WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.320 Well, the Football World Cup is coming, isn't it? 00:00:04.419 --> 00:00:05.000 ! 00:00:30.559 --> 00:00:35.840 So, people in your office, maybe where you work, they are glued to the predictions. 00:00:37.219 --> 00:00:40.380 The words, maybe, if you work in the city, I'm a kind of Warren Buffett. 00:00:41.159 --> 00:00:45.939 People study every twitch of the Chancellor before a budget, don't they? 00:00:45.939 --> 00:00:49.700 Because companies, businesses, want to get their timing right. 00:00:50.519 --> 00:00:56.159 And Jesus would say, as in sport, as in strictly, as in business, so in our spiritual life. 00:00:56.879 --> 00:00:58.159 So in our spiritual life. 00:00:58.159 --> 00:01:02.099 So today's sermon is this. It is about maximising investment. 00:01:03.259 --> 00:01:08.679 It's about maximising investment in the light of the times that we are. 00:01:09.099 --> 00:01:15.179 And Jesus is saying, you've got to understand where you live in the Bible timeline. 00:01:15.840 --> 00:01:18.959 You've got to understand what the times that you're living. 00:01:19.560 --> 00:01:21.439 And we can say that it's all about the timing. 00:01:22.500 --> 00:01:27.179 If I was in the sermon titles, which I'm not, it would be about the now and then. 00:01:27.180 --> 00:01:32.440 How we live now, how we live today, in the light of a certain tomorrow. 00:01:32.439 --> 00:01:34.640 It's all about timing. 00:01:35.200 --> 00:01:42.840 It's all about how you make your investments today, in the light of the certainties of tomorrow. 00:01:42.840 --> 00:01:49.920 Some people think that the Bible could not be applicable today. 00:01:50.760 --> 00:01:52.320 The Bible is written to a different culture. 00:01:52.540 --> 00:01:53.140 You've probably heard it. 00:01:53.159 --> 00:01:55.500 The Bible is written to an agricultural culture. 00:01:56.640 --> 00:01:59.180 And it's different today, isn't it? 00:01:59.580 --> 00:02:00.520 We live in a city. 00:02:01.020 --> 00:02:02.859 We live in different economic times. 00:02:03.219 --> 00:02:06.680 And so we've got to kind of re-translate the Bible into our times. 00:02:06.680 --> 00:02:10.460 So you might have said, the preacher lives between two worlds. 00:02:10.560 --> 00:02:12.040 The world of the Bible and the world of today. 00:02:12.420 --> 00:02:14.340 I think that is pretty awful. 00:02:14.780 --> 00:02:16.560 I don't agree with that at all, actually. 00:02:17.540 --> 00:02:19.760 And what Luke's Gospel has shown me more than anything is, 00:02:19.840 --> 00:02:23.500 Luke's Gospel could be more relevant to those of us who live in the city. 00:02:25.260 --> 00:02:29.860 But Luke's Gospel could not be more applicable or easily understood. 00:02:29.860 --> 00:02:34.760 In fact, I want to ask Luke when I get to heaven, did he write it to the city? 00:02:35.580 --> 00:02:38.320 Did he write it to the London person? 00:02:39.360 --> 00:02:41.440 So think of what you have in Luke's Gospel. 00:02:42.200 --> 00:02:42.680 What have you got? 00:02:42.700 --> 00:02:43.900 You've got the parable of the rich fool. 00:02:44.880 --> 00:02:47.220 You've got the parable of the dishonest steward. 00:02:48.200 --> 00:02:50.820 You've got the parable of the great banquet. 00:02:51.340 --> 00:02:54.040 And today you've got the parable of the ten miners. 00:02:54.960 --> 00:02:58.960 And the wise investment, given the days in which we live. 00:02:59.860 --> 00:03:03.820 And so, the other theme of Luke's Gospel that keeps coming up is money, isn't it? 00:03:04.500 --> 00:03:06.340 Money, money, money. 00:03:06.400 --> 00:03:07.660 I don't seem to be able to escape it. 00:03:07.800 --> 00:03:11.080 Luke particularly is interested in what you do with your money. 00:03:11.960 --> 00:03:13.260 And so today we come to it again. 00:03:13.340 --> 00:03:14.800 I've got three points and they are this. 00:03:14.920 --> 00:03:16.680 Two certainties and one priority. 00:03:17.720 --> 00:03:22.100 Two certainties, which have to do with now, and then one priority. 00:03:22.780 --> 00:03:23.480 Two certainties. 00:03:23.580 --> 00:03:24.740 First certainty is this. 00:03:24.960 --> 00:03:26.360 We live in days of delay. 00:03:26.360 --> 00:03:31.740 We live now in days of delay. 00:03:33.180 --> 00:03:36.940 Jesus' kingdom would not come immediately. 00:03:37.720 --> 00:03:38.860 That's Jesus' message. 00:03:39.760 --> 00:03:44.200 The kingdom has come, but it will not come in its power and in its glory immediately. 00:03:44.540 --> 00:03:45.700 There would be a delay. 00:03:46.540 --> 00:03:49.980 And we should not be surprised by that. 00:03:50.500 --> 00:03:52.600 We should not be surprised by the delay. 00:03:52.599 --> 00:03:54.460 It was something that he spoke about. 00:03:54.699 --> 00:03:55.659 Look at verse 11. 00:03:56.039 --> 00:03:57.719 There will be a delay. 00:03:59.079 --> 00:04:02.039 As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable. 00:04:02.359 --> 00:04:04.740 Because he was near to Jerusalem where he would die. 00:04:05.079 --> 00:04:08.019 Where his glory would come, the cross. 00:04:08.539 --> 00:04:11.659 And because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. 00:04:11.659 --> 00:04:20.740 So then to some who thought that the kingdom of God was going to come straight away, Jesus told this parable. 00:04:23.819 --> 00:04:27.159 Verse 12 really summarises all the action of the parable. 00:04:27.579 --> 00:04:28.279 He says this. 00:04:28.279 --> 00:04:37.040 He said, therefore, a noble man went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. 00:04:37.040 --> 00:04:39.520 The noble man represents Jesus. 00:04:40.319 --> 00:04:44.780 The far country represents his departure to be with his father in heaven. 00:04:45.340 --> 00:04:48.160 And the kingdom is the kingdom of God. 00:04:49.180 --> 00:04:51.000 And Jesus' point is very simple. 00:04:51.400 --> 00:04:55.620 Following his death and his resurrection, there was to be a coronation. 00:04:56.660 --> 00:04:59.420 And Jesus would be crowned king. 00:05:00.280 --> 00:05:02.900 But he would go away for that. 00:05:03.640 --> 00:05:06.140 He would go away for his coronation before he returned. 00:05:06.139 --> 00:05:08.379 And this, of course, has been part of the theme. 00:05:09.379 --> 00:05:11.579 Of the whole section of this part of Luke's gospel. 00:05:11.919 --> 00:05:14.500 So just turn back to chapter 17, verse 20. 00:05:14.879 --> 00:05:16.139 And you'll see it there. 00:05:18.079 --> 00:05:20.899 Jesus is asked by the Pharisees, verse 20. 00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:23.079 When will the kingdom of God come? 00:05:23.339 --> 00:05:24.800 When will there be great power? 00:05:24.919 --> 00:05:26.519 When will the Romans be kicked out? 00:05:26.620 --> 00:05:29.959 When will we get back to the perfect world of perfect relationships? 00:05:31.919 --> 00:05:34.339 When the kingdom of God, when will it come? 00:05:34.339 --> 00:05:39.019 And he answered them, the kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed. 00:05:39.399 --> 00:05:40.799 Nor will they say, look, here it is. 00:05:41.179 --> 00:05:45.219 Or therefore, behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. 00:05:45.639 --> 00:05:50.120 And he said to his disciples, the days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man. 00:05:50.120 --> 00:05:52.939 And you will not see it. 00:05:54.220 --> 00:05:55.639 And they will say to you, look there. 00:05:55.879 --> 00:05:56.439 Look here. 00:05:56.980 --> 00:05:59.920 Do not go out or follow them. 00:06:01.040 --> 00:06:02.560 In other words, there will be a delay. 00:06:03.620 --> 00:06:04.420 There will be a delay. 00:06:05.379 --> 00:06:07.040 Don't be surprised about the delay. 00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:12.620 Because as Peter says, with the Lord, a day is as a thousand years. 00:06:13.580 --> 00:06:15.520 And a thousand years is as a day. 00:06:17.220 --> 00:06:22.040 With the Lord, a day is as a thousand years. 00:06:22.820 --> 00:06:25.560 And a thousand years as a delay. 00:06:25.980 --> 00:06:26.540 As a day. 00:06:26.540 --> 00:06:33.420 So the delay has effectively just been two days. 00:06:35.260 --> 00:06:36.720 What were you doing two days ago? 00:06:36.760 --> 00:06:37.300 Friday morning. 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:40.700 Friday morning to today. 00:06:41.700 --> 00:06:43.759 As far as God is concerned, that's the delay. 00:06:45.200 --> 00:06:46.400 There will be a delay. 00:06:47.860 --> 00:06:50.600 And so here, two chapters on from chapter 17. 00:06:50.780 --> 00:06:52.360 In this part of the section of Luke's Gospel. 00:06:52.780 --> 00:06:54.840 Jesus returns to the theme of delay. 00:06:54.839 --> 00:06:57.479 In fact, I think that they are bookmarks. 00:06:57.599 --> 00:06:59.359 And everything in between is one section. 00:06:59.819 --> 00:07:01.560 And he unpacks it a little bit further. 00:07:02.759 --> 00:07:04.459 There's no doubting the coronation. 00:07:05.639 --> 00:07:07.259 The resurrection of Jesus. 00:07:08.219 --> 00:07:09.219 His ascension. 00:07:09.779 --> 00:07:11.079 And his exaltation. 00:07:11.519 --> 00:07:12.779 They guarantee it. 00:07:13.839 --> 00:07:15.859 The prophets of the Old Testament. 00:07:16.199 --> 00:07:19.079 They spoke about his coronation. 00:07:19.659 --> 00:07:21.339 The coronation of God's King. 00:07:22.419 --> 00:07:23.719 Jesus preached it. 00:07:23.720 --> 00:07:26.020 And following his resurrection. 00:07:26.900 --> 00:07:28.200 The early preachers. 00:07:28.520 --> 00:07:31.340 The disciples and the apostles spoke about it as well. 00:07:32.420 --> 00:07:34.280 So if you go to the first ever Christian sermon. 00:07:34.400 --> 00:07:36.020 You will find Peter there in Acts 2. 00:07:36.360 --> 00:07:37.820 Speaking about the resurrection. 00:07:39.060 --> 00:07:39.760 Of Jesus. 00:07:40.280 --> 00:07:41.260 And his coronation. 00:07:41.620 --> 00:07:43.780 And the conclusion of that sermon in Acts 2. 00:07:43.860 --> 00:07:44.260 Is this. 00:07:44.259 --> 00:07:46.620 Let all the house of Israel. 00:07:46.819 --> 00:07:48.060 Therefore know for certain. 00:07:48.439 --> 00:07:50.699 That God has made him both Lord. 00:07:51.159 --> 00:07:51.920 And Christ. 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:52.759 Lord and King. 00:07:53.839 --> 00:07:55.360 This Jesus who will be you crucified. 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:57.699 Is now crowned Lord and King. 00:07:59.379 --> 00:08:01.599 In fact the apostle Paul talked about his coronation. 00:08:01.740 --> 00:08:02.019 Didn't he? 00:08:02.719 --> 00:08:05.199 That God has highly exalted him. 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:08.199 And given him the name that is from every name. 00:08:08.439 --> 00:08:09.339 That at the name of Jesus. 00:08:09.480 --> 00:08:10.360 Every knee should bow. 00:08:10.439 --> 00:08:11.379 And every tongue confess. 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:12.659 That Jesus Christ is Lord. 00:08:13.839 --> 00:08:15.199 The key point is this. 00:08:15.439 --> 00:08:16.680 There are two certainties. 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:19.019 And certainty number one. 00:08:19.060 --> 00:08:20.319 Is there will be a delay. 00:08:21.500 --> 00:08:22.959 We live in days of delay. 00:08:24.420 --> 00:08:24.759 Certainly. 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:25.680 Certainty number two. 00:08:25.759 --> 00:08:26.819 Is also there in verse 12. 00:08:27.120 --> 00:08:28.959 Which outlines the action of the parable. 00:08:29.240 --> 00:08:30.079 Look at verse 12. 00:08:30.199 --> 00:08:30.939 Chapter 19. 00:08:30.939 --> 00:08:35.700 He said therefore. 00:08:35.779 --> 00:08:37.919 A noble man went into a far kingdom. 00:08:38.059 --> 00:08:39.379 To receive for himself a kingdom. 00:08:39.580 --> 00:08:40.559 And then return. 00:08:40.700 --> 00:08:41.559 Certainty number two. 00:08:41.840 --> 00:08:43.299 Is the return of Christ as King. 00:08:44.259 --> 00:08:45.980 The return of Christ as King. 00:08:46.179 --> 00:08:47.100 He is crowned. 00:08:49.559 --> 00:08:50.000 Notice. 00:08:50.679 --> 00:08:52.759 That some of the citizens hated him. 00:08:54.080 --> 00:08:56.019 They didn't want him to be king over them. 00:08:57.320 --> 00:08:59.419 And you read of that in verse 14. 00:08:59.419 --> 00:09:02.719 They hated him. 00:09:03.399 --> 00:09:05.839 We do not want this man to reign over us. 00:09:07.839 --> 00:09:10.379 And their demand is spelt out in verse 27. 00:09:11.379 --> 00:09:13.360 But as for these enemies of mine. 00:09:13.519 --> 00:09:15.819 Who did not want me to reign over them. 00:09:16.279 --> 00:09:18.000 Bring them here and slaughter them before me. 00:09:19.899 --> 00:09:21.899 So his certain return. 00:09:23.079 --> 00:09:24.919 In this parable is undeniable. 00:09:24.919 --> 00:09:28.199 He has been crowned king. 00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:30.500 He has been given a kingdom. 00:09:31.639 --> 00:09:33.759 He will return in power. 00:09:33.899 --> 00:09:35.539 To usher in his kingdom. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:37.860 And once again. 00:09:37.979 --> 00:09:39.519 That has been the theme of the whole section. 00:09:39.639 --> 00:09:39.959 Of Luke. 00:09:41.139 --> 00:09:43.399 If you look at this kind of outer layers. 00:09:44.259 --> 00:09:45.299 Of Jesus teaching. 00:09:45.399 --> 00:09:46.860 That Luke has arranged for us. 00:09:47.079 --> 00:09:48.599 We find that chapter 17. 00:09:49.059 --> 00:09:50.599 It is all about the return of Christ. 00:09:50.659 --> 00:09:51.620 So just flip back there again. 00:09:51.699 --> 00:09:53.279 Chapter 17 and verse 24. 00:09:53.279 --> 00:09:58.059 For as the lightning flashes. 00:09:58.240 --> 00:09:59.120 And lights up the sky. 00:09:59.199 --> 00:10:00.139 From one side to the other. 00:10:00.220 --> 00:10:01.279 So will the son of man be. 00:10:01.480 --> 00:10:03.779 In his day. 00:10:05.079 --> 00:10:06.220 Then verse 26. 00:10:07.079 --> 00:10:08.500 Just as it was in the days of Noah. 00:10:08.759 --> 00:10:10.079 So will it be. 00:10:10.659 --> 00:10:11.720 In the days. 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:13.419 Of the son of man. 00:10:13.659 --> 00:10:14.579 They were eating and drinking. 00:10:14.679 --> 00:10:15.019 And marrying. 00:10:15.120 --> 00:10:16.059 And being given in marriage. 00:10:16.159 --> 00:10:17.799 Until the day when Noah entered the ark. 00:10:17.819 --> 00:10:18.439 And the flood came. 00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:19.620 And destroyed them all. 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:23.620 So if you remember the service in that passage. 00:10:23.700 --> 00:10:24.240 What do we see? 00:10:24.460 --> 00:10:25.179 We saw that. 00:10:25.480 --> 00:10:27.360 The return of Christ will be unmistakable. 00:10:27.460 --> 00:10:28.320 When Jesus comes. 00:10:28.560 --> 00:10:29.419 You're not going to miss it. 00:10:31.019 --> 00:10:32.539 Clearly it hasn't happened yet. 00:10:32.679 --> 00:10:33.779 Of course it hasn't happened yet. 00:10:34.019 --> 00:10:35.340 It will be cataclysmic. 00:10:35.580 --> 00:10:36.360 It will be. 00:10:36.899 --> 00:10:37.759 The end. 00:10:37.899 --> 00:10:38.899 It will be decisive. 00:10:39.220 --> 00:10:40.560 And it will be divisive. 00:10:40.559 --> 00:10:44.919 And as he judges his enemies. 00:10:45.099 --> 00:10:46.379 He will welcome his friends. 00:10:46.759 --> 00:10:47.519 And once again. 00:10:47.619 --> 00:10:48.819 This return of Christ. 00:10:48.979 --> 00:10:50.419 It is fundamental. 00:10:51.079 --> 00:10:52.899 To the teaching of New Testament Christianity. 00:10:54.659 --> 00:10:55.539 It is fundamental. 00:10:55.539 --> 00:10:57.059 To the teaching of the Old Testament. 00:10:58.439 --> 00:10:59.359 It is fundamental. 00:10:59.359 --> 00:11:00.739 To the teaching of Jesus. 00:11:00.979 --> 00:11:01.819 In his own instruction. 00:11:03.379 --> 00:11:03.959 Jesus says. 00:11:03.959 --> 00:11:06.219 All authority has been given to me. 00:11:07.919 --> 00:11:08.699 Jesus said. 00:11:08.799 --> 00:11:09.799 The father judges no one. 00:11:09.799 --> 00:11:12.379 But has entrusted all his judgment to the son. 00:11:13.659 --> 00:11:14.399 The hour will come. 00:11:14.459 --> 00:11:15.779 When those who are in their graves. 00:11:15.899 --> 00:11:17.000 Will hear his voice. 00:11:17.359 --> 00:11:18.219 And come out. 00:11:18.500 --> 00:11:19.159 Into judgment. 00:11:21.019 --> 00:11:22.620 Go to the grave yard this afternoon. 00:11:24.839 --> 00:11:26.319 Enjoy the beautiful day. 00:11:27.539 --> 00:11:28.899 And look at the graves. 00:11:29.779 --> 00:11:32.000 And one day the bodies will come out of those graves. 00:11:34.819 --> 00:11:36.359 You find the return of Christ. 00:11:36.859 --> 00:11:37.719 When you come into Acts. 00:11:37.720 --> 00:11:40.500 You find Paul preaching about it. 00:11:40.540 --> 00:11:41.720 You find Peter preaching about it. 00:11:41.940 --> 00:11:43.040 And the New Testament letters. 00:11:43.160 --> 00:11:43.940 They are full of it. 00:11:46.100 --> 00:11:47.379 So the apostle says. 00:11:47.879 --> 00:11:49.019 That God has fixed a day. 00:11:49.060 --> 00:11:49.980 When he will judge the world. 00:11:50.080 --> 00:11:51.040 By the man he has appointed. 00:11:51.200 --> 00:11:52.620 He has given evidence of this judgment. 00:11:52.960 --> 00:11:54.740 By raising that man from the dead. 00:11:54.740 --> 00:11:59.659 The message of the resurrection. 00:11:59.659 --> 00:12:01.200 The resurrection is judgment is coming. 00:12:02.879 --> 00:12:04.399 So there are two certainties. 00:12:05.340 --> 00:12:06.419 There is a coronation. 00:12:07.899 --> 00:12:08.779 And a delay. 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:11.180 And a certain return. 00:12:11.899 --> 00:12:12.620 That is three actually. 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:12.840 Is it? 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:15.399 God will call it three. 00:12:17.240 --> 00:12:18.440 And on that return. 00:12:18.899 --> 00:12:19.740 Well there is a fourth. 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:21.320 There will be a judgment of the living and the dead. 00:12:21.320 --> 00:12:24.760 So what does that say to you? 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:27.020 What does that say to you? 00:12:27.080 --> 00:12:27.660 It says to you this. 00:12:27.760 --> 00:12:29.180 You are not just bumbling around. 00:12:32.300 --> 00:12:34.660 Life is not some sort of endless cycle. 00:12:34.940 --> 00:12:35.640 Going nowhere. 00:12:36.980 --> 00:12:37.900 You are not lost. 00:12:38.100 --> 00:12:39.180 Meandering through time. 00:12:39.420 --> 00:12:41.240 There is a fixed point at the beginning. 00:12:41.780 --> 00:12:44.080 And there is a fixed point at the end. 00:12:44.080 --> 00:12:45.180 And at the end. 00:12:45.360 --> 00:12:46.920 Christ will return. 00:12:47.360 --> 00:12:48.840 With the blast of a trumpet. 00:12:50.320 --> 00:12:51.940 The dead will be raised. 00:12:53.200 --> 00:12:54.820 And then will come judgment. 00:12:56.560 --> 00:12:59.759 And just as Jesus appeared in history. 00:13:00.180 --> 00:13:01.879 And the evidence is there. 00:13:03.980 --> 00:13:05.160 He came once. 00:13:05.220 --> 00:13:06.200 So we can trust that. 00:13:06.800 --> 00:13:08.040 He will keep his word again. 00:13:09.160 --> 00:13:10.320 And he will come again. 00:13:10.320 --> 00:13:13.240 Because if he came once. 00:13:13.320 --> 00:13:14.300 In fulfillment. 00:13:15.040 --> 00:13:16.860 Of all the prophecies of the Old Testament. 00:13:17.560 --> 00:13:19.140 And kept his word once. 00:13:19.140 --> 00:13:20.140 How much more. 00:13:21.220 --> 00:13:22.540 Would he not come a second time. 00:13:23.820 --> 00:13:25.540 And we can be certain. 00:13:25.760 --> 00:13:26.520 That it will happen. 00:13:27.760 --> 00:13:30.080 So if you believe in the first coming of Christ. 00:13:30.240 --> 00:13:31.620 Evidence in the gospel accounts. 00:13:31.920 --> 00:13:32.940 You can believe. 00:13:33.100 --> 00:13:34.420 In the second coming of Christ. 00:13:36.180 --> 00:13:38.060 It may sound a little bit over dramatic. 00:13:38.280 --> 00:13:38.860 But it's true. 00:13:40.320 --> 00:13:41.700 He has fixed the day. 00:13:41.940 --> 00:13:43.320 When he will judge the world. 00:13:43.400 --> 00:13:44.540 By the man he has appointed. 00:13:44.960 --> 00:13:46.460 He has given evidence of this judgment. 00:13:46.580 --> 00:13:48.620 By raising that man from the dead. 00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:49.900 On that day. 00:13:50.000 --> 00:13:51.760 The dead will rise from their tools. 00:13:52.879 --> 00:13:54.280 When the Lord Jesus returns. 00:13:54.280 --> 00:13:55.960 With the trumpet blast. 00:13:56.060 --> 00:13:58.520 The graves will give up their bodies. 00:13:59.260 --> 00:14:00.080 By the Lord Jesus. 00:14:00.800 --> 00:14:03.100 Now all of the timing is there in verse 12. 00:14:04.260 --> 00:14:05.560 Which we just explained. 00:14:06.920 --> 00:14:07.720 He said therefore. 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:09.700 A nobleman went into a far country. 00:14:09.779 --> 00:14:11.160 To receive for himself a kingdom. 00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:12.200 And then. 00:14:13.040 --> 00:14:13.680 Returned. 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:17.920 And the centre part of the section of Luke's gospel. 00:14:18.040 --> 00:14:19.000 Has been about the kingdom. 00:14:20.120 --> 00:14:21.500 So think about what we've learned. 00:14:21.560 --> 00:14:22.820 Over these last number of weeks. 00:14:22.879 --> 00:14:23.519 In chapter 18. 00:14:23.620 --> 00:14:24.899 And the start of chapter 19. 00:14:25.279 --> 00:14:26.860 With all these characters. 00:14:28.360 --> 00:14:29.360 It's been saying to you. 00:14:29.360 --> 00:14:30.580 The kingdom has come. 00:14:30.660 --> 00:14:31.820 The kingdom is coming. 00:14:32.400 --> 00:14:34.220 The kingdom is available to enter. 00:14:35.940 --> 00:14:36.780 So currently. 00:14:36.980 --> 00:14:38.680 We live in the midst of these two times. 00:14:38.820 --> 00:14:40.460 We live in the now. 00:14:40.660 --> 00:14:42.000 But there's a not yet to come. 00:14:43.040 --> 00:14:44.180 And so what you've got to do now. 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:46.660 Is make sure that you enter the kingdom of God. 00:14:46.800 --> 00:14:48.120 It is available to you. 00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:50.680 We live in a period of time. 00:14:50.879 --> 00:14:52.800 Where Jesus summons us. 00:14:53.260 --> 00:14:54.980 To enter the kingdom of God. 00:14:54.980 --> 00:14:57.639 So do you remember that? 00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:00.899 Do you remember Zacchaeus last week. 00:15:00.920 --> 00:15:01.539 Up that tree. 00:15:01.899 --> 00:15:02.779 Hurry down. 00:15:03.680 --> 00:15:04.500 Hurry down. 00:15:04.659 --> 00:15:06.279 I must stay at your house. 00:15:06.580 --> 00:15:06.960 Tonight. 00:15:07.139 --> 00:15:08.379 And Zacchaeus hurries down. 00:15:08.700 --> 00:15:09.940 And the man enters the kingdom. 00:15:11.399 --> 00:15:11.759 Do you remember. 00:15:11.960 --> 00:15:13.060 Blind Bartimaeus. 00:15:13.940 --> 00:15:15.320 Son of David. 00:15:16.680 --> 00:15:18.659 Have mercy on me. 00:15:19.460 --> 00:15:19.940 Lord. 00:15:20.100 --> 00:15:21.240 I want to see. 00:15:21.360 --> 00:15:22.220 And he receives his sight. 00:15:22.320 --> 00:15:23.000 He enters the kingdom. 00:15:23.000 --> 00:15:25.500 Do you remember the Pharisee. 00:15:25.539 --> 00:15:26.299 The tax collector. 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:27.139 The tax collector. 00:15:27.299 --> 00:15:28.179 Stands at a distance. 00:15:28.279 --> 00:15:28.620 And he says. 00:15:28.700 --> 00:15:30.220 Lord be merciful to me. 00:15:30.559 --> 00:15:31.139 The sinner. 00:15:31.620 --> 00:15:32.200 And Jesus says. 00:15:32.240 --> 00:15:32.860 I tell you. 00:15:32.919 --> 00:15:33.899 That that man. 00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:34.639 Not the other one. 00:15:34.679 --> 00:15:35.419 Went home justified. 00:15:35.539 --> 00:15:36.620 He entered the kingdom of God. 00:15:40.059 --> 00:15:40.820 We live. 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:41.980 In the period of time. 00:15:43.379 --> 00:15:44.940 Where we can enter the kingdom of God. 00:15:47.139 --> 00:15:48.200 Let's move from the timing. 00:15:48.379 --> 00:15:49.580 And the delay in which we live. 00:15:50.059 --> 00:15:50.899 It's vital to know. 00:15:51.240 --> 00:15:52.200 The days in which we live. 00:15:52.279 --> 00:15:52.980 Because it enables. 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:53.820 Us to live right. 00:15:55.580 --> 00:15:56.320 So two. 00:15:56.519 --> 00:15:57.899 Two certainties. 00:15:58.120 --> 00:15:59.000 There is a delay. 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:01.000 And the kingdom is coming. 00:16:02.539 --> 00:16:03.620 And one priority. 00:16:04.820 --> 00:16:05.659 And the one priority. 00:16:05.799 --> 00:16:06.360 Is very simple. 00:16:06.460 --> 00:16:06.720 Is this. 00:16:06.799 --> 00:16:07.799 We are to maximize. 00:16:08.299 --> 00:16:09.039 Our resources. 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:10.740 In the service. 00:16:10.919 --> 00:16:11.320 Of the king. 00:16:12.379 --> 00:16:13.559 We are to maximize. 00:16:13.559 --> 00:16:14.580 Our resources. 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:16.539 In service. 00:16:16.779 --> 00:16:17.100 Of the king. 00:16:17.179 --> 00:16:18.419 So here's the aim of today's sermon. 00:16:19.379 --> 00:16:20.340 On today's passage. 00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:21.340 It is that we maximize. 00:16:21.340 --> 00:16:22.259 Our resources. 00:16:22.660 --> 00:16:23.259 In service. 00:16:23.820 --> 00:16:24.340 Of the king. 00:16:24.379 --> 00:16:25.259 And that much is clear. 00:16:25.600 --> 00:16:26.980 From the command of the nobleman. 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:30.259 From his commendation of the servants. 00:16:31.060 --> 00:16:32.639 And from his condemnation of the wicked. 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:35.519 So let's look at the command of the nobleman. 00:16:35.580 --> 00:16:36.679 Look at verse 13. 00:16:37.299 --> 00:16:38.259 Calling ten of his servants. 00:16:38.379 --> 00:16:39.879 He gave them ten minas. 00:16:40.860 --> 00:16:41.559 And said to them. 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:43.659 Engage in business until I come. 00:16:43.720 --> 00:16:45.460 Or put this money to work until I come. 00:16:46.600 --> 00:16:48.019 Verse 15 tells us. 00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:49.419 That when he did return. 00:16:49.639 --> 00:16:51.159 Having received the kingdom. 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:53.360 He ordered the servants. 00:16:53.460 --> 00:16:56.179 To whom he had given the money to. 00:16:56.179 --> 00:16:56.899 Be called to him. 00:16:57.139 --> 00:16:58.000 That he might know. 00:16:58.179 --> 00:16:58.799 What they gained. 00:16:58.879 --> 00:17:00.000 By doing business. 00:17:00.399 --> 00:17:01.659 Now this is our parable. 00:17:02.359 --> 00:17:03.079 This is a parable. 00:17:03.179 --> 00:17:03.799 For those of us. 00:17:03.959 --> 00:17:04.440 In London. 00:17:05.839 --> 00:17:07.419 It's about maximizing. 00:17:07.720 --> 00:17:08.639 The investment. 00:17:09.319 --> 00:17:10.399 That has been entrusted. 00:17:10.700 --> 00:17:11.200 To us. 00:17:11.839 --> 00:17:13.740 And there is an expectation. 00:17:14.240 --> 00:17:14.980 In this command. 00:17:15.039 --> 00:17:16.179 That you'll do something with it. 00:17:16.659 --> 00:17:17.539 But there's also. 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:18.319 And do hear me here. 00:17:18.399 --> 00:17:19.319 There's great privilege. 00:17:20.379 --> 00:17:21.619 There's great privilege. 00:17:21.919 --> 00:17:22.919 That we are children. 00:17:23.059 --> 00:17:24.079 Of the kingdom of God. 00:17:24.079 --> 00:17:24.159 God. 00:17:26.439 --> 00:17:26.879 I. 00:17:27.639 --> 00:17:29.319 As a privileged child. 00:17:29.419 --> 00:17:30.259 Of the kingdom of God. 00:17:30.480 --> 00:17:30.839 I. 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:31.659 As a kids. 00:17:32.019 --> 00:17:32.359 You. 00:17:32.480 --> 00:17:33.759 A blind Bartimaeus. 00:17:33.980 --> 00:17:34.419 You. 00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:35.460 A tax collector. 00:17:35.720 --> 00:17:37.879 Have entered into the kingdom of God. 00:17:38.559 --> 00:17:39.759 And we are to engage. 00:17:39.819 --> 00:17:40.579 Our resources. 00:17:40.819 --> 00:17:41.619 In this period. 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:42.899 In this time of business. 00:17:43.899 --> 00:17:44.819 Of King Jesus. 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:45.720 We are commissioned. 00:17:45.720 --> 00:17:46.419 If we like. 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:49.079 And I hope. 00:17:49.199 --> 00:17:49.779 As we read this. 00:17:49.819 --> 00:17:50.720 As we understand this power. 00:17:50.799 --> 00:17:51.519 And you feel. 00:17:51.639 --> 00:17:52.519 That extraordinary. 00:17:53.199 --> 00:17:53.679 Extraordinary. 00:17:53.680 --> 00:17:54.600 Privilege. 00:17:56.100 --> 00:17:57.420 The danger is. 00:17:57.820 --> 00:17:59.340 We think this is terribly worrying. 00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:02.019 And you know. 00:18:02.120 --> 00:18:02.279 Well. 00:18:02.299 --> 00:18:03.480 I'm going to be called to account. 00:18:04.279 --> 00:18:05.279 And I'm done very much. 00:18:06.080 --> 00:18:06.900 But this is. 00:18:07.100 --> 00:18:07.900 Tremendous privilege. 00:18:09.560 --> 00:18:10.200 A minor. 00:18:10.620 --> 00:18:11.380 Was the equivalent. 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:12.360 Of three months wages. 00:18:13.740 --> 00:18:15.060 So take your monthly. 00:18:15.060 --> 00:18:15.820 Pay salary. 00:18:15.980 --> 00:18:17.180 Think about whatever that is. 00:18:18.519 --> 00:18:19.299 And triple it. 00:18:20.140 --> 00:18:20.880 I don't want that. 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:22.360 I don't know what that comes out of. 00:18:22.359 --> 00:18:23.459 As it's none of my business. 00:18:23.619 --> 00:18:23.979 I'm not. 00:18:23.979 --> 00:18:25.399 I'm not particularly interested in it. 00:18:25.699 --> 00:18:26.500 In what that is. 00:18:27.399 --> 00:18:29.079 But think of your monthly pay package. 00:18:29.159 --> 00:18:29.659 And triple it. 00:18:30.979 --> 00:18:32.179 And each servant. 00:18:32.959 --> 00:18:35.059 Is graciously entrusted with it. 00:18:36.019 --> 00:18:37.799 It's a share in the master's business. 00:18:38.839 --> 00:18:40.779 And the master is a noble man. 00:18:40.979 --> 00:18:42.559 Who is often crowned king. 00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:44.480 And now they are being trusted. 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:45.519 With the king's business. 00:18:45.679 --> 00:18:46.079 If you like. 00:18:46.440 --> 00:18:48.179 On his majesty's service. 00:18:49.319 --> 00:18:50.839 And a substantial part. 00:18:50.919 --> 00:18:52.419 Of his kingdom. 00:18:52.579 --> 00:18:53.879 Is entrusted to that individual. 00:18:54.220 --> 00:18:54.940 So here you are. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:55.659 Trusted with it. 00:18:56.139 --> 00:18:56.799 Put it to work. 00:18:57.960 --> 00:18:59.399 And it's the idea of privilege. 00:19:00.740 --> 00:19:01.839 Surely meant to be there. 00:19:03.740 --> 00:19:05.679 Think of the day you first qualified. 00:19:05.680 --> 00:19:10.080 And you wore your new clothes into work. 00:19:10.279 --> 00:19:11.140 If you did qualify. 00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:13.640 You went to the job that you got. 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:14.320 Think about that time. 00:19:14.360 --> 00:19:15.620 Where you got the job. 00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:17.460 Think about that time. 00:19:17.600 --> 00:19:19.779 Where you went into the boss's office. 00:19:19.880 --> 00:19:20.380 And you didn't know what. 00:19:20.400 --> 00:19:21.380 And he gave you a pay rise. 00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:22.019 And you left. 00:19:22.100 --> 00:19:23.480 Just feeling that little bit taller. 00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:25.340 Think about the time. 00:19:25.380 --> 00:19:25.920 You got your degree. 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:26.580 You got a degree. 00:19:27.860 --> 00:19:29.060 And you walked on stage. 00:19:29.180 --> 00:19:30.420 How pleased you were. 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:31.500 What an honour. 00:19:32.420 --> 00:19:33.079 What a privilege. 00:19:33.920 --> 00:19:35.480 Think about that time in school kids. 00:19:35.599 --> 00:19:37.819 When you got the sticker. 00:19:38.440 --> 00:19:40.099 Or you were made star of the week. 00:19:40.740 --> 00:19:42.640 Or you became a prefect. 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:42.920 Isn't it? 00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:44.500 Made a prefect with a giant badge. 00:19:44.680 --> 00:19:45.140 I've seen that. 00:19:45.279 --> 00:19:47.059 Think about how you felt like that. 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.299 The privilege. 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:48.720 The honour. 00:19:49.079 --> 00:19:50.680 And now the one who is crowned king. 00:19:50.839 --> 00:19:51.119 Says. 00:19:51.539 --> 00:19:52.420 There's going to be a delay. 00:19:52.539 --> 00:19:53.539 But you servants. 00:19:53.880 --> 00:19:54.640 Here you are. 00:19:54.960 --> 00:19:56.339 You do my business. 00:19:57.420 --> 00:19:59.119 You're in his majesty's service. 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:01.000 And the point is. 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:02.819 Reinforced with the commendation. 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:04.700 Look at verse 16 to 19. 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:07.220 The first came before him. 00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:07.440 And said. 00:20:07.500 --> 00:20:07.660 Lord. 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:10.700 Your minor has made 10 minors more. 00:20:12.400 --> 00:20:13.500 10 minors more. 00:20:14.880 --> 00:20:15.440 And he said to him. 00:20:15.440 --> 00:20:16.519 Well done good servant. 00:20:16.900 --> 00:20:18.359 Because you've been faithful in the very little. 00:20:18.680 --> 00:20:21.119 You shall have authority over 10 cities. 00:20:21.359 --> 00:20:22.099 I love that. 00:20:22.140 --> 00:20:22.400 Don't you? 00:20:23.400 --> 00:20:24.519 So think about it. 00:20:25.319 --> 00:20:27.079 Three months wages. 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:29.019 And 10 cities. 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:31.359 What kind of return is that? 00:20:32.059 --> 00:20:32.759 Work it out. 00:20:34.500 --> 00:20:35.639 Three months wages. 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:37.160 And 10 Birmingham. 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:39.980 Or if you don't like Birmingham. 00:20:40.119 --> 00:20:41.059 Pick your own city. 00:20:41.859 --> 00:20:42.299 Lisbon. 00:20:42.680 --> 00:20:43.200 Or somewhere like that. 00:20:44.019 --> 00:20:44.480 Rio. 00:20:45.940 --> 00:20:46.980 Three months wages. 00:20:47.079 --> 00:20:47.460 What is that? 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:49.579 That kind of rate of bonus. 00:20:50.539 --> 00:20:51.099 Do the maths. 00:20:51.160 --> 00:20:52.039 What kind of return is it? 00:20:52.160 --> 00:20:53.259 Well the second man comes. 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:53.579 Does he? 00:20:53.579 --> 00:20:56.240 And verse 18 says. 00:20:56.399 --> 00:20:56.519 Say. 00:20:56.899 --> 00:20:57.159 Lord. 00:20:57.279 --> 00:20:59.819 Your minor has made five minors. 00:20:59.919 --> 00:21:00.579 And he said to him. 00:21:00.939 --> 00:21:02.919 You are to be over five cities. 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:05.259 It's a great privilege. 00:21:06.359 --> 00:21:07.480 We are expected to be faithful. 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:08.939 Faithfulness is commended. 00:21:09.319 --> 00:21:10.659 There will be a reward. 00:21:12.079 --> 00:21:12.659 And notice. 00:21:12.899 --> 00:21:16.480 The reward is out of all proportion. 00:21:17.539 --> 00:21:18.079 To the gift. 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:21.159 So Jesus knows. 00:21:21.419 --> 00:21:23.659 No austerity measures. 00:21:23.779 --> 00:21:24.039 Does he? 00:21:25.039 --> 00:21:26.139 Jesus knows. 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:27.659 No cutbacks. 00:21:28.699 --> 00:21:29.460 Jesus knows. 00:21:29.579 --> 00:21:30.279 No recession. 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:33.359 Jesus is the king of bonus time. 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:36.240 Jesus invented bonuses. 00:21:36.240 --> 00:21:40.019 And when we finish this earthly race. 00:21:40.419 --> 00:21:41.419 There will be a reward. 00:21:41.539 --> 00:21:42.799 For those who serve the Lord. 00:21:42.919 --> 00:21:44.240 Out of all proportion. 00:21:45.500 --> 00:21:46.179 To the service. 00:21:46.180 --> 00:21:46.700 Now. 00:21:47.019 --> 00:21:49.240 We mustn't tie ourselves in knots on this. 00:21:49.400 --> 00:21:49.480 Alright. 00:21:50.759 --> 00:21:52.360 This does not compromise. 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:54.160 Everything we've been learning. 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:55.320 About salvation being a gift. 00:21:55.400 --> 00:21:56.000 It isn't. 00:21:56.019 --> 00:21:56.980 Doesn't compromise that. 00:21:57.340 --> 00:21:58.420 We saw last week. 00:21:58.940 --> 00:22:00.120 That the call of salvation. 00:22:00.299 --> 00:22:01.580 The call to enter the kingdom. 00:22:02.100 --> 00:22:03.539 Comes unconditionally. 00:22:03.860 --> 00:22:05.120 By grace. 00:22:05.320 --> 00:22:06.660 And it's totally undeserved. 00:22:07.360 --> 00:22:08.660 And the minor was also a gift. 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:08.980 Wasn't it? 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:09.720 Verse 13. 00:22:10.680 --> 00:22:11.920 He gave them ten minors. 00:22:12.160 --> 00:22:13.140 So these men. 00:22:13.140 --> 00:22:14.720 Have been brought into God's kingdom. 00:22:15.039 --> 00:22:15.940 By grace. 00:22:15.940 --> 00:22:17.640 By God's undeserved kindness. 00:22:18.100 --> 00:22:19.440 Zacchaeus came down. 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:21.039 Blind Bartimaeus. 00:22:21.100 --> 00:22:21.900 His eyes opened. 00:22:22.900 --> 00:22:24.440 These guys have been entrusted. 00:22:25.700 --> 00:22:27.380 By the king's grace. 00:22:27.500 --> 00:22:28.279 By the king's possessions. 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:30.259 He gave them a minor reach. 00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:32.279 And these men are rewarded. 00:22:32.400 --> 00:22:33.559 Beyond imagination. 00:22:33.920 --> 00:22:34.640 By grace. 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:36.759 To be in charge of ten cities. 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:38.220 And the king. 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:39.799 But the king however. 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:43.319 Is expecting faithful service. 00:22:45.400 --> 00:22:46.440 When he's gone. 00:22:47.619 --> 00:22:49.720 And he does reward the faithful accordingly. 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:52.140 Augustine puts it like this. 00:22:52.680 --> 00:22:54.240 God rewards not our merits. 00:22:54.359 --> 00:22:55.240 But his grace. 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:57.940 So the command of the nobleman. 00:22:58.019 --> 00:22:59.400 And the commendation of the faithful. 00:22:59.400 --> 00:23:01.160 Both underlie for us. 00:23:01.160 --> 00:23:02.780 One key priority. 00:23:03.320 --> 00:23:05.680 To maximise our resources. 00:23:06.040 --> 00:23:07.420 In the service of the master. 00:23:09.860 --> 00:23:11.660 A friend of mine refers to this. 00:23:12.080 --> 00:23:14.320 A kind of Christian family judgment. 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:16.819 As prize giving. 00:23:17.419 --> 00:23:18.079 I quite like that. 00:23:19.439 --> 00:23:20.899 This Christian family judgment. 00:23:21.939 --> 00:23:23.099 Will be like prize giving. 00:23:24.299 --> 00:23:25.559 Well done faithful servant. 00:23:26.659 --> 00:23:29.000 Now some of you will immediately beat yourself up. 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:30.179 Because you're of that temperament. 00:23:30.839 --> 00:23:31.159 And you'll think. 00:23:31.200 --> 00:23:32.000 I haven't done very much. 00:23:33.079 --> 00:23:35.359 My reward will be a tiny flat. 00:23:35.359 --> 00:23:38.359 In little snod grove under the motorway. 00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:38.599 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:41.460 I bet I get Lewisham. 00:23:41.460 --> 00:23:46.680 Now let me say this. 00:23:46.700 --> 00:23:46.980 Hear me. 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:47.400 Alright. 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:50.220 You have done far more. 00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:52.440 You have done far more. 00:23:52.500 --> 00:23:53.460 Than you ever will realise. 00:23:55.500 --> 00:23:56.600 Let me take you to Jesus. 00:23:56.700 --> 00:23:57.900 Other teaching on this subject. 00:23:59.039 --> 00:23:59.720 Jesus said this. 00:23:59.779 --> 00:24:00.620 In so far. 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:02.360 As you give a drink. 00:24:05.200 --> 00:24:06.539 To this my disciple. 00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:08.539 You give it to me. 00:24:10.100 --> 00:24:11.100 Ever gone to the tap. 00:24:11.099 --> 00:24:11.899 And given someone a drink. 00:24:14.139 --> 00:24:15.539 And some of us will be sitting there. 00:24:15.579 --> 00:24:15.740 Thinking. 00:24:15.839 --> 00:24:16.159 Oh yeah. 00:24:16.219 --> 00:24:16.859 I won't get anything. 00:24:16.959 --> 00:24:18.000 There will be no reward for me. 00:24:19.059 --> 00:24:20.079 You've done far more. 00:24:21.559 --> 00:24:22.419 You've done far more. 00:24:22.459 --> 00:24:23.559 Than you will ever imagine. 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.759 And I love it. 00:24:24.819 --> 00:24:25.299 I love it. 00:24:25.339 --> 00:24:26.219 That nothing is forgotten. 00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:27.819 And nothing is unnoticed. 00:24:28.099 --> 00:24:29.219 And everything is rewarded. 00:24:30.319 --> 00:24:31.219 Nothing is forgotten. 00:24:31.799 --> 00:24:33.019 Nothing is unnoticed. 00:24:33.359 --> 00:24:34.359 Everything is rewarded. 00:24:36.139 --> 00:24:37.079 Nothing is forgotten. 00:24:37.579 --> 00:24:38.799 Nothing is unnoticed. 00:24:39.119 --> 00:24:39.959 Everything is rewarded. 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:40.100 It's unnoticed. 00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:43.700 The prayer is noticed. 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:44.460 And rewarded. 00:24:45.299 --> 00:24:46.559 The friendly word. 00:24:47.319 --> 00:24:48.079 The text. 00:24:48.400 --> 00:24:48.900 The email. 00:24:49.140 --> 00:24:50.180 Everything noticed. 00:24:50.340 --> 00:24:50.759 And rewarded. 00:24:50.759 --> 00:24:52.779 It's so unlike our earthly masters. 00:24:52.940 --> 00:24:53.180 Isn't it? 00:24:54.779 --> 00:24:55.460 Isn't it? 00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:56.660 Your boss. 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.160 Claiming credit. 00:24:58.319 --> 00:24:59.579 For your hard work. 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:03.680 No slogging away at a project. 00:25:04.019 --> 00:25:05.220 When it's not even noticed. 00:25:05.720 --> 00:25:06.980 No spending months. 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:07.940 Working on something. 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:09.680 Only for the project to be shut down. 00:25:11.720 --> 00:25:12.599 With the Lord Jesus. 00:25:12.700 --> 00:25:13.360 I'll be none of that. 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:15.700 Nothing is forgotten. 00:25:16.920 --> 00:25:17.799 Everything noticed. 00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:18.900 Everything rewarded. 00:25:19.099 --> 00:25:20.579 And everything worth it. 00:25:20.579 --> 00:25:25.000 But if the command. 00:25:25.000 --> 00:25:25.480 And the command. 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:26.759 Commendations. 00:25:26.879 --> 00:25:27.759 You use the kind of American. 00:25:28.679 --> 00:25:29.679 What they do is. 00:25:29.740 --> 00:25:30.960 They incentivize us. 00:25:31.019 --> 00:25:31.319 Don't they? 00:25:31.839 --> 00:25:33.079 They incentivize us. 00:25:33.439 --> 00:25:34.099 Incentivize us. 00:25:34.359 --> 00:25:36.059 To maximize our resources. 00:25:36.059 --> 00:25:39.059 But so does the condemnation. 00:25:41.079 --> 00:25:42.000 The condemnation. 00:25:42.139 --> 00:25:43.039 The indolent man. 00:25:44.839 --> 00:25:46.000 So I want to say to you this. 00:25:46.059 --> 00:25:47.500 This man does not know Jesus. 00:25:48.799 --> 00:25:51.220 This man does not know Jesus at all. 00:25:51.379 --> 00:25:52.339 The last servant. 00:25:52.639 --> 00:25:54.960 Has totally missed the point entirely. 00:25:55.339 --> 00:25:57.419 He does not know the master's character. 00:25:58.940 --> 00:25:59.779 And so when he comes. 00:25:59.859 --> 00:26:00.179 He says. 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:00.919 Can you believe this? 00:26:00.960 --> 00:26:01.279 Look at it. 00:26:01.339 --> 00:26:02.279 It's just remarkable. 00:26:02.379 --> 00:26:02.559 Isn't it? 00:26:02.579 --> 00:26:03.099 Verse 20. 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:04.179 Then another came. 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:04.379 Saying. 00:26:04.380 --> 00:26:05.480 The Lord here is your miner. 00:26:05.540 --> 00:26:06.620 Which I kept laid away. 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:08.500 In a handkerchief. 00:26:10.140 --> 00:26:11.940 And then this is the most incredible thing. 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:12.160 He said. 00:26:12.360 --> 00:26:14.120 Because you are a severe man. 00:26:15.360 --> 00:26:16.420 You do not. 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:18.520 You take what you did not deposit. 00:26:18.660 --> 00:26:20.480 And you reap what you did not sow. 00:26:20.480 --> 00:26:22.420 Does that sound like the Lord Jesus to you? 00:26:25.100 --> 00:26:26.920 The master gave him. 00:26:27.140 --> 00:26:28.200 He's not a severe man. 00:26:29.640 --> 00:26:33.180 He fails to understand the master's business. 00:26:34.380 --> 00:26:37.940 You take what you did not deposit. 00:26:38.420 --> 00:26:41.100 And you reap what you do not sow. 00:26:41.220 --> 00:26:42.220 Think about the story. 00:26:42.700 --> 00:26:43.760 Three miners. 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:45.340 Ten cities. 00:26:47.080 --> 00:26:50.580 Does that suggest taking what you did not deposit. 00:26:50.800 --> 00:26:52.280 And reaping what you did not sow? 00:26:52.279 --> 00:26:56.160 And he makes excuses. 00:26:56.160 --> 00:26:58.440 Only to cover up his own laziness. 00:27:00.160 --> 00:27:03.220 If he really did believe that the master was severe. 00:27:03.399 --> 00:27:04.779 And took what he did not deposit. 00:27:05.299 --> 00:27:05.799 Jesus says. 00:27:05.859 --> 00:27:06.420 Well you could have. 00:27:06.539 --> 00:27:08.579 You could have at least put it in the bank. 00:27:09.180 --> 00:27:10.759 You could have at least put it in the bank. 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:13.759 And got 0.0001 interest. 00:27:13.819 --> 00:27:14.839 Or whatever it is at the moment. 00:27:17.000 --> 00:27:17.559 Wouldn't he? 00:27:18.180 --> 00:27:19.759 His master sees right through him. 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:20.819 Right through him. 00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:23.779 And therefore he recognises him. 00:27:23.899 --> 00:27:25.000 As a wicked man. 00:27:25.000 --> 00:27:26.899 Who knows neither the master. 00:27:27.179 --> 00:27:29.799 Nor understands the master's business in the first place. 00:27:32.679 --> 00:27:34.419 And I guess that is Jesus isn't it? 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:35.359 Speaking into church. 00:27:36.559 --> 00:27:37.960 Speaking into church circles. 00:27:40.519 --> 00:27:41.519 People who have actually. 00:27:42.220 --> 00:27:43.759 Though they've mixed with Christians. 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:47.900 And though they've been around the business of Christianity. 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:50.500 They've maybe even. 00:27:50.980 --> 00:27:52.460 Been brought up in a Christian home. 00:27:52.759 --> 00:27:54.759 They've never come to know the Lord Jesus at all. 00:27:56.900 --> 00:27:57.920 And in some way or other. 00:27:58.059 --> 00:27:58.900 They are fraudsters. 00:28:02.500 --> 00:28:03.960 And so what begs the question. 00:28:04.039 --> 00:28:04.960 I wanted to be short this morning. 00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:06.980 This begs the question. 00:28:07.140 --> 00:28:08.299 What are the ten miners? 00:28:08.299 --> 00:28:11.079 What are the ten miners? 00:28:11.079 --> 00:28:12.079 Which we've been entrusted with. 00:28:12.220 --> 00:28:12.899 Trusted without. 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:13.980 And are put to work. 00:28:15.619 --> 00:28:16.579 What are the ten miners? 00:28:16.659 --> 00:28:17.839 With which we are to be faithful. 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:19.960 And from which he expects a return. 00:28:21.119 --> 00:28:23.359 And though the parable doesn't explicitly spell it out. 00:28:23.399 --> 00:28:24.460 The context does. 00:28:25.819 --> 00:28:27.399 Because what have we been speaking about? 00:28:27.460 --> 00:28:28.680 All the way through chapter 18. 00:28:28.799 --> 00:28:29.700 Back into chapter 17. 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:31.539 We've been speaking about the kingdom of God. 00:28:32.099 --> 00:28:33.539 From the start to the finish. 00:28:33.619 --> 00:28:34.759 And the central section. 00:28:34.759 --> 00:28:37.559 It is all about entry into the kingdom of God. 00:28:38.359 --> 00:28:41.259 And the message that enables somebody to enter in. 00:28:41.900 --> 00:28:43.440 And that is what verse 11 is about. 00:28:43.539 --> 00:28:44.379 It's about the delay. 00:28:44.839 --> 00:28:48.680 They suppose that the kingdom of God was about to appear immediately. 00:28:49.039 --> 00:28:50.319 This thing of great value. 00:28:50.680 --> 00:28:52.799 This precious gift that we've been looking at. 00:28:52.859 --> 00:28:54.579 All the way through chapter 18. 00:28:55.460 --> 00:28:57.799 Has been salvation for the helpless. 00:28:58.879 --> 00:29:00.960 As a result of the gospel being taught. 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:04.460 And that is the precious thing. 00:29:04.559 --> 00:29:05.819 With which we have been entrusted. 00:29:07.420 --> 00:29:09.460 Surely it is the work of God's kingdom. 00:29:10.660 --> 00:29:12.039 It is the announcement. 00:29:12.420 --> 00:29:13.319 Of the kingdom. 00:29:13.700 --> 00:29:14.440 That the gospel. 00:29:14.579 --> 00:29:15.100 The good news. 00:29:15.220 --> 00:29:15.759 Is available. 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:17.380 In that in between period. 00:29:17.579 --> 00:29:18.740 It's time to enter in. 00:29:20.299 --> 00:29:21.620 And people are entering the kingdom. 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:22.620 All the time. 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:23.740 And you. 00:29:24.000 --> 00:29:24.620 And I. 00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:26.279 Have been entrusted with that message. 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:27.319 This wonderful message. 00:29:27.600 --> 00:29:28.340 So Jesus says. 00:29:28.400 --> 00:29:28.980 Put it to work. 00:29:28.980 --> 00:29:30.980 Put it to work. 00:29:32.099 --> 00:29:33.460 And when he returns. 00:29:34.140 --> 00:29:36.240 He will be wanting to know how we've done. 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:42.680 Let me go through application if I can. 00:29:44.420 --> 00:29:46.700 Each of us has been given different opportunities. 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:50.000 The point of this parable. 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:50.839 Is not. 00:29:51.099 --> 00:29:51.759 Is not. 00:29:51.880 --> 00:29:52.319 Is not. 00:29:52.460 --> 00:29:53.720 You've been given gifts. 00:29:53.900 --> 00:29:54.539 As a. 00:29:55.720 --> 00:29:56.640 A banker. 00:29:56.640 --> 00:29:58.820 Or you've been given gifts. 00:29:58.920 --> 00:29:59.560 As a teacher. 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:01.660 And you must climb up the tree. 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:02.520 As far as you can. 00:30:02.580 --> 00:30:04.420 In order to maximize your potential. 00:30:05.320 --> 00:30:06.640 You've been given the minus. 00:30:07.220 --> 00:30:09.300 And you maximize your potential. 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:10.940 If that is how you. 00:30:11.120 --> 00:30:11.800 If you did it taught. 00:30:11.860 --> 00:30:12.220 That is by. 00:30:12.880 --> 00:30:13.460 Taught by. 00:30:13.500 --> 00:30:14.300 If you haven't really got a clue. 00:30:14.340 --> 00:30:15.160 What the parable is about. 00:30:15.420 --> 00:30:16.680 The point of the parable. 00:30:16.940 --> 00:30:17.740 Is not. 00:30:17.840 --> 00:30:19.480 That every single one of us. 00:30:19.580 --> 00:30:20.400 Should enter full time. 00:30:20.460 --> 00:30:21.400 Christian ministry either. 00:30:21.880 --> 00:30:22.860 And we should teach the Bible. 00:30:22.860 --> 00:30:23.320 For a living. 00:30:23.319 --> 00:30:26.019 The point of the parable is this. 00:30:26.200 --> 00:30:27.059 Every single one of us. 00:30:27.139 --> 00:30:27.919 Has been made differently. 00:30:29.519 --> 00:30:30.500 And each one of us. 00:30:30.559 --> 00:30:32.000 Has been given different circumstances. 00:30:33.079 --> 00:30:34.519 And we've been given different opportunities. 00:30:35.019 --> 00:30:36.879 We've been given different workplaces. 00:30:37.919 --> 00:30:39.319 We've been given different families. 00:30:40.319 --> 00:30:42.439 We've been given different schools to go to. 00:30:42.720 --> 00:30:44.460 We've been given different locations. 00:30:45.099 --> 00:30:46.599 And we are to maximize. 00:30:46.599 --> 00:30:47.740 The business. 00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:49.359 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:30:50.819 --> 00:30:52.659 Through seeing the gospel advance. 00:30:52.660 --> 00:30:55.720 Wherever he's put us. 00:30:56.200 --> 00:30:57.120 We're to do that. 00:30:58.740 --> 00:31:00.380 And nothing will be missed. 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:04.420 And there will be a glorious reward. 00:31:04.540 --> 00:31:06.160 Out of all proportion. 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:09.120 To whatever you think you might have achieved. 00:31:11.620 --> 00:31:12.400 So in work. 00:31:12.460 --> 00:31:14.060 You've been put in a position of seniority. 00:31:16.980 --> 00:31:18.660 Maximize the opportunities for the gospel. 00:31:20.580 --> 00:31:21.400 Maximize the opportunities. 00:31:21.400 --> 00:31:22.920 Is you a huge influence. 00:31:22.920 --> 00:31:24.019 To make Jesus known. 00:31:25.320 --> 00:31:26.380 Live as a Christian. 00:31:27.200 --> 00:31:28.380 Work as a Christian. 00:31:29.580 --> 00:31:30.640 Speak as a Christian. 00:31:32.320 --> 00:31:34.000 Have you been given a position. 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:36.340 Of not very much authority in your work. 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:40.100 Well maximize the opportunities. 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:44.259 Get into the work. 00:31:44.680 --> 00:31:45.900 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:31:47.100 --> 00:31:48.080 Be soft. 00:31:48.079 --> 00:31:50.399 Be different. 00:31:52.039 --> 00:31:52.960 Make known. 00:31:53.299 --> 00:31:54.519 This wonderful truth. 00:31:54.799 --> 00:31:55.779 That we live in an age. 00:31:55.859 --> 00:31:57.119 When people can enter the kingdom. 00:31:57.259 --> 00:31:58.679 Before the king returns. 00:31:59.759 --> 00:32:01.319 Do you stand at the school gate. 00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:03.259 With the other mums and carers. 00:32:05.659 --> 00:32:06.099 Maximize. 00:32:06.859 --> 00:32:08.519 The opportunities for the gospel. 00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:09.559 Take a risk. 00:32:11.619 --> 00:32:12.579 Maximize the opportunities. 00:32:12.679 --> 00:32:13.480 To use your home. 00:32:13.559 --> 00:32:14.099 All of us. 00:32:14.099 --> 00:32:17.679 Are we single without an immediate family near us. 00:32:18.399 --> 00:32:20.759 Maximize the opportunities amongst your friends. 00:32:21.599 --> 00:32:22.219 And serve. 00:32:26.079 --> 00:32:28.159 Maximize the opportunities. 00:32:28.160 --> 00:32:36.660 Well done. 00:32:36.820 --> 00:32:37.500 Faithful servant. 00:32:39.540 --> 00:32:40.540 You've been faithful. 00:32:40.980 --> 00:32:41.259 In. 00:32:41.980 --> 00:32:42.340 Little. 00:32:45.140 --> 00:32:46.279 Well it's over to you isn't it. 00:32:47.019 --> 00:32:48.680 Rather than me doing all the work for application. 00:32:48.840 --> 00:32:49.519 Here's your question. 00:32:49.759 --> 00:32:49.900 Alright. 00:32:51.600 --> 00:32:53.120 Maybe ask it over tea and coffee. 00:32:54.080 --> 00:32:55.320 Now the football season is over. 00:32:55.960 --> 00:32:57.259 The World Cup hasn't started yet. 00:32:57.259 --> 00:32:58.559 Ask the question. 00:32:59.599 --> 00:33:01.019 How will we maximize. 00:33:01.640 --> 00:33:02.559 Our resources. 00:33:03.799 --> 00:33:04.920 In service. 00:33:05.579 --> 00:33:06.220 Of the master. 00:33:08.980 --> 00:33:10.279 He sees it all. 00:33:11.740 --> 00:33:13.740 Nothing goes unnoticed. 00:33:15.319 --> 00:33:16.379 It will all be rewarded. 00:33:17.779 --> 00:33:19.119 And it will be worth it. 00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:22.160 Let's pray. 00:33:22.160 --> 00:33:22.240 Amen.