Robert Goddard

ID 53250Mar 17, 1976

True riches are found not in material possessions but in one's relationship with God, as illustrated by Jesus' parable of the rich fool. This parable, found in Luke 12, depicts a wealthy man who, despite diligent work and God's provision, focuses solely on accumulating more earthly goods for his own comfort, neglecting his soul and his responsibility to others. Jesus warns against covetousness, emphasizing that a person's life is not defined by their possessions but by their spiritual wealth and their standing before God. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to prioritize eternal treasures over temporal ones, lest they, like the rich fool, find their souls unexpectedly required of them with nothing to show for their earthly accumulation.

ID 53249Mar 17, 1976

The parable of the two debtors illustrates that love for Christ is directly proportional to one's appreciation of His sacrifice, which in turn is based on the felt depth of one's need. The sermon contrasts the sinful woman's profound gratitude, shown by her anointing Jesus' feet, with Simon the Pharisee's cold formality, highlighting that her abundant love stemmed from her awareness of being forgiven much. The core lesson is that true devotion arises not from the magnitude of past sins, but from the felt sense of personal need and the resulting appreciation for Christ's atoning work. The message concludes by urging listeners to recognize the immensity of their own need and to respond with a love that reflects the infinite value of Christ's sacrifice.

ID 53248Mar 16, 1976

The parables of the ten virgins and the talents, found in Matthew 25, are presented as illustrations of Israel's readiness for Christ's second coming to establish His kingdom, not as representations of the church awaiting the rapture. The sermon argues that the "then" in "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins" refers to the time of the tribulation, as detailed in the Olivet Discourse. The foolish virgins, lacking oil (representing salvation), and the one-talent servant, who hid his talent (representing a lost individual), are excluded from the kingdom, highlighting the necessity of genuine faith and preparedness for Christ's return. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that while the church waits for the rapture, Israel is depicted as a servant watching for the Master's return to set up His kingdom, and all believers are called to be ready.

ID 53247Mar 16, 1976

The parable of the two sons, found in Matthew 21:28-32, illustrates different responses to a father's command to work in his vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later repents and goes, while the second son verbally agrees but does not go. Jesus uses this parable to reveal the hypocrisy of the religious leaders, who, like the second son, profess allegiance but fail to act, contrasting them with the publicans and harlots who, like the first son, initially refuse but ultimately repent and obey. The sermon emphasizes that true obedience is demonstrated through action, not mere profession, and that repentance is a change of mind and heart leading to action.

ID 52249Mar 19, 1976

The parable of the unjust steward illustrates how the "children of this world" are often more shrewd in pursuing their temporal interests than the "children of light" are in pursuing eternal ones. The sermon highlights the steward's cleverness in using his remaining time to secure future favor by reducing his master's debtors' obligations, leading to the Lord's commendation not for the dishonesty, but for his prudent foresight. The core lesson is that believers should use worldly resources and opportunities wisely to advance the cause of Christ, rather than isolating themselves or becoming ensnared by worldly pursuits. The application urges believers to adjust to their generation, understand it, and use its resources and inventions, like money and technology, to serve eternal interests.