The Pearl of Great Price
Michael E. Grooms
Introduction:
I. The
A. Some teach that the kingdom of Heaven is awaiting the second coming of Christ and the “rapture”
B. The Bible teaches that the kingdom of Heaven is the church
1. Acts 20:28 The church is those purchased with the blood of Christ
2. Rev. 1:5, 6 Those who are redeemed with Christ’s blood are His kingdom
3. Acts 2:37, 38, 47 The kingdom consists of those who are baptized
C. We see that this parable teaches an important truth about the church, let us see what that is
II. The Merchant and the
A. Pearls were the most highly treasured gems of the ancient world
B. Those who dove for pearls had a very dangerous occupation
1. It was rare to find a good pearl
2. Often divers were killed or injured in the process
C. These factors and the exquisite beauty of these rare gems made them extremely valuable
D. Pearls were considered as an investment, much like diamonds are today
1. A great amount of treasure could be kept in a small place or safely hidden in the form of a pearl
2. Some pearls would be worth millions of dollars by market standard today
3. Cleopatra is said to have had two extremely valuable pearls, each worth millions
4. When an extravagant ruler wished to flaunt his wealth, he would dissolve a pearl in vinegar and drink it in his wine
E. What would you give for such a pearl? Would you sell all you have if you could buy a pearl worth millions?
F. The merchant was in search of a precious pearl
1. Apparently this pearl was worth more than all his other pearls and possessions. He sold them all.
2. He knew pearls, he knew what to look for
G. To this merchant, this pearl was worth more than everything else
III. The Application
A. A relationship with God is of more value than anything else in this world
1. This relationship is found in the church
2. What would you give for a relationship with God?
B. An honest heart that seeks for God will find the greatest treasure of all Prov. 8:17-21
C. The treasure of God is found in the Pearl of Great Price, His church
1. Don’t be fooled by imitations (denominations)
2. It provides fulfillment the cheap thrills of this world cannot provide
D. This pearl is a treasure that will never perish Matt. 6:19-21
E. The value of this pearl
1. Forgiveness
2. Peace of mind
3. Happiness
4. Hope
F. Do not cast away this precious pearl Matt. 7:6-8
G. Are you willing to sacrifice all for this pearl? Matt. 10:32-39
Conclusion:
A. Many are blind to the value of the church because they believe they do not need it
1. Like the Laodiceans, they think they are rich when they really are poor Rev. 3:17-19
2. Some have settled for an imitation in place of the real thing
B. The pearl of great price is certified by the truth of God’s Word
1. Prov. 23:23 “Buy the truth and sell it not”
2. John 8:31, 32 The truth will set you free
Scriptures:
Matt. 13:45 through Matt. 13:46 (KJV) 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Rev. 1:5 through Rev. 1:6 (KJV) 5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Acts 2:37 through Acts 2:38 (KJV) 37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:47 (KJV) 47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Prov. 8:17 through Prov. 8:21 (KJV) 17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. 18Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. 19My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. 20I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: 21That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
Matt. 6:19 through Matt. 6:21 (KJV) 19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matt. 7:6 through Matt. 7:8 (KJV) 6Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Matt. 10:34 through Matt. 10:39 (KJV). 34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Rev. 3:17 through Rev. 3:19 (KJV) 17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
John 8:31 through John 8:32 (KJV) 31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.