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WHO ARE THE LAST WHO ARE FIRST?

(INSIGHTS GAINED FROM CHARLES SPURGEON'S MESSAGE ON MATTHEW 19:30-20:16)

The last that are first:

1. Only the last are saved (those who know they are lost) (Matthew 5:3; Luke
    18:9-14).

2. Only these last that are saved are able to please God (Hebrews 11:6;
    Romans 3:27).  (We cannot please God until we are saved.)

3. Only the service of the weak pleases God (II Corinthians 12:7-10;
    Romans 8:8; John 15:5).  (The flesh cannot please God.)

4. Only those who realize that our service is only what we owe God, please God
    (Luke 17:7-10; Romans 1:14).

5. Only those who realize that our human success is worthless, please God
    (Philippians 3:2-8; Isaiah 64:6).

6. Only those who realize that the very ability to serve God is a gift of God,     please God (I Corinthians 4:6,7).

7. Only those who realize that even our own growth in the Christian life is
    made possible because of God, please God (Philippians 2:12,13; I Corinthians
    3:5-7).

God uses a different way of measuring than we use:

1. It is not based on the time spent serving (Matthew 20:1-16).
2. It is not based on our ability or talents, but on how we use our ability and
    talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
3. It is based not on the judgment of men (I Samuel 16:7).
4. It is not based on our judgment (I Corinthians 4:1-5; Romans 2:13).
5. It is not based on the impression made on men (I Samuel 16:7; Romans     2:13).
6. It is not according to our success as determined by men (James 1:9-11, 2:5).
7. It is not based on how much we give, but on how much we are willing to
    sacrifice (the widow's offering; Luke 21:1-4).

"If you are among the first, you will reckon yourself to be among the last."