Intro to main points:
The first son was rebellious but repented.
The second son talked a good game but disobeyed his father.
The command of the father was to work in the vineyard, therefore this parable is not only about salvation but also of Christian service.
IN THIS PARABLE, JESUS TEACHES SEVERAL THINGS:
1. God desires obedience, not just words.
EXPLANATION:
A. Who do the characters in the parable represent?
a) The Father. The Father represents the Lord Jesus Christ.
b) The first son. The first son represents the tax collectors and the prostitutes
c) The second son. The second son represents the chief priests and the elders of the people (Matthew 21:23).
B. The point of Jesus is that doing the will of the Father is more than simply a matter of words. It is primarily a matter of deeds.
C. The religious leaders know the right reply but their lives did not match up to their lips because their walk was not connected to their talk.
D. “Actions speak louder than words.” - Anonymous
PRINCIPLE: “Talk is cheap; deeds are what proves one’s intentions are true.”
Anyone can say the right things, but God sees what we do.
James 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
James 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Many say yes with their mouths, but say no with their actions.
What we do is more important than what we say.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.
Matthew 7:22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’
Matthew 7:23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
To call Jesus Lord is not enough; we must live under His Lordship and do what He says, because one day we will stand before Him and to give an account for our actions.
APPLICATION: James 1:22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.
2. Delayed obedience is really disobedience.
EXPLANATION:
Matthew 21:28 “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’
A. Some excuses for not being obedient.
• Time
• Treasure
• Family
• Procrastination
C. The Issue is Surrender
• Surrender says, “not my will but Your will be done.”
• Surrender shows obedience
PRINCIPLE: Hearing is the basis for obedience.
? In the Bible, hearing God’s Word was equivalent to obeying it.
APPLICATION:
To unbelievers.
Hebrews 3:15: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
2 Corinthians 6:2: “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
Today is the day to say “yes” to the Father.
3. Respond to God’s call.
EXPLANATION:
A. If you look closely, this parable has to do with God's call, God's invitation to us.
THREE INVITATIONS:
a) 1st Call to repentance.
Matthew 21:32 For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, YOU REFUSED TO BELIEVE HIM AND REPENT OF YOUR SINS.
b) 2nd Call to serve.
Matthew 21:28 “But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, GO OUT AND WORK IN THE VINEYARD TODAY.’
c) 3rd Call to obey.
Matthew 21:31a “Which of the two OBEYED his father?”
PRINCIPLE: All Christians are called to ministry.
Ephesians 4:11-12 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
APPLICATION:
- To all Christians. You are not truly following Jesus unless you are being a fisher of men and an active witness for Jesus Christ.
- To all unbelievers. Don’t be like those stubborn people who rejected Jesus.
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