11th Hour Christians

One of the them is when Nathan the prophet told a parable to King David concerning a poor man being robbed of his one little lamb, by a rich man who had many.

They are all over the Bible. Of course the most famous ones, and rightly so, are the parables of Christ. This is not one of the oft quoted ones because it is one that is a little longer and also challenges anyone who has been a Christian for any length of time concerning their attitude in their service.

Because it really points out the difference of attitude the longtime Christian can often get when it comes to what he expects from God.

So I want to preach a sermon entitled: “11th Hour Christians.” Let’s Pray!

To get started lets quick dissect the parable.

I. The people in the story

All the aspects of every story matter

There was a householder - the Lord

He was the one who was owner, of the business, of the household that enough wealth to hire servants.

He went out and hired laborers in the morning.

Those in the Marketplace looking for gain - Looking to make more

Most people oblivious, or careless living life without being concerned with there day to day needs because they are met because of their savings, income, retirement, or influence.

The early hired laborers - Believers

The latter hired laborers - they too, are Believers

These two different groups can be applied in two ways. It can be applied to those who are hired early in life vs. later in life or early in history vs. near the return of the Lord

I. The Householder went looking for laborers

Laborers are hard to find today.

It has become part of the culture in our generation. Being a part of the culture, most churches also struggle with problems with workers as well.

It used to be that people would get stressed if they didn’t have employment - take from the government, not the generations I looked up to when I was growing up. As a matter of fact - it was common to find men who had not missed a day of work in years.

Can I remind you that the householder, our Lord is still looking for laborers. He is still looking for those who will serve, He still is looking for those who will give their themselves to his hire.

His benefit package is pretty good. Do you know why benefit packages don’t appeal to people? They don’t know if they will still be there some day.

But His will, we know that. But few want to give Him that.

So you know what He does - he sends people out to look for them.

Luke 14:23 AV

And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

On top of that, Christ says to pray for more laborers.

Luke 10:2 AV

Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

II. He found them where they were

He went and found them where they were - looking for some hope.

When we lived in Southern California there was street that everyone knew day laborers were - they were mostly illegal immigrants. I tell you all the time, I’m for strong borders and I’m against illegal entry - but I don’t blame any of them who do nor would I ever be personally critical of man who is working hard to make a living.

The African, central American, and Eastern Europeans are the laborers of our day, because they are looking for something.

Hey families, get your boys out from being in front of the tv, the video games, the young ladies off their phones and them to work.

The householder did not care, he wanted someone to come work, whoever was willing.

Our Lord is not a respecter of persons either. He will go where you are and invite you to come and work.

He found Matthew at the seat of customs.

He found Peter, Andrew, James and John on their boats. But when they came the Lord changed them and used them like they never thought possible.

III. He sent them out with to do the work

We are not here on our accord, we are not serving because it is our calling, we may serve in our calling, but we do not serve because we have a calling, we serve because the Householder, the Lord said to go.

It is interesting to me that that he is not specific as to what they are to do. There is a call to service - don’t ask what will I be doing if I get to work for the Lord, rather give yourself to the work.

Far to many want to know all that will be involved. But the humble servant of God is just simplly willing to be give his all for God in His service to do what He wants.

One thing is true - if we knew all that was involved we probably never would surrender. But more important than the cost is the blessing of serving and laboring beside the Savior.

IV. He assembled the laborers

v.8 says he called the labourers. It was time to give them their hire. What they had earned.

The interesting thing is that

V. They all were rewarded the same

vv.9-10

Every one got a full day’s pay.

Those who began the day working thought they deserved more and got upset that they did not get more.

It is not talking about salvation.

It is not about rewards, because we will all be rewarded for our labor.

But to understand a parable, read the Scripture before.

Matthew 19:16 AV

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

VI. The poor attitude of some of the laborers

vv.11-12

Comparing leads to complaining.

Be careful directing your attention to others

Be careful of being critical of others because they may have gotten something that you felt you deserved or that you had to do more to get the same thing.

The Bible says it very clearly:

2 Corinthians 10:12 AV

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

VII. Applications

A. Don’t become unthankful for your life

Pastor, you don’t know the sacrifices I’ve made, what I have already given up, or what has happened to me -

B. Don’t serve for what you can get

- serve because of the Lord

who called you to serve

One group would not work unless they knew what they would get paid.

The other trusted the Master and served because they believed he would be good to them.

The first got what they bargained for, and were upset because the master was good to the others.

God is good to those who trust him.

C. Be careful of bargaining with God

God has been good to you.

God loves you. God has called you into His service and the greatest thing you and I can do is just say: “Speak Lord, for they servant heareth.”

Direct me Lord, guide me Lord, and keep me submissive to your will for me and not mine own.

D. Focusing only on money will bring sorrow

If the only thing you are concerned about is money, if your priority for whether you serve or not is your

Be careful of thinking you are owed something

1 Timothy 6:10 AV

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Matthew 6:19–20 (AV)

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

E. Being first in your own eyes will be last in His

Mark 10:31 AV

But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

James 4:10 AV

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

F. None of us have paid our dues

Our due is death and hell. If you want to pay your dues, there they are.

Romans 6:23a (AV)

For the wages of sin is death;...

Praise God that He allows me to serve Him. He says in Matthew 22:14: “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

John 21:21–22 (AV)

Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.

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