Grace Community Bible Church Sermons

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 13:44-46

In the parables of the Hidden Treasure and The Pearl of Great Value found in Matthew 13:44-46 Jesus informs us that the Kingdom of Heaven is of infinite value and brings ultimate joy.

Practical truths found in these parables:

1. Some stumble onto the Kingdom while seeking while others stumble onto the Kingdom while not seeking.
2. Once one stumbles onto the Kingdom, joy is immediately found.
3. For joy to be continuing and complete one must act in accordance with the Kingdom’s value.
4. What each one gives up will be different, but the extent is the same: totality.
5. What is given up is no sacrifice, for what is gained is of ultimate value.
6. The Kingdom continues to be of ultimate value and supreme joy because of the King, Jesus Himself, so continuing Kingdom work is a delightful duty (but the joy and value remains in the King, not in the duty).

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 13:31-35

In Matthew 13:31-35 Jesus teaches us three characteristics of the influence and advance of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Kingdom of Heaven will make an:

1. Imperceptible, influential advance (vv. 31-32).
2. Irresistible, influential advance (v. 33).
3. Intended, influential advance (vv. 34-45).

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43

In the Parable of the Wheat & Tares (Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43) Jesus teaches us 5 truths about His Kingdom.

1. There is one kingdom and it includes the entire world (vv. 24, 38a).
2. There are two types of people in the kingdom.
1. Jesus’ children (vv. 26a, 38b).
2. Satan’s children (vv. 26b, 38c).
3. There are two rulers in the kingdom.
1. Jesus, the Good & True King (vv. 24, 37).
2. Satan, the enemy & false king (vv. 25, 39a).
4. There is one judgment.
1. At the end of the age (vv. 27-30, 39bc, 40b).
2. Jesus is the Judge (vv. 30, 41a).
5. There are two, and only two, sentences handed out at the judgment.
1. Hell, the place of torment & fire (vv. 40-42).
1. For those who are stumbling blocks (41b).
2. For those who are lawless (41c).
2. Heaven, the place of resurrection, glory, and God’s presence (vv. 30d, 43).

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 13:3b-8,18-23

In Matthew 13:3b-8 & 18-23 Jesus uses the Parable of the Sower to explain to us 4 different receptions of God’s word.

1. One receives the word with a hard heart.
1. Does not understand the word, so . . . (vv. 4a & 19a)
2. Satan steals the word (vv. 4b & 19b).
2. One receives the word with a shallow heart.
1. Immediate reception but no depth, so . . . (vv. 5 & 20-21a)
2. Immediate falling away when persecuted (vv. 6 & 21b).
3. One receives the word with a double-minded heart.
1. Receives the word, but . . . (vv. 7a & 22a)
2. Relies on the world and wealth (vv. 7b & 22b).
4. One receives the word with a good heart.
1. Understands the word, so . . . (vv. 8a & 23a)
2. Bears fruit (vv. 8b & 23b).

Pastor Rob Davis: Matt. 13:10-17

In Matthew 13:10-17 Jesus presents to us 4 facts concerning one’s ability to understand spiritual truths as He answers the disciples’ question: “Why do You speak to them in parables? (v. 10)�.

1. Fact #1: God grants spiritual understanding.
1. He has granted it to you (v. 11a).
2. He has not granted it to them (v. 11b).
2. Fact #2: You are responsible to exercise that which has been given to you.
1. If you do you will be given more (v. 12a).
2. If you don’t you will lose what you have (v. 12b).
3. Fact #3: Jesus speaks in parables because (v. 13a) those who don’t understand won’t understand, as Isaiah’s prophecy foretold (v. 14a).
1. They see without spiritual perception because they have shut their eyes lest they do spiritually perceive (vv. 13b, 14c, 15c, d).
2. They hear without spiritual understanding because they won’t hear lest they do spiritually understand (vv. 13c, 14b, 15b, e).
3. They have dulled their hearts so that they will not understand, repent, and be healed (vv. 15a, f, g).
4. Fact #4: You have been blessed by God if your eyes and ears understand spiritual truths (vv. 16-17).