# Episode 18: Actions Speak Louder - The Parable of Two Sons

Series: Understanding the Kingdom of God | Date: June 22, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

## Recap

- Real worship flows from a forgiven life

- Understanding your forgiveness helps you forgive others

- God pursues our hearts with unrestrained acceptance

## The Parable: Two Sons, Two Hearts

The Story: Father asks both sons to work in vineyard

- Son 1: Says "No" but later goes anyway

- Son 2: Says "Yes, sir" but doesn't go

Jesus' Point: Tax collectors and prostitutes enter God's kingdom before religious leaders who don't truly obey.

## Key Insights

### Religious Appearance vs. Heart Reality

- Nice religious exterior can hide rebellion, bitterness, unforgiveness

- Everything must happen on their preferred terms

- Outward compliance without heart transformation

### The Lost Who Find Grace

- Those who know they're lost can genuinely repent: "I will return"

- Those who've never seen themselves as lost resist God's openness

- Question: "You think God just forgives people like that?"

## Personal Application

Examine Your Obedience:

- Are you sitting on unfulfilled instructions from God?

- What opportunities are "lying on the floor" waiting?

- When unsure of next steps, return to what God previously asked

Heart Check:

- Do actions match your words of commitment?

- Which son represents you today?

## Memory Verse - James 4:7-8

"Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you."

## Truth to Remember

Actions speak louder than words. True obedience comes from genuine repentance and changed behavior, not empty promises or religious performance.

God's Expectation: "To whom much is given, much will be required." Past instructions don't expire until fulfilled.

## Next Steps

1. Examine - Review unfulfilled instructions from God

2. Act - Take one step toward previous obedience

3. Humble - Ask God to reveal performance vs. genuine faith

4. Pursue - Look for waiting opportunities

The air is pregnant with possibility and opportunity!