Parable sermon The Power of a mustard seed Matthew 13:31-32 NLT [31] Here is another illustration Jesus used: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. [32] It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches." JESUS SPEAKS IN PARABLES TO TEACH PEOPLE WHO REALLY WANT TO LEARN ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL WORLD OF THE KINGDOM HE USES COMMON EVERYDAY LANGUAGE TO CONCEAL NUMEROUS TRUTHS ABOUT THE KINGDOM GOD Matthew 13:34-35 NLT [34] Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. [35] This fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet: "I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world. " Matthew 13:11-13 NLT [11] He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. [12] To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. [13] That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really listen or understand. Asaph Psalm 78:1-4 NLT [1] O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, [2] for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past- [3] stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. [4] We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. We want to activate your kingdom faith today Top layer interpretation 1. Verse 31:Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed-faith is like a mustard seed planted in a field. Does that sound familiar?? What else does Jesus compare to a mustard seed?? The kingdom of heaven operates on faith Matthew 17:20-21 [20-21] You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." THE PROMISES OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS BASED ON FAITH The power of kingdom of heaven is based on your faith - and when you have faith absent of doubt NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOUR LIFE IN SERVICE TO GOD!!!!! Faith in Gods Word IS THE PATHWAY TO BLESSING IN YOUR LIFE!!!! 1 Peter 1:7 Your Faith is more precious than gold! Your problem is not your spouse it’s your faith Your problem is not your money it’s your faith Your problem is not your attitude it’s your faith Your problem is not your addiction it’s your faith Abraham Faith was trates before he became the father of many nations David was had to go through hiding and trouble before he became king Faith unlocks the impossible!!!!! GOD PREFERS TO OPERATE IN THE Realm if the IMPOSSIBLE But he needs your faith to do it: Remember Gideon?!! 32k soldiers 22k left the battle 10k remained 9700 left 300 men!!!!!!! 2.Verse 32:It is the smallest of seeds, but becomes the largest of garden plants- WITH FAITH COMES INCREASE Zechariah 4:10 [10] Do not despise these small beginnings/small things, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, ““Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15:5‬ “1 Peter 1:7 NLT [7] These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. James 1:3-4 NLT [3] For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. [4] So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. don’t compare yourself to other people-but rather to what God is going to manifest in your life Faith WILL ALWAYS PRODUCE SOMETHING “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” ‭‭James‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jas.2.17.nlt I Jeremiah 29:11 NLT [11] For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ““The Lord will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven! “The Lord will guarantee a blessing on everything you do and will fill your storehouses with grain. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. Then all the nations of the world will see that you are a people claimed by the Lord, and they will stand in awe of you.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28:7-8, 1 3. Last section of Verse 32:it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”” What do the birds in the air represent??? Mark 4:13,15 NLT [13] Then Jesus said to them, "If you can't understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables? [15] The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. FAITH IN GOD ATTRACTS SPIRITUAL WARFARE The enemy will always come and place people places and things in your life ““Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:31‬ ‭ “I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:7 1 Thessalonians 2:18 NLT [18] We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. “Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2:11‬ ‭ Bonus Section 1.Deuteronomy 28:6,8 NLT [6] Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed. [8] "The LORD will guarantee a blessing on everything you do The Bible says not to be afraid 365 times 2.Isaiah 43:2 NLT Do not be afraid [2] When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3. Exodus 14:14 NLT [14] The LORD himself will fight for you. You ONLY MEED TO BE STILL 4.Psalm 86:5 NKJV [5] For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. 5. Matthew 11:28 NLT [28] Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.