Scriptures:
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Ephesians 2:8-9, Luke 23:39-43, Matthew 19:27-30, Matthew 20:1-16
Episode Handout
Scripture(s):
Ephesians 2:8-9, Luke 23:39-43, Matthew 19:27-30, Matthew 20:1-16
Date:
10/29/2025
1. Introduction
- Will and Marie introduce the episode, stating they will revisit the topic of grace and works.
- Will emphasizes that grace is central to salvation, contrasting it with the religious idea that God “owes” us for our works.
2. Grace vs. Works
- Religion’s View: If you work, God will repay you.
- Grace’s View: If you trust God, He gives you even more—beyond what you could earn.
- Will asserts that God owes us nothing, regardless of our religious efforts or rule-keeping.
3. Scriptural Foundation: Ephesians 2:8-9
- “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
- Salvation is a gift, not a wage for good behavior.
4. Sacrifice or Investment?
- Will challenges the idea that serving God is a “sacrifice” that obligates God to repay us.
- Instead, he frames service to God as an “investment” with returns far beyond what we give.
5. Matthew 19:29—The Promise of Reward
- Jesus promises that anyone who leaves family or possessions for His sake will receive “many times as much” (some translations: “a hundredfold”) and eternal life.
- Will notes that “a hundredfold” is likely symbolic of an unlimited, immeasurable reward.
6. Eternal Life: The Ultimate Reward
- The hosts reflect: What could be added to eternal life to make it better? Nothing—eternal life is the greatest possible gift.
- Will references Ephesians 3:20: God does “exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think.”
7. The First Will Be Last, and the Last First
- Will and Marie revisit the proverb from the previous episode (Matthew 19:30; 20:16).
- They note that Jesus “bookends” the parable of the workers in the vineyard with this saying, emphasizing its importance.
8. Who Are the First and Last?
- The “first” may represent long-term believers or those who feel entitled due to seniority or religious status.
- The “last” may be newcomers or those who come to faith later in life.
- The key is not seniority or quantity of work, but attitude—humility, compassion, and servanthood.
9. Peter’s Question: “What’s in it for us?”
- Peter asks Jesus what reward the disciples will receive for leaving everything to follow Him (Matthew 19:27).
- Will critiques this as a “negotiation” or contract mentality, which is not the right approach to serving God.
10. Motivation for Service
- The hosts discuss that Peter and the other disciples may have expected a political or material reward (freedom from Roman rule), not fully understanding the spiritual nature of Jesus’ kingdom.
11. No One Can Boast
- Even if someone kept all the commandments (like the rich young ruler), they would still fall short and be in debt to God.
- Salvation and reward are always by grace, not by works.
12. Examples: Samuel and the Thief on the Cross
- Samuel: Dedicated to God from childhood, served his whole life.
- Thief on the Cross: Repented and believed in Jesus only hours before death.
- Both receive the same reward—eternal life. You cannot “increase” eternal life; it is the same for all who receive it.
13. Don’t Delay Salvation
- Will warns against “rolling the dice” and waiting for a deathbed conversion, referencing the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21).
- He urges listeners to respond to God’s grace now: “Today is the day of salvation.”
Scriptures Referenced
| Reference | Context in Podcast |
|---|---|
| Ephesians 2:8-9 | Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. |
| Matthew 19:27-30 | Promise of reward for those who leave all for Jesus; “first will be last, last will be first.” |
| Matthew 20:1-16 | Parable of the workers in the vineyard—God’s grace, not merit, determines reward. |
| Ephesians 3:20 | God does “exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think.” |
| Luke 23:39-43 | Thief on the cross receives salvation at the last moment. |
| 1 Samuel 1-3 | Samuel dedicated to God from childhood, serves his whole life. |
| Luke 12:16-21 | Parable of the rich fool—don’t presume on tomorrow. |
| 2 Corinthians 6:2 | “Today is the day of salvation.” |
Key Takeaways
1. Salvation and Reward Are by Grace, Not Works
- No amount of religious effort or sacrifice can obligate God to reward us.
- God’s grace is freely given to all who trust Him, regardless of when they come to faith.
2. Attitude Matters More Than Seniority
- The “first” (long-term believers) and the “last” (newcomers) receive the same reward if they trust in Christ.
- Humility, compassion, and servanthood are valued over status or length of service.
3. Don’t Bargain with God
- Serving God should not be transactional (“What do I get out of this?”).
- God’s generosity far exceeds anything we could earn or deserve.
4. Eternal Life Is the Greatest Gift
- Whether you serve God for a lifetime or come to faith at the last moment, the reward is the same: eternal life.
- There is no “greater” or “lesser” eternal life.
5. Respond to God’s Grace Now
- Don’t delay responding to God’s invitation—today is the day of salvation.
- Don’t presume you’ll have a last-minute opportunity to turn to God.