In this sermon, Pastor Chan teaches through the end of Matthew 13 where Jesus compares the kingdom of Heaven to a net cast into the sea that gathers fish of every kind.
READ: Matthew 13:47-50
DISCUSS: In this parable, what does the net, the sea, and the basket symbolize? / What does "every kind of fish" represent in the parable? Why do you think Jesus used fish as an analogy? / How does the role of angels in the final judgment affect your perspective? / Why do you think Jesus ends His kingdom parables with such a strong warning for those who have no received His kingdom by faith? How does this parable speak to the idea of sharing the Gospel with urgency?
PRAY: Ask the Lord to show you the urgency for those who do not know Christ as Savior. Pray that your heart and life would reflect the principles of God's kingdom.
PRACTICE: Thanksgiving: spend time in silence and solitude thanking and worshiping Jesus for redeeming your soul and welcoming you into His kingdom. Consider: As you consider the inclusivity of God's kingdom, make a list of ways you can impact others this week by sharing the hope of the Gospel. Prioritize: contemplate the reality of final judgment and prioritize living a righteous life in preparation for it.
DIVE DEEPER: Read John 15:6, 2 Corinthians 12:2-21, 2 Timothy 3:2-5, 2 Peter 2:13-22, Titus 1:9-11, 1 John 4:1-6, and Revelation 3:1. What do the verses above teach us about the final judgment at the end of the age?