Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Matthew 20:1-15

Fairness is a wonderful human attribute we learn about when we’re young and demand of each other as we grow.

In Matthew 20:1-15, Jesus shares the parable of the vineyard workers. The owner of the vineyard rises early to hire laborers, then adds hired laborers at various times throughout the day. At the end of the day, he pays his laborers all the same wages.

This may not seem “fair” in our human understanding, but we must remember that God is not fair, but He is good.

First, this passage shows us that it’s always too soon to quit, but never too late to start.

Though it is better for us to start serving God early in life, it is never too late; He calls us to the vineyard, even at the eleventh hour.

Second, if we bargain with God, we will cheat ourselves. Matthew 20:2 reveals that the early workers had haggled with the owner for more money until they finally came to an agreement. Yet, they are surprised when the owner offers the same wage to the later laborers.

Third, it is wise to let God keep the books; if we try to keep a record of our service, we run the risk of taking credit we don’t deserve.

Fourth, don’t look for fairness; ask for mercy. Fairness is based on the idea that we are owed something, but God does not owe us anything. As sinners, He deals with us on the basis of justice and mercy, and if we ask for justice, we will get exactly what we deserve. Instead, we should beg for mercy.

Finally, another’s blessing is never our own loss; just because the vineyard owner blessed the later workers doesn’t mean the early workers lacked. Likewise, when we see God bless others “more” than He blesses us, we are not losing anything.

Adrian Rogers says, “We will be much happier in this life if we take our eyes off of our brothers and sisters, put our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be grateful for what He does.”



Apply it to your life
Have you been called to the vineyard to serve our Lord Jesus Christ? It’s never too late to start. If you have served Christ for a while now, remember there is no seniority in the kingdom of God. Welcome your brothers and sisters in gratitude and rejoice in each other’s blessings.

Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Proverbs 29:1
Proverbs 29:1 says, “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”

Can a man spiritually pass the point of no return? Can he be so willfully rebellious that God will give up on him? The answer is yes, and that’s a frightening thing. God is a God of infinite love, yes, but He’s also a God of wrath and judgment. There is a deadline, and if anyone crosses God’s deadline, his doom is sealed.

We must listen to the warnings God graciously gives us before we reach the point of no return.

When we have sinned against God, He convicts us through the Holy Spirit, physical illness, sorrows, good things, and godly people. He uses these things to guide and correct us.

Yet, when we choose our stubborn rebellion over this conviction, we make it more and more difficult for ourselves to ever turn back to God.

When we’ve hardened our necks (as stated in Proverbs 29:1), there is bound to come sudden destruction; not only in our minds, with strong delusions, but in our spirits as well. We will find that the Holy Spirit of God no longer speaks to us and that God no longer draws us in.

We all think we have more time to get right with God, but sometimes, this isn’t the case. Once your heart no longer beats, your destiny is settled, and there is no second chance. God convicts because He loves you so much. He wants to save you. His reproof is rooted in love. If you continue to reject it, destruction will follow.

There is good news, though. Anybody who wants to be saved can be. The man who crosses the deadline has no desire to be saved. But if you have a desire to be saved, the Holy Spirit of God is working in you; it’s not too late.

Apply it to your life
Have you listened to God’s conviction or have you remained stubborn in your rebellion? You must be receptive to God’s loving correction if you want a relationship with Him. Pray today, and ask the Lord if there is anything in your life that is not pleasing to Him. Ask for His forgiveness today.