perspectives. This entails recognizing that our actions today should align with our faith and the future promises of God. By living with this dual focus, we can navigate life’s challenges with hope and confidence, knowing that our earthly sacrifices are investments in eternal rewards.

Calls for living like pilgrims here on earth, knowing that our true citizenship is in heaven. Our journey here is temporary, and we must live with a heavenly perspective, understanding that our ultimate home and reward lies beyond the temporal confines of this world. This mindset encourages us to live with humility, selflessness, and dedication to God’s will, knowing that the sacrifices we make and the challenges we face are part of our preparation for eternal glory.

Notice how there can be a fake version of leaving all to follow Christ. There have been people who impoverished themselves for false religion. There have been people who have heard the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have impoverished themselves in a way that doesn’t reflect genuine faith. Don’t forget Judas is in this group of “We left everything to follow you”.

Peter’s boast in all that they had left everything, is not as bad as it seems, because first God wants us to think about and look forward to and be motivated by our eternal rewards.-(Matt. 6:19) And second Jesus does not display displeasure nor does He rebuke Peter for it. But instead encourages Peter and the other disciple that their sacrifices would not be in vain.-(V. 29)

God’s purpose in postponing rewards later in eternity may be for our own good. That if God gave material rewards for every good deed we did, we would get prideful of our achievements or act out of wrong motives.