Matthew 19:29-30.. Ready

Matthew 19:29-30.. Ready

19:29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children (or fields (Only a sampling of the sorts of things believers may lose.-(New) for my sake (Not for money, not for fame, not for self, but for Christ) will receive a hundred times as much  (Jesus saying by sowing money into a Church or ministry God will bless us a hundred times over. In this age, and in the age to come.-(Luke 18:30) and will inherit eternal life. (Does not mean sacrificing is a means of earning Salvation. We are Saved by grace through faith. But we are Saved for good works which will be rewarded in eternity.-(Eph. 2:10) 30 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. (Some understand this as, those who are proud in how much they sacrificed compared to others. Its not about merit, importance, or time served, but God’s grace.) (For a Complete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Teaches rather than envy those who seem to be winning and getting everything life, they’re actually losing out on what really matters.” → There is an important lesson for believers regarding those individuals who, from an earthly perspective, appear to be flourishing and gaining all the advantages life has to offer. While it may seem that they are “winning” by achieving success, accumulating possessions, or enjoying widespread recognition, Scripture warns that this perception does not reflect their true standing in the eyes of God. Those who appear to have it all now, yet do so at the expense of following Christ, are ultimately destined to be last. This principle serves as a sobering reminder that worldly gains are fleeting and do not guarantee lasting fulfillment or eternal reward. To pursue the things of this world at the cost of one’s relationship with Christ is to exchange temporary satisfaction for ultimate loss. In the economy of God’s kingdom, the values are reversed: what is considered success by worldly standards often holds no weight in eternity, and those who prioritize Christ above all else, even at great personal cost, are promised true and lasting reward. Therefore, believers are encouraged not to envy those who seem to be prospering according to earthly measures. The true measure of success is faithfulness to Christ, and those who may appear last in this life because of their sacrifices for Him will ultimately be first in the life to come. This divine reversal.

“Warns against thinking what we sacrificed gives us some special standing or favor with God”. ⇒ Many who hold high positions in the church may not necessarily receive much in the next life, due to wrong motives, wrong affections. Their ministry may have been for their own glory and not for Jesus.  It is important to remember that enduring hardships or making sacrifices for Jesus does not give us any special status or unique favor with God. The idea that what we have suffered or given up somehow makes us more deserving is a misconception. In the context of Jesus’ teachings, the value of our sacrifices does not elevate us above others in God’s eyes. Rather, God’s Grace and Salvation are extended equally to all believers, regardless of the extent of their sacrifices, works, or losses. This principle reminds us to serve God out of love, not with the expectation of receiving greater rewards or recognition. We are to avoid developing a self-righteous attitude that assumes we have earned more from God because of our sacrifices. Instead, our motivation for following Jesus should be rooted in devotion and humility, knowing that any privileges we receive are due to God’s generosity and not our own merit.

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches serving the Lord may be costly, but the investment and return is out of this world.

Teaches whatever empty holes and missing out feelings we have in giving up so much will eventually go away with Jesus.

Teaches how no one will be a loser in their decision for Christ. (No one will say “I was better off in my old life than with Jesus”)

Displays whatever we have to give up will be compensated and replaced by God with something a hundred times better.

Teaches whatever empty holes and missing out feelings we have in giving up so much will eventually go away with Christ!

Teaches how we can’t “Out-give” God. (God will bless us far more than what we’re giving up.)

Teaches how Jesus is the BE ALL and END ALL of our lives, all the rest is are just bonuses.

Teaches how no one will ever be a looser for following Christ (Every sacrifice made in faith will be richly rewarded by God.)

Teaches how the gift of eternal life should be reward enough, no matter what it takes, no matter what it costs.

Teaches when God asks to give up something dear to us, know that it’s for our best interest, that will be the better person for it!

Teaches how Christians have no reason to be miserable and pessimistic. (There’s no room for gloom & doom when you’re a believer!)

Teaches the importance of taking seriously God’s Word as His Word, that were not reading into it what we want to hear-(V. 30)

Teaches how were to gauge people by God’s word & standards, not the worlds standards.-(V. 30)

Warns those who are living for this world, who may seem like they’re getting ahead, or they’re receive all the good things now. When ultimately they end up last in losing everything.-(V. 30)

Demonstrates second place and last place winners in the race of life still get fully rewarded.(V. 30)

Note: The things we have to leave for Jesus can be hard and stingy at times, but they will be well worth it in the long run. Will look back over our lives being thankful that we put off a certain promotion, job, relationship, career, hobby, etc. in order to know the Lord better, even wishing we had done more!

Note: Most view the compensation that Jesus is referring to here has often been found in the community of the Church. That believers who left their “homes” have found themselves welcomed into many Christians homes. And believers who are rejected by their family have gained a larger family of believers. And believers who lost their jobs have receive greater opportunities to work for Christians.  Others understand not of temporal things, but rather of spiritual blessings such as joy, peace, contentment.

Note: The statement isn’t some kind of blanket permission to walk out on your wife (or anyone or anything else, for that matter). It’s only when you are doing so for Jesus’ sake.

Note: The notion of receiving “hundred times as much” is a profound promise that resonates deeply within the hearts of believers. This concept is not merely about material wealth but encompasses a vast array of blessings that surpass earthly understanding. When we forsake earthly ties for the sake of Christ, we are assured that our sacrifices will be met with. This divine reward manifests in various forms—whether it’s in the richness of spiritual relationships, the depth of inner peace, or the abundance of joy and contentment that accompanies a life devoted to God. It is a testament to God’s boundless generosity and His unwavering commitment to repay our faithfulness with extraordinary blessings.