Right Now, But Not Yet
Key Scripture: Matthew 13:31-33
31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
33 He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”
Summary: It is possible to have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and not experience the effects and influences of his presence. Through obedience of the Word of God, fear of the discipline of God and reliance on the grace of God; we can experience all that God dreams for our lives.
Point One: What is the relevance of this passage?
1. The temple is Christ’s presence.
a. Jesus is the temple
b. Christ in us–our bodies are the temple
c. We come together–the Church is the temple
d. In heaven–the Father and Son are the temple
2. The laborers are Christ’s people.
3. The effects of the presence of the Holy spirit cannot be presumed.
Point Two: What is the problem?
1. We are deterred by the enemy
2. We are discouraged by lack of results
3. We are distracted by excess
Point Three: What is the Solution?
1. Obey the Word of God
2. Fear the Discipline of God
3. Rely on the Grace of God