Posts tagged Matthew
How to Live With No Regrets | Matthew 26:69-75; 27:1-31
How to Live With No Regrets | Matthew 26:69-75; 27:1-31

Series: All!

  • Jesus has all authority,

  • So that all nations

  • Might pledge all allegiance to him.

Title: “How to live with no regrets”

Scripture: Matthew 27:1-31; 26:69-75; John 21:15-19; 2 Cor 7:8-11; John 15:1-16

Bottom line: Don’t regret sin—Repent of it.

  1. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  2. SERMON OUTLINE & NOTES

  3. MAIN REFERENCES USED

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process:

  1. Retell the story in your own words.

  2. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really God’s word, what changes would I have to make in my life?

  3. Who am I going to tell about this?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Q. What do I want them to know?

A.

  1. God’s mercy is available to all—but not automatic. (26:69-75; 27:1-10)

  2. There’s a difference between godly and ungodly sorrow. (26:69-75; 27:1-10)

  3. Jesus was innocent—yet he embraced the justice our sin deserved as our substitute in the shadows of the prophecies he fulfilled. (27:11-31)

Q. Why do I want them to know it?

A.

  1. Because we all deny Jesus and need his forgiveness. Godly sorrow is key ingredient. (26:69-75; 27:1-10)

  2. Because it’s our sin that put him there. We need to know what it cost for our freedom.  (27:11-31)

Q. What do I want them to do about it?

A. Repent of your sins and turn fully to Jesus. (26:69-75; 27:1-10) (27:11-31)

Q. Why do I want them to do it?

A. Because it leads to no regrets. (26:69-75; 27:1-10) (27:11-31)

Q. How can they begin to do this?

A. By repenting right now for your sins—especially those he brings to mind right now—and resolving to reorder your life around not repeating them so that you can live with no regrets. (26:69-75; 27:1-10) (27:11-31)

Introduction

No regrets

There was a time when I yelled at Samantha. She was 3 at the time. I felt a lot of guilt. I apologized and she quickly forgave me and hugged me. No regrets. Imagine if I hadn’t apologized…

SERMON OUTLINE & NOTES

Bottom line: Don’t regret sin—repent of it.

Peter denies Christ (Matthew 26:69-75)

Judas betrays Christ (Matthew 27:1-10)

Peter (later) is restored to Christ by Christ (John 21:15-19)

Judas is not restored to Christ (Matthew 26:24)

Why not?

Godly remorse/sorrow vs worldly remorse/sorrow. (2 Corinthians 7:8-11)

How does this happen?

When we don’t abide in Christ, we die. (John 15:1-

Conclusion

Illustration?

Don’t regret sin—repent of it.

How?

Pray:

  1. Confess = agree with God that what you’re being convicted of needs to be repented of.

  2. Repent = goes beyond just agreeing with God to resolving to let God change you through a plan with accountability. #kairoscircle

  3. Believe = Belief that God can and will forgive repentance in Jesus’ name

  4. No regrets = Believing that God forgives and forgets (effectively); that he will not waste another minute with this sin; includes forgiving yourself

Pray

NOTES

My personal notes

JESUS ARRESTED: Judas betrays with soldiers and a large crowd sent by chief priests and elders.

Betrayed with a kiss which was a signal to help soldiers ID Jesus in the dark, torch-lit night. Jesus, known for being able to just slip through the crowd and avoid arrest. But now his time has come and he does not resist. In fact, we’ll see him turn the other cheek and not resist at all.

Jesus is arrested. We see him call them out for doing in secret what they were afraid to do in public. Fulfills prophecy.

Tells Peter to holster his sword. He’s not defenseless. It’s just that this isn’t the way to save the world.

“Am I leading a rebellion” - yes, actually. “That you have come out with swords and clubs” - ah, no, not that kind of rebellion.

Jesus is not rebelling against Rome or the Sanhedrin per se. E.g. the current government systems to overpower them and replace them. Jesus is rebelling against the forces of darkness, sin and death. He’s rebelling against the status quo in culture that goes against his kingdom. But he doesn’t fight fair—he fights by his rules—kingdom of God rules. Upsidedown rules.

  • the last are first

  • Fight on our knees

  • Turn the other cheek

  • Don’t resist evil AND resist evil

  • Start small and see great transformation come out

  • Goal isn’t to take over—he already rules; goal is to lead, feed, and protect

What scriptures are being fulfilled?

V. 24 “The son of man will go just as it’s written about him.”

Ex. Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Ps 22

Peter follows Jesus to court of Sanhedrin

Sanhedrin is trying to convict Jesus to crucify him. Couldn’t convict until Jesus confessed.

Jesus finally breaks his silence and admits he’s Messiah, son of God. Then he doubles-down. This is what convicts him in their eyes. But, he’s actually telling the truth!

Peter disowns Jesus. Jesus’ prophecy is fulfilled the same night. Peter leaves devastated.

Notes from Nicky Gumbel, Matthew 26:69-27:10

“Marvel at how your freedom was achieved

Jesus is the supreme liberator. Salvation history reaches its climax in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We see here a glimpse of how much that cost Jesus: he is denied by one of his closest friends (26:69-75); he is betrayed by one of his disciples (27:1-10); he is handed over to the Roman authorities (v.2) and condemned (v.3a). Yet, Matthew sees that all this was to fulfil God's plan (V.9).

Jesus was taken captive in order that you might go free. He was bound (v.2) to set you free from the things that bind you. Jesus came to set you free from your sin, guilt, shame, addictions and fears.

Have you ever really messed up in your Christian life? Have you ever felt a failure and that you have badly let the Lord down? Have you ever 'wept bitterly' (26:75) as a result? I certainly have.

Two of Jesus' closest friends let him down badly. Sadly, we will all let Jesus down at points in our lives. These two examples help us learn how we should respond to such failures and disappointments.

There are many similarities between Judas and Peter. Both were disciples of Jesus. Both were told they would let him down (vv.24-25,34). Both fulfilled Old Testament prophecies through their actions (26:31; 27:9). Both deeply regret their actions (27:5; 26:75).

Yet there are also crucial differences between the two men. Peter responded to failure in the right way. Judas did not. As St Paul writes, 'Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death' (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Judas is an example of 'worldly sorrow. He went to the religious leaders and confessed his sin, but they just weighed him down with more guilt (Matthew 27.4). He was seized with remorse but sadly he was not able to throw himself on God's mercy and receive his forgiveness.

On the other hand, Peter is an example of 'godly sorrow.

Peter must have been so frightened to deny and disown Jesus three times. Perhaps, understandably, he feared being crucified with Jesus or perhaps he had doubts before this about whether Jesus really was who he claimed to be. But the cock crowing must have removed all his doubts. It left him feeling distraught: ‘He went outside and wept bitterly’ (26:75).

There is no more terrible feeling than the knowledge that we have let Jesus down. Thankfully, this is not the end of the story for Peter (see John 21). ‘Godly sorrow’ brought ‘repentance’, and his relationship with Jesus was restored. He was freed from his guilt and shame, and went on to become a great, holy, powerful and anointed leader of Jesus’ church.

You do not need to go around weighed down by guilt or shame about past sins and mistakes. Those whom Jesus sets free are free indeed (John 8:36). However much you have messed up and failed, it is never too late. Respond as Peter did and you can have a great future ahead of you in the service of Jesus.”

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app

ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt

AnswerThePublic.com

Wikipedia.com

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, non denominational church, bible believing church, Ladson, SC, USA, Grace Christian Fellowship, ALL, Matthew, no regrets
Love Between Treachery | Matthew 26: 1-16
Love Between Treachery | Matthew 26: 1-16

Love Between Treachery 

Matthew 26:1-16

Matthew’s Gospel has been called “a Passion story with a long introduction.”

Passover Exodus 12

4th passion prediction (16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19)

Caiaphas and religious leaders plotting.

Unnamed woman (John says Mary) act of love (almost a year's worth of wages) directly to Jesus.

Her act will be told to many (3 of the 4 Gospels have her story).

Judas sold out Jesus for four months of wages.


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Ken DorrityGrace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, bible believing church, Matthew, Ken Dorrity, ALL, treachery, love, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship
The Significance of Faithful Work | Matthew 25:14-30
The Significance of Faithful Work | Matthew 25:14-30

YOU HAVE BEEN WALKING THROUGH THE BOOK OF MATTHEW:

- You’ve seen how Jesus used parables to help provide a window into HIS KINGDOM.

- Parable would typically have a singular overarching meaning.

Kent Hughes Commentary - HELPS US CONNECT WHERE YOU’VE BEEN TO TODAY

“So we might say that readiness looks like HOPE (The parable of the Virgins), LOVE (The

Parable of the Sheep and Goats), and FAITH (The Parable of the Talents).”

In this sermon our focus is on faith, more specifically on faithful working, or even more

accurately a faithfulness that works.” -

These set of passages in Matthew are a series of parables about how we should live our

lives at his eminent return.

What we should discovery is an urgency to live out what God has put in each of us, for his

glory and our joy? And caution against not taking it serious.

READ PASSAGE: MATTHEW 25:14-30

The Parable of the Talents

14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[c] and entrusted

to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents,[d] to another two, to another

one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the

five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So

also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received

the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a

long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he

who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying,

‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His

master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.[e] You have been faithful over

a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who

had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents;

here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and

faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into

the joy of your master.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward,

saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and

gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your

talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him,

‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and

gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with

the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with

interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten

talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance.

But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the

worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and

gnashing of teeth.’

1

2 Things to Highlight in this Passage:

1) It helps us see ourselves rightly

2) It helps us see God rightly

1) You cannot know yourself without knowing God

1) You can do a deep dive and know your desires and then find a group of people with

those desires and sprinkle Jesus on top of it...but that is still not HOW YOU ARE

WIRED AND HOW YOU WERE PLACE.

First Thing We See in the Passage:

God distributes his talents and abilities not to all alike, but to each

individually.

• THIS NOT WHAT THE MASTER IS DOING -

“Here’s 5 talents for you and 5 talents for you”

• IN OTHER WORDS - WE ARE NOT ALL GIFTED THE SAME WAY?

- HE GIVES ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITIES...

• THE TRUTH IS - Some of US would get killed with 5 talents. WE would just be crushed.

The day God has for SOME US and the day he created you for YOU MAY require the 1 talent.

PROBLEM: 5 TALENT PEOPLE ARE MORE IMPORTANT

We look at the 5 talent guy and think important and then the 1 talent guy and think less

important. WHEN WE THIS THIS WAY - IT IS AN ACCUSATION AGAINST GOD.

• ACCORDING THIS PASSAGE:

• 5 TALENT PEOPLE ARE NOT:

• Loved more by God or know more of God’s pleasure

• Listen...its not about “Man I wish I had what that guy or that women has...”

• Praise God our cultural score cards are not His.

• HIS SCORE CARD IS NOT EVEN ABOUT THE TALENT!!!

His Kingdom score card is about FAITH, RISK, COURAGE, and

WILLINGNESS to step into what HE built for you...

• NOT you trying to be a cheap imitation of somebody else.

• ARE YOU WITH ME? WE HAVE GOT TO SEE OURSELVES RIGHTLY.

• He didn’t gift us all the same way.

EXAMPLES:

• America’s Got Talent

• Work Place

• There are people at your job that have a skill set that is not your skill set. And if you

tried...you might even get a B.

• But you’d be EXHAUSTED, It would ware you out, you’d hate it - It would be B level work.

• Meanwhile there’s that guy that came out of the womb asking for a spreadsheet.

• Hello - Im here to create systems and structures.

WE ARE GIFTED IN DIFFERENT WAYS.

• ME: If I tried to get into the weeds at that level - I can pull it off to a point. But then its like

C level work -

2

• BUT if I stay in my lane and I’m me - NOT THEM

• MY STORY - CALLING TO MINISTRY - NOT SURE WHAT THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE

SAY

YOU ARE NOT THE BEST AT EVERYTHING, YOU ARE LIKELY NOT THE BEST AT MOST

THINGS - BUT YOU ARE GIFTED BY GOD...WITH A TALENT

ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT - The idea of Compound Interest

• The 1 talent guy could have sewed his - just as the 5 and 2 talent person.

• What’s at stake here is not the TALENT - BUT What you do with the talent.

DISCOVERY:

• SO WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF YOUR GIFTS:

• 1st - THEY COME FROM GOD - THERE ARE HIS

• Nature abilities God just wove into you

• Your Story - Through your story God has redeemed some things

• Kelly - Single mom who wanted to create a place for other single moms to find love and

hear about the love of Jesus.

• People would tell Kelly - you are so gifted at this - No -“I’m so broken, and know what

others are feeling and have to do something about it.”

• PIC 2 - Kelly & Ladies On Stage

• PIC 3 - Kelly & Family

* PLACE - Story of Dee & Marc

• Somethings Given At Salvation:

• When we surrender to Jesus that a manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common

good

• 1 of 2 Ways:

• Comes in and Begins Something That Wasn’t There Before

• Most Time - Electrifies What Was Already There

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of

service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same

God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the

Spirit for the common good.

DO you see what ’s happening -

Where we are prone to go - THAT PERSON’S got this really amazing thing and I got this little

baby thing... God is freeing you up...He’s saying same team, same team, same team...

Why is this so important?

• It frees us up to celebrate one another.

• Whether its the same gift or a completely different gift.

• You see what He’s doing...

- Variety of gifts, variety of services....One God, One Spirt - Same Team, Same Team....

• HE’S BUILDING THAT TEAM - to cause problems with the darkness of the world.

• SAY: Oh if we could see ourselves correctly - Our attention would be ON Him -

And you would realize just how dangerous you are to the darkness. Oh that we

might come awakened.

Some of You Get This:

- Football season is around the corner

3

- Something you will not see

- Is a 6’5 - 350 lb guy lining up in a slot receiver place

- That kinda guy was built to fight you in phone booth.

- You get him out of his spot - He looks stupid and the team suffers.

- BUT - IF HE WILL PLAY HIS SPOT - Its like a cascading effect

- He blocks/opens up a space for the guy to run or creates some protection...not we can

move the ball down the field.

- If we get him out of position - he’s a liability.

SO IT IS - IF WE WILL SEE OURSELVES CORRECTLY - AND YOU PLAY YOUR SPOT.

- Not your friends spot

- Not my spot

- Not your cousins spot

- Not your spiritual hero spot

- YOUR SPOT

- The kind of joy you can walk in that you are not walking now.

My heart breaks for some maybe today - You’ve been walking in someone else’s

spot. You are poor version of someone else. NOT the beautiful version of what

you could be.

SAY:

I’m not trying to puff up your self-esteem. This is God’s economy. He’s involved in

that. Its not you that’s amazing - Its God that’s amazing IN YOUR STORY.

WE MUST SEE OURSELVES RIGHTLY - You have been gifted.

BUT MUST SEE GOD RIGHTLY AS WELL

Now - The Guy w/ 1 Talent

- He has no eagerness and no urgency - no joy and confidence

- Rather - He makes accusations against the character of God

- The bible says to this man - You are lazy and wicked - I don’t know how you are wired - but

I’m not wanting that said about me BY GOD.

How is he lazy and wicked?

- I think this how this works.

- SAY: When you don’t see God rightly - AND you don’t see yourself rightly... You

will begin to think thoughts about God that are out of step with who he is and

what He does.

- In so doing, you will make accusations in your heart just like this servant.

- Maybe He Thought, “Man my talent is so small and God is so rich”. It just

doesn’t even matter. REPEAT —- What I have is so SMALL and God is SO

big...I don’t have to do anything.”

- Let the people with the 5 talents do it.

IF YOU WERE MADE FOR THE DAY AND THE DAY FOR YOU.

- God is intimately involved in shaping and forming you.

- Redeeming You - Redeeming your hurt, victories and losses

- Giving you a life a purpose and belonging with an unshakeable identity.

That kinda thinking - “My gift is too small, he’s so rich, he wouldn’t even miss

this...is an accusation against God.

This is why he calls him wicked and lazy.

4

What we really know - God is actually very generous.

You posses nothing that is not Gods and has been given to you to steward.

CS Lewis - 6 Pence None the Richer

- So it is - You and I have nothing that does not rightly belong to the creator

God. You don’t have a talent, you don’t have an opportunity.

- BUT I WORKED HARD FOR WHAT I GOT.

- Great - But Be Honest:

- Were there other people that worked hard-Did’t get quit as far

as you?

- Were those others that positioned themselves rightly, yet the

opportunity was not there for them?

- Is there nothing naturally not in you that gave you that edge?

GOD IS GENEROUS!

• IT IS GOD WHO:

• ...GIVES, ...SAVES, ...SETS, DRAWS, MAKES A WAY,..POSITIONS US

RIGHTLY, HE IS AT WORK

• JOB MOVING HERE - I WAS NOT THEIR FIRST CHOICE

Vs 25 - He gets real honest about why he was paralyzed- HE WAS AFRAID

- WHY BECAUE HE DIDN”T KNOW WHO GOD WAS:

- HE’S MAKING ACCUSATIONS AGAINST GOD.

- He’s saying I was afraid - of what might happen if I invest it and loose?

- At least the 5 talent guy has margin to spare - “I got 3 left - some

bitcoin got me”

HERE’S ONE OF THE BIGGER TAKE AWAYS - I’ll SAY IT AGAIN - GOD’S SCORECARD IS

NOT THE SAME AS OUR SCORECARD.

SAY: What HE delights in, what HE is honored in —- IS FAITH - Not our

metrics of success.

- I tell you - a lot of us are going to get ROCKED when we get to glory. When we see

who the big deals are. - RANDY ALCORN EXAMPLE

GOD’S SCORECARD IS NOT OUR SCORECARD:

He honors FAITH, RISK, COURAGE

- Our guy here was AFRAID

- THINK ABOUT YOU AND I:

- FEAR Will Likely Keep You From Moving Forward in Faith

- Maybe You’ve Been Hurt:

- Not doing that again, Not trusting anyone with information again,

- Fear of IT not working.

- Here’s I Guy - I WAS AFRAID - I only have 1 talent - What if I bet it and loose it. Your

powerful, so what does that mean for me?

HOW DO WE STAY ROOTED? SEE OURSELVES RIGHTLY?

SAY - Your faith and what Jesus is doing is WAY bigger than your personal

salvation. LOOK AT ME - It is not LESS than your personal salvation.

• But it is epically MORE than your salvation.

• We have been so conditioned to think when we hear Gospel (Good News)

to only think - PERSONAL SALVATION.

5

PERSONAL SALVATION:

- The transfer out of the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of His Beloved Son.

- So, you want to play in the Kingdom, personal salvation is a necessity.

BUT IT IS BIGGER THAN PERSONAL SALVATION - YOU AND I ARE CAUGHT IN A STORY.

ITS THE ONLY STORY - ITS THE STORY THAT ALL STORIES FIND THEIR PLACE.

HIS STORY:

- THE CREATOR GOD OF THE UNIVERSE CREATED THE WORK IN SHALOM.

- In rhythm and beauty to reflect His glory - an overflow of his divine, triune perfection - Father,

Son, Holy Spirit overflowing on the canvas of creation.

- THE MAN AND WOMAN WERE NAKED AND UNASHAMED - Little do with nudity and

everything to do with the heart and their relationship with the Father and each other.

- SIN ENTERS THE COSMOS AND FRACTURES IT

- The man goes from WO-MAN, Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh to - Its that WOMAN

YOU GAVE to ME.

- Relational strife immediately between each other and God and man.

- HERE’S GOD’S RESPONSE: To move towards - to redeem / to save

- He makes a people - Exodus 17 - And you will be for more a Kingdom of Priests that the

Nations might see my light.

- Christ come - kills sin and death for those who would believe

- You and I by the power of His spirit are called into this Kingdom

- Uniquely wired - Uniquely Placed - Set to cause problems for a vanquished enemy who

doesn’t know He quit vanquished yet.

THAT’S THE STORY YOU AND I ARE IN.

If we are to have the urgency we need - The FAITH, COURAGE TO MOVE - WE HAVE TO SEE

GOD RIGHTLY.

If we see God Rightly, We Will See Ourselves Rightly and Place Ourselves into the Story -

There are no SMALL TALENTS?

DEEP WORK, OVER TIME, IN COMMUNITY:

DEEP WORK - IN the quite - With the Holy Spirit

ON SCREEN

TALENTS:

What do I love to do?

What motivates what I do?

What do I constantly think about?

HEART:

What would I do if I knew I wouldn’t fail?

What do I care most about in this world?

How do I hope others describe me when I die?

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Guest UserGrace Christian FellowshipClay Jernigan, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, Bible-believing, church, non denominational, Matthew, ALL, Matthew 25, parable of the talents, parables
How to Prepare to Meet Jesus | Matthew 25:1-13
How to Prepare to Meet Jesus | Matthew 25:1-13

Fallen Condition Focus

Our nature is to procrastinate and not prepare.

Introduction

Do you know those people who always seem to be prepared for anything? I am not

one of those people. I am more of a, “will figure it out later” kind of person. It’s

funny because as I was preparing to preach this morning I was thinking about

preparation. Some things I have to force myself to prepare for.

Our family loves to go camping, and we really do 2 different kinds of camping.

First there is the main activity we do which is better called “glamping”. In fact,

Lucy, Joe, and I are doing this right now. My preparation for this kind of camping

is very casual. I know I will be by my truck. I know that I’m just a few minutes

drive to the nearest store. So when I go to pack for the things we need, I don’t

really sweat it too much. The worst thing that can happen is that I will need to

drive down the road a few miles and pick up whatever it is that we may have

forgotten.

On the flip side of this is, sometimes I will take a couple of my kids backpacking.

Now this is an entirely different thing. We have to pack everything we are going

to need for the trip on our back. Typically, we will find a trail and hike several

miles into the woods. We don’t have access to a car, or a store, electricity, or any

of the modern luxuries of life.

Now, even though I am not by nature a preparer, when I go backpacking, I

suddenly intentionally become a very prepared person. Spreadsheets are involved,

2

I have lists. I sit down an methodically load all the items into my packs and the

kids packs so that we have everything we might need. Why do I do this for a

backpacking trip, but not for a trip in the glamper?

The answer is, the stakes are so much higher. If we get out into the woods and

realize we don’t have anything to start a fire with, we are going to be miserable. I

can’t just jump in the truck and go get what we need.

Jesus has been teaching us this lesson on a spiritual level. And he has been

teaching it over and over again. He, gives us so many warnings on this topic,

because he knows our nature. He knows we tend to think, I will worry about it

later. I’ve got time to deal with spiritual things some other time. He knows that

some of will one day realize we never prepared ourselves to meet him.

Remember back to how Jesus closed his Sermon on the Mount. It is one of the

most troubling passages in all of Scripture. Jesus leaves his hearers in that passage

with some really troubling words about a “narrow gate” “few find it”. He really

depicts this mass of people who all think they are moving toward the kingdom of

heaven but they are deceived.

[Mat 7:22-23 ESV] 22 On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not

prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty

works in your name?' 23 And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you;

depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'

This is the exact same warning that we get as we look at this parable teaching

today.

25:1 Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took

their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.

3

Right of the bat Jesus informs us exactly what the parable is intended to illustrate.

We are talking about the kingdom of heaven. And we continue the same flow of

end times teaching that Jesus had been talking about in chapter 24.

[Mat 24:44 ESV] 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is

coming at an hour you do not expect.

The point of this teaching is to emphasize what we read in Matthew 24:44. You

must be ready. Jesus effectively gives us warning after warning after warning

about this topic.

To understand the parable we need to understand a little about ancient Jewish

wedding practices because that is the setting of this parable. It was customary in

those days for the bridesmaids and the bride to wait at the family home of the

bride. Unlike modern times there really was not a set schedule for when the events

of the wedding would take place.

What we have pictured in the parable is basically a wedding party. Those who will

actually be in the wedding ceremony.

At some point the groom would arrive at the family home of the bride. And when

he would arrive something kind of like a parade would take place as the wedding

party would move from the bride’s family home to the groom’s family home.

This parade if you will would be a great honor and a significant part of the overall

wedding celebration.

We see that the 10 bridesmaids are equipped with lamps. The same word can be

translated either lamp or even torches. It could be either, but the point is the same.

Seemingly when the bridegroom arrives they will be expected to light the torches

and proceed as a wedding party with the groom.

25:2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

4

While the 10 bridesmaids seem to be one unit, Jesus draws our attention to

something right in the beginning. These 10 people are not the same. Even though

they all appear to be ready for the wedding procession, they all are equipped with

lamps, but there is something very different under the surface. In fact they could

not be more different. 5 of them are wise, and 5 of them are foolish.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m an engineer, but sometimes I am tempted to

probably read too much into the mathematics of the situation. Jesus is making this

story up. He could have used any number he wanted here. He could have had 8

wise and 2 fools, or 2 fools and 8 wise, but he does a 50/50 split. I don’t know if

that is significant, but perhaps it is. Is Jesus trying to tell us that about 50% of the

people who profess to be a Christian are inwardly fooling themselves? I don’t

know, but I think it bears some consideration.

25:3 & 4 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with

them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.

We find in verse 3 what separates the foolish from the wise. If it is a torch or

lamp it does not matter, because they work the same way. If it is a lamp then the

wick will pull up the oil from a well and the oil will fuel the flame. If it is a torch

then the same principle holds.

If one were to light a wick or a torch without any oil the flame would consume

the fabric in mere moments. The flame would not last.

This is common knowledge and the entire wedding party is seemingly aware of

the laws of combustion. However 5 of them have made the proper preparations.

But 5 of them have not prepared because they have brought no oil.

I think we have to be careful not to allegorize the entire parable, but it seems safe

to me to say that the oil represents a reborn heart or even the Holy Spirit living

within a reborn heart. No person will see the kingdom of God without being born

again.

5

We (overall church not necessarily GCF) have made church pretty comfortable

for worldly folks. We have dismissed books of the Bible as outdated, we have

adjusted our theology, skipped over the difficult passages, and reinterpreted the

others so that they are no longer hard to hear.

Many times the church does this with the best of intentions. We want our

congregation to grow. We want people to understand the gospel, and if we can

skip the hard stuff, then maybe they will get connected and be ready for that later.

But later never seems to come. Or even worse we start ourselves down a slippery

slope of symbolic interpretation of scripture that allows the entire bible to be bent

into whatever shape the reader wants.

What we end up with is churches full of people who are not true Christians.

Hearts that have never been reborn. These people come to church each and every

week, and they are carrying a lamp that has no oil. Can you image 5 out of 10 of

them have no oil!

25:5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and

slept.

The bridegroom is delayed. In fact we still are in a period of waiting for the

bridegroom to return. You’ll notice that the wedding party becomes tired and

sleepy. So they sleep.

This is not a negative thing. Jesus is not suggesting that they should not have

gone to sleep. Is just illustrating the point that it takes a will. So true believer or

not we all are going to sleep. Remember the verse that Jesus is really expounding

on is

[Mat 24:44 ESV] 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is

coming at an hour you do not expect.

6

Jesus is highlighting the “hour you do not expect” part of this principle. The lost

don’t know when he is coming, the saved don’t know when he is coming.

Whenever he comes again, it will be when he is not expected. And what are we to

do to with that information? We are to be ready.

25:6 But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come

out to meet him.'

It is at midnight when he arrives. In the darkest part of the night. When he is least

expected to arrive he shows up. (Think Matthew 24:44)

There is an interesting shift at this point in the parable. The time for preparation

has come to an end. Now is time for the wedding procession. There is no time to

get right, to gather supplies, to get oil that time has passed. It’s at this point where

we start to see some panic set in.

25:7&8 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the

foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps

are going out.'

Because these 5 foolish bridesmaids did not prepare they now realize that they

have a problem. Panic begins to set in.

I think the panic that is depicted here in verse 6 is troubling. It’s that comfort I

described, when I talked about going camping. In our minds we sort of always

think we have the chance to get what we need. But the reality is, there is coming a

day when the store won’t be open any more. The time for preparation will have

passed, and the only thing left for us will be judgement.

This is why Jesus continually reminds us to prepare.

7

25:9 But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us

and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves..

There is another lesson here. You cannot get your preparation from someone else.

You cannot get your righteousness from your parents, from your pastor, from

your family, you are responsible for yourself.

It’s like when you go to a theme park and the massive crowds of people are all

funneling down to the entrance. And when you get to the entrance they have that

little turnstile that only 1 person can fit in. They look at your ticket, and if it

checks out you enter all by yourself. Jesus says you can’t look to those in your

group to get you into the kingdom.

There is a problem here. The shop is closed. There is no hope at this point. And in

desperation they fill the streets to try to find oil, but they will find none. Such will

be the day for all of us.

25:10 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those

who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was

shut.

Notice the wedding party is not effected. It continues as scheduled. For those who

were prepared a feast is set and the celebration begins. The door is sealed and no

more will be allowed in.

Indeed they return in verse 11, but are not permitted to enter.

25:11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.'

12 But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

We here again here echos back to the sermon on the mount. Jesus says, I do not

know you.

8

Jesus underscores the entire point yet another time at the end of the parable in

verse 13, “Watch”. We are to be watching. We are to be prepared. The day is

coming when we will be expected to go.

How then can we prepare?

1) Step 1 - You must be born again. John 3

[Jhn 3:5-6 ESV] 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is

born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which

is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

There is something supernatural that must occur in our lives. We must be born

spiritually in the same way we were born physically. In this Spiritual birth the

Holy Spirit will convict you of sin, and you must confess the sin, and repent. In

faith trusting that you are saved.

2) Step 2 – Develop Spiritual Discipline

[1Ti 4:7-8 ESV] 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train

yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is

of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the

life to come.

3) Persevere In Trials to the End

[1Pe 1:6-7 ESV] 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if

necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested

genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is

tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the

revelation of Jesus Christ.

4) Live the Great Commission

Lord’s Supper:

Invite musicians and server’s to go ahead and come.

Explain, this is the response part of the service. The covering or wedding garment

that Jesus provided, was not free. His blood was spilled, his body was broken. So

today as we partake in the Lord’s supper we remember that.

9

You don’t have to be a member here to participate, but you do have to be a

believer in good standing with the Lord. Meaning you have no unconfessed sin or

broken fellowship with others in the congregation.

Perhaps you want to come up here and pray, or pray where you are, that’s all

okay. I’ll be standing right over here if you want to come pray with me.

Read More
Guest UserGrace Christian FellowshipMikey Brannon, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, Matthew, ALL, prepare to meet Jesus
What Can I Learn from Jesus' Warnings about Spiritual Hypocrisy and Blindness? | Matthew 23:13-39
What Can I Learn from Jesus' Warnings about Spiritual Hypocrisy and Blindness? | Matthew 23:13-39

Series: All!

  • Jesus has all authority,

  • So that all nations

  • Might pledge all allegiance to him.

Title: “What can I learn from Jesus’ warnings about spiritual hypocrisy and blindness?”

Scripture: Matthew 23:13-39

Matthew 7:21-23

Last week we said, Jesus says the antidote to hypocrisy, pride and sin is to humble yourself and serve one another.

This week we’ll say, Bottom line: Humble yourself and ask God to open your eyes that you may see and repent of your spiritual condition.

  1. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  2. SERMON OUTLINE & NOTES

  3. MAIN REFERENCES USED

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discussion questions for group and personal study. Reflect and Discuss:

1. Even for unbelievers, hypocrisy is despised. Why do you think this is? Define hypocrisy.

2. Why is it not enough simply to be sincere in what you believe? How does this passage serve as a warning in this regard?

3. Compare Matthew 23 to the teaching about faith and works in James 2:14-26 and the necessity of righteousness in 1 John 3:4-10.

4. What is the difference between strong, biblical leadership and leadership that is self-promoting? How might these principles apply to Christians who aren't spiritual leaders?

5. What other sins does pride lead to? How can you fight against a proud heart? Can you think of any relevant biblical passages?

6. What does it mean to neglect the "more important matters of the law" (v. 23)?

7. If purity begins in the heart, then what should our fight against sin look like?

8. In what ways do you see yourself in Jesus' indictment of the Pharisees? Be specific.

9. What counsel would you offer to someone who is not sure whether his faith is genuine?

10. How can we be diligent about holiness without being overly introspective and without expecting perfection?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

SERMON OUTLINE & NOTES

Introduction

Today we will answer the question: What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ warnings about spiritual hypocrisy and blindness?

Story/Illustration

I saw a tweet last week that showed me both sides of this pride/humility dynamic.

The first picture is of a line of 900 people hiking along a ridge to summit Mt. Everest. Most paying $50k to have a Sherpa (a Himalayan with exceptional mountaineering expertise and skill often hired to help others summit Mt Everest) personally help them succeed. Many doing this for personal glory (competition/pride). The comment by the tweeter was that the huge numbers put more people at risk to death than ever before.

The second picture is of Gelje Sherpa leading his client towards the top when he comes across someone laying on the ground dying. He’s only 500 yards from the summit. This Sherpa, on a job helping his client survive the same climb, runs over, wraps the man in a sleeping mattress, gives him oxygen (of which his client might need), put him on his back, and then hiked him down the mountain, a trip that took 6 hours.

The first picture is one of pride. The second, one of humility. We don’t know how many people walked past the guy on the ground. And I’m guessing few of those people could have carried anyone down with the incredible challenge that it is just to summit and descend Mt Everest without dying yourself. But to add the weight of a full grown man to your load…

I think of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Who didn’t walk past the dying man on the road but instead, at great personal cost and risk of life, helped this man recover. He saw this man and humbly saw his neighbor in need and helped him.

Questions we should ask ourselves:

  1. Are we hindering people’s salvation? (13-15)

    1. By not practicing what we preach/teach.

    2. By encouraging people to follow our ways instead of His ways.

  2. Are we more concerned with biblical minutiae than we are practical ministry? (16-24)

    1. Do we justify sin according to our traditions or current cultural mores or do we flee sin according to God’s truth?

    2. Do we pride ourselves on following convenient laws or do we spend ourselves expressing costly love?

    3. These are the “more important matters of the law.” (23:23)

      1. “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; Plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17

      2. “…And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” ‭‭Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

  3. Are we focused on outward cleanliness or inward holiness? (25-28)

  4. Are we sincerely following a religion but not a relationship with Jesus Christ? (29-36)

  5. 3 Certainties

    1. The condemnation of sinners is imminent.

    2. The salvation of sinners is possible.

    3. The exaltation of Jesus is guaranteed. The question is…

  6. Will you see him as your consuming judge or welcomed king`? (37-39)

Conclusion

This week we’ll say, Bottom line: Jesus is a consuming judge and good king. The question is how does my life see him?

You Can Change

There was a woman who lived on the streets near our church. She would ask for money and react aggressively to those who refused. When she died, I took the funeral. I discovered afterwards that this woman had inherited a large fortune. She had acquired a luxurious flat and many valuable paintings, but she chose to live on the streets with her plastic bags full of rubbish. She could not bring herself to leave behind the life she knew and she never enjoyed her inheritance. Some people are afraid of change, while others believe change is not possible. Yet the wonderful news is that with God’s help *you can change*. This change is key to spiritual life, growth and transformation. It is not just about changing our actions or appearance; we need to change on the inside – we need a change of *heart*. How can this happen?

Applies to

  1. Church leaders

  2. The rest of ya’ll (ROY bus); how?

    1. Hide under the shelter of Christ’s mercy (hen’s wings)

    2. Walk in surrender to Christ’s authority.

    3. Proclaim the supremacy of Christ’s glory.

What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ warnings about spiritual hypocrisy and blindness?

That we all have a tendency towards pride

We all have our blind spots

We tend to ignore what’s happening on the inside while pretending on the outside

We all tend to major on the easier parts and ignore the more costly way

We not only keep others from Christ, we ignore him as well.

Where’s our heart today? Are we more like those who pridefully summit Mt. Everest for personal glory? Or are will more like the Sherpa who served and loved his neighbor as himself?

What about us?

What is God saying to you?

What are you going to do about it?

Write it down right now.

Pray

Other

And then he closes with something paradoxical. He says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret” (Ephesians 5:11–12). So, there’s a way to expose the sins of the world without being verbally contaminated. “It’s shameful even to speak of them,” Paul says. Which I think means it’s shameful to find pleasure in talking about them, lingering over them with excessive attention. It is possible to find pleasure — we’re just so deceived on things like this; we can deceive ourselves so easily — in talking about the things we hate. Isn’t that awful? It’s possible to find pleasure in talking about the things we hate. God doesn’t want this. That’s not good.

So, the right way to summarize that paradox would go something like this, I think: Expose, but don’t gloat. Expose, but don’t linger. Expose, but weep. Expose, but pray. Expose, but don’t grovel in the mire, even in the name of mocking the mire. Some people think they’re justified in lingering in the mire by spending a lot of time finding clever ways to put it down. Expose, but then return quickly to the clean, clear, holy, happy air of the mountains of Christ’s fellowship.

https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/dangers-in-exposing-cultural-sins

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB)

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, bible believing church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabriel, Matthew, ALL, authoity, authority, hypocrisy, blindness, Jesus' warnings, Matthew 23
What's Jesus Christ's Greatest Command? | Matthew 22:34-46
What's Jesus Christ's Greatest Command? | Matthew 22:34-46

Series: All!

  • Jesus has all authority,

  • So that all nations

  • Might pledge all allegiance to him.

Title: “What’s Jesus Christ’s Greatest Command?”

Scripture: Matthew 22:34-46

Bottom line: Jesus Christ’s greatest command is to love.

  1. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  2. SERMON OUTLINE & NOTES

  3. MAIN REFERENCES USED

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discussion questions for group and personal study. Reflect and Discuss:

1. What were the underlying motives of those who questioned Jesus in Matthew 22:16-40?

2. What is at the root of all rejection of Jesus? (Hint: Read John 3:19-21.)

3. Explain why Jesus' question in Matthew 22:41-46 would have been perplexing to these Jewish leaders.

4. How would you respond to someone who said they rejected the authority of God's Word but they loved Jesus?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

OUTLINE & NOTES

Introduction

Today we will answer the question: What is Jesus Christ’s greatest commandment?

Story/Illustration:

I run a few times per week. One of the things I sometimes do is run around a pond on the sidewalk. It’s narrow and slightly higher than the grass and dirt around it. So I don’t want to run off of it or I might turn an ankle or trip.

Running forward isn’t a big deal. I can see where I’m going easily and keep my eyes on the path ahead of me. Smooth sailing.

But running backwards, which works different muscles, though a good workout, is much harder. I have to turn my head around side to side and keep looking. And since the pathway is continuously curving one way or the other, I often get near the edge. I’m constantly looking from side to side to make sure I don’t fall of the path. It’s awkward and slow.

Walking with Christ is the same way.

Bottom line: Jesus Christ’s greatest command is to love.

Outline

I. Jesus’ greatest command is LOVE (34-40)

  1. Definitions of Love

    1. Not I love pizza

    2. Not I love my brother

    3. Not I love my brother from another mother

    4. Not I love my girlfriend/boyfriend

    5. Not I love my child even

    6. I love my wife/husband…

      1. Sacrificially (costs me)

      2. Unconditionally (No strings attached)

  2. Directions of Love

    1. Vertical

    2. Horizontal

  3. God

  4. People (our neighbor as ourselves)

    1. Jesus defines neighbor in Luke 10, parable of the Good Samaritan, as anyone in our path in need

II. Jesus’ greatest identity is LORD (41-46)

  1. Son of Man (humanity)

  2. Son of God

  3. The son of God has all authority given to him by the Father

III. Conclusion

Which is easier: To walk forward or backward?

I run a few times per week. One of the things I sometimes do is run around a pond on the sidewalk. It’s narrow and slightly higher than the grass and dirt around it. So I don’t want to run off of it or I might turn an ankle or trip.

Running forward isn’t a big deal. I can see where I’m going easily and keep my eyes on the path ahead of me. Smooth sailing.

But running backwards, which works different muscles, though a good workout, is much harder. I have to turn my head around side to side and keep looking. And since the pathway is continuously curving one way or the other, I often get near the edge. I’m constantly looking from side to side to make sure I don’t fall of the path. It’s awkward and slow.

Walking with Christ is the same way.

When I try to walk backwards constantly trying to stay on the narrow way by not sinning, it takes a lot of effort, it’s awkward, it’s slow, and I still find myself getting off track sometimes.

But when I turn around and walk forwards with my eyes ahead of me on Jesus, I find I don’t need to watch the sides of the pathway. Keep my eyes on Jesus keeps me on the straight and narrow.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says,

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Let’s walk in love. Our eyes fixed on Jesus, who is love manifest.

When we have a decision to make, let’s ask ourself, what would love do in this situation. And then do that.

Walk in love.

Pray

“Rules without relationship lead to rebellion.” -Josh McDowell

“Jesus’ two-fold answer should warn Christians against emphasizing either piety for God or social concern at the expense of the other.” -Craig Blomberg

Note: explore the extremes as potential strengths/weaknesses in the body of Christ

Jesus then asks about the Messiah (his identity) because who we say he is matters.

22:41-42 Jesus now turns the tables on his questioners. He has evaded all their traps, which were based fundamentally on their refusal to recognize him as Messiah. This is the topic they really should be talking about. Their problems largely stem from the fact that they are looking for a purely human, nationalistic liberator. Jesus directs his question so as to explore the scriptural nature of messiahship. From whose ancestry is the Messiah to come? The answer, at least for Jesus immediate audience, would have indisputably been "from the lineage of David" -Blomberg

22:43-44 The Pharisees' answer (v. 42b) sets up Jesus' real question. If the Messiah is merely the human offspring of David, why does David himself speak of him as "Lord" _a master or sovereign above the one who is king of Israel and the highest human authority in the land? -Blomberg

22:45-46 So how can this Christ be merely a human descendant of David? The Pharisees have no answer, nor does anyone else, and no one dares to ask him any further questions. All the traps have failed, and Jesus' listeners have in fact been trapped. Not surprisingly, Ps 110:1-4 becomes the Old Testament passage quoted more than any other in the New Testament. It points to Jesus' messiahship and his exaltation, and the first Christians take their cue from its effectiveness here for use in their later apologetic (see, e.g., Acts 2:34-35; Heb 1:13; 5:6,10; 7:17,21).

  • Blomberg

Conclusion

Bottom line: Jesus Christ’s greatest command is to love.

Q. What do I want them to know?

A. Who Jesus really is and what he considers his greatest (most important) command.

Q. Why?

A. Because the whole OT depends on them. They are how to live out our faith UP, IN and OUT.

Q. What do I want them to do?

A. Re-orient/reset their lives (further orient/reset their lives) UP, IN and OUT from Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Q. Why?

A. Because that’s the only appropriate response. It balances our love for God (who we cannot touch) with our love for people (whom we can touch) empowering us to love our intangible Creator with our tangible neighbors each day. It empowers us to thus balance piety with justice. Think Micah 6:8, what does the Lord require?

  1. Act justly (towards people) (IN & OUT)

  2. Love mercy (towards people) (IN & OUT)

  3. Walk humbly with God. (UP)

Q. How?

A. By living a life of relational balance (UP, IN & OUT)

A. Start by employing the means of grace that God gives us in his word to surrender to him in all things.

  • Learning the word

    • Regularly

    • Prayerfully

  • Obeying what you read by grace through faith

  • Leading others to do the same

I’ll go back to where we started at the beginning.

Which is easier: To walk forward or backward?

I run a few times per week. One of the things I sometimes do is run around a pond on the sidewalk. It’s narrow and slightly higher than the grass and dirt around it. So I don’t want to run off of it or I might turn an ankle or trip.

Running forward isn’t a big deal. I can see where I’m going easily and keep my eyes on the path ahead of me. Smooth sailing.

But running backwards, which works different muscles, though a good workout, is much harder. I have to turn my head around side to side and keep looking. And since the pathway is continuously curving one way or the other, I often get near the edge. I’m constantly looking from side to side to make sure I don’t fall of the path. It’s awkward and slow.

Walking with Christ is the same way.

When I try to walk backwards constantly trying to stay on the narrow way by not sinning, it takes a lot of effort, it’s awkward, it’s slow, and I still find myself getting off track sometimes.

But when I turn around and walk forwards with my eyes ahead of me on Jesus, I find I don’t need to watch the sides of the pathway. Keep my eyes on Jesus keeps me on the straight and narrow.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says,

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB)

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, non denominational, church, Ladson, SC, Grace Chrisian Fellowhsip, Matthew, greatest command
The Call of the King | Matthew 22:1-14
The Call of the King | Matthew 22:1-14

Fallen Condition Focus

We must enter into God’s Kingdom under the righteousness of Christ.

Introduction

Have you ever been invited to something so important there was no chance you

would say no to the invitation. I was thinking about this, this week.

If you recall now in Matthew we have reached Wednesday of what we call holy

week. Just a couple of days prior you may recall that Jesus had gone into the

temple and out of disgust for what he saw cleansed the temple.

Here Israel was situated on this land bridge that was centrally located between 3

comments. As travelers would come through, God’s design was that through

Israel, they would be pointed to the Lord. His Temple would welcome them into

knowing Him and worshiping.

But nothing could be further from the truth. They had perverted what had been

entrusted to them. To those they should have been ministering to, they were

exploiting for their own financial gain.

So it’s no wonder why Jesus removed them with such emotion. And I suspect they

were boiling about this all day on Tuesday. And in Chapter 21 we find them,

having licked their wounds, back at Jesus again with more questions designed to

trap him. By what authority do you do these things? Where is your degree? What

seminary gives you the right to be a teacher. And it is really this question, that

launches Jesus into a series of 3 Judgement based parables. Two of which we have

already covered, and the final one that I want to cover today, that we will call, the

parable of the wedding feast.

Trilogy of Judgement Parables

2

o Parable of the Two Sons (21:28-31)

o Landowner and the vinyard (21:33-46)

o The wedding feast (22:1-14) Read Text

22:1 And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying,

It’s very appropriate based on what we discussed earlier that Jesus would answer

their questions with a parable. A parable is a simple story, like an allegory, that

uses everyday experience to teach a deeper heavenly meaning. But more than that

these parables had a specific purpose to conceal the truth from the hard hearted

Pharisees and reveal truth to the humble would be disciples who would hear them

with open hearts.

[Mar 4:10-12 ESV] 10 And when he was alone, those around him with the

twelve asked him about the parables. 11 And he said to them, "To you has

been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside

everything is in parables, 12 so that "'they may indeed see but not perceive,

and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be

forgiven.'"

So these parables are blessing are both a treasure to some and at the same time a

judgement for others. So Jesus continues to teach in parables.

22:2 "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who

gave a wedding feast for his son,

Jesus is very clear about what this parable is about. We don’t have to wonder. We

are talking about the Kingdom of Heaven. Understand this is not some future

state Kingdom that we might find in the book of Revelations, although it does

include that, but Jesus has the present time in mind as he talks about the Kingdom

of Heaven. He is speaking of the area of God’s rule, God’s people who are part of

his Kingdom even here on earth. As we are saved even today we are brought into

God’s Kingdom. So Jesus begins to tell a story about what it is like to be a

member of God’s Kingdom.

3

And he chooses to describe this as a wedding feast. Not just a wedding feast but a

royal wedding feast. One thing I noticed when I moved to Charleston was that

weddings are a big deal here. I can’t tell you how many times I have been on an

airplane flying back home to Charleston and the plane is filled with a wedding

party coming to Charleston to get married. But it was even bigger in ancient

Jerusalem. In fact in was not uncommon for a wedding to last a week. It was an

extremely joyful time full of happiness and feast after feast. And the best part was

as a guest you didn’t have to pay.

Now in the parable we don’t just have a wedding, we have a royal wedding. And

I don’t have to tell you, that if a typical wedding was a week you can imagine the

celebration that this King would be having to honor his Son the crown Prince.

Jesus wants those listening to him to be thinking of the biggest most festive event

that they can possibly imagine multiply it by 10 and then you start to understand

what is going on here. That is the picture.

Now we get to invitation #1.

22:3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the

wedding feast, but they would not come.

Notice something interesting here, I missed it when I first read it but it is very

important. The King sends his servants to call whom? Those who were already

invited. This is very telling. This is not a cold call invitation, in fact, the King has

already provided details of the wedding. He has already sent out the guest list and

notified everyone. All the servants do is go out a remind them the time has come

to attend this most festive occasion. It’s time for the celebration to begin.

Let’s stop here and define who the character’s in the parable represent. Obviously

the King is God the Father. And the Son, is none other than Jesus Christ. But who

are the guests? Who are the ones who have already been notified of the coming of

the Messiah, and in this present day are being invited to come to him. These guests

are the nation of Israel. God’s chosen people in the Old Testament were notified to

4

be on alert because the Son would be coming. He is talking about the Pharisees

and Scribes standing in his midst as he tells this parable. The have been invited by

Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, all the old Testament prophets. This verse is an exact

summary of the entire Old Testament.

“They would not come”. At this point, I want you to audibly hear the crowd

around Jesus gasp as he says these words. What do you mean they would not

come! How is this possible? They have been invited to the Royal Wedding

festivities and they refuse the King! Can you imagine!

Invitation #2

22:4 Again he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See,

I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been

slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast."'

What a gracious benevolent King! After the rejection and utter disrespect that the

guests have brought upon his Son, he is patient and extends grace. The King

reminds them that there is nothing you have to do. He says I have done all the

work. The preparations are made everything is finalized, all you have to do is

answer the invitation. He bidst them ones more to come.

I was reminded as I read this of Jesus’ Cry just 2 days later as he would be hangin

on the cross, “It is finished.” The work to complete salvation is was done at that

moment. He calls us to him not to add anything to what he has done, but to

simply bask in the work that has been done for us.

This King is patient. You know God is patient with us too. Many times, just like

these Jews, we have ignored God’s call to come to him. But God is patient, and

God is good. So extends another invitation to them.

5

And among these second wave of servants that were sent to them was none other

than, John the Baptist, Jesus himself, All of the apostles have been sent to invite

them again to come to the wedding party.

Look how they respond to this second invitation:

22:5 & 6 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his

business,

while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed

them.

I can imagine that those hearers of this parable by now are ready to rip their robes

at the direction this story is headed. We see here two groups that respond quite

differently. Group 1 responds with indifference. They simply do not care about

the Kingdom, about the King, or about the honored Son.

We see this same response today right. Have you ever shared the gospel or shared

something spiritual with non-believers and they look at you like you have 3 eyes.

They don’t understand, they don’t care to understand, and perhaps they think

you’re a crazy person. Such was this first group.

The first group is wrapped up in the everyday things of the world, maybe it’s the

work they have at the farm, or tending to their business. They are more concerned

about the things of this world and really don’t care about anything beyond that.

The reality is that this represents much of the modern world and certainly much

of the US. Bringing honor and glory to the Son is laughable to them in

comparison to the everyday pursuits of their lives. This is the response of the

secular world.

The second group is different. We see a dramatic statement in verse 6 that they

are so enraged by the repeated invitation that they result to murdering the servants

of the king. These are the religious crowds who are so enraged by the invitation

6

that they ultimately would murder the very ones who were sent to bring them the

news. John was beheaded, Jesus was nailed to a cross, and the apostles martyred.

22:7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those

murderers and burned their city.

The King was kind a gracious, but his invitation has a limit. His patience has a

limit. And now he has had enough. This is a warning to us as well. For a time,

God invites us to come to him, but if we continue to harden our hearts and reject

his invitation we too will see his wrath.

Also verse 7 we get a prophecy from the Lord himself. Notice it also say that the

“burned their city”. We know that their city is Jerusalem, so what is Jesus talking

about here?

In AD70 the city of Jerusalem would be utterly destroyed. The temple would be

destroyed. And the Jewish people would even lose their ability to maintain the

sacrificial sytem without a temple. In the destruction of this city more that 1.1 M

jews were killed and the entire city was left in ruin. As a result the Jewish people

were scattered.

Now we look at the third invitation.

22:8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, but those

invited were not worthy.

Notice that the Son will be honored. The King is not wriging his hands in concern

that nobody will be there to honor the son. In fact, all of the wedding is about the

son. Not the bride! We must be careful that we understand this about salvation.

Salvation is not centrally about you. While we do get the benefit of eternal life, of

getting to be with the God in heaven, the real focus of salvation is about bringing

honor and glory to the Son. That is what is at the root of salvation! The King will

fill the wedding hall with worthy people in order to exhault the name of the Son.

7

22:9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as

many as you find.'

The King instructs them to go out where, unto the main roads. Not the backroads

full of locals, but to the main intersections where tourists, travelers, gentiles

would be passing thru.

We here the echoes here of the great commission. Go ye therefor into all nations.

We are ordered to do the same thing as we share the gospel to all those we

encounter. And we invite them to come to this wonderful wedding.

22:10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom

they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with

guests.

We notice that the servants do not discriminate when they make this third

invitation. Those who appear morally good or morally bad, they are all invited to

come to the wedding. I’m reminded of the parable of the soils where the sower

just went about slinging seed. He didn’t worry about where the seed landed he let

God sort all that out. Such is a picture of sharing the gospel. We shouldn’t think

oh man that guy looks like a bad dude, I’m not sharing the gospel with that

person.

22:11 "But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man

who had no wedding garment.

It’s almost like Jesus could have stopped the story at verse 10, but he provides for

us a very interesting plot twist at the end.

Remember these guests were just going about their everyday tasks on the road,

and they got invited to this wedding. So clearly the King made some kind of

provision for them to be appropriately dressed for the occasion. To show up to the

8

vent with dirty, worn, or inappropriate clothing would surely bring dishonor to

the event and to the Son.

It’s also clear from the verse that everybody in the wedding hall has on the

garments, except for this one person.

There has been much discussion from theologians about what these wedding

garments are meant to represent. But most people agree the idea here is that the

garments represent righteousness.

[Isa 61:10 ESV] 10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my

God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me

with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a

beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

This concept goes all the way back to the garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve

first sinned. If you remember they tried to cover themselves but were not able to

make for themselves a suitable covering. So if you recall God killed an animal

and covered their nakedness with the skin. It was the very first picture of the one

who would come someday, and by his bloodshed would provide for us a covering

of righteousness.

Notice the King is gracious in asking why the man doesn’t have on the covering.

He gives the man an opportunity to answer for himself.

22:12 And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a

wedding garment?' And he was speechless.

The man is speechless. He doesn’t have a reason. It must be that this man by his

own will determined that he would enter the wedding party and he would do so

under his own terms. This part of the parable is pointed directly at the church.

There are echos of when Jesus said, many in that day will say to me Lord, Lord…

9

and I will say depart I never knew you. Jesus warns us that there is but one way

into the wedding celebration and that is to be covered by his righteousness.

To bring our own so-called righteousness to the party is tragic mistake. The best

we have to offer is not acceptable.

[Isa 64:6 ESV] 6 We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our

righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our

iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

22:13 Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot and cast

him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and

gnashing of teeth.'

There is a limit to God’s patience. The time will come when he will invite us no

more, when the time to accept the wedding garment is no longer an option.

To keep the man from resisting he is bound, he is immediately removed from the

presence of the King, and he is not allowed re-entry under any circumstances. It is

important that even those of us who find ourselves among the guests in the

wedding party that we take a look at our garments. Who’s garments are you

wearing? Are we trying to attend the wedding party on our own terms or on

God’s terms.

I love this last verse. Jesus tags it on there, and it is simply mind boggling.

22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

This entire parable has been about the choices of men. Choices about if they

would attend, if they would not attend. If they would dress appropriately or if

they would defy the King. Man’s will is central to the parable. And just as Jesus

has us fully understanding that, he drops in this verse. “Many are called, but few

are chosen.”

10

Jesus reminds us that in all of these things God is still sovereign. It is one of the

great mysteries of Scripture. John 6:44, no one can come to me unless the Father

draws him in. God is sovereign, and if we find ourselves clothed in righteousness

in the midst of the Son, it only because his grace has been extended to open our

eyes, remove our hearts of stone, and give us a new spiritual birth. And he is

calling all today to come to Him. Let’s Pray.

Lord’s Supper:

Invite musicians and server’s to go ahead and come.

Explain, this is the response part of the service. The covering or wedding garment

that Jesus provided, was not free. His blood was spilled, his body was broken. So

today as we partake in the Lord’s supper we remember that.

You don’t have to be a member here to participate, but you do have to be a

believer in good standing with the Lord. Meaning you have no unconfessed sin or

broken fellowship with others in the congregation.

Perhaps you want to come up here and pray, or pray where you are, that’s all

okay. I’ll be standing right over here if you want to come pray with me.

Read More
Guest UserGrace Christian Fellowshipnon denomination, church, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, Matthew, bible believing
How Will You Respond? | Matthew 20: 17-19
How Will You Respond? | Matthew 20: 17-19

How Will You Respond?

Matthew 20:17-19

Matthew 16: Christ first prediction of his death followed by Peter’s shocked response.

Christ second prediction of his death in Matthew 17 followed by the disciples being greatly distressed. (Not focusing on Jesus stating he would rise again).

Christ third prediction of his death Matthew 20:17-19 followed by the disciples seeking position and power. It was like they had become numb to Jesus’ message.

Shocked to distressed to glory seeking. May we not tire or miss the Gospel in our lives as we reflect upon the cross and the resurrection.

Read More
Ken DorrityGrace Christian FellowshipEaster, Ken Dorrity, Grace Christian Fellowship, non-denominational church, Bible-believing, Ladson, SC, Matthew, Jesus' death
How is God Just and Generous in Salvation? | Matthew 20:1-16
How is God Just and Generous in Salvation? | Matthew 20:1-16

Series: All!

  • Jesus has all authority,

  • So that all nations

  • Might pledge all allegiance to him.

Title: “How is God just and generous in salvation?”

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Heavily indebted to Douglas Sean O’Donnell’s commentary for this message. (See below)

Bottom line: God’s gift of salvation is both just and generous:

It’s just, so we don’t grumble about God’s mercy to anyone;

It’s equally gracious, so we don’t begrudge his unequal generosity.

Main point: God’s gift of salvation is just and generous.

A. God’s gift of salvation is just, so don’t grumble (complain) about God’s undeserved grace (or mercy).

B. God’s gift of salvation is equally gracious (to all), so don’t begrudge (look upon with disapproval) w/God’s unequal generosity. (Envious or jealous)

  1. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  2. SERMON OUTLINE & NOTES

  3. MAIN REFERENCES USED

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. What does the parable of the workers in a vinevard teach us about

God's grace?

2. How does the misguided approach of the disciples beginning in Matthew 20:20 parallel your own approach to God and the Christian life?

3. How does Jesus' healing of the blind men in Matthew 20:29-34 contrast with the request for privilege by James and John in the previous paragraph?

4. Why can't grace and pride coexist? Can you think of other Scriptural passages that speak to this truth?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Weekly questions I answer in preparation for the sermon:

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. That God is just and generous in saving people.

Q. Why?

A. Because we tend to live as if we deserve it. And there’s very little gratitude in that perspective. In fact, we do not deserve it.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Evaluate your relationship with God. Do you believe you deserve salvation? (You don’t) Do you believe you can earn your salvation? (You cannot)

Q. Why?

A. Because salvation is a gift to the damned. None of us deserve it. All of us need it.

OUTLINE & NOTES

Introduction

Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer (/ˈdɑːmər/; May 21, 1960 – November 28, 1994), also known as the Milwaukee Cannibal or the Milwaukee Monster, was an American serial killerand sex offender who killed and dismembered seventeen men and boys between 1978 and 1991.[4] Many of his later murders involved necrophilia,[5] cannibalism, and the permanent preservation of body parts—typically all or part of the skeleton.[6]

Although he was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder,[7] schizotypal personality disorder,[8] and a psychotic disorder, Dahmer was found to be legally saneat his trial. He was convicted of fifteen of the sixteen homicides he had committed in Wisconsin and was sentenced to fifteen terms of life imprisonment on February 17, 1992.[9] Dahmer was later sentenced to a sixteenth term of life imprisonment for an additional homicide committed in Ohio in 1978.

On November 28, 1994, Dahmer was beaten to death by Christopher Scarver, a fellow inmate at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wisconsin.

Jeffrey Dawlmer coming to Christ. Stone Phillips interviewed Dawlmer where he learned that Dawlmer, his father and his pastor all testify that Jeffrey believes we all will stand before Christ and answer to him. He trusted Jesus as Lord and savior according to all 3.

  • Dateline NBC has also broadcast an interview with Dahmer. Conducted by Stone Phillips and first broadcast on March 8, 1994, this 90-minute episode—titled Confessions of a Serial Killer—features interviews with Dahmer and his father conducted at Columbia Correctional Institution. Dahmer's mother is also interviewed for this program.[363]

Context:

“The time had come for the owner of a vineyard to harvest his grapes. The permanent workers on his farm were not numerous enough to complete the harvest in time, so when harvest time came, as many farmers did in the ancient world and still do today, he went looking for day laborers he could hire. Such laborers customarily came to the marketplace in the hope that they would be chosen to labor that day and would gain the standard pay for a day’s work in Israel, which was one denarius”

Excerpt From

Matthew - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=0

This material may be protected by copyright.

God’s gift of salvation (eternal life; kingdom of God; kingdom of heaven) is generous in just, gracious, and merciful.

The landowner was

Just—he paid them all what he agreed to pay them which was fair market value (one day laborers wages). And they all agreed to this up front. They all were paid the same amount. They were probably happy at the beginning of the day because someone hired them enabling them to gain a wage that day. While their circumstances did not change during the day, their expectations did.

Perceived as unjust—the workers who were first hired perceived this generosity to be unfair because the last were paid for a full day when they worked < a full day. As a result, they grumbled/complained to the landowner.

Grace—While some worked all day (earning their fair share of the wages), the rest worked less than a day and yet were generously paid more than they deserved.

Mercy—Some did not get what they deserved (in their minds) which was more than what the latter workers received. Yet, none of them deserved the work. They were mercifully given the opportunity to work when they had no way to create payable work on their own. They were literally at the mercy of a landowner hiring them that day.

8A little bit more…

Also, keep in mind that this was a time of harvest requiring extra workers. Therefore, in addition to his normal crew, he was bringing other day laborers who needed any kind of work they could get. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that they were harvesting grapes—not just tending to the fields.

This matters because it reminds us that this imagery is about more than grace, mercy and justice. It’s about the harvest. God doesn’t just graciously save people to save them. He saves them to serve…in the harvest. This is part of what is referred to as the “Lordship debate”. Does Jesus save, end of sentence. Or does Jesus save that we might join him in saving others? I believe it’s both—and. I believe that we demonstrate that our faith is genuine and our salvation real when we join him in the harvest. Otherwise, I think it’s safe to say there’s evidence to the contrary.

When someone saves your life, you feel like you could do anything for them.

When you are forgiven a great debt, you live your life grateful for what you don’t deserve—more life.

When Jesus saves you from sin and death, shame and guilt, hell itself, and you understand this, you find yourself eager to serve God and serve people to this end.

Do you?

“In the parable, a large group of the workers received grace. One group received justice. However, no one received injustice. But the workers who labored all day thought they received injustice. They thought the owner owed them something”

Excerpt From

Matthew - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=0

This material may be protected by copyright.

“If we were to try to list everything God owes us, it would be the easiest task we were ever assigned, one we could complete in record time. The truth is, He owes us nothing except His wrath as punishment for all our sins”

Excerpt From

Matthew - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=0

This material may be protected by copyright.

Yet, we owe God an infinite debt—our sins are debts against a holy God. Like the servant who owed the king a gazillion dollars, we owe God way more than we could ever pay back.

Excerpt  from David Platt:

Main point: God’s gift of salvation is just and generous.

A. God’s gift of salvation is just, so don’t grumble (complain) about God’s undeserved grace (or mercy).

B. God’s gift of salvation is equally gracious (to all), so don’t begrudge (look upon with w/God’s unequal generosity. (Envious or jealous)

Symbolism:

Landowner/Master = God the Father; the Lord God

Workers = Christians; some more and some less in the eyes of the world (and the church)

Harvest = Work of the gospel in the world

Matthew 9:37-38 says, “Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.9.37-38.NIV

JUSTICE - getting what you deserve

GRACE - getting what you DON’T deserve

MERCY - NOT getting what you deserve

“Whenever Jesus teaches on grace…he teaches lordship salvation.” -O’Donnell

“The traditional Protestant position is that salvation is

  1. by grace alone in Christ alone

  2. through faith alone,

  3. but such faith is never alone—it produces fruit.

    1. Faith loves.

    2. Faith works.

    3. Faith obeys. If such fruit is not found, then the assurance of salvation cannot (should not) be offered. Jesus must be both Savior AND Lord.” -O‘Donnell

A last point:

2 rules to the grace game:

  1. Grace and works. Jesus calls us laborers and workers in his kingdom harvest work. Everyone of them in this parable works in the vineyard, presumably for the harvest. The master goes and puts the idlers to work because grace by faith WORKS!

  2. Grace and rewards. These workers were GIVEN a job to work. Jesus rewards every worker who works (gives evidence he’s a worker (Christian)). And they’re doing a specific work too. They are working in the kingdom harvest. Are we?

Conclusion

Bottom line: 

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Stop grumbling and begrudging God and people who are just and generous.

Q. Why?

A. Because he tells us to. Because you know that God is just and generous and that’s enough.

Notes

“20:1-16 Different hours, same wages?

Christ told a parable about a landowner who paid the same wages to all his workers even though they had done vastly different amounts of work. God has the sovereign right to reward us for our work as he sees fit.

Anything he gives us, whether small or great, is a gift of grace and is more than we deserve.” -Wilmington’s Bible Handbook

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB)

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible believing, church, non denominational, generous, salvation, Matthew, ALL
What Good Thing Must I Do to Get Eternal Life? | Matthew 19:13-30
What Good Thing Must I Do to Get Eternal Life? | Matthew 19:13-30

Series: All!

  • Jesus has all authority,

  • So that all nations

  • Might pledge all allegiance to him.

Title: “What good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

Scripture: Matthew 19:13-30

Heavily indebted to Douglas Sean O’Donnell’s commentary for this message. (See below)

Bottom line: 

  1. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  2. SERMON OUTLINE & NOTES

  3. MAIN REFERENCES USED

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. List some ways that our culture's view of marriage is unbiblical (think TV, radio, advertising, etc.).

2. Why is it crucial to begin our discussion on marriage with God's design in Genesis? Discuss the idea that divorce is fundamentally an offense against God.

3. What wrong messages about Christ and His redemption are communicated to the world when Christians don't obey God's Word concerning marriage and divorce?

4. How can churches show both tenderness and courage in confronting the issue of divorce?

5. Why was the Pharisees' questioning misguided and wrongly

motivated?

6. If a friend asked, "When is it OK to get a divorce?" how would you answer?

7. Why is it so crucial for Christians to take the approach that we ought to be looking for every opportunity to reconcile?

8. What are practical steps to strengthen an existing marriage?

9. What does it mean practically for a single person to maximize his singleness?

10. What counsel would you give to someone who had been divorced and who thought their usefulness in God's kingdom had ended?

How would you counsel someone who had abandoned a spouse?

11. How might a wrong view of marriage and divorce be a precursor to other issues in society such as homosexuality, abortion, etc.?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Weekly questions I answer in preparation for the sermon:

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. God gives grace for eternal life for those who humble themselves like a child and trust Jesus. This is a total work of God.

Q. Why?

A. Because in God’s economy, king Jesus and his kingdom are most valuable. (Treasure hidden in a field; “Seek first…”)

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Gladly forsake all and follow him. F.A.I.T.H. = Forsaking All I Trust Him

Q. Why?

A. Because he’s more than worth it! 100X + Eternal life?!

OUTLINE & NOTES

Introduction

A Loving, Ongoing Relationship

In one of his last songs, Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the rock group Queen, asked the question: ‘Does anybody know what we are living for?’ In spite of the fact that he had amassed *a huge fortune* and had attracted *thousands of fans*, Freddie Mercury admitted in an interview shortly before his death in 1991 that he was *desperately lonely*. He said, ‘You can have everything in the world and still be the loneliest man, and that is the most bitter type of loneliness. Success has brought me *world idolisation* and *millions of pounds*, but it’s prevented me from having the one thing we all need – *a loving, ongoing relationship*.’

F.A.I.T.H. = Forsaking All I Trust Him

Bottom line: Jesus calls us to forsake all and trust him: King & Kingdom First.

Pharisees ask 2 questions:

I. Humble yourself. (19:13-15)

A. Principle: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

B.

II. Seek complete wholeness. (19:16-22)

A. Ask the right question.

B. Go to the best source for your answer.

C. Respond with humble faith

D. Do the math. Recognize how much more Jesus is worth than what you’ll ever have.

E. Be perfect = be complete, whole

III. It’s impossible to see apart from God. (19:23-30)

A. See it starts with God. Total work of God.

B. See your part in it. We have a responsibility to respond by grace through faith.

C. See Jesus clearly. But for that to happen we must see Jesus as he really is. (Supernatural grace)

D. See his value and make the obvious choice.

IV. Finish first: Forsake All and Trust Jesus Christ for eternal abundant life in his kingdom.

Conclusion

Bottom line: Jesus calls us to forsake all and trust him: King & Kingdom First.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Finish First. Gladly forsake all and follow him. F.A.I.T.H. = Forsaking All I Trust Him

Q. Why?

A. Claim your prize. Because he’s more than worth it! 100X + Eternal life?!

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB)

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, ALL, Matthew, eternal life, bible believing, church, non-denomination church
What Does Jesus Say About Marriage, Divorce, &amp; Singleness? | Matthew 19:1-12
What Does Jesus Say About Marriage, Divorce, & Singleness? | Matthew 19:1-12

Series: All!

  • Jesus has all authority,

  • So that all nations

  • Might pledge all allegiance to him.

Title: “What does Jesus say about Marriage, Divorce & Singleness?” (Darien Gabriel)

Scripture: Matthew 19:1-12 NIV cf. Deut. 24:1-4 NIV

Heavily indebted to Douglas Sean O’Donnell’s commentary for this message. (See below)

Bottom line: Jesus calls us to submit our already high view of marriage and singleness to our highest aim or devotion: Kingdom First.

  1. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  2. SERMON OUTLINE & NOTES

  3. MAIN REFERENCES USED

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. List some ways that our culture's view of marriage is unbiblical (think TV, radio, advertising, etc.).

2. Why is it crucial to begin our discussion on marriage with God's design in Genesis? Discuss the idea that divorce is fundamentally an offense against God.

3. What wrong messages about Christ and His redemption are communicated to the world when Christians don't obey God's Word concerning marriage and divorce?

4. How can churches show both tenderness and courage in confronting the issue of divorce?

5. Why was the Pharisees' questioning misguided and wrongly

motivated?

6. If a friend asked, "When is it OK to get a divorce?" how would you answer?

7. Why is it so crucial for Christians to take the approach that we ought to be looking for every opportunity to reconcile?

8. What are practical steps to strengthen an existing marriage?

9. What does it mean practically for a single person to maximize his singleness?

10. What counsel would you give to someone who had been divorced and who thought their usefulness in God's kingdom had ended?

How would you counsel someone who had abandoned a spouse?

11. How might a wrong view of marriage and divorce be a precursor to other issues in society such as homosexuality, abortion, etc.?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Weekly questions I answer in preparation for the sermon:

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. That marriage, divorce, and singleness are all to be viewed in light of our highest pursuit: the kingdom of God.

Q. Why?

A. Because in God’s economy, the kingdom is most valuable. (Treasure hidden in a field; “Seek first…”)

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Submit our highest view of marriage and singleness to the ultimate agenda of the kingdom of God.

Q. Why?

A. Because God’s agenda should be his followers agenda. “All!”

OUTLINE & NOTES

Introduction

Not long ago, several of the elders and our wives were together and it came up that this passage on marriage and divorce was coming soon. One of the wives gave a quick sermon outline that I loved:

Wives’ Sermon outline in 3 steps:

  1. Select well

  2. Stay together

  3. Say your sorry

Bottom line: Jesus calls us to embrace his already high view of marriage and singleness making it our highest devotion: to King & Kingdom First.

Pharisees ask 2 questions:

  1. Question 1: Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause? (3)

    1. Nerve—

      1. Context

        • Jesus just taught about forgiveness at the end of Matthew 18

        • Jesus leaves Galilee marking the end of his significant Galilean ministry which began in 4:12 to “the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.”

          • He’s moving towards Jerusalem. (16:21; cf. 20:17)

          • He’s moving towards the cross and ultimate act of forgiveness.

        • But first he stops and heals the crowds. Multiple crowds. That’s crowds plural!

        • It’s after all of this healing that the Pharisees show up. Blind men with deaf and dumb question.

        • Finally, his context is our highest devotion is for our king and his kingdom; even his high view of marriage and singleness fall behind that.

      2. Do you see the nerve of this question?

        1. Instead of asking, “Where do your miraculous powers come from?” They ask about divorce.

        2. Instead of asking, “Tell us more about this death and resurrection business.” They ask about divorce.

        3. Instead of asking, “Are you the Messiah, the promised one?” They ask about divorce.

        4. These were audacious, wicked questions.

    2. Nature—

      1. These men were trying to test, tempt and trap Jesus.

      2. Tricky question. They were inviting Jesus to pick a side and then pay the consequences.

        1. Debate centered on interpretation of Deut. 24:1 and “some indecency” or “anything indecent” or “Any and every reason”

          1. Conservative view (Shammai): taught that God required divorce for sexual unfaithfulness (adultery) focused on the word “indecent” or “reason”

          2. Liberal view (Hillel): taught that God required divorce for “anything” or “any and every reason” in his wife. This could include any trivial reason like burning toast.

        2. They know he’s on the conservative side of things on this issue based on Matt 5:31-32 in the sermon on the mount where he taught that lust = spiritual adultery. And that’s what they want..

        3. Scenarios

          1. Best case: if he sides with the conservatives perhaps he will suffer the fate of John the Baptist. (Remember his beheading and why? Conservative views on marriage and divorce)

          2. Worst case: (still good for them) is that he falls into the next trap, their follow-up question about Deut. Ah, he’s a lawbreaker then! He disregards Moses. Either way, they think they have him. He either angers the powerful or the pious, or both the power and the pious.

  2. Answer 1: “Haven’t you read…” (4-6) 2 Observations:

    1. Jesus goes to the Bible for his answer.

      1. He goes to Genesis—not the last word on marriage but the most foundational.

      2. He challenges their basic Bible knowledge on the A, B, C’s of marriage. Letter A: God intended marriage between man and woman for life. There was no provision for divorce in paradise.

      3. His brief commentary on Genesis emphasizing God-ordained unity: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

      4. In 4-6 “Jesus could have emphasized the equal image of the sexes, that both man and woman are made in the image of God. That’s true, but that’s not the issue at hand.”

      5. Or he could have emphasized the concept of heterosexual monogamy (one man and one woman)—that these texts teach against both polygamy and homosexuality. That’s true, but again that’s not the issue at hand here. Neither fits in God’s original intent for marriage.

      6. “Rather, he emphasizes God-ordained unity.

        1. “be united to his wife” (5)

        2. “One flesh” (5)

        3. “No longer two,” (6)

        4. “but one flesh” (6)

        5. “Let no one separate” (6)

        6. Unity, unity, unity, unity, and unity—obvious theme.

      7. Not so obvious, God is the focus here.

        1. While Genesis speaks of man’s action “a man will leave his father and mother…”

        2. Jesus speaks of God’s action “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

          1. It is God who brings people together into holy wedlock.

          2. EHarmony at it’s best—E is for Elohim:-) (Hebrew for God)

          3. God brings them together and doesn’t want man to separate what God has brought together—a physical and metaphysical new creation—one man/woman/flesh.

            1. That’s God’s math: 1 + 1 + 1 = 1 (Trinity)

            2. Marriage: 1 + 1 = 1 (Marriage)

    2. Jesus gives a divinely inspired purpose statement on marriage.

  3. Question 2 & Answer 2

    1. Question: “Why then did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”

      1. They’re trying to prove their point that Jesus’ view of divorce is not Moses’ view.

      2. Jesus responds offering 2 corrections and 1 command.

        1. First correction: Moses didn’t command divorce, but rather he allowed it. (7-8)

          1. NT Wright illustration: “Just as a car is made to drive safely on the road, not to skid around colliding with other cards, so marriage was made to be a partnership of one woman and one man for life, not something that could be split up and reassembled whenever one person wanted it…Moses didn’t say, as it were, ‘when you drive your car, this is how to have an accident’; rather, ‘when you drive a card, take care not to have an accident; but if, tragically, and accident occurs, this is how to deal with it.’”

          2. Moses didn’t command, “go wreck your car and get a new one.” Rather, he saw all the car wrecks and felt compelled to write some rules of the road. He tried to regulate the wrecks.

          3. Specific law: “If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, and if after she leaves his house she becomes the wife of another man, and her second husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, or if he dies, then her first husband, who divorced her, is not allowed to marry her again after she has been defiled. That would be detestable in the eyes of the Lord. Do not bring sin upon the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.” Deut 24:1-4 NIV

        2. Second correction: “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard.” (8)

          1. Two wills of God:

            1. God’s idea will—the original intention of marriage advocated in Genesis “from the beginning” and

            2. God’s allowed (permissive) will—the necessary regulations due to human sin.

          2. Notice Jesus’ use of “You” and “Your”

            1. He doesn’t say “our” like a preacher would say—“it’s due to our sin”

            2. He doesn’t say “their” referring only to the men of Moses’ day.

            3. He says “your,” excluding himself (sinless savior) and including these Pharisees in the sins of their forefathers. Their hard-heartedness runs in the family.

            4. Marriage is not the problem.

            5. Hard-hearted men (and let’s add women, to be fair) are the problem. You and I are the problem. Not marriage.

            6. Take away hard-heartedness and you can take away all divorce laws, attorneys, courts and settlements.

            7. Oh that we would think first of Genesis and not Deuteronomy!

        3. One Command: “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” (9)

          1. What’s surprising about this? Surprise 1: That, after vv. 4-6 & 8, Jesus allows for divorce at all.

          2. He seems to balance the 2 wills of God.

            1. He hates divorce—it’s never desirable. (Malachi)

            2. But, he allows divorce.

          3. Surprise 2: Jesus’ authority.

            1. “The Bible says…” (4-5)

            2. “The Bible says…” (8)

            3. “I tell you” (9)—Remember, Jesus has “All” authority. (28:18-20)

            4. Jesus is the greater Moses, greater Bible/word, greater authority!

          4. Exception clause:

            1. First, let’s read the command without the exception, “Anyone who divorces his wife…and marries another commits adultery.” (9)

              1. Jesus is clear: To divorce your spouse (for any reason you can come up with) and marry another is to commit adultery. That behavior, so common in our culture, is clearly against Christ’s command.

              2. But—adding the exception clause back in—if your spouse has been sexually immoral, you can get a divorce. It’s not required but it is permitted.

        4. 4 Questions:

          1. Question 1: What is meant by “sexually immorality” (porneia)?

          2. Answer: “Sexual intercourse that is contrary to the moral standards of OT law—e.g. incest, bestiality, homosexuality, fornication, and adultery. In our context it primarily but not exclusively refers to adultery—that is, having sexual relations with someone who is not your spouse.”

          3. Question 2: Why is adultery the one exception?

          4. Answer: “Because adultery is the one sin that tears apart the “one flesh” Jesus talked about in 5-6. According to the OT law, the punishment for adultery was death (Deut 22:22). Death—that’s the end of the marriage. In Roman culture (and Jewish culture) at that time of Jesus, this punishment was not in place. So Jesus puts something similar in place: adultery = (in some cases and in many cases) death, the death of the marriage via divorce.”

          5. Question 3: Is adultery the only exception?

          6. Answer: It is here. However, in 1 Cor 7:15 Paul adds another exception in a very different context. He allows divorce for abandonment often called “willful desertion.”

          7. Question 4: Does the sin of adultery (or any other grave sin) necessitate divorce?

          8. Answer: Certainly not. Why not?

            1. The lesson of Matthew 18 just prior is to forgive (70x7) because God forgave you for much more.

            2. If adultery occurs, you have 2 choices:

              1. Divorce. He/she has broken the “one flesh” covenant. It’s the death penalty.

              2. Forgive. “To re-embrace the repentant, to offer anew the gospel of forgiveness—70x7 forgiveness for a zillion-dollar debt.”

          9. For all your questions not answered here

            1. Think Genesis: Be united as one flesh. Hold fast to one another.

            2. Think Gospel: Forgive one another.

            3. Think Goal: What God has joined together, let no one separate.

  4. Higher View of the Kingdom

    1. Pharisees seem to disappear.

    2. Disciples step up and say, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”

      1. Chauvinists? “If I can’t get rid of this woman whenever and for whatever, then why marry in the first place?” Perhaps

      2. Realists? “What marriage is so great that it lasts a lifetime? Come on, Jesus, lighten up.” Perhaps

      3. Clueless? Their track record on the teachings of Jesus is pretty clear.

    3. What’s unexpected is how Jesus shifts the conversation from marriage to singleness. He doesn’t reply to their comment.

    4. “Instead, he gives a eulogy for eunuchs, a tribute to single-minded singles:”

    5. A eunuch is someone who is single and not sexually active for one of 3 reasons:

      1. Natural (born that way)

      2. Unnatural (someone made that way), or this new category Jesus has introduced, which we’ll call

      3. Willfully or Volitionally (someone who desires to be that way or stay that way) for the gospel/kingdom.

    6. But his point is grander than “Esteem and embrace the gift of singleness.” “His point is this: The kingdom of heaven is so important that it should seem perfectly normal if someone would want to give up marriage for it.” P. 543

  5. Context:

    1. “Jesus teaches that you can’t have too high a view of marriage. It is so high the disciples are taken aback by it.”

    2. “But in vv. 11-12 he adds that however high your view of marriage is, your view of the kingdom ought to be far higher.”

    3. “The Church misses the point when we make marriage the point.” -543

    4. Marriage & Singleness from a Kingdom Perspective (God’s perspective)

      1. 16: self denial and cross bearing

      2. 18:21-35 Forgiveness

      3. 19:1-9 Marriage

      4. 19:10-12 Singleness, but more on single-minded devotion to the king and his kingdom gospel mission

    5. First focus: Always the Gospel.

      1. Not against focusing on the family. He started there in v. 1

      2. “But he is against focusing on the family or marriage or work or money or house or land or anything else ahead of the kingdom. Gospel first; everything else second—that’s his motto, and that’s his model.”

      3. That’s how he lived

        1. Denied himself marriage and the pleasures of marriage

          1. Companionship

          2. Physical intimacy

          3. Children

        2. “For the spread of the kingdom of heaven on earth. He was a eunuch for the kingdom.”

      4. And He calls those who can to do the same.

      5. And He calls those who can’t do the same to want the same “for the sake of the kingdom.” “Seek first…”

Conclusion

Bottom line: Jesus calls us to embrace his already high view of marriage and singleness making it our highest devotion: to King & Kingdom First.

  1. Raise your view of marriage to God’s original design and intent.

  2. Raise your view of singleness to God’s original purpose.

  3. Raise your devotion for what matters most to God: His kingdom mission.

  4. Find forgiveness and freedom from guilt in these words either by

    1. Recognizing that you may not be guilty of anything, or

    2. Confessing, repenting and receiving his merciful forgiveness for your sin of an unbiblical divorce.

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB)

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, non-denominational church, bible believing, church, Ladson, SC, Matthew, marriage, divorce, singleness
Why Forgive? | Matthew 18:21-35
Why Forgive? | Matthew 18:21-35

Series: All!

  • Jesus has all authority,

  • So that all nations

  • Might pledge all allegiance to him.

Title: “Why Forgive?” (Darien Gabriel)

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35 NIV

Bottom line: We forgive others for their significant offenses against us because he first forgave us for our infinitely significant offenses against him.

  1. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  2. SERMON OUTLINE & NOTES

  3. MAIN REFERENCES USED

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. What does it mean to become like children in verse 3? What is the difference between having childlike faith and being immature in your faith?

2. How does the requirement of humility in verses 1-4 compare with our culture's view of greatness?

3. Explain how a biblical view of the church goes against a culture that prizes independence?

4. How should the parable of the Lost Sheep in verses 10-14 inform our view of church discipline?

5. Respond to the following objection to church discipline: If our church disciplines members, then unbelievers will be turned off and discouraged from coming.

6. What is the ultimate goal of church discipline?

7. What does Matthew 18 have to add to our view of church membership?

8. List things that should and should not be matters of church discipline.

9. What is the main point of the parable of the Unforgiving Servant (wv. 23-35)?

10. If you aren't showing mercy to others, how might that be an indica tion that you are not being shaped by the gospel?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Weekly questions I answer in preparation for the sermon:

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. God forgives a sinner’s infinite offense against a holy creator God when they repent and believe in and through Jesus Christ.

Q. Why?

A. Because God is love, he loves his enemies this way. Because one humbly responds to God on his terms by grace through faith.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Embrace a perpetual heart attitude of forgiveness. Stop harboring un-forgiveness and forgive one another—those who’ve sinned against you.

Q. Why?

A. Because embracing this attitude reflects the love of God into a needy world.

Total Forgiveness by Nicky Gumbel

Bishop Sandy Millar speaks of a time when he was walking along the beach and he noticed how the sand had been churned up by the footprints of those who had gone before him. The next morning the footprints were all wiped away by the sea. He sensed Jesus saying to him, ‘That is a picture of forgiveness.’

Or to use another analogy, forgiveness from Jesus Christ is like deleting the file of all the bad stuff in our lives.

Forgiveness is never easy. We all know how hard it is to forgive others. However, we often assume that forgiveness from God is almost automatic. On her deathbed, the Empress Catherine the Great of Russia (1729–1796), said, ‘I shall be an autocrat: that’s my trade. The good Lord will forgive me: that’s his.’

OUTLINE & NOTES

Introduction

Bottom line: We forgive others for their significant offenses against us because he first forgave us for our infinitely significant offenses against him.

Refer to “Boomerang Kindness” youtube video https://youtu.be/nwAYpLVyeFU

Potato Famine in Ireland '... BUT' by Nicky Gumbel

During one of the severe potato famines in Ireland, a number of families wrote letters to their landlord saying they had absolutely no money at all to pay their rent and begged to be let off all their debts.

The Irish landlord was Canon Andrew Robert Fausset, born near Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Ireland, in 1821. Canon Fausset wrote back to his tenants. He said it was quite impossible to let them off their debts. It would set a bad precedent. They had to pay every single penny.

‘*But*,’ he wrote, ‘I enclose something that might help you.’ In contrast to so many of the other landlords at the time, he sent a cheque for a very large sum of money – which far more than covered all their debts.

Their hearts must have leapt with joy when they saw the word ‘*but*’. ‘*But*’ is a powerful word when facing trouble, tests and temptations.

Emmanuel Nine forgiving Dillon Roof—some of them forgave him publicly.

Context

Matt. 18:1–20:34 The Community of the Messiah Revealed.

  • This is the fourth of Jesus’ five major discourses in Matthew’s Gospel

  • As his earthly ministry draws to a close, Jesus has spent considerable time clarifying his identity and mission (chs. 14–17).

    • He instructs his disciples on the nature of his covenant community, explaining the kingdom community’s characteristics (18:1–35),

    • its implications for the sanctity of marriage (19:1–12), and

    • its value (19:13–20:34). ESV Study Bible note

What’s important to remember about this context is that Jesus is dealing with how local believers interact with each other. They pursue wandering brothers and sisters in Christ. They lovingly confront sinful behavior. This is different than confronting someone in the world outside of the church.

I. Q&A (18:21-22)

A. The Question: How many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? (18:21)

    1. Peter knows rabbi’s taught 3x

    2. Peter suggests 7x

B. The Answer: Every time. (18:22)

    1. Jesus answers leveraging 7 into infinity.

    2. Jesus continues with another kingdom parable

II. Parable of unmerciful or unforgiving servant. (18:23-34)

A. First servant. (18:23-27)

    1. An insurmountable debt owed.

      1. Millions or billions. Some have said it essentially means an insurmountable amount of debt for anyone.

    2. An extravagant mercy given.

    3. Note

      1. It wasn’t easy. It costs us. It cost Jesus the cross. It will cost us too. That’s what Jesus means when he says, “If anyone come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23

      2. Gumbel wrote,

        1. “We do not earn our forgiveness; Jesus achieved that for you on the cross.

        2. But your willingness to forgive is evidence that you know God’s forgiveness.

        3. Forgiven people forgive.

        4. All of us have been forgiven so much by God that we must keep on forgiving the comparatively small offences committed against us.”

      3. It wasn’t natural. C.S. Lewis wrote: ‘Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.’

      4. The servant didn’t deserve it.

      5. He didn’t feel like it but was moved by love.

      6. He didn’t all of a sudden trust the guy with more money.

      7. Yet, motivated by compassion/mercy/love, he forgave.

      8. Nicky Gumbel wrote, “Forgiveness is not easy. The cross reminds us how costly and painful it is. Forgiveness does not mean approving of what the other person did, nor excusing it, nor denying it, nor pretending that you are not hurt. Rather, you are aware of what the other person has done and yet you are called to forgive. In your personal relationships lay aside all malice, revenge and retribution and show mercy and grace to the person who has hurt you.”

B. Second servant. (18:28-34)

    1. A challenging debt owed.

      1. Ten thousand dollars?

        1. Significant, yes.

        2. Insignificant in light of the millions and billions he owed and was forgiven of

    2. An unbelievable lack of mercy given.

      1. Revealed a lack of comprehension for the mercy he’d received.

      2. Revealed a heart unwilling to give what he’d received.

      3. Note

        1. It wasn’t easy. He wasn’t willing to pay anything.

        2. It wasn’t natural. C.S. Lewis wrote: ‘Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.’

        3. The servant didn’t deserve it.

        4. He didn’t feel like it and was NOT moved by love.

        5. He didn’t all of a sudden trust the guy as seen in imprisoning him.

        6. Not motivated by compassion/mercy/love, he DID NOT forgive.

      4. Conclusion

        1. Ultimately first servant loses benefit of being forgiven forever.

        2. When we don’t forgive, we show we have the same attitude of the heart.

III. Final word. (18:35)

A. Your mercy or lack of mercy reveals your spiritual position with the Lord. God will judge you accordingly—with justice, not mercy.

    1. Matthew 6:14-15

      1. Forgiving others is evidence you’ve truly been forgiven and born again.

      2. Not forgiving others is evidence you’ve not been forgiven and not born again.

    2. James 2:13 “…because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

B. Solution: Humble yourself before a holy almighty God and repent of your sins and surrender your life to him today. This is THE way.

Conclusion

Emanuel Nine forgiving Dillon Roof for murdering their loved ones in their church motivated by racism.

Our bottom line today is

Bottom line: We forgive others for their significant offenses against us because he first forgave us for our infinitely significant offenses against him.

Application:

  1. Remember: God forgave us for our infinitely significant offense against a holy God.

  2. In response: We appropriately forgive all others every time for their significant offenses against us.

What is God saying to you right now?

Let’s pray.

David Platt’s notes

We Forgive One Another (18:21-35)

The context for Matthew 18 is how we as Christians treat one another when they sin against us.

Last exhortation in Matthew 18 is to forgive our brothers and sisters in Christ when they sin against us. This is a continuation from church discipline.

In those days, rabbis encouraged people to forgive a brother for repeated sin up to 3 times, after which there would be no forgiveness. So Peter decides to ask if 7 times would be enough, thinking he was greatly exceeding Jesus’ standard. Jesus responds with 70 X 7 times. Jesus follows this with an extreme example in the form of a parable. The parable is about a man who owes the king millions if not billions of dollars and cannot come close to paying it back. Yet the king motivated by mercy forgives the debt completely and sends the man away displaying amazing mercy and grace.

A number of takeaways:

  1. In Christ, we have received extravagant grace.

    1. There is no price tag we could ever put on our sinfulness before an infinitely holy God.

    2. “When you and I think, ‘Well, I haven’t sinned as much as this person or that person,,’ we show that we have no clue as to the extent of our own sin. Our debt is deep—infinitely deep.” P. 246

    3. “But Christ has paid it.” Motivated by compassion the Father sent his Son Jesus to the cross to free us—from sin’s penalty to be not just his servant but his son.

      1. Freed from the penalty of sin (justification).

      2. Freed from the power of sin (sanctification).

      3. Freed from the presence of sin one day (glorification).

  2. As Christians, we now extend extravagant grace.

    1. How harsh it is for a man forgiven so much to then send someone that owes him a tiny fraction as much to prison.

    2. “Yet for a Christian not to forgive is to do the exact same thing.”

      1. Not saying it’s easy to forgive.

      2. Not saying it’s natural to forgive.

      3. Am saying it’s Christ-like to forgive. As Christians, we have no other option.

      4. “We forgive not because we have to, but because in love we are compelled to.”

      5. “Only Jesus can enable the kind of forgiving heart this passage calls for.”

      6. “This kind of forgiveness should characterize the church.”

In sum: Stop harboring sin and forgive those who’ve sinned against you.

Douglass Sean O’Donnell’s notes

The Heart of Perfect Forgiveness

Peter asks his question on the heals of hearing about church discipline. He wants to know how many times he must forgive the one who sins against him and he knows it must be more than what the Jewish rabbis say, which is 3x based on some verses in Amos.

Jesus responds to Peter’s ambitious response of more than doubling the rabbis’ take with a more unrealistic number—every time.

70X, 70 X 7, 77X whatever—using this number that represents perfection, Jesus is saying every time. Limitless number of times. You don’t get to the 491st time and stop forgiving them because they’ve exceeded their allotted number of forgiveness chips.

Of course, as we saw last week, the church has the authority to forgive (keep in fellowship) and not forgive (remove from the fellowship) when one is unwilling to repent of their sin. That’s why the church has the authority to “bind”. God and his church are to hold the guilty accountable. Those who do not cut off sin are in turn cut off from the fellowship God calls to be holy.

“What Jesus says in 18:22 is that Christians must forgive other Christians who ask for forgiveness and must forgive them (if needed) over and over.” P. 522

Will we sin 490 times?

It’s safe to say we sin once a day (at least), I think.

365 days/year x 1 sin/day x 57 years (my age) = 20,805 sins so far

I mean we sin 490 times every 16 months at this rate. (And I think we sin much more than this)

Through Christ, God doesn’t keep count. So don’t keep count.

Unless you don’t know Christ. Then know that he’s keeping count whether you are or not. In fact, he has a book with each one written down. Every idle word you’ve spoken is written. Every social media post you’ve responded to or posted—recorded. He knows every thought you’ve had that never left your brain. Accountable. You’re accountable for every one.

This is why we need his forgiveness. Extravagant forgiveness.

And as Christ has forgiven us over and over again, we’re to forgive each other over and over again. It’s that simple. Not easy—but clearly what we should do.

The Question of Chapter 18

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Matthew 18:1

The rest of the chapter is a response to that question.

--God's Search and Rescue Plan: Church Discipline by David V. Edling, p. 6

From John Stott wrote in "Christian Counter-culture":

"The addition of the words as we also have forgiven our debtors is further emphasized in verses 14 and 15 which follow the prayer and state that our Father will forgive us if we forgive others but will not forgive us if we refuse to forgive others. This certainly does not mean that our forgiveness of others earns us the right to be forgiven. It is rather that God forgives only the penitent and that one of the chief evidences of true penitence is a forgiving spirit. Once our eyes have been opened to see the enormity of our offence against God, the injuries which others have done to us appear by comparison extremely triffling. If, on the other hand, we have an exaggerated view of the offences of others, it proves that we have minimized our own. It is the disparity between the size of debts which is the main point of the parable of the unmerciful servant. It's conclusion is: 'I forgave you all that debt (which was huge)...; should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'" pp. 149-150

Matthew 18:10-35, Nicky Gumbel

Understand the relationship between human freedom and suffering

God loves you. Love is not love if it is forced; it can only be love if there is a real choice. God gave human beings a choice and the freedom to love or not to love. So much suffering is caused by us choosing not to love God or others: ‘The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods’ (Psalm 16:4).

However, Jesus expressly repudiates the automatic link between sin and suffering (John 9:1–3). He also points out that natural disasters are not necessarily a form of punishment from God (Luke 13:1–5). But some suffering is a direct result either of our own sin or the sin of others. In this passage we see three examples:

  1. Wandering away

    Jesus speaks about a sheep that ‘wanders away’ (Matthew 18:12). When we wander away from the protection of The Shepherd we become vulnerable. But God will never stop searching for us because he ‘is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost’ (v.14).

  2. Sin of others

    Jesus says, ‘If your brother or sister sins against you’ (v.15). So much suffering in the world is the result of other people’s sin – both at a global and community level, and also at an individual one. In this passage, Jesus sets out a way of reconciliation.

    He calls his disciples to unlimited forgiveness. Jesus says that when people sin against us we are to forgive them – not just seven times, but seventy-seven times (vv.21–22). (Or 70 x 7)

    Forgiveness is not easy. The cross reminds us how costly and painful it is. Forgiveness does not mean approving of what the other person did, nor excusing it, nor denying it, nor pretending that you are not hurt. Rather, you are aware of what the other person has done and yet you are called to forgive. In your personal relationships lay aside all malice, revenge and retribution and show mercy and grace to the person who has hurt you.

  3. Unforgiveness

    Sometimes forgiving can be extremely hard. As C.S. Lewis wrote: ‘Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.’

    In the final parable, we can see the destructive nature of unforgiveness. The first servant’s unwillingness to forgive a comparatively minor debt (around three-and-a-half month’s wages compared to around 160,000 years’ wages for an average person) destroys his relationship with the other servants, and leads to the second servant being cast into prison. So often unforgiveness destroys relationships between people, and results in them lashing out against those they think have sinned against them. We see the results of this in marriage breakdowns, broken relationships, or in conflicts between different communities.

    We do not earn our forgiveness; Jesus achieved that for you on the cross. But your willingness to forgive is evidence that you know God’s forgiveness. Forgiven people forgive. All of us have been forgiven so much by God that we must keep on forgiving the comparatively small offences committed against us.

    I’m so thankful that God does not put a limit on how often he forgives me. Yet when I look at others I am tempted to think, ‘I’m happy to forgive once, or even twice, but if they keep on doing this surely I’m not expected to keep on forgiving.’

Cultivate in your heart the same attitude towards others as God has towards you.

Lord, help me to use my freedom to love, to search for the lost and to have mercy. Help me not to cause suffering but rather to give my life, following the example of Jesus, for the relief of suffering.

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB)

God's Search and Rescue Plan: Church Discipline by David V. Edling

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Darien Gabriel, ALL, Matthew, forgiveness, Why Forgive, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, bible believing, church
How to Care for New Believers | Matthew 18:10-14
How to Care for New Believers | Matthew 18:10-14

Series: All!

  • Jesus has all authority,

  • So that all nations

  • Might pledge all allegiance to him.

Title: “How to Care for New Believers” (Darien Gabriel)

Scripture: Matthew 18:10-14 NIV

Bottom line: Because he values them so, it’s our (the Church) responsibility to intentionally care for new believers with focused urgency so that they will persevere in their faith.

  1. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  2. OUTLINE & NOTES

  3. REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. What does it mean to become like children in verse 3? What is the difference between having childlike faith and being immature in your faith?

2. How does the requirement of humility in verses 1-4 compare with our culture's view of greatness?

3. Explain how a biblical view of the church goes against a culture that prizes independence?

4. How should the parable of the Lost Sheep in verses 10-14 inform our view of church discipline?

5. Respond to the following objection to church discipline: If our church disciplines members, then unbelievers will be turned off and discouraged from coming.

6. What is the ultimate goal of church discipline?

7. What does Matthew 18 have to add to our view of church membership?

8. List things that should and should not be matters of church discipline.

9. What is the main point of the parable of the Unforgiving Servant (wv. 23-35)?

10. If you aren't showing mercy to others, how might that be an indica tion that you are not being shaped by the gospel?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Weekly questions I answer in preparation for the sermon:

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. That God values “little ones” or new believers greatly!

Q. Why?

A. Because they are no longer enemies but his family.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. That we’re to care for new believers with the same intensity that an angel from God does.

Q. Why?

A. Because He “is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” We have a responsibility to disciple and shepherd them on his behalf.

OUTLINE & NOTES

Our oldest grandson is almost 2-1/2 years old. He trusts his parents and grandparents right now. He has an implicit faith in us. When we tell him something, he just believes us. You might call him innocent. He is not! You might call him naive. But for now he trusts us implicitly and humbly. He just knows he doesn’t know near as much as we do.

This is what I think Jesus was trying to communicate to his 12 earlier here. To know that you’re a son off the king, you must humble yourself and turn and become like a 2-3 yr old trusting your Heavenly Father in all he says.

Context

Matt. 18:1–20:34 The Community of the Messiah Revealed.

  • This is the fourth of Jesus’ five major discourses in Matthew’s Gospel

  • As his earthly ministry draws to a close, Jesus has spent considerable time clarifying his identity and mission (chs. 14–17).

    • He instructs his disciples on the nature of his covenant community, explaining the kingdom community’s characteristics (18:1–35),

    • its implications for the sanctity of marriage (19:1–12), and

    • its value (19:13–20:34). ESV Study Bible note

Introduction

https://youtu.be/4DZNMgiqFYE

Let’s review 1-9

  • Jesus is speaking to his disciples who presumably are already in the kingdom. But Jesus cautions, not so fast?!

  • He shows them that they are not citizens of the kingdom until they are sons of the king. First things first.

  • Context shows this isn’t about evangelism but discipleship. This whole chapter is about how believers are to interact with one another.

  • Only second time “church” is used in Matthew in this chapter. (See 18:17)

  • Jesus reminds the 12 how to become a son/citizen—humble faith.

  • Uses 2-3 yr old as object lesson

  • They have implicit faith—they just believe because they trust their parents (Lincoln is 2-1/2)

  • RC Sproul wrote:

  • Then there’s the warning about causing them to stumble.

  • “Little ones” = new & naive believers

  • Better not be one who causes them to stumble!

Then we get to 10-14

  • Because of this context, we see that while Luke is coming at this from angle of evangelism, Matthew is more like discipleship.

  • But what this really shows is that evangelism is discipleship happening before conversion.

  • “The man” (Shepherd, parent, teacher, church member) pursues the wandering lamb until he brings it home or is unable to bring it home.

  • God greatly values “little ones” as seen in his assigning angels to minister to them specifically.

  • God’s will…

    • His will of decree (“Let there be light” and there was light)

    • His will of precept (It is God’s will that his people have no other gods before him. Exod 20:3)

    • His will of disposition (Ezekiel 33:11 God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked)

  1. God wants us to know that he values new believers greatly!

  2. God doesn’t want them to perish! But since they can,…

  3. God wants us to care for them with focused urgency so that they will persevere in their faith until the end.

Conclusion

End with Andy Stanley story

Bottom line: Because God values them so, it’s our responsibility (the Church) to care for new believers with focused urgency so that they will persevere in the faith.

  1. God wants us to know that he values new believers greatly!

  2. God doesn’t want them to perish! But since they can,…

  3. God wants us to care for them with focused urgency so that they will persevere in their faith until the end.

Let’s pray.

Church discipline -various levels by warren wiersbe

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Darien Roger Gabriel<no-reply@evernote.com>

Date: Wed, Dec 3, 2014 at 9:47 AM

Subject: Church discipline -various levels by warren wiersbe

To: darien.gabriel@gracetoday.net

Various levels of church discipline

Personal differences between Christians (Matt. 18:15–18; Phil. 4:1–3). 

If a brother or sister sins against me (either deliberately or unknowingly), I should go to that person privately and seek to get the matter settled. Only if the person refuses to settle the matter should I bring anyone else in; and the problem must not go to the church family until every other means has been exhausted.

Doctrinal error. 

Determine first of all why the person is teaching wrong doctrine. Perhaps it is because of ignorance and lack of Bible knowledge. In that case, patiently teach him the truth (2 Tim. 2:23–26). If he persists, rebuke him (Titus 1:10–14). Paul had to do this to Peter (Gal. 2:11ff). If the error continues, avoid him (Rom. 16:17–18), and then separate yourself from him (2 Tim. 2:18ff; 2 John 9ff).

A believer overtaken by sin (Gal. 6:1–3).

Even the great Apostle Peter denied the Lord. And David yielded to lust and committed adultery. When a Christian is caught in known sin, the spiritual members of the church must seek to restore him with gentleness and love. The word restore here means “to set a broken bone”—and that takes tenderness and patience. Too often the church quickly passes judgment on a believer who has sinned, and the damage done causes problems for years to come.

A repeating troublemaker (Titus 3:10). 

The word heretic does not refer to doctrinal error, but to a proud attitude of one who gets people to “take sides” in the church. The Greek word means “to make a choice.” This leads to divisions and cliques in the local church (see Gal. 5:20 where heresies ought to be translated “sects, parties”). There is hardly a church that does not have its parties for or against anything—the pastor, the building program, even the color of the kitchen walls. Usually these “heretics” are people who like to be important; they want a following. Often they have deep emotional problems that Satan can use to create spiritual problems in the church. Perhaps they are frustrated at home or on the job; or perhaps they have, in the past, been hurt by some pastor or church.

These “factious people” should be given two official warnings. If they repeat their sin of dividing the church, they should be given a third warning and rejected. “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned” (Titus 3:10–11, niv).

It is my conviction that such people should not hold office in the church. It is also my conviction that, if they leave the church “in a conviction that, if they leave the church “in a huff,” they should be restored to fellowship only twice. The third time—they are out!

Open immorality (1 Cor. 5).

The church must mourn over the sinner (the same word is used for mourning over the dead) and seek to bring him to repentance. If he refuses, the church collectively should dismiss him (1 Cor. 5:13, where the Greek word means “expel”). If he repents, he must be forgiven and restored to fellowship in the church (2 Cor. 2:6–11).

In the case of the “lazy saints,” Paul told the believers to exhort them, warn them, and if they did not repent, withdraw intimate fellowship from them. This probably meant that these believers were not permitted to share in the Lord’s Supper, and that the church members would not invite them to their homes. Second Thessalonians 3:14 does not apply to every case of discipline. It applies only to the matter of saints not working for a living.

“Have no company” literally means “do not get mixed up with”; the same word is used in 1 Corinthians 5:9. There is a difference between acquaintanceship, friendship, and fellowship; for fellowship means “to have in common.” For obedient saints to treat disobedient Christians with the same friendship they show to other dedicated saints is to give approval to their sins.

However, Paul (knowing the tendency of human nature to go to extremes) cautioned them not to treat the offenders like enemies. “They are still your brothers in Christ,” he added. Lot was out of fellowship with God and Abraham because he lived in Sodom; yet Abraham rescued Lot from the enemy because Lot was his brother (Gen. 14, and note especially v. 14). It requires much patience, love, and grace to help an erring brother; and this is why Paul added a final motive for earning a living.

Church Discipline Notes

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Matthew 18:1

The rest of the chapter is a response to that question. -God's Search and Rescue Plan: Church Discipline by David V. Edling, p. 6

See various levels by Warren Wiersbe

From John Stott in "Christian Counter-culture":

"The addition of the words as we also have forgiven our debtors is further emphasized in verses 14 and 15 which follow the prayer and state that our Father will forgive us if we forgive others but will not forgive us if we refuse to forgive others. This certainly does not mean that our forgiveness of others earns us the right to be forgiven. It is rather that God forgives only the penitent and that one of the chief evidences of true penitence is a forgiving spirit. Once our eyes have been opened to see the enormity of our offence against God, the injuries which others have done to us appear by comparison extremely triffling. If, on the other hand, we have an exaggerated view of the offences of others, it proves that we have minimized our own. It is the disparity between the size of debts which is the main point of the parable of the unmerciful servant. It's conclusion is: 'I forgave you all that debt (which was huge)...; should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?'" pp. 149-150

REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB)

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabirel, Darien Gabriel, Matthew, ALL, new believers, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible believing, church
Who is the GOAT? | Matthew 18:1-9
Who is the GOAT? | Matthew 18:1-9

How to be the GOAT (Greatest of All Time)?  Matthew 18:1-9 || 2/19/23

Have you heard the saying, “He is the GOAT” “Greatest Of All Time.”

Disciples ask a version of the question, "Who is the greatest?"

Here in Matthew 18, we find the fourth of 5 great discourses in Matthew.

The Lead In:  

  • Matthew 16 - Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do the people say that the Son of Man is?”  Followed by “Who do you say that I am?” and Peter’s confession in Matthew 16:16. 

  • Matthew 17 we read the account of the transfiguration on the mountain with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.  Peter, James, and John witnessed. 

·      Moses – burning bush, parting of the Red Sea, 10 Commandments,…

·      Elijah – powerful OT prophet, facing off against prophets of Baal. 

The disciples knew He was the messiah who the O.T. spoke of.  Jesus also told them He would suffer and die, but they seem to have missed the point.  

Notice these first four verses of Matt. 18 set the stage for the rest of the chapter and how to relate to other Christians.  God will deal with those who lead His children into sin.  Jesus illustrates that sin is deadly and His followers should be deal with quickly with it.

Read More
Ken DorrityGrace Christian FellowshipKen Dorrity, GOAT, Matthew, ALL, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, non-denominational church, Bible-believing, church
How Does Worshiping Jesus Christ Affect My Daily Life? | Matthew 17:1-13
How Does Worshiping Jesus Christ Affect My Daily Life? | Matthew 17:1-13

Series: All!

  • Jesus has all authority,

  • So that all nations

  • Might pledge all allegiance to him.

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-13

Cross references: Luke 9:31; 2 Cor 3:18; 4:4-6; Romans 5:8, 12:1-2; Malachi 4:1-6; 2 Tim 3:16-17

Title: “How does worshiping Jesus Christ affect my daily life?” (Darien Gabriel)

A lot of help came through David Platt’s commentary this week (see below)

Bottom line: Worshiping Jesus Christ affects my daily life by transforming your affections. This affects your daily decisions and the motivations behind them.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. What hobbies, activities, and people do you spend most of your time with? How do these things affect your thinking and your behavior?

2. If we become like what we behold, then what does it look like to behold Christ today while He is not physically present?

3. List five attributes of Jesus Christ in Matthew 17.

4. How does this passage speak to the superiority of Jesus Christ over well-known Old Testament figures?

5. Describe the relationship between Elijah and John the Baptist in verses 9-13.

6. Does this passage speak to Jesus' divinity? Explain.

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. That we are transformed by what we treasure; we live our lives based on what we worship.

Q. Why?

A. Because you are changed by what you value—what you truly love. This drives your motivations and decisions.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Treasure Christ above all so that you’ll become more like Christ in character and competency.

Q. Why?

A. Because there is no better way to please God than to “Listen to him.”

INTRO

I am who I am today because of one key relationship—my wife, Anita. (We celebrated our 35 anniversary this month)

From the day I met her, my desire has been to be with, around and even like her.

Our friendship started in 9th grade. She snagged my heart that early. Overtime, as we’ve grown closer to God and each other, I’ve oriented my life around her (often in concern with Christ, but not always) and this has changed me into who I have become. And it’s still happening. I went from friend, to boyfriend to fiancée to husband to fellow parent and grandparent. I also went from a lost, self-centered, self-absorbed young man to a found, somewhat self-centered, somewhat self-absorbed older man. I have become what I beheld. What have I beheld? What have I set my affections on? Her. Jesus. And by God’s grace we’ve both moved up our marriage triangle towards Christ and, as a result, each other.

This is what it means that we become what we behold. We behold or become beholden to or set our affections on that which we value. The more we value it, the more of a hold it has on us. And the more the hold, the more it transforms us into it’s image. If that is godly, we become more like Christ. If it’s not, we become less like him.

This foundational to what the Lord is teaching us in Matthew 17 today.

It starts with this question:

How does worshipping Jesus Christ affect my daily life? I submit it does so in 5 ways (with some help from David Platt). Today we’ll focus just on the first one.

I. It transforms me from what I value to what Jesus Christ values. (17:1-13; cf. 16:23)

Why? Because we become what we behold.

    • Ex. My pursuit of Anita has transformed me over the years into a more mature person, a husband (we’re one), a father and a follower of Jesus Christ.

How? Through glad obedience.

II. It helps me suffer long. (17:14-21) Longo-suffering = patience. Love is patient (1 Cor 13:4)

Why? Putting others first is hard but it’s what love does.

How? By the power of faith (prayer)

    • Rick Warren says he can tell a person’s faith by their prayers

III. It helps me surrender my life. (17:22)

Why? Because of his merciful example. Romans 5:8; 12:1

How? Buy the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2; 2 Tim 3:16-17

IV. It helps me with my perspective. (17:23)

Why? It reminds me that Jesus Christ won at the cross.

How? By grace through faith.

V. It helps me live humbly and confidently. (17:24-27)

Why? Because I know who’s authority I have and live under already.

How? By forsaking/surrendering my rights in this world.

CONCLUSION

So my bottom line today is worshipping Jesus Christ affects my daily life by transforming my affections which affects my daily decisions my motivations behind them.

Who are you becoming?

What are you beholding?

What are you setting your affections on?

Anything less than Jesus Christ and his kingdom means you’re settling for something so inferior to what you could have. And you’ll never become who God created you to be until you get this right.

My prayer for you today is that you’ll repent of pursuing any and everything in your life that doesn’t deserve your affections and reorient your life around your merciful Creator and Savior.

Let’s pray.

Bottom line: Worshiping Jesus Christ affects my daily life by transforming your affections. This affects your daily decisions and the motivations behind them.

“17:1-9 The transfiguration was:

(1) a revelation of the glory of the Son of God, a glory hidden now but to be fully revealed when he returns; (2) a confirmation of the difficult teaching given to the disciples at Caesarea Philippi

(16:13-20); and

(3) a beneficial experience for the disciples, who were discouraged after having been reminded so recently of Jesus' impending suffering and death (16:21). See notes on Mk 9:2-7; Lk 9:28-35.” NIV Study Bible

“Transfigured is a weak word, but perhaps it is the best available English word to translate the Greek word Matthew uses here, which is the passive form of the verb metamorphoō. The verb literally means “a change of form.” It comes over into the English language as the word metamorphosis. We use it to describe the amazing transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. But transfiguration includes the prefix trans-, which means “across.” What was crossed in the transfiguration? We might say Jesus crossed the line from the natural to the supernatural, from the human to the divine, as the cloak of humanity that veiled His true glory was removed and His glory became visible.” —RC Sproul

Excerpt From

Matthew - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewBook?id=0

This material may be protected by copyright.

BIOY, Jan 24, 2023

By Nicky Gumbel

…On the other hand, if you follow Jesus and surrender your life to him, you find the very purpose of life. The words of Jesus are extraordinarily powerful. There has never been a time when it is more important to ‘listen to him’ than now!

Jesus took Peter, James and John up a high mountain. Jesus’ appearance changed right before their eyes. ‘Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realised that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him’ (17:1–3, MSG). They heard God say, ‘This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to him’ (v.5, MSG).

As Moses and Elijah talked with Jesus, so you too can live a life ‘talking with Jesus’. Your experience may not be as visual or auditory as that of the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration, but you too can know the presence of Jesus in your life. Through reading his words and meditating on them, you can experience a conversation with Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

You can, in a sense, look into his face, which shines ‘like the sun’ (v.2). You can fall down in worship (v.6). It can feel as if Jesus is actually touching you and saying to you ‘do not be afraid’ (v.7). And there are times when you may look up and see ‘no one except Jesus’ (v.8).

Lord, thank you that when I lose my life for you, I find it. Help me to *listen* to your voice and to follow you, daily.

SECTION OUTLINE SIXTEEN (MATTHEW 17)

God confirms Peter's earlier acknowledgment of the deity of Christ by transfiguring Jesus on the mountaintop. Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy, predicts his own death, and instructs Peter to pay the Temple tax with a coin found in the mouth of a fish.

I. THE SPLENDOR OF THE SAVIOR (17:1-13)

A. The confirmation on top of the mountain (17:1-8): Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with him.

1. What they see (17:1-3)

a. The appearance of God's Messiah (17:1-2): His face and clothing shine like the noonday sun!

b. The arrival of God's messengers (17:3): Moses and Elijah appear and speak to Jesus.

2. What they say (17:4): Peter wants to build three shelters, one each for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.

3. What they hear (17:5): The Father speaks from heaven, attesting to the love he has for his Son.

4. What they do (17:6-8): They fall to the ground, terrified, but are reassured by Jesus.

B. The conversation coming down the mountain (17:9-13)

1. The command (17:9): Jesus instructs the three to say nothing concerning what they saw until his resurrection.

2. The confusion (17:10): They want to know if Elijah will come before the return of the Messiah.

3. The clarification (17:11-13)

a. His answer (17:11-12)

(1) Elijah will indeed come (17:11).

(2) Elijah has already come (17:12).

b. Their assumption (17:13): By this they understand that he is referring to John the Baptist.

II. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE SAVIOR (17:14-21, 24-27): Jesus demonstrates his deity through two miracles.

A. The boy with a demon (17:14-21)

1. The desperation of the father (17:14-16): He begs Jesus to heal his son.

2. The exorcism by the Lord (17:17-18: Jesus quickly drives the demon from the lad.

3. The frustration of the disciples (17:19-21)

a. They say, "Why couldn't we cast out that demon?" (17:19).

b. He says, "You didn't have enough faith" (17:21).

B. The fish with a coin (17:24-27)

1. The who (17:24b): Some tax collectors approach Peter.

2. The what (17:24c): They demand to know if Jesus will pay the Temple tax.

3. The where (17:24a): This takes place upon Jesus' arrival in Capernaum.

4. The why (17:25-26): Jesus informs Peter of two things.

a. Why he should not have to pay this tax (17:25): Kings tax the conquered, not their own people.

b. Why he should pay the tax anyway (17:26): Though he is free, he should try not to offend anyone.

5. The how (17:27): Jesus tells Peter to throw a line in the lake, open the mouth of the first fish he catches, and use the coin he will find there to pay the tax!

III. THE SUFFERING OF THE SAVIOR (17:22-23)

A. His revelation (17:22-23a): He tells the disciples of his coming betrayal, death, and resurrection.   

B. Their reaction (17:23b): The disciples are filled with grief.

References/Bibliography:

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, church, Darien Gabriel, Matthew, ALL, allegiance, worshiping Jesus, Ladson, SC
Who Do You Say I Am? | Matthew 16:13-28
Who Do You Say I Am? | Matthew 16:13-28

“Who Do You say I Am”?

Matthew 16:13-28

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

13  When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the

Son of Man is?”

14  They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the

prophets.”

15  “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

16  Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

17  Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and

blood, but by my Father in heaven.  18  And I tell you that you are Peter, [ a ]  and on this rock I will build my

church, and the gates of Hades [b]  will not overcome it.  19  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of

heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be [c]  bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will

be [d]  loosed in heaven.”  20  Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Jesus Predicts His Death

21  From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many

things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be

killed and on the third day be raised to life.

22  Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to

you!”

23  Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not

have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

24  Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up

their cross and follow me.  25  For whoever wants to save their life [e]  will lose it, but whoever loses their life

for me will find it.  26  What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or

what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?  27  For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s

glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.

28  “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man

coming in his kingdom.”

13 “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14  They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah;

and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

-John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeramiah, or one of the prophets back from the dead. A good man or

Godly man, but not God Himself

- There’s irony in that they were closer to believing that He was a prophet raised from the dead,

than the Savior who would actually be raised from the dead

- There were a lot of people in the first century who would have said they believed in

Jesus – that He was a prophet or a good man

- There are a lot of people in the 21 st century who would say the same thing

- approx.. 85% of Americans believe that Jesus was a real historical figure –

-52% of Americans think Jesus was a great teacher

-They didn’t say “the Messiah”, and many don’t now.

CS Lewis: liar, lunatic or Lord

l am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about

Him: I&#39;m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don&#39;t accept his claim to be God.

That is the one thing we must not say.

A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral

teacher. He would either be a lunatic-on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg-or

else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the

Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit

at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not

come with any patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that

open to us. He did not intend to. ... Now it seems to me obvious that He was neither a lunatic nor

a fiend: and consequently, however strange or terrifying or unlikely it may seem, I have to accept

the view that He was and is God. (Mere Christianity, 55-56)

15  “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

- “you” here is plural, directed at the apostles

- Everything now and for eternity hinges on your answer

16  Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

- This is the first time we see the apostles confess who Jesus is

- Who you say Jesus is determines everything about how you follow Him.

- If you believe He’s a good teacher, that’s how you follow Him. If you think He has some

good ideas, you’ll listen to Him once in a while

- If you believe He’s the Savior, that should change everything about how you live your

life.

- 17  Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and

blood, but by my Father in heaven. 

- Divine revelation rather than human deduction

- The grace of God is the only way anyone can behold the beauty AND PURPOSE of Christ

John 6:44-45

““No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the

last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the

Father and learned from him comes to me.”

-A Biblical argument can be made that the only way we will know Jesus for who He truly is, is ONLY

through the revelation of God our Father…but God reveals it to others through our evangelism.

-In fact, the only reason why we are together as a family is because God our Father made it so.

18  And I tell you that you are Peter, [ a ]  and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades [b]  will

not overcome it. 

- “You are Peter” (Petros = rock) - this parallels Peter’s confession

- First use of the word “church” or “ekklesia” in the gospels

- Jesus isn’t implying anything of a particular church structure, just promising that he will establish a

gathered community of his followers, and help them grow. – a community of people who submit to

Gods Kingly rule.

Jesus promises the indestructibility of His church.

- Gates of Hades, sometimes referred to the gates of hell – probably the powers of death.

- Gates are largely defensive, so if you consider the gates of hell, or the powers of death on the

defense, that means those gates cannot withstand the power over death that Jesus instills in the

church.

- This passage may not be about protecting the church from the gates of hell (and death)…Hell is on the

defensive…not us! Jesus is saying the gates of hell, death itself cannot withstand His power through the

church. The church needs to be storming the gates of hell, not sitting in our cozy buildings waiting for it

to come to us. Either way, death is defeated…

- We overcome death – we don’t have to defend against it’s power

- Death cannot stop this Messiah, nor His followers – Christ gives His authority to the church

- Being a part of a church is not like joining a club –it comes with an extremely important confession with

eternal ramifications.

- All too often in the US, joining a church looks more like joining a country club these

days.

- multi-million dollar facilities with racquetball courts, gyms, recreational

facilities, bookstores and sometimes a place to gather and worship. Even then,

the logos, jerseys, bumper stickers, Sunday concerts and worship albums help to

build membership, but may not build God’s kingdom.

- WHAT YOU WIN THEM WITH, IS WHAT YOU WIN THEM TO.

-we have to be careful not to do to the church what the Jews did to the temple.

19  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be [c]  bound in

heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be [d]  loosed in heaven.”  20  Then he ordered his disciples not

to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

- I grew up Roman Catholic, and the Catholic church uses this passage to justify Peter as the first

Pope, and through apostolic succession, confessing sins to priests in confessionals. As they forgive, they

loose on earth…but….

- this is not about the authority of Peter, but the authority of Jesus Christ

- this is not about a supreme pope, but a sovereign Savior

- this is not about an infallible pope, but an invincible mission

There is imagery of keys that close and open, lock and unlock (Isaiah 22:22) and take the binding and

loosing referring to Christians making entrance to Gods kingdom available or unavailable to people

through their witness, preaching and ministry. This will tie in closely with John 20:23

When Peter or the other apostles, or any follower of Christ for the matter, proclaims the gospel, it is

done under Jesus&#39; authority-His authority to save sinners and to judge sinners. Jesus&#39; authority to save

means that we can say to any person in the world, &quot;If you turn from your sin and trust in Jesus as Savior

and Lord, you will be free from sin forever&#39; That&#39;s a guarantee based on the authority of Christ and His

Word. At the same time, we can also say to any person in this world, &quot;If you do not tum from your sin

and trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord, you are bound to your sin and its payment for all eternity in hell.&quot;

Authority has been entrusted to us as the church to proclaim this message.

We speak with the authority of Christ. The urgency and priority of evangelism flows from these truths

21  From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many

things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be

killed and on the third day be raised to life.

-Jesus speaks plainly of His coming fate - anticipating that he may be killed does not require any

supernatural insight…Matthew 12:14

“But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.”

But, more than common sense must lie behind the prediction of His resurrection.

Elders - not previously mentioned - members of the Sanhedrin

“Chief priests and scribes” - teachers of the law

Jesus doesn’t explain here the use of the word “must”, but accounts for it in Matthew 20:28

28  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a

ransom for many.”

22  Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to

you!”

-Peter does not recognize that Jesus’ death and resurrection must precede the establishment of the

church and that His followers must also suffer before Gods kingdom will triumph.

-Peter has not yet conceived of a suffering Messiah

-Peters is emphatic…basically “no way”, “this shall never happen”!!

-Trying to thwart God’s plan for Jesus life is, in fact, the role of the devil, not a disciple…hence Jesus’

reply.

23  Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not

have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

-He’s not saying Peter is the devil or possessed, but dramatically stating that the perspective Peter

represents here, however unwittingly, is the same as Satan’s.

-Peter moves very fast from foundation block to stumbling block

-Peter represents the viewpoint of unredeemed humanity, rather than God’s will.

-Get behind me means get away, or out of my site…similar to his rebuke of satan in Matthew 4:10

Where a similar temptation was aimed at Jesus in the desert:

“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him

only.’””

- “Take up his cross” is metaphorical - submission to God’s will, wherever it may lead = deny himself. It

also represents an ominous possibility that some of the disciples might literally be crucified.

-Self-denial means putting God and His kingdom priorities first.

-This is so counter cultural to life in America

 you deserve a break today

 Get the pampering you deserve

 You deserve only the best

The pursuit of happiness is a constitutional right, not a biblical right

Do you know what we truly deserve? Death

Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Any preacher who tells you that you deserve anything better than death…you know, your best life now,

is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and does not have your eternal soul in mind…run

This is how we find life.

Galatians 2:19-20

““For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I

no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who

loved me and gave himself for me.”

The logic of Jesus’ command depends wholly on the existence of life beyond the grace

Live for yourself and you will die. Die to yourself and you will live.

27  For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each

person according to what they have done.

-Glory awaits ahead, but only after suffering

-“What he has done” is more literally like “his practice” and refers to an individual life viewed in its

entirety

28  “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man

coming in his kingdom.”

Verse 28 is kind of cryptic but is probably referring to the transfiguration, which is coming up next . The

transfiguration will be a foretaste of his resurrection.

2 Peter 1:16-18 (Peter later referring to the transfiguration)

“For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus

Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the

Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with

him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him

on the sacred mountain.”

-Regarding suffering having to precede glory is a tough one for Christians today, especially in the US,

where prosperity preaching contradicts the teachings and life of Jesus.

-Have you died to yourself?

-Have you taken up your cross?

James 1:27

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in

their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

James 1:27 NIV

Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living

sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern

of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and

approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

Matthew 25:31-46 NIV

““When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a

shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his

left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your

inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you

gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you

invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison

and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and

feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in,

or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King

will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,

you did for me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the

eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was

thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes

and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will

answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in

prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the

least of these, you did not do for me.’ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous

to eternal life.””

“Who Do You Say I Am”? - Verses for slides

Matthew 16:13-28

Mathew 16: 13-14

Matthew 16:15

Matthew 16:16

Matthew 16:17

John 6:44-45

Matthew 16:18

James 1:27

Matthew 16:19-20

Matthew 16:21

Matthew 12:14

Matthew 20:28

Matthew 16:22

Matthew 16:23

Matthew 4:10

Matthew 16:24-26

Romans 6:23

James 1:27

Romans 12:1-2

Matthew 25:31-46

Galatians 2:19-20

Matthew 16:27

Matthew 16:28

2 Peter 2:16-18

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Guest UserGrace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Chris Karpus, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible believing, Matthew, Peter, Ladson, SC, church
How to Live the Normal Christian Life? | Matthew 13:53-14:36
How to Live the Normal Christian Life? | Matthew 13:53-14:36

Series: All!

Scripture: Matthew 13:53-14:36

Title: “How to Live the Normal Christian Life” (Darien Gabriel)

Outline inspired by David Platt

Bottom line: The normal Christian life is built on the belief that God cares and is able to do something about it through his people as they suffer.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. How can the rejection of Jesus by His own hometown serve as a warning for you?

2. Why is costly faith better than convenient unbelief? What means of grace does God use to strengthen our faith?

3. Explain the difference in merely being amazed at Jesus' miracles and responding in faith.

4. Why did John the Baptist lose his head? 

5. What was John’s character like?

6. How does what John experience discourage you? Encourage you?

7. How do you view suffering in the Christian life? Cf. Matt 16:24

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. That true, genuine belief in the power and person of Jesus Christ leads to worship and evangelism.

Q. Why?

A. Because the American church is largely missing these fruit of belief indicating there are a lot of people deceiving themselves thinking that they are trusting in Jesus Christ alone.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Evaluate your life.

  1. Do you believe that Jesus is who he says he is and that he’ll do all he’s promised to do?

  2. Do you worship him with a sense of awe and wonder at what he can do and does?

  3. Does your faith lead you to worship and then overflow into sharing good news with those around you?

Q. Why?

A. Because if you are not walking out true, genuine faith, you want to know so you can repent and believe.

Intro

Headline on the AP app stated:

“AP’s top 2022 photos capture a planet bursting at the seams”

“Amidst the turmoil in this world, we sometimes find ourselves longing for good news—good news on the economic front, good news in the political world, good news in the educational realm, good news in our personal lives. These looming issues can tend to overshadow that which is the most important, the most essential, the most eternal good news—the “good news of great joy” for all people (Luke 2:10).

In our longing for things to change in this temporal world, let us not lose sight that the greatest news has already been announced.” —Truth78 (book)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) 

This naturally could lead us to ask God, "What are you going to do about this? Where are you?"

We just celebrated Christmas—the first Christmas where the world felt like it was bursting at the seams too. And they were asking the same question then too.

God answers the question when are you going to do something with I have, am, and I will.

The real question for me is how do we live in the meantime?

The answer is found in the normal Christian life.

The answer is not found in a baptized version of the American dream (life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, house, spouse, 2.5 kids, cat and dog).

I love this tweet by Ian Harbor:

“At the end of the day, I’m just convinced that there was a guy who was killed by the state and religious leader of his time and three days later he wasn’t dead anymore. Everything else is just trying to figure out what to do with that.” @IanHarber

What does this look like?

In a nutshell, it looks like someone who’s compassionately helping people through life as they themselves suffer believing that the one who died yet lives is worth living for and even dying for.

Let’s see how Matthew tells us over the next half hour.

Context

If someone were to ask you, what does the normal Christian life look like, how would you respond? What would be your answer to the question, what does the normal Christian look like? What does biblical Christian faith look like? That’s our question today.

First a little context. Back in 13:53-58 we see an example of what a hard heart looks like. We mention this because Matthew just wrote 8 parables of Jesus the first of which was the parable of the sower. And the 4 different soil types represent 4 different spiritual heart conditions. The first being hard, like the Pharisees giving Jesus such a hard time. (No pun intended)

But here in 13:53-58 we see another group of people giving Jesus a hard time—his hometown. Sad but true. The home crowd is the hardest to reach. Why? They remember you when you were young.

I remember reconnecting with a high school classmate (I went to SHS) online after about 35 years. When I told him I was a pastor, he said, “You are a pastor?!” We didn’t know each other that well. But I was a practicing Christian at that time. I went to church nearly every Sunday. Now, did I live like one? No. Was I truly one? No. That came later. Apparently he’d seen enough to respond that way 35 years later. Just reminds us that God is in the miracle business.

So as we head into this chapter on what does biblical Christianity look like, let us remember our hearts drift towards hardness. Let’s invite God to search our hearts for unbelief so that we can repent and believe anew.

I. Two pictures of unbelief. (13:53-58)—

A. Here we see it’s not just the Pharisees who have hard hearts unwilling to believe. It’s Jesus’ earthly family that’s not there yet.

B. Here we see the hard heart of Herod Antipas and his family and his court.

II. Two pictures of belief. (14:1-32)—

A. Belief is by the crowd. Disciples, not so much.

B. Belief is by Peter, then the Disciples.

III. A picture of genuine worship with words. (14:33) They see and recognize Jesus and are moved to believe on the heals of the feeding of the 5,000.

IV. A picture of genuine worship as life.

It feels like this is just tacked on. But it adds an important evidence of true, genuine belief that springs from worship—evangelism.

Evangelism comes from Greek word evangelion = good news. (Aka Gospel) It can be used in many settings.

Ex. When I talk about how awesome my new Smart Wool socks are, and I can’t stop talking about how amazing they feel and where has then been all my life, I’m sharing what I perceive to be good news. That’s me being a Smart Wool sock evangelist.

Do we talk about Jesus and his kingdom this way? Ever? This is an important question. Because, as Ken talked about last week, if we believe something is truly good news, we can’t help but tell others about it. Even if our motives tend to be a bit selfish, we still do it. (Not that we want that but we’re not perfect)

“Normal Christianity”

Chinese pastor Christian Watchman Nee wrote a book called Normal Christianity. He wrote,

“(It’s) not so much about suffering as it is about living the so-called ‘victorious Christian life.’

Yet, to borrow his title, I will say this about how the apostles defined the normal Christian life.”

What’s a normal Christianity look like? Let’s see what Peter and Paul said:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you (suffering is the normal Christian life). But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings (cf. Roman’s 8:17), that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed (at his return). If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4:12-14

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12

I would wager in America it looks more like a baptized version of the American Dream:

  • Good career arc that is up and to the right.

  • Good marriage or relationship heading towards, “And they lived happily ever-after”

  • 2.5 kids (boy and girl, of course), dog, cat (that get along and do great reels on insta).

  • Family and friends around during the holidays at just the right time and place.

  • A life that reflects our instagram pics (we wish)

  • Healthy mind and body. Maybe lost a few pounds this year.

  • Feeling some relief or easing of stresses of life. Maybe a vacation or weekend trip to remember.

These things are fine in and of themselves. But are they what the early church would have recognized as normal, biblical Christianity? After all, they lived in a day when their government was at times aggressively persecuting Christians.

Conclusion:

Bottom line: The normal Christian life is built on the belief that God cares and is able to do something about it through his people as they suffer.

As we head into this new year, will you courageously, purposefully evaluate your life through this lense?

Will you assess your belief?

Will you assess your worship of the power and person of Jesus Christ?

Will you assess your enthusiasm for sharing the good news?

What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it?

Pray

References/Bibliography:

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Ladson, SC, Darien Gabirel, Grace, bible believing, Matthew, ALL, normal christian life
Is Jesus Christ Worth Everything? | Matthew 13:24-58
Is Jesus Christ Worth Everything? | Matthew 13:24-58

Series: All!

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-58

Title: “Is Jesus Christ Worth Everything?” (Darien Gabriel)

Bottom line: If you understand gospel GROWTH and gospel JUDGMENT, you will understand gospel GAIN—why fully embracing Jesus and his kingdom is like finding a hidden treasure that’s so great that it’s worth selling all you have (or even giving your life) to get.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. How is persevering faith different from works-righteousness?

2. What would you say to someone whose only evidence of salvation was a momentary decision?

3. What encouragement might come to persecuted believers from the parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast?

4. What do the parables of the Weeds and the Net have to teach us about the final judgment? Why is it sometimes difficult to discern who is and who is not part of the kingdom?

5. How could you use the parables of the Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price to respond to someone who said, "I want to follow Jesus, but I don't want to make drastic changes in my life"?

6. What wrong conceptions of the kingdom has Matthew 13 corrected for you?

7. If you knew that knowing Jesus Christ was worth everything, would you sell everything and follow him?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Intro

Ticket for speeding in a blind school zone.

Weeds in your yard?

Sean O’Donnell gives us 3 themes that he says connect here in chapter 13. He also says that when we understand gospel growth and gospel judgment we’ll understand gospel gain and how that affects how we live in our world today.

Bottom line: If you understand gospel GROWTH and gospel JUDGMENT, you will understand gospel GAIN—why fully embracing Jesus and his kingdom is like finding a hidden treasure that’s so great that it’s worth selling all you have (or even giving your life) to get.

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. Gospel Gain: That Jesus is worth any and everything in your life. Nothing is worth more than knowing and following Jesus Christ. He’s the ultimate win!

Q. Why?

A. Because of the way his kingdom works.

  1. Tender hearts lead to rescue from kingdom of evil.

  2. Tender hearts lead to fruitful living.

  3. Tender hearts lead to growing & gain.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Sell all and exchange it for Jesus.

Q. Why?

A. Because he’s more than worth it.

Bottom line: If you understand gospel GROWTH and gospel JUDGMENT, you will understand gospel GAIN—why fully embracing Jesus and his kingdom is like finding a hidden treasure that’s so great that it’s worth selling all you have (or even giving your life) to get.

Outline (David Platt’s outline)

REVIEW

I. Four Questions

A. What is a parable?

1. A practical story

2. Often framed as a metaphor

3. Illustrates a spiritual truth

B. How do we understand parables? 3 Principles

1. Listen from the hearer's perspective.

      • Put yourself in their shoes.

      • 1st c. Jews vs. 21st c. Americans.

      • What would they hear? How would they respond? How would they feel?

2. Look for the main point. Usually 1–2 or 3 max.

3. Let the truth change your perception. I.e. Let it change the way you think about something through story.

C. Why do we have parables?

1. Jesus was revealing truth to those who were believing the mysterious (secrets)--this was evidence of God's mercy.

      • Why do we have parables?

      • “Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given to you to know, but it has not been given to them.”

      • Secrets or mysteries in the OT revealed in the NT.

        • What’s not secret: God would send the Messiah to usher in a kingdom.

        • Secret: What kind of Messiah God would send, how that Messiah would conquer

          • Not through political struggle (political scheming)

          • Not through brute force (military)

          • but through sacrificial love (cross)

        • Therefore, for those who were trusting that Jesus was promised King/Messiah, the parables helped them understand what kind of king he was and what kind of kingdom he was ushering in.

        • HEARING/BELIEVING WAS EVIDENCE OF GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY.

2. Jesus was concealing truth from those who were denying the obvious-this was evidence of God's judgment.

      • JESUS WAS CONCEALING THE OBVIOUS

        • Despite the many miracles (not to mention the signs).

        • Despite the many teachings.

        • NOT HEARING/BELIEVING WAS EVIDENCE OF GOD’S JUDGMENT.

3. 2 Purposes based on 2 kinds of audiences

      1. First 4 parables told to the crowds.

      2. Last 4 parables told to the disciples.

D. What is the kingdom of heaven?

1. The redemptive rule or reign of God in Christ

2. A present reality: The King is here, and His kingdom is advancing.

3. A future realization: The King is coming back, and His kingdom will one day be complete.

II. Eight Parables

A. The parable of the Sower (aka Soils) (13:1-9, 18-23)

    1. The sower is the son of man and the seed is the message of salvation (aka good news of the kingdom).

    2. The soil is the human heart.

      1. Some in Jesus’ day rejected/rebelled.

      2. Others casually responded to him.

      3. The problem of rejection is not the seed nor the sower but the human heart.

    3. Jesus points to 4 different heart-responses to the message of salvation:

      1. Pathway/Packed soil = hard heart = seed sits on top and never enters the soil; birds eat. This is a lack of understanding prevents reception of the message. No fruit.

      2. Rocky/Hard-pan soil = shallow/superficial heart = seed hits the soil, takes root and sprouts but due to the layer of rock beneath, the roots can’t go deep. When the sun comes out the plant withers. This is how a person falls away when the troubles of life test their faith. It withers. No fruit.

        1. George Whitefield, 18th c. Evangelist during the first great awakening when asked how many were saved at one of his sermons would say, “We’ll see in a few years.”

        2. Emma - we waited years after she professed Christ as VBS (4 yrs old) to see the fruit over time.

      3. Good soil surrounded by thorn bushes = distracted/divided heart = The person falls away after hearing and responding due to the deceitfulness of wealth and worries in this life. Result is, once again, no fruit.

      4. Good soil = Fruitful heart -

        1. Hears the word

        2. Understands the word

        3. Believes the word

        4. Obeys the word bearing fruit that will last (John 15:16). 30, 60 & 100X.

        5. LOL

          1. Listen to the word.

          2. Obey the word. (Bearing fruit)

          3. Leading others to listen to and obey the word. (Bearing fruit)

THIS WEEK

B. The parables of the Weeds and the Net

C. The parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast

D. The parables of the Treasure and the Pearl

E. The parable of the Homeowner

II. Two Primary Applications

A. Humbly and joyfully receive the message of the kingdom.

B. Confidently and urgently spread the message of the kingdom.

C. The Lord’s supper is where we

    1. Look back at when we received the message.

    2. Look up to the one who gave us a message worth hearing.

    3. Look ahead to sharing this message with others until he returns.

Conclusion:

Bottom line: If you understand gospel GROWTH and gospel JUDGMENT, you will understand gospel GAIN—why fully embracing Jesus and his kingdom is like finding a hidden treasure that’s so great that it’s worth selling all you have (or even giving your life) to get.

Herod illustrates a hard heart. And Jesus drives home the point that a hard heart leads to unfruitfulness, the broad road, and weeping and gnashing of teeth—where God carries out his holy wrath and justice.

What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it?

Pray

References/Bibliography:

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, bible believing, church, non-denominational church, Matthew
How to Overcome Fears, Doubts &amp; Burdens | Matthew 11
How to Overcome Fears, Doubts & Burdens | Matthew 11

Series: King & Countries (week 5)

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-21  (Main)

Title: “Who is in charge of your life?” (Darien Gabriel)

Bottom line:  When we surrender our lives to Jesus, the Lord of Sabbath, mercy and justice rules in our hearts and helps us overcome fear, doubts, and Burns.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. Why are legalistic hearts so resistant to Jesus?

2. How does legalism and a desire to earn your standing before God manifest itself in your own life?

3. Explain what it means to say that Jesus is greater than the temple.

4. Matthew presents Christ as merciful in this passage. How is the mercy of Jesus different from a "live and let live" mind-set?

5. In an effort to make the cost of following Christ clear, what is the danger of downplaying His mercy?

6. How might the portrait of Jesus' power in this passage impact our view of spiritual warfare?

7. How would you counsel someone who feared that they had committed the unpardonable sin because of a sinful thought or word toward God?

8. Matthew compares Jesus to Jonah and Solomon. How do these comparisons speak to the seriousness of rejecting Christ?

9. It's common to hear unbelievers refer to everyone as "God's children." How does Matthew 12:50 help us rightly define God's family?

10. Some sermons only emphasize moral lessons for believers. How does an emphasis on the person of Christ as we see in Matthew 12 help correct such an approach? What is the danger of not presenting Jesus as central in our teaching and preaching?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Intro

We've been looking at the portraits of Jesus given to us by Matthew.

We've seen Jesus as:

Promised Messiah

Authoritative Judge

Sovereign Son

Gracious Master

Today we'll add:

King of Rest

Merciful Servant-King

Bottom line:  When we surrender our lives to Jesus, the Lord of Sabbath, mercy and justice rules in our hearts and helps us overcome fear, doubts, and Burns.

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (rest) in life.

Q. Why?

A. Because this is the only place we will find true rest and peace. Our faith is a conscious choice to rest on Jesus' work on the cross.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Rest in Jesus Christ alone.

Q. Why?

A. So that you'll be able to overcome your fears, doubts and burdens.

SECTION OUTLINE TEN (MATTHEW 12) Outline Bible, Willmington

SECTION OUTLINE ELEVEN (MATTHEW 12)

Jesus heals the sick, confronts the Pharisees, and fulfills ancient prophecies.

1. JESUS AND THE PHARISEES (12:1-14, 22-45) On three separate occasions, Jesus is confronted by these wicked men.

A. The Sabbath conflict (12:1-14): The Pharisees take issue with Jesus when he performs his miracles.

1. In regard to eating on the Sabbath (12:1-8): Jesus is criticized by the Pharisees for allowing his disciples to pluck some heads of grain from a field on the Sabbath. The Savior reports by pointing out two facts:

a. The purpose of the Sabbath (12:1-7): The Sabbath was made for man, and not the reverse!

(1) As seen in the life of David (12:3-4): David and his men ate the bread reserved for the priests.

(2) As seen in the law of Moses (12:5-6): The priests are allowed to serve in the Temple on the Sabbath.

(3) As seen in the Book of Hosea (12:7): God wants them to be merciful; he doesn't care that much about their sacrifices.

b. The person of the Sabbath (12:8): The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath!

2. In regard to healing on the Sabbath (12:9-14): Jesus notices a man with a deformed hand.

a. The accusation (12:9-10): The Pharisees ask Jesus whether it is legal to work by healing on the Sabbath day.

b. The answer (12:11-12): Jesus replies by asking them if they would rescue a sheep on the Sabbath. He says, "Of course you would! And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!"

c. The action by the Savior (12:13-14): He heals the man's hand.

B. The source conflict (12:22-37): The Pharisees claim that Satan is the source of Jesus' miracles. On this occasion Jesus has just healed a demon-possessed, blind, mute man.

1. The criticism by the Pharisees (12:22-29)

a. Their accusation (12:22-24): "He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons."

b. His argument (12:25-29)

(1) "A city or home divided against itself is doomed"

(12:25).

(2) "If Satan is casting out Satan, he is fighting against himself" (12:26-29).

2. The condemnation of the Pharisees (12:30-37)

a. Jesus says their sin is terrible (12:30-34).

(1) They are corrupt fruit trees (12:30-33): A tree is known by its fruit.

(2) They are poisonous snakes (12:34): Whatever is in their hearts determines what they say.

b. Jesus says their sin is terminal (12:35-37): The words they say now will determine their fate on judgment day.

C. The sign conflict (12:38-45): The Pharisees insist that Jesus do something spectacular just for them.

1. Jesus refers to Jonah and Nineveh (12:38-41).

a. The illustration from the life of the prophet of God

(12:38-40): Jonah's experience in the belly of the fish depicts Jesus' death and resurrection; this is the only sign he gives them!

b. The indictment from the lips of the people of Nineveh

(12:41): The Ninevites will someday condemn Jesus' generation, for Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah, but Jesus is greater than Jonah.

2. Jesus refers to Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (12:42): She will condemn Jesus' generation because she had great respect for Solomon, and Jesus is greater than Solomon.

3. Jesus refers to eight evil spirits (12:43-45): Here Jesus likens his generation to a demon-possessed man.

a. The first state of the man (12:43): The original demon living within him departs.

b. The final state of the man (12:44-45): Unable to find

another person to indwell, the spirit returns to the man, this time bringing seven other spirits more wicked than himself.

I. JESUS AND THE PROPHECIES (12:15-21): Jesus fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah, who predicted the earthly ministry of the Messiah (Isa. 42:1-4).

A. Jesus' heavenly relationships (12:18a-18b)

1. Concerning the Father (12:18a): The Father would love him.

2. Concerning the Spirit (12:18b): The Spirit would fill him.

B. Jesus' earthly actions (12:15-17, 18c-21)

1. Concerning the nations (12:18c, 21): He would proclaim justice to the nations.

2. Concerning himself (12:19): He would not be quarrelsome or rebellious.

3. Concerning the weak and hopeless (12:20): He would treat them with gentleness and understanding.

4. Concerning the sick (12:15-17): He would heal the sick.

III. JESUS AND HIS FAMILY (12:46-50)

A. His earthly family (12:46-47): Jesus is told his mother and brothers are waiting to meet with him.

B. His eternal family (12:48-50): He says all who obey his heavenly

Father are part of his family!

References/Bibliography:

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

“Jesus Manifesto” sermon series, by Darien Gabriel: https://youtu.be/x65i2tqFrXk

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowship, Matthew, King & Countries, Ladson, SC
Where Are You Heading Today? | Matthew 9:18-34
Where Are You Heading Today? | Matthew 9:18-34

Series: All: All Authority, All Nations, All Allegiance

Scripture: Matthew 9:18-34 (Main)

Title: “Where are you heading today? (Darien Gabriel)

Bottom line: Jesus has all authority in the world and therefore deserves all allegiance from the world—He calls the religious leaders, the crowd and the sick to follow him. Will you?

Jesus wants to change the trajectory of your life. He has all you need to get you where you need to go. The question is, will you surrender and follow him?

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. What would you say if someone asked you, "What is your greatest need?" Explain your answer.

2. Explain the difference between suffering that is directly related to your own sin and suffering that comes as a result of living in a fallen world.

3. If someone said that Jesus never claimed to be divine, how could you respond by using the account of the paralytic?

4. How might Jesus' calling of Matthew give us hope for unbelievers we know who seem unreachable with the gospel?

5. Why do disciples of Jesus fast now? What does this say about our ultimate hope?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Intro

Jeff Bezos steps down to change the inevitable trajectory of Amazon.com Article:

https://www.inc.com/justin-bariso/amazon-ceo-jeff-bezos-andy-jassy-why-did-jeff-bezos-step-down-how-to-save-a-company-how-to-build-a-company.html

Bottom line: Jesus has all authority in the world and therefore deserves all allegiance from the world.

The world = all authority over disease, demons, the Devil, danger, disciples, death and damnation. That’s pretty comprehensive, wouldn’t you say? Would you say that anyone with that kind of authority in our world would be worthy of all allegiance? Do you live like this?

  • 3-2-3-2-3 pattern

  • “Sermon on the Move” where Jesus is demonstrating his authority and the kingdom of God coming being good news.

9:18-34

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. Jesus has divine authority over diseases and death. 

Q. Why?

A. So that you will believe that he is worthy of your full allegiance.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Pledge full allegiance to Jesus and let him change the trajectory of your life.

Q. Why?

A. So that you will gladly pledge your full allegiance to Jesus as savior and lord.

Conclusion

Perpetual Perpetuas

“In the first three centuries of the church, if Christians were known for anything it was their courageous faith. The accounts of the early Christian martyrs tell the stories of many followers of Jesus who demonstrated this courageous faith even unto death. One such martyr was Perpetua.

Perpetua was twenty-two years old. She was married and the mother of an infant boy whom she nursed from her jail cell. She was in prison for being a Christian. All she had to do was recant her belief in Jesus, offer a simple sacrifice to Caesar, and call him, "Lord." Her father begged her to do this, but she refused time and again. Finally, as she was led out into the Roman Colosseum to be killed by beast or gladiator, she was singing hymns to Jesus.

Can you imagine that kind of courage? Twenty-two years old! Her last words, spoken to her brother, also a Christian, were, "Stand in the faith."

Do you want to follow Jesus? Great. Go for it. But know that if you are to follow him, you must do it without airs (humbly come to him and serve him as Lord), without compromise (he is first; everyone and everything else is a far second), and without fear (courageously trust him).” -Douglass Sean O’Donnell

Jeff Bezos was so determined to change the trajectory of his company that he quit his job as CEO so that he could focus on the things he believed would breathe new life into his company.

How much more should we desire new life. Jesus breathes new life into us when we pledge our allegiance to the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. When we deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. How will you respond?

We see the responses of the people here:

  • The religious leaders oppose Jesus despite his authority over death, demons, disease and disciples.

  • The crowd who is amazed at his works but unmoved in the trajectory of their lives.

  • The new disciples who are healed and then immediately disobey his clear command.

  • The faithful disciple who answers the call to follow Jesus fully and faithfully. (Matthew)

Which are you? What story does your life tell?

Are you willing to repent and believe that you can have a better story?

References/Bibliography:

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

“Jesus Manifesto” sermon series, by Darien Gabriel: https://youtu.be/x65i2tqFrXk

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipbible believing, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabriel, non-denominational church, Matthew, ALL