The topic for today: SALVATION IS ONLY BY GRACE
Bible reading: Matthew 20:1-16
1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
This parable is not a teaching about labour practices where it would be unfair to pay someone who worked eight hours the same amount as someone who has worked two hours. The Lord Jesus was teaching about salvation. There are many in the church who feel they are more important than others, or should have more recognition than others, because of the sacrifices they make or the leadership they offer. Is there any merit in this position? The price for all believers is eternal life.
We are all saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8, 9). Salvation is not based on merit nor the years one has spent working for God. All who accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour will have eternal life regardless of the time they get saved or how much time they spend in Christian service (John 1:12,13; 3:16). The thief on the. cross repented a few hours before his death and was promised paradise (Luke 23:42,43). Do we feel jealous of people who have more than us? Our focus must be on our relationship with God.
Prayer: Help me Lord, to serve You in appreciation of Your great love for me.
Memory Verse: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.(Eph.2:8)
Prayer for Missions
Mozambique-Thank God for the peace enjoyed in the Country since 1992 after 30 years of war. However, Mozambique’s brokenness continues. After being shattered by colonialism and civil war, natural disasters and debt burdens Mozambique remains one of the world’s poorest nations. Personal brokenness also persists as many have been traumatized by the violence and deprivation
11 JULY DAILY GUIDE 2021 Q.7 SUNDAY
Bible In One Year: Psalms 148-150
