INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. An Invitation to Liberty
2. An Invitation to Learning
3. An Invitation to Labor
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing "His Gracious Invitation." This is an invitation to liberty from religious rituals and the burden of sin; to learn of Him and of His graciousness; and to labor in His kingdom as a servant of Christ, a child of God.
2. First, the Lord says: “come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28. Here he invites all who are struggling with religious rituals, and the guilt of sin to come to Him for rest. The true rest and freedom from the guilt of sin can only be enjoyed after one comes to Jesus Christ. No one else can promise this blessing.
3. Secondly, He says: “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls,” Matthew 11:29. This is an invitation to learn of Christ; to be taught of his meekness and lowliness of heart. The learner must be taught of Christ’s compassion and mercy to all who accepts his gracious invitation. And each shall find rest unto their souls.
4. Finally, Jesus says: “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:30. Jesus invites all to accept his yoke of graciousness, and experience his burden, which in comparison to any other is light. Jesus asks us to be yoke to him, and allow Him to share our burden as our precious savior and friend.
BODY OF LESSON
I AN INVITATION TO LIBERTY
A. His invitation to liberty: “Come unto me.” In His Gracious Invitation, the Savior asks that the seekers of truth and salvation to come unto him. Christ is the way to true liberty from the guilt and penalty of sin. Notice:
1. First, Jesus explains: “I am the way, the truth and the life,” John 14:6.
2. Further, He promises: “It is written in the prophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me,” John 6:45. The only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ!
3. Additionally, He says: “But ye will not come to me that ye might have life,” John 5:40; Jeremiah 6:16. Hear David: “But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me,” Psalms 81:11; John 1:11-12.
4. Finally, John writes: “And the Spirit and the bride say, come; And let him that is athirst come; whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely,” Revelation 22:17. This is a great and wonderful invitation. Illustrate: The Water of Life, John 4:7-14; John 7:37-39.
B. Who is invited? Jesus says: “All ye.” He provides this invitation to all men. Both Jews and Gentiles alike are invited to accept this invitation. There are none so sinful or unrighteous; that Christ is not willing to call, cleanse and grant His salvation by grace through the faith, Ephesians 2:4-9. To further understand this call by grace, I remind you of the series of lessons: “Saved by Faith Only?” We answered this question in great detail and clarity. Notice Paul on this point:
1. First, whosoever believeth: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” John 3:16. Jesus promised eternal life to the Jewish leader, Nicodemus, who came to Him by night, John 3:1-2. See also 1 John 3:16.
2. Paul to the Romans: “For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him (the Lord) shall not be ashamed,” Romans 10:11. The seeker of truth and salvation must begin with faith in Jesus and His word, Romans 10:17; Romans 9:33. Jeremiah says: “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord…,” Jeremiah 17:7-8. See also Psalms 1:1-6.
3. Further, whosoever calleth: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call,” Joel 2:32. Notice:
a. James at the Jerusalem Conference: “That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things,” Acts 15:17; Isaiah 43:7; Isaiah 65:1.
b. Joel begins this promise of salvation and Peter restates it on Pentecost: “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Acts 2:21.
c. Paul to the Romans: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Romans 10:13. The beloved apostles was describing the salvation afforded both Jews and Gentiles alike.
d. The “whosoever” was to include all believers from both the Jewish or Gentile nations “that shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Our challenge will be to enlighten people on how to, “calls upon the name of the Lord.” Let’s set it up with this last “whosoever.” That is “all must not only become believers; but that all must also become obedient!” Notice Paul on this point.
4. Finally, whosoever obeyeth: “But they (Israel and Gentiles) have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our (word) report?” See Romans 10:16-18; Isaiah 53:1. Notice the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in the preaching of Jesus unto the Jews, John 12:37-41. Many interpret this phrase: “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” to mean that the sinner needs only to verbally cry out for salvation unto the Lord. This however, is not a true interpretation of the phrase in the verse. Notice:
a. The word “call” in Gr. is epikaleô, which means to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.):—appeal (unto), call (on, upon). The idea presented by Paul in this text is the act of “calling upon the name of the Lord in obedience.” Remember the words of our Lord: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” See Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21-23.
b. Paul asks several great questions as he begins to explain how one must “call upon the name of the Lord.” Notice these questions:
1) First, “how then shall they call on him whom they have not believed?” The seeker of salvation must believe on Him before they call on Him!
2) Further, “how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” The seeker of salvation must hear of Him before they can believe on Him.
3) Additionally, “how shall they hear without a preacher?” The seeker of salvation must hear on Him through the preacher!
4) Finally, “how shall they preach, except they are sent?” Finally, the preacher that brings the message must be sent by Jesus Christ.
5) Review Romans 10:16-21. Paul speaks here of Israel and the Gentiles.
c. Let’s consider Paul’s example of “calling upon the name of the Lord.” Notice:
1) First, Paul’s call to God was by grace, Galatians 1:15-16.
2) Further, Paul’s call to obedience to the heavenly vision, Acts 9; Acts 26:19.
3) Finally, Paul’s “calling upon the name of the Lord,” Acts 22:16. The believer calls upon the name of the Lord to be saved in his/her act of obedience to the gospel of Christ.
4) It’s in “baptism” the believer “calls upon the name of the Lord” in order to be saved. Here is a quick review of that process:
a) Pentecost, “Then Peter said unto them,” Acts 2:38.
b) The Samaritans, Acts 8:1-12.
c) The Ethiopian, in Acts 8:26-39.
d) The Ephesians, Acts 19:1-7; Ephesians 1:13-14.
e) The Corinthians, Acts 18:8.
f) The apostle Paul, when asked by Ananias: “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord,” Acts 22:16; Romans 6:1-7; Romans 6:17-18. Some might recall our lesson regarding this truth from the lesson we preached on “Saul’s Conversion.” Illustration: Paul’s call to salvation, Acts 9:1-16. Obtain a copy of that lesson.
5. Conclusion. God wants all men to be saved, both Jew and Gentile alike. Notice Paul again: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth,” 1 Timothy 2:3-4.
C. The character of those invited: “That labour and are heavy laden,” Matthew 11:28. Jesus speaks to the character of those that He invited in this gracious invitation. He speaks of the Jewish religion and the Law which was full of “heavy laden and burdensome rites; sacrifices and offerings.” None of which were able to make the “comer thereunto perfect,” Hebrews 10:1. Notice His warning against the Pharisees’ teaching and practice:
1. First, as Jesus: “Spake to the multitude, and to his disciples, says: The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers,” Matthew 23:1-4. Jesus promises to release all who follow Him from such burdens. We have been called to liberty and freedom.
2. Further, Paul charges the Galatians to: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage,” Galatians 5:1.
3. Finally, Jesus admonishes some Jewish believers: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” John 8:31-32.
4. Illustration: How God saved Israel that day, Exodus 14:1-30. He saved them after they passed through water; and He shall save us also after we pass through water. Notice:
a. By faith “they passed through the Red Sea,” Hebrews 11:29. Illustrate: Get in the Barrel; An Example of Faith.
b. They were “baptized unto Moses under the cloud and in the sea,” 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.
c. The Lord “saved Israel that day,” Exodus 14:30.
D. His promise: “I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28. This rest is the forgiveness of sins, and the cleansing from its guilt. Notice: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted,” Matthew 5:3-4.
E. Sinners burdened with the guilt of their sins, are encouraged to come to Christ for forgiveness and cleansing. Illustrate: Pentecostal’s Conversion, Acts 2:36-47. Now, let’s consider our next point, “an invitation to learning.”
II AN INVITATION TO LEARNING
A. The savior’s yoke: “Take my yoke upon you.” Christ invites those who desire his rest to take upon them His yoke. His law of righteousness is not burdensome or grievous. John says: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous,” 1 John 5:3. To be yoked with Christ is to accept His afflictions, sufferings, and glory. Notice our Lord: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me,” Matthew 16:24. Illustrate: The Lord’s Call of Peter, Andrew, and John. Jesus called these men to become fishers of men, Mark 1:15-20.
B. His invitation to learn: “And learn of me.” Each seeker of truth and freedom from religious rituals and rites must come to the feet of Jesus to learn of Him. To learn of Jesus is to discover his redemptive work and gift of salvation. The believer must then obey the gospel of Christ, and yield themselves unto the Lord. It means also to know of his meekness and lowliness of heart. The seeker of truth must look for Jesus in the text. He says: “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me,” John 5:39. Illustration: Believe on Him as the Scriptures saith, John 7:38. Can your faith, conversion experience and denomination, stand bible examination?
C. The character of Christ: “For I am meek and lowly in heart.” Through His meek and lowly of heart; He finds compassion for our ignorant of His will and way, and grant us time and opportunity to learn of Him. Notice:
1. First, His meek and lowliness of heart allowed Him to condense to men of low estate, as well as the scholars of his day. He did not make his company with the rich and famous; but with the republicans and sinners. And his disciples were tax collectors and fishermen. He was criticized for this behavior by the Jewish leaders, the scribes and the Pharisees, Luke 15:1-2.
2. Further, He was an example of meekness and lowliness in His trial and death, Isaiah 53; and Acts 8:32-33.
3. Next, Jesus death on the cross, He prayed: “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do,” Luke 23:34.
4. Also, Paul instructs all the saints at Ephesus to, “walk in lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love,” Ephesians 4:1-3.
5. Finally, we are encouraged to weep and rejoice with the saints, Romans 12:15; 1 Corinthians 12:26. Illustrate: Jesus at Lazarus’s tomb, John 11.
D. His promise: “And ye shall find rest unto your souls.” This phrase the Lord quoted from where the prophet says: “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk therein,” Jeremiah 6:16. Rest for the soul is the most desirable. The way to true rest is through obedience and service to Christ.
E. There is rest. The writer of Hebrews made mention of when he says: “There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest,” Hebrews 4:9-11. Illustrate: In Heaven, “They shall rest from their labours,” Revelation 14:13. Now, let’s consider our final point, “an invitation to labor.”
III AN INVITATION TO LABOR
A. His invitation to labor: “Christ promises us a yoke.” Christ enjoins us all to his yoke, to labour in his service, and for his cause. It is this yoke that unites us to Christ, and ensures his presence in our lives, our communion with God and with our fellow-servants. Illustration: Yoke of oxen. Are you yoke together to share the load?
B. Is gracious: “His yoke is easy.” What he says here is, “my yoke is gracious.” It is sweet and pleasant; there is nothing in it to burden you down, to harm or hurt, but on the contrary, to uplift and to encourage. His yoke is easy.
C. His burden: “And my burden.” Following Jesus is not without a burden. He says: “my burden.” Thus, we are yoked with his burden. Let us remember that the Christian faith is not without a burden. So ought we to bearing one another’s burdens. Notice Paul:
1. First, to the Galatians, “Bear ye one another’s burden, and so fulfil the law of Christ,” Galatians 6:1-5. If the stronger member helps bear the burden of the weak; and Christ shoulders the burden of the weak, then surely the burden we carry “shall be light.”
2. Further, to the Romans, “The strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak,” Romans 15:1.
3. Additionally, Paul speaking of the stronger member: “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak,” 1 Corinthians 8:9-13; Romans 14:21-23. Illustrate: Meats in the Idol’s Temple, 1 Corinthians 10:23-33.
4. Finally, God’s plan in assisting the weaker members. Notice:
a. Moses under the Law: “How can I myself alone bear your cumbrances, and your burden and your strife?” Deuteronomy 1:12-13. He appointed elders and leaders. These men assisted Moses in judging and serving the people.
b. Church under Christ. Notice:
1) Members, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as ye do,” 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Also, “Now we exhort you brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men,” 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
2) Brethren, “And we beseech you brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you: and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And to be at peace among yourselves,” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; 1 Timothy 5:17.
3) Elders, see James 5:13-16. Illustrate: Work of Elders in the Church. “Is any afflicted? Let him pray,” James 5:13. The word afflicted, is Gr. kakoptheo, which “means to undergo hardship; to be afflicted, endure suffering; or trouble.” I will speak more on this later in the lesson.
c. Conclusion: How to bear the infirmities of the weak. We do it by being patient, forgiving, tolerant and merciful unto others, Ephesians 4:2-3. Even as God for Christ sake has been unto us, Ephesians 4:31-32.
D. His promise: “Is light.” Christ says: “my burden is light.” Yes, following Jesus is not without burdens; but we are yoke to Him, thus, making our burdens lighter.
1. Now, I know what Paul meant when he said: “I can do all things through Christ with strengtheneth me,” Philippians 4:13.
2. And, Paul again, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might,” Ephesians 6:10.
3. His burdens are light because it’s through His power we are strengthened for every task ahead.
4. This is possible by His strength and "according to the power that worketh in us," Ephesians 3:20.
E. Finally, Paul explains: “For our light afflictions,” 2 Corinthians 4:17. Remember, the meaning of the word afflicted, in Gr. kakoptheo, includes also “hardship; sufferings; and troubles.”However, Paul uses another word in this verse for afflictions. It is Gr. thlepses, which means, “afflicted, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation and trouble.” Armed with this difference, let me speak to an evil that plagues the church. And that is, an evil and vicious tongue, James 1:26; James 3:5-8. It destroys lives, marriages and friendships. In some instances it has destroyed the servant of the Lord, his character, his faith and his work. There is much written on this evil in the bible. Notice:
1. First, Solomon, the wise man.
a. The froward mouth: “Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee,” Proverbs 4:24. Also, “A naughty person, a wicked man walketh with a froward mouth. He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers; forwardness is in his heart,” Proverbs 6:12-15. Solomon calls this evil the tongue of a “froward mouth.”
b. The word, “froward,” here in Heb. is "ikkeshuth," which means one who speaks with “perversity, in a fraudulent manner; who is deceitful in speech; that walks in distortion and crookedness.” This is a tongue that speaks distortions; not facts; it gossips and offers false testimony. Do you know someone like this? I pray you don’t; that might mean they’re in your company; in your house or worst in the church.
2. Further, David on lying lips: “Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous,” Psalms 31:18. These people have “no shame to their game!” But God will cut them off; and even expose their lies and deceit before ALL!
3. Additionally, James on bridling the tongue: “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain,” James 1:26. There are too many church members that murmur and gossip about the membership. Put away from among yourselves these destructive behaviors: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings,” Philippians 2:14.
4. Finally, ministers, who sometimes suffer “affliction” that is not due to sickness or disease; but, the viciousness of an evil and lying tongue. Notice its work:
a. The act or deed. Some members of the church and community will say and do evil things against the man of God solely because of his faith. During these assaults they are the servants and instruments of the evil one. Notice:
1) First, “A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue,” Proverbs 17:4.
a) Solomon: “He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief,” Proverbs 17:20.
b) Solomon again: “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles,” Proverbs 21:23.
c) Peter says: “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it,” 1 Peter 3:10-11.
2) Further, Six things God hates, Proverbs 6:16-19. Have this read; urgently comment on the text, as it is being read to the audience!
3) Finally, James: “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison,” James 3:8.
b. The saint’s response. As the servant of the Lord we may have to endure some afflictions and hardships. Here we mean false and destructive accusations. Consider these words:
1) Endure hardness. Paul reminds Timothy: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” 2 Timothy 2:3. Remember, it is for the Lord we are enduring these hardships. Illustrate: Paul’s Hardships for Christ, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28.
2) Endure affliction. Paul instructs Timothy: “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:5. The afflictions laid on you from lying tongues and deceitful workers; endure – by keep doing the work of an evangelist. You know what it is! 2 Timothy 4:1-4. Keep preaching the word in love, patience and kindness, even though you are being bombarded with grievous words, slander and destructive behavior by sinners and saints, 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
3) Preaching brethren. I know how you want to respond during these times of crisis; but hold your peace. Remember the words of David: “Many are the afflictions (hardships and sufferings) of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all,” Psalms 34:19; 2 Timothy 3:12. If you have to speak on it; address it in humility and with kindness. Hear Solomon and Paul on this point as we move to a conclusion:
a) The king: “A soft answer (low volume and with calmness) turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger,” Proverbs 15:1. Don’t “fan the flames” with your response to them – in anger or bitterness. Take the “high ground” during these times of trials!
b) The king again: “By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone,” Proverbs 25:15. Hang in there – God will fix it; allow Him to work, get out of His way brother, sister, and preacher. Walk in forbearing, Ephesians 4:1-3.
c) Paul: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good,” Romans 12:21. Kill them with kindness; with behavior “that show out of a good conversation His works with meekness of wisdom,” James 3:13. And, “your good conversation in Christ; and the gospel you are called to preach,” 1 Peter 3:16; Philippians 1:27.
4) You can’t win them by joining in the fight; but by being a peacemaker. Hear Jesus, Paul and James:
a) First, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God,” Matthew 5:9.
a) Next, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men,” Romans 12:18.
b) Finally, “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace,” James 3:18. This is the attitude and disposition of the “servant of the Lord.” These afflictions and sufferings are but for a moment; but your faith, hope and love will endure into eternity. Remember Paul!
5) Light affliction: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” 2 Corinthians 4:17. Also, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us,” Romans 8:18.
c. The promise judgment. Notice:
1) Solomon: “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out,” Proverbs 10:31.
2) David: “The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things,” Psalms 12:3.
3) Jesus: “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned,” Matthew 12:36-37. See also Matthew 5:11-12. As I begin to conclude, let me review what was addressed in the lesson.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. An Invitation to Liberty
2. An Invitation to Learning
3. An Invitation to Labor
B. Summarize main points.
1. In our lesson the Lord invited all to come to obtain true liberty. He said: “come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28. No one is to be refused. All are to be granted his grace and mercy.
2. Secondly, he invited all to come and learn of him. He said: “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls,” Matthew 11:29. All must be taught of Christ’s compassion and mercy, and encouraged to accepts his gracious invitation. That each soul may enter into his rest.
3. Finally, Jesus invited all to come and labour in His kingdom. He said: “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:30. Jesus invites all to accept his yoke of graciousness, and share his burden, which in comparison any to other, is light. Jesus asks us to be yoke to him, and allow his strength to enable us to do all things through Him.
C. Invitation. Extend heaven's invitation.
1. Hear, Mark 12:29
2. Believe, Romans 10:17, John 6:24
3. Repentance, Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30
4. Confession, Matthew 10:32-33
5. Baptism, Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:20-21
D. Exhortation. Jesus invites all to come unto him, for liberty, for learning, and for laboring in His kingdom.
E. Motivation. If you are subject to the invitation in anyway, won’t you come as we stand together and sing the song of encouragement.
