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Sunday Worship 13 October 2024 : A faithful and wise servant

Text: Matthew 24:45-51
13 October 2024

REVIEWING MATTHEW 24

1. The questions of the Disciples   (Matthew 24:1-3)

a. The destruction of the temple
b. The sign of the Lord Jesus’ Second Coming
c. The timing of the end of the age

2. The profound answer of the Lord Jesus

a. The need to endure to the end   (Matthew 24:4-14)
b. God’s mercy on the elect amidst tribulations   (Matthew 24:15-28)
c. The infallible Word on the Second Coming   (Matthew 24:29-35)
d. The reality of the Second Coming   (Matthew 24:36-44)
i. Of that day and hour no one knows
ii. Watch therefore
iii. Therefore, you also be ready

THE PARABLE OF THE FAITHFUL AND EVIL SERVANT

1. A Parable that contrasts the faithful and evil servant   (Matthew 24:45-51)

2. Both entrusted by the master, yet 2 different attitudes and actions

3. The faithful and wise (mindful) servant

a. He faithfully and wisely fulfils that which is entrusted to him
b. He is promoted upon the master’s return

4. The evil servant

a. He thinks in his heart that his master is delayed
b. He fails in that which is entrusted to him
c. He is caught unawares by his master’s return and punished severely

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PARABLE OF THE FAITHFUL AND EVIL SERVANT

1. Its application to everyone

a. This Parable is not limited to believers or those in ministry only
b. God is King over heaven and earth Isaiah 66:1
c. All in the world are but also servants of God
i. Cyrus king of Persia was described as God’s servant   (Isaiah 45:1)
ii. God used Cyrus to fulfil His divine plan

2. The need for all to be faithful and wise emphasized

a. A sharp contrast between the servants
i. No middle ground between being faithful and evil
ii. Either one is found faithful and wise
iii. Or one is considered evil
(Even if it is to a lesser degree)   (cf. Luke 12:48)
b. Being faithful and wise
i. It is the only way to be watchful and ready for the Lord’s return
ii. Being faithful and wise to all that the Lord has entrusted to us
iii. This is what the Lord seeks when He returns

A REMINDER OF WHO THE LORD WOULD RECEIVE INTO HIS KINGDOM

1. Not everyone shall enter the kingdom of heaven

2. But he who does the will of My Father in heaven   (Matthew 7:21)

a. Better translated as – “the one who is doing the will of the Father”
b. Faithfully and wisely

3. Many   (Matthew 7:22-23)

a. Will profess to know the Lord
b. Will even claim credit for activities done in the Lord’s name
c. The Lord’s rejection
i. “I never knew you”
ii. “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness”

OUR CHALLENGE

1. We are all servants accountable to the Lord

a. To all that the Lord has entrusted to us in our lives
b. To things pertaining to our Lord’s household (the kingdom of God)
i. His Word
ii. His Work

2. Our challenge to be faithful and wise

a. Urgently
b. Committedly
c. That we may live in constant readiness for His return