some works god will bring into judgment (matthew 25:31-46)
Introduction:
1. This morning we pointed out from Ecclesiastes 12:14 that "God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." 2. This should lead us to concentrate on fulfilling our "whole duty" that is revealed in Ecclesiastes 12:13 -- "fear God and keep His commandments." 3. This evening we are studying the Lord's instructions in Matthew 25:31-46. 4. Jesus presented some additional details about the judgment, and He revealed "some works God will bring into judgment." Discussion: I. IN GIVING DETAILS ABOUT THE JUDGMENT, JESUS SHOWED WHO WILL BE INVOLVED
A. (vs.31a) Jesus will be involved. 1. He will come in His glory, and He will sit upon the throne of His glory. 2. When Jesus returns, He will serve as judge (John 5:22, 27; Acts 17:31). B. (vs.31b) The holy angels will be involved. 1. They will accompany Jesus when He returns. 2. Their involvement is also mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8. C. (vs.32a) All nations will be involved. 1. "All" will appear before the Lord's judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-12). 2. Included are "the quick and the dead" (2 Timothy 4:1). D. (vs.32b) The Lord will separate those who are gathered before Him. 1. This is compared to a shepherd separating his sheep from his goats. 2. (vs.33) The Lord will set one group on His right hand and the other on His left hand. II. IN GIVING DETAILS ABOUT THE JUDGMENT, JESUS REVEALED SOME WORKS GOD WILL BRING INTO JUDGMENT
A. (vs.34-40) Those on the Lord's right hand will be blessed. 1. (vs.34) They will enter the kingdom prepared for them which is described as "life eternal" (vs.46b). 2. (vs.35-36) Concerning their works, they will be blessed because they ministered to the Lord. 3. (vs.37-40) They will have ministered to the Lord by serving others. B. (vs.41-45) Those on the Lord's left hand will be cursed. 1. They will be condemned to a place of everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels which is described as "everlasting punishment" (vs.46a). 2. Concerning their works, they will be cursed because they did not minister to the Lord. 3. They will have failed to minister to Him by failing to serve others. C. Jesus also talked about these 2 groups and their works in Luke 10:30-35. Conclusion:
1. In Matthew 25:31-46 the Lord gave additional details about the judgment that Solomon mentioned in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. 2. As He did so, Jesus revealed some works God will bring into judgment. 3. On the basis of the Lord's teaching, let us follow the instructions given in: a. 1 Corinthians 15:58 b. Galatians 6:9-10.
