Bible Pathway - Oct. 11, 2011
Read Matthew 25
Highlights:
When the Lord returns, servants will be evaluated (Matt. 25:1-13). Wait faithfully. Share His Word (25:14-30,46). Last Supper — Jesus' New Covenant sealed in His blood (26:26-28). His betrayal (26:47-50).
There will come a day when comparative wealth, personal advantages, and popularity will be seen for their true value — worthless. Watch (Be prepared) therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh (Matt. 25:13). All the advantages that seemed so important will vanish and the final question will be: Did I express the love of God in my daily conduct as one who possessed the new life in Christ, or did I only profess to believe (I John 1:7)? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth (3:18).
When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep (ALL whose sins were forgiven when they trusted Christ as Savior and Lord) from the goats (all who ignored His loving invitation) (Matt. 25:31-32).
Christlike love will sacrifice for the less fortunate and offer something of self to meet the needs — spiritual and otherwise — of those who seem to be unlovable. This love reaches its greatest fulfillment while actively serving others for Christ's sake.
All seek their own (Phil. 2:21) — everybody, that is, except the person who truly has the new life in Christ. He is not his own, for he was bought with a price (I Cor. 6:20), and for him to live is Christ (Phil. 1:21). The true Christian now possesses Christ-like love for fellow believers as well as his enemies.
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. . . . Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal (Matt. 25:40,45-46).
The Holy Spirit moved the Apostle John to write: We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. . . . whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him (I John 3:14,17)?
Thought for Today:
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (Phil. 2:4).
Cross References:
For Matt. 26:31: See Zech. 13:7. Matt. 26:64: See Ps. 110:1; Dan. 7:13.
Word Studies:
25:27 exchangers moneylenders; usury interest on money loaned; 26:15 covenanted established an agreement; 26:47 staves clubs; 26:63 I adjure Thee I charge You under oath before God.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Rep. Sam Johnson (TX), Sen. Patty Murray (WA), Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (TN) • Country: Bolivia (8 million) in South America • Major languages: Spanish and Quechua • Religious freedom • 92% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant; 3% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Call upon the Lord in adversity, for He will hear (Ps. 116:1-4,8).
Memory Verse for the Week:
