Seven Sacred Secrets

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Matthew 13:3Anyone can learn the facts and study history, but they cannot understand the deeper things of God unless they have a personal relationship with Him. To those who do not have the Holy Spirit within to illumine and interpret the Word of God, the Bible remains a mystery.In Matthew 13:11, Jesus says, “…it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.”Jesus’ parables in Matthew 13 reveal seven sacred secrets we can only know if we know God personally.Expect many to reject the Gospel. (See Matthew 13:18-23.)Jesus knew the hardness of human hearts. In the Parable of the Sower, He explains that there are only a faithful few. He expects to be rejected by many. As soul winners, we should expect the same thing, but not let it discourage us from continuing to share the Gospel.Expect many church members to be hypocrites. (See Matthew 13:24-30.)Every church has hypocrites, but hypocrisy does not mean the Gospel has failed. It is not our job to separate the hypocrites from the true believers. Our business is to preach the Gospel.Expect the rise of false cults. (See Matthew 13:31-32.)The Bible tells us there will be an increase of false religion in the Last Days.Expect corruption in the professing church. (See Matthew 13:33.)The devil is at work in the church; he infiltrates it with spiritual “leaven,” which works stealthily to puff up the whole body. Anywhere there is right fellowship with God, expect traces of corruption and arrogance.Expect God to keep His word to the nation Israel. (See Matthew 13:44.)If we are wise, we will keep our eyes on Israel; we will see for ourselves what God has promised to do through His chosen people.Expect Jesus to be building His Church. (See Matthew 13:45-46.)Despite the rise of false religion and cults, Jesus will continue to build His Church, making her undivided and beautiful.Expect God to bring it all to judgment. (See Matthew 13:47-50.)God sees it all; He will bring about judgment upon the righteous and the wicked.Apply it to your lifeAre you a soul winner? Remember: your job is to share the Gospel, despite discouragement or rejection.Adrian Rogers says, “God’s job is to sort the catch; our job is to draw the net.”