Laborers in the Vineyard
Author: Rev. Esther Holmes
May 10, 2018
Think about it! Matt 20:1-16
There is no part of the Christian
life that is without it’s dangers. Satan left Jesus alone only for a
season, not permanently. He was still attacking Him on the cross through
people and their words. John 8:30-32 If you continue (don’t get
sidetracked). They were off to a good start but must continue on to be
totally free.
Some take this parable and preach
about the 11th hour giving people a false view of hope in last minute
salvation. Remember – only one thief got saved at Calvary. One
saved so some wouldn’t despair but one saved so that some wouldn’t presume.
The truth in this parable – for the
King of Heaven (this parable is addressed to Peter because of what he asked in
chapter 19:27).
The doctrine here is – It’s grace
from beginning to end.
This parable is to warn those who go
into the race early. They started out correctly but look at their
attitude later – both towards themselves and the work! Their eyes are on
themselves and the work they are doing – not on Jesus. Notice – they kept
an accurate account of exactly how much they did. Notice – God reveals
there awful attitude they have forgotten the principle of grace. Notice –
they expected to receive more than the new ones. (self righteous) Notice
– how logical they were (Rom 8:6-7) Notice – they began to murmur – we haven’t
been treated fairly. Phil 2:14-16. Notice – a contempt for others,
a jealousy. Be careful – the devil comes and rejoices when he makes you
think God has treated you unfairly.
The cure – to understand the
principle of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is not like any other
kingdom. If any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are
passed away. The foundation is new – our thinking must be
different. Do not think in terms of bargains and rights!
We must realize that we have no
right to anything at all. We are bought with a price! Don’t be a
bookkeeper – don’t let your left hand know what the right hand does. The
Pharisees made a show of prayers, etc – and Christ said verily they have their
reward.
Phil 2:3-8
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