Kingdom Parables 2 Series

Chico Alliance Church

Pastor David Welch

“Parables of the Kingdom” Part Two

Review

Parables are stories made up from practical everyday happenings that graphically illustrate some spiritual truth vital for kingdom living. Today’s message continues our of the kingdom parables. God rules His kingdom in matters of the political and spiritual and social. He pronounced certain rules and laws intended to protect the citizens and make kingdom life a blessing. There are no geographical boundaries however because God’s rule is universal and Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” He did not teach them to pray, “May the kingdoms of the earth follow your will.” He instructed His disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We were not called to change the kingdoms of this earth which will all pass away but invite people into His kingdom which has come in Jesus and will come will completely manifest at His return. There will be only one nation and one King who is the King of kings and Lord of lords. You cannot enter the kingdom without embracing and swearing allegiance to the King.

I. The Kingdom is open to all but not accepted by all

A. Parable of the Wedding feast

People from all walks of life are invited to participate in the kingdom but not all will accept the invitation.

B. Parable of the Sower

This parable draws our attention to the condition of the heart. It is the heart that makes the difference as to whether the seed of the word bears genuine fruit or not.

Side of the road = hard heart

Rocky soil = shallow heart

Thorny soil = distracted heart

Good soil = humble, contrite heart

II. Entrance to the Kingdom requires life change

A. Requires personal preparation.

Parable of the Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13

B. Requires a core change (new birth)

C. Requires a robe of righteousness -- Parable of the Wedding Feast

"But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?' And the man was speechless. "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' "For many are called, but few are chosen."

"Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19-20

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. 6:9-11

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. 5:21

"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Mat 6:33

D. Entrance includes tribulation on earth

strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22

Before we reach our final entrance into the kingdom we will encounter the kingdoms of this earth in a fallen world. Expect NOTHING less.

E. Requires an immortal body

The ultimate experience of God’s kingdom not only requires a core change but will require a physical change as well. 1 Cor. 15:50-57

Our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Philip. 3:20-21

III. Citizenship in the Kingdom demands kingdom participation

Parable of the Master and slaves Matthew 25:14-30

Kingdom citizenship requires kingdom participation. To claim to be a citizen of heaven and act like a citizen of hell is foolishness. To claim Christ as Lord and ignore His commands is delusion. Every citizen of God’s kingdom has kingdom responsibilities. We are all to be PRODUCTIVE citizens. We are all to wisely and faithfully invest the resources given by the King. Jesus told this parable to illustrate not only the differing responsibilities but rewards also.