Marty Sloan – Living the Dream

Kingdom First Series – Kingdom Possibilities

7/11/10 HT AM

Matthew 19:16-30 NKJV

Matthew 19:16

Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good ◙ Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

Matthew 19:17

So He said to him, ◙ “Why do you call Me good? ◙ No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

Matthew 19:18

He said to Him, “Which ones?”

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’

Matthew 19:19

‘Honor your father and your mother,’ ◙ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” ◙

Matthew 19:20

The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept ◙ from my youth. What do I still lack?”

Matthew 19:21

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

Matthew 19:22

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Matthew 19:23

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:24

And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 19:25

When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

NKJV

When you shift from men to God, you shift from the realm of the impossible to the possible.

The discussion of this passage pertains to one desiring to enter the kingdom of God and experience the things possible inside that kingdom.  The challenge for that same person and for us is our passion both kingdoms.  There are two kingdoms but only one of them posses the power for the impossible – it’s the Kingdom of God. Matthew 6:21 treasure precedes the heart, layup treasure in Heaven draws your heart to Heaven.

Observations from this passage

1. 1. Human values differ from Heavenly values. (Immediate application is that of eternal life.  What humans value most is money, based on this passage that is what matters least in Heavens economy)  In this life, money can make nearly anything happen. You can seemingly buy happiness, position, friends and much more.  Yet for eternal life it means absolutely NOTHING.
2. 2. You can do many things right and still not be right

Doing right and being right is the frustrating paradox for many.  They toe the line on many areas of life, yet there heart and soul is not totally sold out to Christ.

3. Things that are humanly impossible are Heavenly possible

Things possible in the kingdom

1. 1. Understanding and Discernment
2. 2. Protection and Promotion
3. 3. Deliverance and Direction
4. 4. Prosperity and Provision

Keys to entering the kingdom

1. 1. Alignment with God

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. NKJV

We know that the word righteousness here is a legal term that means to be in proper alignment with God, His Word and His expectation for your life.

1. 2. Acknowledgement of His will above yours

Matthew 6:9

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Matthew 6:10

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. KJV

Jesus – Luke 22:42 – Not my will but Your will be done

Culture today is drowning in the sea of “therapeutic- deism” we think God exist to make us happy, when in essence we exists to worship Him (make Him happy)

Things POSSIBLE in the Kingdom of God

They are possible as we align ourselves righly before God.

1. 1. Understanding and Discernment

Hebrews 5:12

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

Hebrews 5:13

For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

Hebrews 5:14

But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. NKJV

Understanding and Discernment is the ability to see things as they really are. Seeing things as God sees them calling as they really are.  Seeing the unseen!

Maturing in the word will bring you to understanding and discernment in your life.

Goal here for discernment is maturing in the word NOT living on the revelation of another.

Milk vs. Solid – the cow works for the milk / solid you do the work not another

1. 2. Protection and Promotion

Psalm 5:11

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;

Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;

Let those also who love Your name

Be joyful in You.

Psalm 5:12

For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;

With favor You will surround him as with a shield. NKJV

Promise from the Word – God is watching you and hears you all the time.

Psalm 34:15

The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,

And His ears are open to their cry. NKJV

1. 3. Deliverance and Direction

Psalm 34:17

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,

And delivers them out of all their troubles.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,

And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Psalm 34:19

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Psalm 34:20

He guards all his bones (structure);

Not one of them is broken.

Psalm 34:21

Evil shall slay the wicked,

And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.

Psalm 34:22

The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,

And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

If we align with God – He will deliver – the battle is that we want deliverance without alignment.  Alignment does not mean the avoidance of troubles, but it’s the hope for deliverance from/ through them.

Abraham –  A great example of a righteous man.

Genesis 15:6

And he (Abraham) believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

Genesis 12:1

“Get out of your country,

From your family

And from your father’s house,

To a land that I will show you.

Genesis 12:2

I will make you a great nation;

I will bless you

And make your name great;

And you shall be a blessing.

Genesis 12:3

I will bless those who bless you,

And I will curse him who curses you;

And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

1. 4. Prosperity and Provision

Proverbs 13:21

Evil pursues sinners,

But to the righteous, good shall be repaid.

Proverbs 13:22

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,

But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. NKJV

Prosperity spoke of here includes but by no means is limited to material wealth.  Prosperity speaks of overall abundance, fulfillment and fruitfulness.