1. The New Testament often teaches using analogies and examples. Perhaps there is no clearer indication of this than the many parables in which Jesus taught of the nature of “the kingdom of heaven” by making comparisons to things common to everyday life. But not only is the nature of the kingdom taught by analogy, so also is our relationship to Deity and one another typified through these examples. Thus far in our studies of this topic, we have concentrated upon what “Membership” means by looking at some comparisons given in the New Testament:  being Married to Christ (Eph.5:22ff);  being Living Stones in the Temple of God (1Pet.2:4ff);  being Citizens of the heavenly kingdom (Col.1:13; Eph.2:19ff);  and being a Child of God, and thus Part of God’s Family (Gal.3:24ff).

2. This morning, let’s continue our study by taking a look at being Please read with me Matthew 20:1-16 Workers in the Lord’s Vineyard

3. Some Points to Consider:  The “Landowner” Selects the Field, vv.1-2 In this age of the entrepreneurial spirit, everybody wants to be their own boss and do things their own way. This may work in the business world of today, but when it comes to the spiritual realm, God is still “the boss”! If we work in a spiritual sense, then it will be in His vineyard rather than one of our own making. Note some abuses of this principle: -Denominational churches rather than the One Body of Eph.4:4 -Many “avenues” of so-called services to God rather than Evangelism, Edification, and Benevolence as God commissioned, 2Tim.2:2; Eph.4:16; Rom.15:25-26. -Corrupted Worship practices which taut the notion that I/we can worship anyway we please, John 4:24. -Corrupted Methods of accomplishing the Lord’s work. Funny that the Corinthians never thought of using athletics to encourage spirituality despite the Isthmian games being held near there every two years, 1Cor.9:24-27. They did however apparently think that food and drink were keys to spirituality and were condemned for it, 1Cor.11:20-22. -Many gimmicks have been tried over the years by various denominations and those seeking to be like them to attract people. The simple solution is not to attempt to attract folks but to adopt the mantra of Jesus Christ, Lk.19:10. When such is the goal, they will be brought to Christ.

4. Workers in the Lord’s Vineyard  Also consider Complaints relative to: -Work Schedules: “Just not convenient for me!” cf. Acts 24:22-27; Acts 8:26,40; 2Tim.4:2 -Job Description: “Don’t you have something less menial!” cf. 2Tim.2:1-10 We are not the managers, supervisors, or directors- we are supposed to be workers, Prov.6:6-11; 1Cor.12:12ff -Hours: Matt.20:12 -It’s just not fair: Matt.20:8-15. This life was never promised to be fair! cf. 2Cor.5:1-10 > 4:16-18

5. Workers in the Lord’s Vineyard  And what about the inability to recognize harvest time? Please note these proverbs relative to work and the corresponding rewards, Prov.10:4-5; 14:23; 26:13-16. As these are true in the physical realm of work and industry, so also they are in the spiritual realm. If a church is growing spiritually and numerically, rest assured there is some serious work going on by someone(s). These things don’t just happen any more than do fruit harvests in agriculture! Likewise, rest assured that if a church is not growing spiritually and numerically, few, if any, seeds are being planted, cf. 1Cor.3:6-9; James 1:18

6. Workers in the Lord’s Vineyard  Now which is it? Are you a Worker in the Lord’s Vineyard, Or just hoping to enter heaven on spiritual welfare?