The Inheritance of the Righteou
June 2, 2024

Today’s text is one of the most sobering of Jesus’ warnings about judgment. When He returns, it will be the most public event ever. Jesus says the righteous will be separated from the unrighteous. The righteous, who have been blessed by the Father, will be ushered into the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world. Those who have been cursed will be sent to an eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. As we study together today, we’ll learn what Jesus says regarding the judgment scene. Then, we’ll talk about the inheritance of the righteous.

I. Matthew 25.31-33: The Judgment Scene

A. Jesus, now in full glory, power, and authority, will be on His throne in all His splendor and majesty. ALL the angels will be with Him.

B. 25.32 - Jesus’ judgment involves a gathering and separating… “

Reveal Answer
from another,”

II. Matthew 25.34-40: The Spiritual Inheritance of the Righteous

A. 25.34a - Who is in view here? He is speaking to those who are

Reveal Answer
by My Father.

B. 25.34b - What do they receive? …

Reveal Answer
the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. This has been God’s plan for the righteous all along.

  1. Ephesians 1:4: For he chose us in him, …, to be
    Reveal Answer
    and blameless in love before him.

C. 25.35-36: What the new life looks like after salvation.

  1. Emphasis: not how one enters the kingdom, but how one readies himself for Jesus’ return.

  2. This responsive faith and humble heart is very much a part in their salvation.

D. 25.37-38: When did we do this for you?

  1. Day-to-day, routine acts of kindness and goodness demonstrated toward others.

  2. John 13.34-35: Just as I have loved you… a life in caring for those who have need.

E. 25.40 - when we help people … whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you

Reveal Answer
.

  1. Matthew 10.40: The one who
    Reveal Answer
    you welcomes me, and the one who welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. The product of your life represents the reality of your life.

III. Matthew 25.41-45: The Fate of the Unrighteous

A What do we have in this verse?

  1. _Depar_t = separation; Cursed = people devoted to destruction

  2. Eternal = duration (everlasting); Devil/angels = association;

    Reveal Answer
    = affliction

B. Why does He tell them to depart?

  1. 25.42-43 - because of what they didn’t do.

  2. 25.45 - whatever you did not do for the least of one of these, you did not do it for me.

a) 1 John 3.17: If anyone has this world’s goods and sees a fellow believer in need but withholds compassion from him—how does God’s

Reveal Answer
reside in him?

  1. 25.46: The unrighteous will be sent away into eternal punishment.

IV As We Close…

A. Service rendered to another Christian is the mark of a Christian.

  1. Active ministry to others is the key to salvation.

  2. 1 John 3:18: Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.

B. Everyone plays a role.

  1. The actions of 25.35-36 are lowly, unspectacular, and not religious.

  2. They are simple things that everyone can do. No special talent is required …

C. What will I do? Who can I serve?

D. Why is this important? Jesus is coming. Are you ready?