Havelock Community M issionary Baptist Church T he Kingdom of God :

1. Havelock Community Missionary Baptist ChurchThe Kingdom of God: The Kingdom of God: Parables Describing the Kingdom of Heaven: Matthew 13:1-52

2. The Kingdom of God:Parables Describing the Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:1-52 PART 1 The Parable of the Sower: How a Man Receives the Gospel, 13:1-9 PART 2 The Messiah’s Reasons for Speaking in Parables: Who Receives and Who Loses, 13:10-17 PART 3 The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares: The Question of Evil, Why It Exists, 13:24-30 PART 4 The Parable of the Mustard Seed: The Growth and Greatness of Christianity, 13:31-32 PART 5 The Parable of the Leaven: The Transforming Power of the Gospel, 13:33 PART 6 The Parable of the Hidden Treasure: Giving Up All for Christ, 13:44 PART 7 The Parable of the Merchant Man and the Pearl of Great Price: 13:45-46 PART 8 The Parable of the Dragnet: Separating the Bad from the Good, 13:47-50 PART 9 The Parable of the Householder: Devotion and Study and Sharing, 13:51-52

3. PART 1: The Parable of the Sower: How a Man Receives the Gospel, 13:1-9 Matthew 13:1-9

4. 1. The Parable of the Sower: How a Man Receives the Gospel, 13:1-9 (13:1-9; 18-23) Introduction—Sower, Parable of: Christ interprets this parable in verses 18-23. The Sower is either the Lord Jesus Christ or a servant of His (v. 37). (The servants of the Lord are ministers or laymen, and they are “laborers together with God,” 1 Cor. 3:9). The seed is the Word of God or the Word of the kingdom (v. 19). It is called the “Incorruptible Seed” (1 Pt. 1:23), and “the gospel which….bringeth forth fruit” (Col. 1:5-6). • The ground in which the seed is sown is the heart of the hearers. Christ says two significant things about the ground: • There are different ways for the ground to hear and receive the Word (seed). • The fate of the Word, how well it grows, depends upon the ground, that is, the hearer.

5. Lesson Outline • Christ preached a parable (v. 1-2) • A sower went forth to sow (v. 3, 18) • A large number did not allow the Word to take permanent root (v. 4-7) • Only a small number allowed the Word to take permanent root (v. 8) • Only a few allowed the Word to bear 100% fruit (v. 8) • A strong call: hear (v. 9)

6. 1. Preaching2. Witnessing 1. (13:1-2) Preaching: Christ preached a parable. • He preached on the Sabbath • He preached by the seashore in a ship • He preached as the multitudes gathered • The multitudes pressed Him into a boat 2. (13:3) Witnessing: a sower went forth to sow. Note two things. • First, the sower did go forth. Second, the sower did sow the seed (the Word of God) or the Word of the Kingdom (v. 19).

7. 3. Unbelief and Rejection 3.(13:4-7) Unbelief—Rejection: a large number did not allow the Word to take permanent root. But note: these did hear the Word of God. They were in church—regularly. The Word did fall upon them, but they did not allow the Word to penetrate—not permanently. • The number of people who reject the Word is far greater than the one’s who receive it. They did not all obey the gospel….. • “Lord, who hath believed our report” (Ro. 10:16). • “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Mt. 22:14).

8. Think about it: Think about it: A person is held accountable for the kind of heart he has: hard, emotional, superficial, thorny, or soft and tender. There are at least three reasons why people become hardened to the gospel. • They react because of atragedy or circumstance and blame God. • They don’t stay awake, or alert, and they don’t pay attention. They don’t consider the Gospel important enough to merit their attention. • They are careless in handling the Gospel. They treat the Gospel as an item, or an additive, a part of life instead of life itself. When needed and when time is available, the gospel is acceptable. • (Acts 28:27). (Eph. 4:19). (Heb. 3:13). (Pr. 28:14).

9. Parallel one (13:5-6, 20-21) Stony Places—Backsliding—False Profession: some received the Word in stony places. In some parts of Palestine lying right beneath the ground is a layer of limestone. When seed falls upon this ground, something dramatic happens. The limestone holds the rain and heat from the sunlight right under the surface; therefore, the fallen seed sprouts quickly and dramatically. But it has no root. • The application is clear: this person has what appears to be a dramatic conversion. He makes a decision for Christ, and he stands out as an example of a changed life and quick growth. • However, the change lasts only for a season, perhaps an extended season, but in the end it fails. This person hears the Word, receives the Word immediately, receives the Word with joy, and endures for a while. • Where do we as seasoned believers fit in to this parallel?

10. A person backslides and falls because: A person backslides and falls because: • He has no root in himself (the word and prayer) (v. 21). • He has not learned the doctrines and principles of Christianity. • He began in the emotional joy of the Word and in his decision to reform his life, but he has continued to live in the emotions of his experience and his new-found Christian friends. • He does little about the hard demands of Christ that come only through diligent study and disciplined prayer. • He knows little about sacrificial obedience: “Study to show thyself approved” (2 Tim. 2:15). He has little spiritual strength to withstand the trials and persecutions of life. Pressure from circumstances or former friends of the world—mockery, abuse or whatever—causes him to cave in. (Mt. 24:12). (Lk. 6:49). (Lk. 9:62). (Gal. 4:9). (Heb. 10:38). (2 Pt. 2:20-22).

11. Parallel two (13:7, 22) Thorns—Worldliness—Wealth: some received the Word among thorns. The thorny ground is deceptive ground. It looks good and clean, appearing to be clear of weeds and thorns, but it is not. Right under the surface of the soil is a chain of roots ready to spring up. The fact that the roots are already there means that the thorns will be stronger and grow faster than the good seed. They will choke the life out of the good seed. • Thorns represent those who receive the Word as an addition to their life. The Word is merely added on, not allowed to replace the world and the things of it. These do not truly repent; they just try to take God and add Him to their collection in life. They make Him only a small part of their affairs; consequently, the Word is always choked to death. (1 Jn. 2:15-16).

12. Note What thorns represent: • Thorns are “the cares of this world” (v. 22). They prick and prick away at the Word. They entangle a person in the world and the things of the world (2 Tim. 2:3-4). They irritate, aggravate, trouble, and hinder a person from pursuing his task. • When a person’s mind is on the cares of the world, his mind is not on God and the things of the Word or Spirit. He is carnal-minded, not spiritual minded (Ro. 8:5-8; 2 Cor. 10:3-5).

13. Thorns are “the Deceitfulness of Riches” 2. Thorns are “the deceitfulness of riches” (v. 22). Note: it is not wealth itself that is worldly (thorny); it is the deceit of wealth. Wealth deceives in several ways. • Wealth tends to make a person self-confident and self-dependent. It makes him feel comfortable and secure in this world. It tends to keep him from trusting and calling upon God. • Wealth tends to make a person overly comfortable, extravagant, and indulgent. It makes him live sumptuously, beyond what is needed. He sometimes feels that he can spend to get a little more and a little better than is necessary. • Wealth tends to misinterpret the blessings of God. It leads a person to the false idea and security that to have is to be blessed by God, and not to have is to be blessed less by God.

14. 4. Fruit and Salvation 4. (13:8, 23) Fruit—Salvation: only a small number allowed the Word to take permanent root. A person who allows the Word to take permanent root represents the honest and good heart (Lk. 8:15). Christ says two things about him. • He hears the Word of God and understands it. His heart is soft and tender toward God, so he listens, meditates, concentrates, and thinks. He does not allow his thoughts to wander off when the Word of God is being preached. He listens to God’s Word, studies and receives it. • He is fruitful. He bears the fruit of God’s Word and Spirit in his own life (Gal. 5:22, 23). And he reproduces himself by reaching out to lead others to a saving knowledge of the Lord. Note that John classifies fruit-bearing as “no fruit” (Jn. 15:2), “fruit” (Jn. 15:2), “more fruit” (Jn. 15:2), and “much fruit” (Jn. 15:5, 8). (2 Cor. 5:17). (Jn. 12:24). (Ps. 92:13-14). (Jn. 15:5). (Is. 55:11). This is a glorious encouragement to the true minister and teacher of God.

15. 5. Fruit and Commitment6. Decision 5.(13:8, 23) Fruit—Commitment: this is a shocking truth! Not all believers are equal. Some bear only 30 percent fruit; some 60 percent fruit; and shockingly, only a very small number bear 100 percent fruit. Most are just not willing to give 100 percent of their energy, effort, strength, time, and possessions. There is not the willingness to pay the price—not within most men. 6. (13:9) Decision: Christ issues a strong call, “Hear. The person who has ears to hear, let him hear” (v. 9). • “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” (Mt. 7:21). • Think about this: the ear has no greater purpose than to hear the Word of God. The body has no greater purpose than to do the will of God. The mouth has no greater purpose than to speak the Word of God.

16. PART 2: The Messiah’s Reasons for Speaking in Parables: Who Receives and Who Loses, 13:10-17 Matthew 13:10-17

17. 2.The Messiah’s Reasons for Speaking in Parables: Who Receives and Who Loses, 13:10-17 B.  The Messiah's Reasons for Speaking in Parables: Who Receives and Who Loses, 13:10-17 • (13:10-17) Introduction— Parable: at this point in Jesus' ministry He made a significant change in His method of teaching. He began to speak in parables that were difficult to understand—especially when unbelievers were present. • Why would He speak so that His audience could not understand what He was saying? Three conclusions can be drawn from what Jesus said.

18. The unbelieving crowds were deliberately shutting their eyes and ears to His claim and refusing to be converted and healed spiritually (Matthew 13:13-15). • It was time to teach the "mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" to true disciples. The mysteries would be understood by true disciples, but they would be misunderstood by those who deliberately blinded their eyes and deafened their ears. • "The mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" cannot be understood without first recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and as the One who brings the Kingdom of Heaven to men

19. Jesus had always used illustrations and sometimes the illustrations had been parables, but the parables had always been clearly understood. But now the parables were different, totally different. • They were not clear, and the change in Jesus' method shocked the disciples. Therefore, they questioned Him: "Why?" His answer was a strong warning to some and a great promise to others. 1.  Why Jesus spoke in parables (v.10-11). 2.  Reason 1: seekers and achievers receive (v.12). 3.  Reason 2: unbelievers reject and lose (v.13-15). 4.  Reason 3: believers receive and are blessed (v.16-17).

20. COMMITMENT AND DILIGENCE 2. (13:12) Commitment— Diligence: the first reason Christ spoke in parables is that seekers and achievers receive more. Therefore He wanted to stir all men to seek and to achieve more and more. Seekers and achievers do receive and get more. The non-dreamer and complacent receive little and get less. This is a law of every realm. 1.  It is the law of nature: the early bird gets the worm; the early get and survive; the late get little and suffer. 2.  It is the law of man: men reward energy and effort, results and production. They threaten and often take away from the lazy and inactive. Those who labor and practice and are diligent and persistent see, hear, and get. They are in a position to get more and more and to be given more and more. But the neglectful, lazy non-worker, and the unfaithful lose. • All through life a man either gains or loses. He seldom, if ever, stands still. It all depends on the dreams, the effort, and the energy he is willing to exert. • 3.  It is the law of God. (Matthew 5:6). (Matthew 6:33). (Matthew 7:7-8). (Luke 16:10).

21. Thought 1. Why do men reject Christ? Why do they harden their hearts, deafen their ears, and close their eyes? •   (John 3:19). (Psalm 52:3). (Proverbs 2:14). (2 Thes. 2:12). • Thought 2. One of the most tragic sights in all the world is to see people sitting under the most glorious message and fall asleep, or be listless, inattentive, disinterested, or willfully hardened and close-minded. God will "give them up" to their slumber and deliberate hardness. • 4. (13:16-17) Believers, Privileges of: the third reason Christ spoke in parables is that believers receive and are blessed with more. The blessings of God include the greatest possessions imaginable: love, joy, peace, confidence, assurance, and eternal security. The blessings of God come from seeing and hearing, that is, from conversion and spiritual healing, not from the things that men desire (John 10:10; John 14:27; John 15:11; John 16:33; Phil. 4:6-7). (Acts 3:19). (Psalm 19:7). (1 Cor. 2:9-10). " (Col. 1:26-27). (1 John 2:20). (Proverbs 15:31).

22. PART 3: The Parable of The Wheat and The Tares, The Question of Evil, Why it Exists 13:24-30 Matthew 13:24-30

23. THE PARABLE OF THE WHEAT AND TARES? THE QUESTION OF EVIL, WHY IT EXISTS, 13:24-30 • [13:24-30, 36-43] Introduction: some of man’s basic questions about the presence of evil in the world and judging others are covered in this parable. It is a parable that has some very practical answers and lessons for man. • There are both good and evil people in this world and in the Kingdom of Heaven (v. 24-26). • Christ sows the righteous; the devil sows the wicked (v. 24-25). • Men question why there is evil in the world and in the kingdom (church). Did God plant the evil as well as the good (v. 27-28). • Men are not to judge who the wheat and tares, the good and bad, are. Why? Because it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the good and bad, and some of the good might be rooted up (v. 29). • A day of harvest and of judgment is coming (v. 29-30). • God alone has the wisdom to judge correctly (v. 29-30).

24. Jesus explains the parable in vs. 36-43. Glancing at the major points of the parable will help one get an overview of the parable. • (13:24) Kingdom of Heaven: this parable describes the Kingdom of Heaven. • (13:24, 37-38) Jesus Christ, Mission: a man sows good seed. The man is Christ, the Son of Man (v. 37); the good seed are the righteous (v. 43), the children of the kingdom (v. 38). The field is the world. Note two things. • What the man, Christ does. His work is to sow righteous people in the world. (Mt. 20:28). (Lk. 19:10). (Ps. 126:5). • The man, Christ, owns the world. The world is “His field.” (Jn. 1:3) (Col. 1:16).” (Heb. 1:2).

25. Note several things: • Note Several Things: • Christ owns the field. The world is His by right because He created it (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2). • Christ does sow in the world. He works actively. He is not far off out in outer space someplace, disinterested and inactive. He is vitally interested in the world, and He works hard at sowing the righteous. • Seed is scattered all over the field. God has scattered the seed, the righteous all over the world. No single nation possesses all the righteous of the earth. No single nation is a favorite of God. God is not a respecter of persons. • Seed is to bear fruit. If it does not, it is either dead or else it is not real seed. • There is no righteous person apart from Him. He is the sower of the righteous seed.

26. (13:25, 38-39) Satan: an enemy sows tares. The enemy is the devil, the liar, the deceiver, the one who struggles against the truth. The tares are the children of the devil or the wicked one (v. 38). • 1. Note what the enemy (the devil) does. His work is to sow wicked or lawless people in the world and to do it secretly so that they will be unnoticed (v. 38, 41). • He came while men slept (v. 25). They were unconscious, unaware, too busy, too preoccupied, too unconcerned, too enticed with pleasure and other affairs. (Jn. 8:43-45). (Jn. 13:2). (Acts 13:10). (2 Cor. 4:3-4). • Note that the enemy (the devil) sows in the same field as the Lord. The bad are sown among the good. The devil’s method is counterfeit and imitation. Some within the world and within the church have not been sown by the Lord. They may be in the world and in the church; they may even look like they belong to Him, but they do not. (2 Cor. 11:13-15). • One reason so many tares are sown is because so many righteous are sleeping when they should be watching over the field (v. 25). Satan never sleeps; he is ever awake for every opportunity. (1 Pt. 5:8).

27. Note the words, “he went his way” • Note the words, “He went his way.” Satan does not want to be known as the sower of wicked men. In fact, he wants the wicked to disclaim him, never to confess that he is their “father” (Jn. 8:44). • The tares are “in the Lord’s field” professing that they belong to God, but they are deceived (2 Cor. 11:13-14).

28. 4 (13:26) Profession Only—Profession, False: a day for bearing fruit always comes. It comes for every professing Christian. The tares themselves were called “darnel,” some form of plant or wild corn that was slightly poisonous and narcotic. • When eaten it would cause dizziness and nausea. It was called the bastard wheat. Its roots became intertwined with the roots of the wheat. If it were rooted up, it would destroy the wheat plant before the fruit became mature. The method used to get rid of it was to let it grow and then to harvest it with the wheat. It was then separated from the wheat, bundled together, and cast into a flaming fire. • Note this: the tares (that is the unregenerate) looked like wheat when sown and during the growing stage. All men appear the same in religious practices. It is during the fruit-bearing stage that the difference appears. Unregenerate men can imitate true believers for only so long; eventually their true nature begins to show. (Mt. 7:17). (Gal. 5:19-21). (Gal. 5:22-23).

29. A person’s nature always comes out eventually. A tare shows itself. A wicked person may profess to be righteous, but a life of selfishness and unrighteousness will eventually take hold. The profession may continue, but so will the life of wickedness. A fact to note is that the tares (wicked) among the wheat (righteous) are hurtful to the wheat. • 1. They are an evil reflection upon the wheat. They sometimes make it very difficult for the world to distinguish between good and evil; therefore, they are the primary cause for the charge of hypocrisy leveled against the church. • 2. They stymie the growth of the wheat. Their behavior and conversation and thoughts are centered in the world, not on Christ. Therefore, the righteous are not edified when tares are clinging to them. • 3. They are a threat to the wheat. They can draw needed nourishment from the wheat. The professing tare can tempt and lead the righteous away from the Lord and His nourishment, tempt and lead the righteous into the world and its delights. • 4. They can cause the death of the wheat. The professing tare can persecute and even kill the wheat.

30. A DEEPER STUDY (13:29-30) Judging Others: there are three very practical reasons why no man can judge another. • A person is to be judged for his whole life. He is not to be judged for a single act or for a particular period of his life. No one sees another person’s whole life. In fact, very little of a person’s life (thought or activity) is seen by any one individual. • A person may make a serious mistake or go through a stage of terrible sin. Then, by the eternal mercy and eternal grace of God, he may turn back to Christ and make the rest of his life a wonderful service for God. • Any person who is judged to be righteous today may fall into sin later, years later. Only God can see the whole of a life. Only God can see and know all the facts that led the person to sin: facts within his being and facts without; pressures within and pressures without; relationships within and relationships without. Only God can know a person completely and fully—accurately know all the ramifications of every thought and act and stage of life. • (Mt. 7:1) (Ro. 2:1) (Ro. 14:4) (Ro. 14:13) (1 Cor. 4:5) (Jas. 4:12)

31. PART 4: The Parable of The Mustard Seed, The Growth and Greatness of Christianity 13:31-32 Matthew 13:31-32

32. Introduction • (13:31-32) Introduction: Christ is describing the growth and greatness of His kingdom and of Christianity in this parable. He shows how it begins as the smallest of seeds and grows into the greatest of movements. • The message of the parable is a powerful message to individual believers and congregations as well as to Christianity as a whole. • The seed of faith begins ever so small, but it grows into the greatest of bushes as it nourishes itself day by day. Faith is sown as a seed and once it is mature (grown, v.32) in believers and congregations alike, it provides lodging for the people of a turbulent world.

33. The Interpretation of This Parable The interpretation of this parable. • The birds are those in the world who find their lodging in the kingdom—(the Church and Christianity) that had so small a beginning but is now growing into a stately movement. • Many in the world, believers and non-believers alike, have found help and safety under its branches. Laws and institutions of mercy, justice, and honor have to a large extent evolved from this magnificent movement. • Believers find safety because we have an inheritance in the kingdom of God; both earthly and heavenly. Non believers find safety because of God’s grace and mercy holding back judgment until they believe.

34. (13:31) Christianity: a mustard seed is sown. The mustard seed was used in proverbial sayings to describe smallness in the day of Jesus. • The mustard seed grew to be a great bush, a bush as large as a tree. Its characteristics were loftiness, expansion, and prominence. • The man is Jesus Christ. The field is the world. Jesus Christ plants the seed in His field which is the world. • Tookmeans to deliberately take; to take with purpose and thought. The planting of the seed was not by chance. It did not just happen. • Christ deliberately planted the seed and nourished the growth of the bush. The bush existed because of great purpose and thought. The field means the world. As said, Christ plants the seed in His field. The world is His.

35. (13:32) Christianity: the mustard seed grows and becomes the greatest of bushes. Note three things. • The beginning of the bush (Christianity). It began as the smallest of seeds. • There are several facts that show just how small the beginning of the kingdom or Christianity really was. Christianity was born in the soul of a carpenter from the obscure villages of Nazareth and Capernaum (Galilee) and • from an obscure and despised nation, Israel (Mt. 8:5-13; 13:53-58). (Jn. 1:45-46). (Jn. 7:52). (Mk. 6:3). • Christianity began in the soul of a single person. Christ launched the movement all by Himself. The idea and dream were in His soul and no one else’s. He moved out alone—in God’s strength. (Jn. 3:16). (Heb. 2:14-15).

36. 2. The bush (Christianity) grew into the greatest of bushes. Christ said explicitly that when the kingdom or Christianity is fully grown, it is the greatest of movements. • Christianity is the greatest movement socially. It has changed the face of the earth. Liberty and freedom, and the laws and institutions of mercy, justice, and honor have for the most part evolved from Christianity. • Christianity is the greatest movement individually and personally. This is true because Christ did for an individual just what a tree does for a bird. 3. The result of the bush’s presence. The birds come and lodge in its branches. The same two steps are essential for the man. • First, a person must come. (Mt. 11:28). (Rev. 22:17). (Is. 1:18). (Is. 55:1). • Second, a person must lodge and live and walk in Christ. (Jn. 15:4-6). (Eph. 4:1).

37. PART 5: The Parable of The Leaven, The Transforming Power of The Gospel 13:33 Matthew 13:33

38. Leaven • LEAV’ EN: yeast, a rising agent for bread (Ex. 13:7). The Jews were required to keep it from all offerings made by fire (Lev. 2:11). It was allowed only when the offering was to be eaten (Lev. 7:13). • During the Passover week no leaven was allowed in the house. Throughout Scripture yeast is used as a symbolic term for sin and corruption. • False doctrine (Mt. 16:11) and impure conduct (1 Cor. 5:6-8) and compared to yeast, because like yeast once they begin to ferment, they will grow and eventually permeate the entire being.

39. 1. INTRODUCTION 1. (13:33) Introduction: There are essentially two interpretations of this parable. • 1. Some say the leaven represents evil that penetrates the Kingdom of God and His church. The main arguments of this position are threefold. • Consistency with the Lord’s purpose points to this interpretation. • The Lord’s very choice of leaven taken by a woman and hidden in the meal indicates a mixture of evil within the good. Leaven is always used to symbolize evil in Scripture (Mt. 16:6, 11; Mk. 8:15). Leaven sours, ferments, and putrefies. It is a picture of corruption, which penetrates and permeates the dough (1 Cor. 5:6-8; 2 Cor. 7:1; Gal. 5:7-9). • The woman had to hide the leaven, camouflage it in the meal.

40. 2. Some say the leaven symbolizes the Kingdom of God that penetrates and works silently to transform men and society. • It is argued that Christ and His Gospel alone have the power to transform lives, individually and socially, “till the whole [is] leavened.” • It is felt that evil could never be said to “leaven the whole” of God’s Kingdom, for such would mean the failure of the kingdom. • It is also argued that the woman took the leaven and acted with purpose and plan. The argument is that no person can be said to deliberately act against God’s kingdom until “the whole [is] leavened.” If evil works and works until it has “leavened the whole,” then evil will succeed in corrupting God’s kingdom. Again such an interpretation would mean that God’s kingdom is to fail.

41. 2. CHURCH 2. Church: the leaven is deliberately taken. In the first interpretation where leaven represents evil, the woman would probably represent the religion of man or what might be called a rationalistic or humanistic religion. Man has always had a religion of some sort, a religion of his own making. He attempts to satisfy the spiritual need of his soul, and just being associated with Christianity and being in the walls of the church makes him feel better. • In the second interpretation where leaven represents the Kingdom of God, the woman would probably be the church and the leaven the gospel. The meal would be the world or those without the knowledge of God in the world. This means that the church would have a twofold task.

42. The church would seek to leaven individuals: to penetrate an individual with the gospel until the whole person is transformed. (Jn. 1:12). (Ro. 10:13). (2 Cor. 5:17). (Eph. 4:24). (Col. 3:10). • 2. The church would seek to leaven society as a whole: to penetrate society with the gospel until the whole of society was transformed. (Mt. 28:19-20). (Mk. 16:15). (Acts 1:8).

43. 3. LEAVEN 3. Leaven:the leaven is mixed in unfinished meal. If the leaven is the gospel, then the picture is that of the gospel being placed… • Into the unfinished and imperfect world. • Into the unfinished and imperfect church in its earthly state. • The Gospel (leaven) has to be placed right in the midst of the world and the church (unfinished and imperfect) if it is to do its work. The gospel is powerful, it’s extremely powerful. Just a “little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (1 Cor. 5:6; Gal. 5:9). Note three things. • 1. A person who will allow just a little of the gospel to penetrate his life will eventually have his life changed. (Acts 17:11-12).

44. 2. Believers are to mix the gospel in the world. Just a little leaven will transform much. But observe: the leaven has to be worked and worked in order to be mixed thoroughly. • What a lesson for faithfulness in sounding forth the message of the gospel! (Mt. 28:19-20). (2 Tim. 2:24-25). (Tit. 2:15). • It does not take much leaven to do the work. No matter how little of the gospel a person knows, he should be leavening, that is, working to reach people and to change the world for Christ. There is no excuse for doing nothing. • ” (Mk. 5:19).” (Jn. 15:27). (Acts 4:20).” (2 Cor. 4:13). (1 Pt. 3:15).

45. 4. LEAVEN-TRANSFORMATION-GOSPEL 4.Leaven—Transformation—Gospel: leaven silently transforms the whole lump. Leaven changes and transforms bread. Bread made from water is hard, dry, and not too nourishing. But leaven mixed in with dough changes and transforms bread tremendously. It does at least four things for bread.

46. Leaven Makes… • Leaven makes bread soft, no longer hard. The leaven of the gospel does the same. It penetrates the heart of a man and softens the hardness of his life. He becomes much softer toward the Lord and toward the needs of others. He becomes a more caring and giving person. Softness is definitely one of the trademarks of a transformed person. • Leaven makes bread porous and moist, no longer dry. The leaven of the gospel does the same. It penetrates the dryness of a man’s heart and life. The gospel penetrates and creates pores in his life and moistens his heart so that he can grow into a moist or fruitful person. • Leaven makes bread satisfying, no longer unfulfilling. Again the leaven of the gospel does the same for the man who lives a dissatisfied life with no purpose, meaning, or significance. The gospel leavens or transforms a person’s heart giving purpose and joy and hope—all the satisfaction a person could ever desire. • Leaven makes bread nourishing, no longer of little benefit. The leaven of the gospel does the same thing for the man who seems to accomplish so little in life. The gospel not only gives purpose, but it inspires and causes a person to feed others. A person transformed by the gospel is able to feed the truth to the world—truth about the emptiness and loneliness of the human heart and God’s provision for man’s plight.

47. PART 6: The Parable of The Hidden Treasure, Giving Up All For Christ 13:44 Matthew 13:44

48. Introduction 1Introduction—Believers—Treasure—Gospel: The Treasure is the Gospel of the Messiah who is ever so precious. A man sees the gospel, the saving message of Christ, as never before; that is, He understands the immense treasure of salvation. This understanding causes a man to do five things. • He hides the treasure: he tucks it away in his heart, protecting it, not letting it loose. He seeks and continues to seek the truth of Christ. Belief—conviction • He goes: approaches Christ and makes a decision. Confession—Justification? Is a person justified after he believes in Christ or confesses Him? • He sells all: repents and turns from his former life to God. Sanctification—Processed • He buys: commits all and gives all to possess the treasure of salvation. Selling out for Christ • He joys: experiences the completeness and satisfaction of the treasure and envisions and hopes for more and more, eternally. Bears Fruit

49. Deeper Study DEEPER STUDY • Parables: Jesus was now talking only to His disciples. In v. 36 He had sent the multitude away; now He shared four parables with the disciples alone. The parable of the “Hidden Treasure” and “The Pearl of Great Price” would possibly be preached and taught together. Their point is the same: the great value of Christ. Jesus Christ is the most valuable treasure a person can possess. • Have class break down the scriptures. (Mt. 13:46). (Mk. 8:36). (Acts 4:12).” (1 Cor. 3:11).= (Ph. 3:8). (Col. 2:10).

50. The Gospel and Believers 2Gospel—Believers: a man finds the treasure. In Jesus’ day it was common practice to hide treasure and valuables by burying them in the ground. The earth was the safest place to hide one’s valuables; for example, in the “Parable of the Talents,” the unprofitable servant hid his talent in the earth to keep from losing it (Mt. 25:25). The field could represent the gospel. The treasure would then be Christ who is “hid” in the gospel. A person cannot find the treasure (Christ) by just scratching the surface of the earth (gospel). One must dig and dig deep (Jn. 5:39); 2 Tim. 2:15). • There is an enormous difference between the philosophical treasures of the world and the treasure of Christ and His Word (Contrast). A person does not learn the world’s philosophical treasures by scratching the surface. He has to dig. So it is with the treasure of Christ: a person has to dig into the gospel and dig deep to in the treasures of the gospel. When a man finds the treasure he does five things.