5.27.2001 | PARABLES OF JESUS - THE PEARL- Matthew 13:45-46

Intro... Some things guys got to have…sports equip, computer equip, car parts, Big Screen TV, the Ultimate babe… Some things girls got to have...enough shoes, the perfect swimsuit, hair just right, the best item on the sales rack… Am I way off track here? Help me out...other things guys and girls got to have..

Something you’ve got to have….sometimes we go to extreme measures to get it. Sell our stuff, whatever it takes. It’s almost like we’ve become a druggie or someone who is terribly addicted to something. We’ll do whatever we have to to acquire

Matthew 13:45-46

(“Again”...ties it to the previous parable in vs. 44..)

This parable shows the incomparable value of the kingdom which will cause a person to do everything possible to possess it.

How would you define the “kingdom of heaven?”

(things of God, things that matter to God) Here we are dealing with a merchant whose business it is to seek pearls, and who chances on one of supreme value. Although he is an expert in pearls, this single find so far surpasses any other pearl the merchant has ever seen that he considers it a fair exchange for everything else he owns.

What are some of the real pearls we search for in life?

(compared to the goofy things we listed in the beginning.)

"One wins eternal life after a struggle of years, another finds it in one hour" contrast the conversions of Saul (Acts 9:1-7) and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:27).

When we finally discover the truth (coming to Christ or discovering a new truth as a Christian) we should be willing to sell all to acquire it. We realize it is of extreme value. We would gladly exchange all to follow Christ. As you discover the pearls of the Xian life if you find yourself not willing to “sell all to acquire it” you better check your values.

Digging or searching for the pearl takes hard work and determination.

Crossword clues Crossword puzzle….

Just as a crossword puzzle unveils itself as you work through it...So can God and Xianity as you make a diligent effort. “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” Proverbs 8:17

As Xians, when we dig for truth and more understanding, our search for answers may take years (Saul to Paul) or minutes (eunuch).

The search for something as valuable as Christian truth is not met by accident. It requires an intelligent, hard fought search.

OK, so lets say you acknowledge the need for the search. What does it involve?

(Different things at different phase of life..)

I’m going to strongly suggest that as Xians, the MAIN pearl we should be seeking is God’s will. If we can find that in every situation, the little pearls will reveal themselves. When you discover God’s truth to be real, you’ll sacrifice all you have to get it and understand it more. As Christians, we realize that at times we must give up all for Christ, but it’s worth it.

As you mature as a Christian you realize that giving up those things which seemed so important to you before are really not much of a sacrifice as you thought.

Examples?

Acquiring Christ is the one possession that will get you rich for life.

Eternal salvation from sin and its consequences should be the supreme goal of man. It should be sought after above all things, and prized beyond all that God has made.

Gospel message...when are you going to make that choice if you haven’t?

Personal application:

• As a student, what pearl is God asking you to look for?
• As a parent,
• As a single person,
• As an employee etc…
• As a ________________ what is God asking you to look for?

If we are trolling the sea and land for things that bring us temporal gain.

If we ridicule other Christians who are seeking other more valuable things.

If we confess that the treasures God has for us are the most valuable yet aren’t actively searching for them…WE ARE LIVING AN INACCURATE PICTURE OF WHAT THE CHRISTIAN LIFE REALLY IS!

Conclusion: The guy Steve meet at the Jetty….he doesn’t realize he’s got the prize…

Head back to Sermon Archive.