Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• Introduction to the parable
• Recap of previous parables
• Parable of the talents
• Identifying who is the true and false believer
• Scripture is clear that there is a separation 
• Overview:
• He will come again (v31)
• He will separate the peoples (v32-33)
• He will reward or punish according to works (v34-36)

He will come again (v31)

• His second coming will not be like His first coming
• Evey eye will see Him
• He will be glorified in all His power and majesty
• Jesus is in the middle of His mount of olives discourse
• He will come again:
• 24:30-31
• 24:44
• The dead will rise (like Lazarus)
• The Parable of the Ten Virgins
• The Parable of the Talents
• Many scoff or mock at His coming
• Rev 1:7 - all will see Him
• Thess - He will come with a shout
• The elements will pass away and there will be a new heaven and a new earth - Rev 6:14-17
• There will be fear and dread, but not for the Church

He will separate the peoples (v32-33)

• Not separating one nation from another
• Going amongst the nations
• The sheep are separated from the goats (the believer from the non-believer)
• One will be taken and one left
• Left and right hand:
• The sheep is the symbol of the Christian
• The goat is a symbol of unbelievers
• The right hand is a symbol of blessing, honour and inheritance
• Are you looking forward to this inheritance?

He will reward or punish according to works (v34-36)

• Rev
• Rewards are in the realm of work
• Not salvation by works - this is a contradiction to the whole of Scripture
• Those who are saved are those who are blessed by the Father
• Explanation
• The proof of their salvation is their works
• We identify believers by seeing holiness in their lives (e.g. v35-36)
• v35-45
• The spirit of the Christian is humble
• The works are done for the love of God
• The unbeliever is oblivious
• Works not just confined to the brethren
• v41
• No worse words to hear
• These words do not compare to any rejection in this life
• Everlasting and eternal - the Greek words are the same
• Everlasting punishment (for those who reject Christ) but eternal life (for those who love Christ)
• Everlasting punishment - an awful place to be
• If you are a non-Christian: think very carefully
• These words of warning are given in love
• Have you believed in Christ?