Description

Introduction:
Many people view their faith as a ticket to something better in the future—a promise of heaven, peace, and joy "someday." But the Bible doesn’t just call us to hope for the future; it calls us to live in the victory and abundance of Christ now. Romans 5:17 reminds us that through the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness, we are called to "reign in life" through Jesus Christ—not just someday, but today.

Similarly, in the parable of the great supper in Luke 14, Jesus reveals that the invitation to God’s kingdom isn’t for a later date—it’s for now. "Come," the servant says, "for all things are now ready."

The call of the Gospel is not "wait and see" but "taste and see." It’s not "someday"—it’s now.

• Definition of Righteousness:

  • Many define righteousness as being "in right standing with God," and that is true. But it’s more than just a legal status—it’s a living relationship.
  • Righteousness means walking in close fellowship with God, experiencing His presence, and living in the reality of His kingdom now.

• The Abundance of Grace (Romans 5:17):

  • Through Jesus, we don’t just scrape by; we are given an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness.
  • This abundance isn’t for the afterlife alone—it’s for reigning in life now. That means living in victory, joy, and purpose through Christ, regardless of circumstances.

• "All Things Are Now Ready":

  • The parable reveals a banquet prepared and ready for those who are invited. The invitation is not for a later date but for now.
  • God’s kingdom isn’t something we’re waiting to experience after death—it’s a present reality. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:15).

• Barriers to Accepting the Invitation:

  • In the parable, many made excuses for why they couldn’t attend. They were too preoccupied with their own concerns to enjoy what was already prepared for them.
  • Are we making excuses today? Are we too busy, too distracted, or too unsure to accept the abundant life Jesus offers us?

• Living in Victory:

  • To "reign in life" means living with authority, confidence, and peace through Jesus. It doesn’t mean a life without challenges, but it does mean a life where challenges don’t defeat us.
  • Through Christ, we have the power to overcome sin, fear, and despair—not someday, but today.

• Experiencing the Kingdom Now:

  • Romans 14:17 says, "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
  • These blessings are available to us now. We don’t have to wait for heaven to experience peace, joy, and the presence of God—they are ours in Christ today.

• A Present Relationship:

  • Righteousness is not a passive status—it’s an active relationship. Walking in righteousness means communing with God daily, seeking His guidance, and trusting His promises.

• A Life of Faith:

  • Faith isn’t just for salvation—it’s for daily living. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
  • Faith allows us to claim God’s promises and live in His abundance even when we don’t see it with our physical eyes.

• A Life of Action:

  • Accepting the invitation to the feast means stepping into God’s purpose for your life now. It means using your gifts, serving others, and spreading the Gospel today—not waiting for the "perfect time."

• Don’t Wait for Someday:

  • The enemy wants you to believe that God’s promises are for the future, but Jesus says they’re for today. He said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
  • Don’t settle for a "someday" faith when you can live in the fullness of Christ now.

• Respond to the Invitation:

  • The invitation to the great supper in Luke 14 reminds us that God’s blessings are ready and waiting. All we have to do is accept the invitation.
  • If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it. Come to the table, because "all things are now ready."

Conclusion:
God is calling you to more than just survival—He’s calling you to reign in life through His Son. Righteousness isn’t just about being "good enough" to get to heaven; it’s about walking in a vibrant, transformative relationship with God now.

The kingdom of God is not a distant hope—it’s a present reality. Jesus says to you today, "Come, for all things are now ready." Don’t wait for someday. Say yes to the invitation. Step into the life God has prepared for you. Because in Christ, the time is always now.