Series: The Parables of Christ
Topic: Something Old, Something New
January 27, 2002
Matthew 13:51-52
"Have you understood all these things?" They said to Him, "Yes." And He said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings forth out of his treasure things new and old."
Introduction: Our challenge when we look upon Muslim Americans, or Middle Eastern looking Americans.
Our challenges of loyalty
-to a sports team
-to a company
-to a brand name [ill. Chevy/Ford decals]
I. Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus teaches the parables about the Kingdom of Heaven
Kingdom, King, & Subjects
A. Definition
Not an abstract idea, but descriptive of those who give allegiance to God.
B. Descriptors (sets Kingdom people apart)
1. Other worldly- Not of this world
"But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." John 1:12-13
A different kind of BREED
Not of the order/ way of life of the rest
Not my cor beliefs/ value system
The world says: "If there’s no alcohol, it’s not a party/ it’s no fun"
We say: "Life is more than beer on a Friday night"
The world says: "To experiment with drugs in our youth is OK"
We say: "It’s not OK"
The world says: "Casual sex is the norm. To be a virgin in High School is cooky"
We say: "True safe sex is abstinence until marriage"
The world says: "To each their own"
We say: "There is a definitive set of moral absolutes established and ordained by God"
The world says: "Get out of my way. Look out for number ONE"
We say: "Other’s first"
The world says: "If it feels good; do it"
We say: "If it harms or devalues ourselves or others, then it’s not worth it."
"I have given them [your] word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not pray that [you would] take them out of the world, but that [you would] keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." John 17:14-16 (RSV)
2. Divided Loyalty
Not of this world.
Misperception by some that our Christian heritage as a nation affords us rank and privilege today. That somehow we are a Christian nation.
[misconception about Christian businesses]
Our loyalty lies with God
"I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb" by Ray Boltz
Daniel- can’t pray; did it anyway
Can’t openly pray at work/school
Where does your loyalty lie?
Can’t wear religious symbols at work/ school
Where does your loyalty lie?
Can’t talk about God/religion at work/ school
Where does your loyalty lie?
3. Love
"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, it you have love for one another." John 13:35 (RSV)
II. Old And New
And He said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings forth out of his treasure things new and old."
A. Scribe
Scholars, lawyers
carried on legal traditions
skilled at quoting
their oral traditions had become greater than the Law of Moses
When Jesus comes on the scene it’s a challenge; something new, like never before
"And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes." Mark 1:22 (RSV)
B. Old & New
When the world is hungering for answers and asking the questions the scribes of the Kingdom are not called to dish out the same old stuff. A scribe of the Kingdom is able to give a relevant answer; to provide a meaningful solution to today’s dilemmas with old, never changing, proven truths.
[peoples arguments against the church today; not relevant enough]
Conclusion: We are the scribes and the world is wanting answers to today’s questions.
The fear, anger, depression from 9-11
They need relevant answers
Those struggling financially, work
Those who are questioning what life is all about (value, meaning questions)
To give a relevant answer we need to:
1. Know the Word
2. Understand the Truths in God’s Word
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should pray to God, who will give it to him; because God gives generously and graciously to all." James 1:5
