Matthew 19:29-30.. Working

Matthew 19:29-30.. Working

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 will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. 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.-(New) (For a Complete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermon Notes

“Displays the lavishing goodness of God in restoring and replacing everything lost with something better.” ⇒ God’s lavishing goodness and kindness is evident in the way He restores and replaces everything we lose for His sake with something incomparably better. The sacrifices and self-denials we endure on earth, though challenging, pale in comparison to the blessings and rewards promised in heaven. In every loss left behind is restored, every rival is replaced with something better. This divine exchange underscores God’s boundless generosity and unfailing love, ensuring that our earthly sacrifices are investments yielding eternal dividends.

“Teaches how the church should be a place where believers can go for help, assistance, and support in their time of need.”⇒ The church should be a sanctuary, a haven where believers can find solace, support, and assistance in their times of need. It is a community founded on the principles of love, compassion, and fellowship, where individuals are encouraged to bear one another’s burdens. When life’s challenges become overwhelming, the church should stand as a pillar of strength, offering not only spiritual guidance but also practical help. In moments of crisis, whether they are financial, emotional, or physical, the church should be ready to extend a helping hand. This can take the form of financial aid, providing essentials to those in need, or offering counseling services to those grappling with personal issues. The church should also be a place where the lonely and the broken-hearted can find companionship and encouragement, fostering an environment of mutual care and support. Moreover, the church is called to be a beacon of hope, a reflection of God’s grace and mercy. As stewards of God’s love, believers are urged to use their resources and abilities for the benefit of others. This means going beyond mere words and embodying the teachings of Jesus through acts of kindness and generosity. By doing so, the church not only meets the immediate needs of its members but also strengthens the bonds of community and creates a nurturing space where everyone feels valued and cared for. In essence, the church’s role is to be an active, living representation of Christ’s love in action. It should be a place where faith is translated into deeds, where the collective efforts of its members serve to uplift and support one another. By providing help, assistance, and support, the church fulfills its mission of being a true family of believers, united in their devotion to God and committed to the well-being of each other.

“Teaches how the gift of eternal life should be reward enough, no matter what it takes, no matter what it costs.” ⇒  The ultimate reward that God offers us—eternal life—should be sufficient motivation for our faithfulness and sacrifices. Although we may face trials, losses, and sacrifices in our earthly journey, the promise of eternal life with God far outweighs any temporary discomfort or hardship. This perspective shifts our focus from the transient to the eternal, reminding us that the struggles we endure now are but momentary compared to the infinite joy and peace that await us in God’s presence.  Our earthly sacrifices, acts of service, and moments of self-denial are investments into a future filled with divine blessings and eternal fulfillment. The assurance of eternal life serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us through the darkest valleys and the toughest challenges, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded beyond measure. This promise of eternal life not only provides comfort but also instills in us a profound sense of purpose and determination to live according to God’s will.

“Even today, whatever family, friends, relationships, careers, we have to give up in following Jesus. We gain in greater spiritual joy, peace, freedom, fulness, growth in a deeper relationship with Jesus that far exceeds any loss “ ⇒ This divine recompense manifests in countless ways – an unshakeable peace that calms our hearts amidst life’s storms, a joy that transcends circumstances, and a profound contentment that anchors our souls. In surrendering our earthly treasures, we gain treasures of immeasurable value – the intimate knowledge of God’s love, the assurance of His presence, and the privilege of walking closely with Him. These spiritual riches not only sustain us through trials but also empower us to live abundantly, reflecting His glory and fulfilling His purposes on earth. This transformative process not only brings fulfillment but also aligns us more closely with His divine purpose, guiding us to live lives of greater meaning and impact. Through this journey of surrender and renewal, we learn to trust in God’s provision and to recognize that the true treasures of life are not found in earthly gains but in the abundant spiritual blessings He bestows upon us.

Additional Notes & Applications

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 people and 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!

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. What does it matter if they’re giving up Christ. They’re ultimately end up last in losing everything.

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.

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.

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.