The Kingdom of God (9)
By Grace Eli
This study was first taught on January 8, 2013
Topic: The Kingdom of God (9): The Parable of The Hidden Treasure
(use the audio to study)
Background
Three weeks ago, in continuation with our series on the parables of the kingdom of God, we studied the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). In this parable, the Lord Jesus Christ compared the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet with the bridegroom. The bible tells us that five of these virgins were wise, while the other five of them were foolish. We sought to know and understand from our study, what made the difference between the virgins that were considered to be wise and those who were called foolish. We said that the term ‘virgin’ as used in this parable, actually refers to the sanctified Christian who is living a holy life awaiting the return of the Lord—one who is consecrated and devoted to God. We noted that both the wise and the foolish virgins in this parable went through the same conditions while waiting for the midnight call to go out and meet with the bridegroom, and yet, five of them were actually said to be wise? How so, if the other five of their companions who passed through the same conditions as they, were said to be foolish? The bible tells us that while waiting for the return of the bridegroom, all ten virgins took their lamps with them for the watch. However, the bridegroom took long in returning, and during the long wait for his return, all ten virgins (both the wise and the foolish) slumbered and slept (Luke 21:34-36). But at midnight, when all were fast asleep, there was a cry sounded, calling all virgins to go out and meet with the bridegroom! We saw from our study, that it was at this point, that the wise were separated from the foolish! How so? The parable tells us that only five of the ten virgins made provision to carry extra oil in their vessels for the journey, because they did not know how long they would have to wait before the return of the bridegroom, and did not want to run out of oil for their lamps that were meant to be burning at the return of the bridegroom. On the contrary, their other five companions who were called foolish, did not carry any extra oil for their lamps which had gone out at the arrival of the bridegroom. They begged from their companions who had extra oil but were refused because the wise companions did not want to run out of oil for their own lamps, but rather advised them to go and buy extra oil for themselves. However, the bible tells us that the bridegroom straightaway went into the wedding with the five virgins who were ready for him, and the door to the wedding feast was shut (Luke 12:35-36). By the time the foolish ones had returned, they discovered that they were locked out of the wedding which they had spent their whole life preparing for!
We concluded from this fearful parable that indeed, not all Christians/Virgins who are claiming to be awaiting the return of the Lord Jesus Christ will actually make it finally into the kingdom of heaven to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Only those who are preparing themselves for the long wait for the return of Jesus Christ, who are busy for the Lord and will not waver in their hope of His return, and, who will be found in the way of holiness and righteousness, and their lamps (the Holy Spirit) burning bright at His appearing, will be able to go out and meet with Him. It will be far too late at that point to want to become a true Christian and make reparations of any kind! Change your attitude: Love and serve Him while it is day! Take heed, watch and pray!
Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 13:44
Today, we shall continue with our study on the Parables of the Kingdom of God, from where we left off three weeks ago, as we examine the Parable of the Hidden Treasure. It is our prayer tonight, that the Lord will unveil to us this Hidden Treasure in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
1 John 5:19; Genesis 6:5; Romans 8:19-23; Galatians 1:3-4; Ephesians 1:7; John 3:15; Romans 6:23; 1Timothy 2:5-6; Acts 4:12; Matthew 11:27-28; John 14:6; Revelation 3:7; Matthew 16:19; John 1:4; 8:12; Psalm 119:105, 11; (James 1:21; 2 Peter 3:18); Galatians 4:3-7; Ephesians 4:30; 2 Corinthians 5:5; John 6:46, 37-40; Psalm 2:7-12.
Conclusion
From our study tonight, we have seen why the Lord Jesus Christ likened the kingdom of God to treasure hidden in a field, which a man discovers and hides it; and for joy, goes and sells all that he has and buys that field! The ‘field’ in this parable is referring to the world within which the ‘treasure’ was found. And the Bible tells us that the whole world lies in wickedness and evil from the days of the first man Adam, and, its people have also been made subject to beggarly elements as a result of the dominion of sin in their lives. That is why any treasure that can be found in such an environment, will be considered to be rare, precious, and worth hiding (safe guarding); while the finder sells off all he owns to buy the field that has the treasure!
From Scriptures, we can confirm and know that this treasure is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who was sent into the world by His Father in heaven (the Owner, Head, and King of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 6:9-10a,13b)), to redeem man from sin and death and bondage to Satan; and that through His death and resurrection, all who believe in Him are saved and forgiven of their sins; have been given the free gift of eternal life, the word of God, and the Spirit of God to guide them in this present world of darkness; and, that they shall be raised up on the Last Day to join with other saints of God as citizens of the kingdom of heaven! Jesus Christ is the Way into the kingdom of God; He is the One Who can open or shut the gates of heaven at will; He is the Light and Revelation that unveils the mysteries of the kingdom of God and reveals the glory of His Father; it is the Spirit of the Son of God (Jesus Christ) that the Father has also given to all who receive the free gift of salvation, as a down payment for the final redemption of the Believer; and, every opposition and rebellion in this present world, against the Son, shall be crushed at the end of the Age! Jesus Christ, representing the kingdom of His Father, is the Treasure hidden in the field! All who find Him, are given access into this kingdom, and for all that He offers, must want to ‘hide’/keep Him for their eternal benefit; and for joy, will consider it nothing to give up all that they have to own Him and be owned by Him forever. The life of the kingdom of God can begin here in this world and the gift of the kingdom of God to this dark world, is Jesus Christ!
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