The Kingdom Calling - What We Do For Christ Will Last! Series

Sermon: The Kingdom Calling - What We Do For Christ will Last!

Scripture: Mt 10:1 “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.”

Mt 10:16 “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

Matthew 10:40-42 “He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

Introduction: The kingdom calling is a divine designation, designation meaning: The choosing and naming of someone to be the holder of an official position or representative of the kingdom of God. Everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will be called by the King into His kingdom enterprise. Jesus is sending out his 12 disciples to advance the kingdom of God to share the good news of the gospel and he gives them some instruction on what to look for, what to watch out for and how they will be sustained and encouraged. Jesus positioned His disciples for success. He gave them power to against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. They would be advancing the kingdom of God in a sick world. Then Jesus described their disposition for ministry, Jesus sent you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Not only they to advance the kingdom of God in a sick world, but advance the kingdom of God in a dangerous environment. Their protection would be the wisdom of God and a meek and quiet spirit.

Finally, Jesus assures his disciples that some will receive them and support them. Those who receive them are really receiving Him. The Jews already believed to receive a person’s envoy (messenger) was the same as receiving the person himself. The Jews felt that to honor a person’s representative was the same as to honor that person whose representative he was. This is a principle more Christians need to understand. That is, when I honor God’s delegated authority, we are honoring God because He is the one who has established every authority. So, when I dishonor them who am I dishonoring? God.

The word “receive” in the original language means to take up, to grant access, give ear to, to sustain with an attitude of love and support for Jesus’ sake, God’s sake and His Mission’s sake in the world in that way we honor God. Think of it this way, when I receive a person or when I honor that person, I receive the same kind of blessing in my own life. Jesus speaks for a prophet’s reward, a righteous man’s reward, and the reward of His least disciples without position or rank. Anyone who receives and honor a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.

This teaches us a couple of things. Even though I am sending you to advance the kingdom in a sick, hostile world you will have good success and secondly, whatever you do for Christ and His kingdom will be rewarded. I don’t have to be prophet to receive a prophet’s reward, all I have to do is receive (honor) him. When you honor others you put their needs, wants, and cares above your own, There is a promised reward that cannot be lost. I believe Jesus makes this promise because He understood the difficulties of Ministry in a fallen world. He realized the need for faithful supporters along the way. There are numerous New Testament passages about blessing the work of God. It is good, and right and needed.

Galatians 6:6-10 “Now let him, who is instructed in the word, communicate of all good things to the instructor. Do not deceive yourselves; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that also he shall reap. 8 Therefore, he who sows to his flesh, shall from the flesh reap corruption: but he who sows to his spirit, shall from the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 Wherefore, let us not flag in well doing; for in the proper season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 Well, then, while we have opportunity let us do good to all: but especially to them, who are of the household of faith.