The Sheep and the Goats: A Heart Transformed by Grace

Text: Matthew 25:31-46

Beloved in Christ, the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 is one of the most striking teachings of Jesus about the final judgment. It paints a vivid picture of Christ returning in glory, separating people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep are welcomed into His kingdom, while the goats are sent away into eternal punishment.

At first glance, this passage may seem to teach that our final destiny depends on our works—whether we fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited the imprisoned. However, we must interpret Jesus’ words in the broader context of Scripture, which consistently teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). So, how do we reconcile this passage with the gospel of grace?

Works as the Evidence, Not the Basis, of Salvation

Jesus is not teaching that these acts of kindness earn salvation. Rather, they are the natural fruit of a life transformed by His grace. The sheep are not saved because they served the least of these; they serve the least of these because they are saved. Their good works are the outflow of a genuine faith, a heart changed by Christ.

James 2:26 reminds us that "faith without works is dead." This does not mean works save us, but that true faith will inevitably bear the fruit of love and compassion. Just as an apple tree produces apples because it is alive, not to make itself alive, so the sheep serve others because they have received new life in Christ.

The Goats’ Problem: A Heart Unchanged

The goats, on the other hand, are not condemned simply because they failed to do good works. Their lack of compassion reveals a deeper issue—the absence of a transformed heart. They may have professed faith, but their lives showed no evidence of it. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father."

The will of the Father is not just outward obedience but a heart that loves God and loves others. The goats' indifference toward the suffering of others is proof that they never truly knew Christ.

The Sheep Know the Shepherd

A key detail in the passage is the humility of the sheep. They are almost surprised that their acts of kindness mattered so much. This is because their good works were not done to earn favor with God but were the natural response of a heart transformed by knowing Christ.

Jesus identifies Himself with “the least of these.” When we belong to Him, our love for Him overflows into love for others. We serve not out of duty but out of delight in our Savior.

Conclusion: A Call to Examine Our Hearts

This passage is not a lesson on salvation by works, but a call to self-examination. Have we truly trusted in Christ? If so, the evidence will be seen in how we love and serve others. Our works do not save us, but they testify to the faith that does.

May we, by God’s grace, be counted among His sheep—not by our own righteousness, but by the righteousness of Christ working in us, for His glory and the good of others. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

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The Sin of Favoritism and the Call to Love

 Scripture: James 2:1-9

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we reflect on James 2:1-9, a passage that warns us against favoritism and calls us to love as God loves. James, the brother of Jesus, speaks directly and powerfully, challenging us to examine our hearts and actions.

The Sin of Favoritism (James 2:1-4)
James begins with a stark warning: "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism." He then paints a vivid picture of two men entering a gathering—one rich and well-dressed, the other poor and in rags. The rich man is given a place of honor, while the poor man is told to stand or sit at someone’s feet.

What is the problem here? It is not merely an issue of hospitality but of partiality—treating people differently based on their outward appearance or social status. James calls this behavior evil because it contradicts the very nature of God, who shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11).

How often do we judge by appearances? Do we favor those who can offer us something in return while overlooking the weak and needy? James reminds us that this is not the way of Christ.

God's Heart for the Poor (James 2:5-7)
James then asks a rhetorical question: "Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom?" This echoes Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

The world may despise the poor, but God sees them differently. He often uses those who seem insignificant to do great things. The rich, on the other hand, can be tempted by power and self-sufficiency, forgetting their need for God. James warns against honoring those who exploit others while neglecting those whom God esteems.

The Royal Law of Love (James 2:8-9)
James then shifts from favoritism to the law of love, saying, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right." This law, given by God and affirmed by Jesus, is the foundation of true righteousness.

Yet, if we show favoritism, we violate this law and fall into sin. James does not soften his words—favoritism is not a small mistake; it is a transgression against God’s will. To love as Christ loves means to treat all people with dignity, regardless of status, wealth, or appearance.

A Call to Examine Our Hearts
This passage calls us to self-examination: Do we judge others by their wealth, status, or appearance? Do we overlook the poor and the needy? The kingdom of God does not operate like the world. In Christ, all are equal, and our worth is found in Him alone.

Let us ask God to remove favoritism from our hearts and replace it with genuine love. Let us live out the royal law, seeing others as God sees them, and extending grace to all.

Lord, forgive us for showing favoritism and for valuing people based on worldly measures. Help us to love as You love and to honor all people with the dignity You have given them. May we live out Your royal law of love in our daily lives. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

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Sabbath School Lesson 1: Some Principles of Prophecy

 

Allusions, Images, Symbols:

How to Study Prophecy

Sabbath School Lesson 1

Some Principles of Prophecy

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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The Weightier Matters of the Law

 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 23:23-24; Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Isaiah 58:13-14

In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They meticulously tithe herbs like mint and dill but neglect the “weightier matters of the law”—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He does not dismiss the importance of tithing but calls them to a deeper righteousness that reflects God's heart.

The Weightier Matters of the Law:
Justice, mercy, and faithfulness are at the core of God's law. While the Pharisees focused on outward obedience, they overlooked these essential principles. God’s commands are not mere rules but expressions of His character—loving, just, and merciful.

The Sabbath and God’s Concern for Justice:
Deuteronomy 5:12-15 links the Sabbath to deliverance. God commands Israel to rest, reminding them of their former slavery in Egypt. The Sabbath is not just about personal rest but about justice—ensuring that all, including servants and strangers, experience relief and dignity.

Isaiah 58:13-14 further clarifies the spirit of the Sabbath. It is not a day of self-seeking but a time to delight in the Lord, reflecting His justice and compassion. When we honor the Sabbath properly, we participate in God's work of setting the oppressed free and lifting burdens.

How does this Apply to Us?
True obedience to God’s law goes beyond rituals. Are we practicing justice in our daily lives? Are we showing mercy to the broken? Are we faithful to God's commands in both spirit and action? Honoring the Sabbath means more than resting—it means living in a way that promotes justice and extends God's deliverance to others.

Live as Jesus Taught
Jesus calls us to a faith that is not just outward but transformative. The weightier matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness—must shape how we live, love, and worship. Let us not major in the minors but seek to reflect God's heart in all we do.

Prayer:
Lord, help us to embrace Your law with justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Teach us to honor the Sabbath as a time of rest and restoration, not only for ourselves but for others. May we live as people who reflect Your love and righteousness in the world. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

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A New Heart and a New Birth

 

Scripture: Jeremiah 31:31–34; John 3:1–21; Hebrews 8:10

Introduction: The human heart, apart from God, is broken and stained by sin. But our merciful God has always planned to renew us from the inside out. Through His promise in Jeremiah, the teaching of Jesus to Nicodemus, and the fulfillment in Christ, we see God’s commitment to transforming us with a new heart and a new birth.

I. The Promise of a New Heart (Jeremiah 31:31–34) Jeremiah speaks of a new covenant where God will write His law upon our hearts. The old covenant, based on external adherence to the Law, was not sufficient to change human nature. But God promises a radical transformation—He will be our God, and we will be His people. This is not just about following rules but having an internal transformation where obedience flows from a heart aligned with Him.

II. The Necessity of a New Birth (John 3:1–21) Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to Jesus at night seeking understanding. Jesus tells him, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). This puzzled Nicodemus, but Jesus explained that the new birth is spiritual, not physical. Just as Jeremiah prophesied a new heart, Jesus speaks of being born of water and the Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings regeneration, making us new creations in Christ.

III. The Fulfillment of the Promise (Hebrews 8:10) The writer of Hebrews quotes Jeremiah, confirming that Jesus has established this new covenant. Through Christ’s sacrifice, God’s law is not merely written on tablets of stone but inscribed on our hearts. We no longer strive for righteousness through our works; instead, God transforms us by His grace, making us His children.

Conclusion: God’s promise to give us a new heart is fulfilled through Christ’s work on the cross and the Spirit’s transforming power. The call to Nicodemus is the call to us all: we must be born again. This is not a self-improvement project but a divine work of grace. Have you received the new heart that God offers? Are you living in the joy of the new covenant? Let us surrender to God’s work in us, embracing the transformation He promises.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

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The Law: Holy, Just, and Good

 

Scripture: Romans 6:1–3; Romans 7:7–12 (emphasis on verse 12)

Introduction
Brothers and sisters, today we turn our hearts to the words of Paul in the book of Romans, where he speaks about the law in relation to Christ’s work on the cross. Some might wonder: If we are saved by grace, does the law still matter? Others might ask: Is the law something to be feared or cast aside now that Christ has come?

Paul answers these questions with great clarity, reminding us that the law itself is holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12).

 Grace Does Not Abolish the Law (Romans 6:1–3)

Paul begins by asking, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" (Romans 6:1). His response is immediate and firm: "God forbid!" Just because Christ has freed us from sin does not mean we should live lawlessly. Instead, we are called to walk in newness of life.

The law was never the problem—sin was the problem. The law revealed sin, but it did not cause it. Rather, it showed us the standard of God's holiness and our need for a Savior.

 The Purpose of the Law (Romans 7:7–12)

Paul explains that the law acts like a mirror—it reveals sin but cannot remove it. Without the law, we would not have known the depth of our sinfulness. He uses the example of coveting: “I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet” (Romans 7:7).

But does this mean the law is bad? Absolutely not! It is through the law that we see our need for Christ. The problem is not the law—it is sin that corrupts. The law points us to Christ, who alone can redeem us.

 The Law is Holy, Just, and Good (Romans 7:12)

Here is the heart of today’s message: “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” The law reflects God's character—it is holy, because it comes from a holy God. It is just, because it teaches us righteousness. It is good, because it leads us to Christ.

Even though Christ fulfilled the law, He did not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). Rather, He gave us the grace to live according to God's righteousness—not by our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Walking in Grace and Truth

As believers, we no longer live under the condemnation of the law, but we do live in the righteousness it upholds. The law shows us our need for grace, and grace empowers us to fulfill the righteousness of the law through Christ.

Let us, therefore, walk in obedience—not out of fear, but out of love. For the law is holy, just, and good, and through Christ, we are given the power to live in its light. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

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Love for God, Love for Others: Exodus 20:1–17

 

The Two Great Loves

Exodus 20:1–17

When Jesus was asked to summarize the greatest commandment, He responded with two principles: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–39). These two principles are the foundation of the Ten Commandments given in Exodus 20. The first four commandments teach us how to love God, and the last six show us how to love others.

 Loving God (Exodus 20:1–11)

The first four commandments reveal how we are to love and honor God:

• No other gods (v. 3): God alone deserves our worship and devotion. Loving Him means placing Him first in our lives.

• No idols (v. 4–6): True love for God is not just in words but in worshiping Him in spirit and truth, not through man-made images.

• Do not misuse God’s name (v. 7): Loving God means revering His name, speaking of Him with honor, and living in a way that reflects His holiness.

• Keep the Sabbath holy (v. 8–11): Setting aside time for worship and rest shows our love for God by trusting in His provision and prioritizing our relationship with Him.

 Loving Others (Exodus 20:12–17)

The remaining six commandments guide us in loving our neighbors:

• Honor your father and mother (v. 12): Love begins at home. When we honor our parents, we build strong families and a stable society.

• Do not murder (v. 13): Every life is precious to God. Love for others means valuing life and rejecting hatred or violence.

• Do not commit adultery (v. 14): Faithfulness in marriage is an expression of love and respect for our spouse.

• Do not steal (v. 15): Love for others means respecting their property and working honestly.

• Do not bear false witness (v. 16): Truth builds trust. Loving our neighbors means speaking truthfully and avoiding slander.

• Do not covet (v. 17): Contentment is key to loving others. Instead of envy, love rejoices in the blessings of others.

 Living Out the Two Great Loves

The Ten Commandments are not just rules; they are a reflection of God's heart for us. Jesus fulfilled the law, and through Him, we are empowered to love God and love others. When we obey these commands out of love, we reflect the character of Christ and show the world what it means to walk in His ways.

Lord, help us to love You with all our hearts and to love others as You have loved us. May we live in obedience to Your Word, reflecting Your goodness and grace. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

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