Which Son Are You?

Disclaimer:

Due to the large amount of sermons and topics that appear on this site I feel it is necessary to post this disclaimer on all sermons posted. These sermons are original to the author and the leading of the Holy Spirit. While ideas and illustrations are often gleaned from many sources including those at Sermoncentral.com, any similarities and wording including sermon title, that may appear to be the same as any other sermon are purely coincidental. In instances where other minister’s wording is used, due recognition will be given. These sermons are not copyrighted and may be used or preached freely. May God richly bless you as you read these words. It is my sincere desire that all who read them may be enriched. All scriptures quoted in these sermons are copied and quoted from the Authorized King James Version of the Holy Bible.

Pastor James May

WHICH SON ARE YOU?

Matthew 21:28-32, "But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, the first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him."

Every man is created in the image of God and is, therefore, called a son in the sense that every human being is God’s creation and the object of God’s Love and plan of salvation. God looks upon every man, woman and child with His great love. He sends the rain and sunshine upon everyone, both the righteous and the unrighteous. God sends the blessings of life, happiness, healing and provisions to us all. The Father’s desire is that we all be called His “sons and daughters”. But, not all will be called “son” when the times of judgment come and we must stand before Him.

Some who are referred to as a son in this scripture, will not be called sons any longer, but will be called strangers.

Matthew 7:21-23, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

There are a lot of people who talk about Jesus as their Lord, profess Him to be their Lord but He really isn’t their Lord at all for they do not those things that He commands them to do, nor do they listen to His voice when He speaks to them.

Every one of us falls into the categories that are representative of these two sons. These two sons had very different attitudes and their ultimate character is shown by what they do and not necessarily by what they say!

Notice that the father went first to the son that would be the most rebellious in his outward expression. That son refused to go work in the vineyard. On the surface this son was absolutely rebellious. He said emphatically, “NO, I WILL NOT GO!”

That’s the picture of the worldly crowd who cares nothing for the work of the Lord or for the Word of the Lord. They are too busy, too caught up in the deception of sin; too consumed by the pleasures of this life; and too blinded to the destination that their life is taking them and, as a result, they don’t desire to change because they think that what they are doing is GOOD ENOUGH.

That’s the problem with the worldly people; they think that they are “good enough” just as they are.

ILLUSTRATION:

I was talking with someone just yesterday concerning that very thing. The question arose as to whether the Father in Heaven would “overlook” or excuse, or perhaps make an exception for those who would never hear the name of Jesus preached to them but who still did everything in their knowledge to live a good, moral life.

That’s the problem that all of mankind has right now. Man has convinced himself that living a “good, moral life” and “doing what is right” will be sufficient to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.