THE JUDGEMENT
Matthew 25:31-46

  I.  Background - Matthew 24
     A.  Jesus' disciples asked two questions.
           1.  When will the temple be destroyed?
           2.  What will be the signs of the second coming and
                the end of the world?
     B.  Some people believe that Jesus meant to start his
          kingdom at his first coming but because of their hard
          hearts, he started the church instead.
          1.  If this were true, Jesus was not omnicient (all knowing).
          2.  If this were true, Jesus misspoke in Luke 9:1 where he
               said that some standing with him would not die until
               they saw the kingdom come in glory.
     C.  These erroneous beliefs caused them to make some conclusions.
           1.  Jesus would come to earth and reign here for 1000 years.
           2.  His kingdon would be a literal kingdom.
           3.  After that the earth would be destroyed.
     D.  This theory is not supported by the scripture.
           1.  Except for the figurative statement in Revelation, the
                scripture never says that Jesus will return to earth.
                1 Thessalonians 4:16
           2.  Jesus' kingdom is the church which was established in
                Acts 2 .  Daniel 2:43, Colossians 1:13

 II. Jesus answers the disciples' questions.
     A.  There were signs of the destruction of Jerusalem.  verses 4-28
     B.  There were signs of his second coming and judgements.
           Matthew 25: 29-46, Mark 13:24-27, Luke 21:25-27

III. Jesus makes two points in Matthew 25.
     A.  Be ready, no one  knows when Jesus will return.  verses 1-13
     B.  I must use the talents God gave me for His glory, and I will
          be greatly rewarded.  verses 14-30

IV. Final judgement - verses 31-46
      A.  Everyone will be a sheep or a goat, there will be no middle ground.
      B.  The destinations of heaven and hell were created before the world.
      C.  The sheep and the goats will all be surprized at the basis of
            the Lord's judgement.
            1.  Feed hungry               2.  Give drink to thirsty
            3.  Lodge strangers          4.  Clothe the naked
            5.  Comfort the sick          5.  Support those in prison
      D.  Believing/faith only will not meet the Lord's standard.  James 2:24
      E.  What we do for others, we do for Jesus.
      F.  The goats were sent away, not because they were evil, but because
           they did not use their talents for God's glory.