Posts tagged Darien Gabirel

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.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
OUTLINE & NOTES
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)

God wants us to know that he values new believers greatly!
God doesn’t want them to perish! But since they can,…
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.

God wants us to know that he values new believers greatly!
God doesn’t want them to perish! But since they can,…
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)

Darien GabrielFebruary 26, 2023Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabirel, Darien Gabriel, Matthew, ALL, new believers, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible believing, church

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.

Do you believe that Jesus is who he says he is and that he’ll do all he’s promised to do?
Do you worship him with a sense of awe and wonder at what he can do and does?
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

Darien GabrielJanuary 1, 2023Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Ladson, SC, Darien Gabirel, Grace, bible believing, Matthew, ALL, normal christian life

What Does Jesus Christ Call His People to Do? | Matthew 9:35-10:42

Series: King & Countries (week 3)

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-10:42 (Main)

Title: “What does Jesus Christ call his people to do?” (Darien Gabriel)

Bottom line: Jesus calls us to surrender our lives to his mission of showing and telling the world that the kingdom of God is near.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. Share a ministry opportunity you've had that opened your eyes to the great spiritual needs around you. How might you pursue such opportunities in the near future?

2. Do the massive spiritual needs of the world compel you to action or make you feel helpless? How might Jesus's call to pray in 9:38 impact your reaction?

3. How would you describe your attitude toward unbelieving coworkers and neighbors? What factors keep you from feeling compassion for them?

4. Why is the Bible's teaching on God's wrath and the final judgment essential to our motivation for making disciples?

5. How will you practically apply Jesus' summons to pray and go in this chapter?

6. What ministry situations tend to be the most difficult for you? Tesus speaks of being like sheep, snakes, and doves in Matthew 10. How would this apply to your current context?

7. What aspects of being like Christ cause you the most fear and anxi-ety? What promises in God's Word might bolster your security and joy? Name two fellow believers you might reach out to for strength.

8. What aspects of God's character in this chapter ground our confidence in Christ's mission?

9. In what situations have you been reluctant to confess Christ publicly?

10. How does God's promised reward help fuel our faith and the carrying out of our mission?

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

Good-bye, Daughter

“A little more than two hundred years ago, Adoniram and Ann Judson boarded a ship and set sail for India on a journey that would eventually lead them to Burma (modern-day Myanmar). Along with William Carey, the Judsons are considered pioneers in the modern missions movement. These converted Baptist missionaries (they were previously Congregationalists) were and continue to be used by God in some extraordinary ways for the cause of global missions; however, their journey looked anything but successful on the outside.

The intense suffering the Judsons endured on the mission field was foreshadowed by a letter written from Adoniram to Ann's father asking for permission to marry his daughter. The following is Adoniram's candid request:

‘I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world; whether you can consent to her departure, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of missionary life; whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean, to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death. Can you consent to all this, for the sake of him who left his heavenly home, and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion, and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with the crown of righteousness, brightened with the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Savior from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?’ (Anderson, To the Golden Shore, 83)

Gratefully, Ann's dad said "yes," the couple was married, and a year later they set sail. Ann's dad would never see his daughter or son-in-law again.

In fact, Ann would lose her life sharing the gospel with people who had never heard the good news of Jesus Christ. As a result of the Judson's service, today there are nearly 4,000 Baptist churches with more than a half a million followers of Christ in the heart of Buddhist Burma/ Myanmar.” -David Platt, Exalting Jesus in Matthew

This week’s message comes from Matthew 9:35-10:42. The title this week is “What does Jesus Christ call his people to do?”

Bottom line: Jesus calls us to surrender our lives to his mission of showing and telling the world that the kingdom of God is near.

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. The message, motive, and means for our mission.

The message is the kingdom of God is near.

The motive is compassion.

The means are prayer and people.

Q. Why?

A. So that you will know what you’re getting into and why.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Surrender your life to be on mission with Jesus Christ.

Q. Why?

A. Because it’s the one thing he calls us to do together with him to reconcile all things to him and under his authority. This is for our good and his glory.

Q. How?

A. That’s the rest of the sermon lol!

I. What is the message, motive and means of the mission of Jesus Christ?

A. The message is that the kingdom of God is near. (9:35)

B. The motive is compassion. (9:36)

C. The means are (9:37)

Prayer
People (specifically, followers of Jesus Christ)

II. Who is Jesus sending? His disciples. (10:1-42)

III. What are his instructions to his disciples. (10:-42)

A. Receive the authority Jesus gave.

B. Use that authority to heal and deliver. (Demonstrating the message)

C. Recognize that you don’t have to be the “greatest” to rescue the “least” of these

D. Start with the Jews and work out from there.

E. Proclaim the message that the kingdom of God is near.

F. Demonstrate the message…

G. What to take:

Travel lightly
Live simply.
“Remember, you can’t take it with you but you can send it ahead.” -Randy Alcorn

H. Trust the Lord to give you everything you need

For yourself
For your ministry/mission

I. Search for a “worthy person” (aka Person of Peace)

They welcome you
They like you
They want to help you
They aren’t opposed to your mission

J. Bless them as long as they are with you. Remove your blessing if they don’t.

K. Realize that Jesus sends you into dangerous places. Therefore, as you go,

“Be as shrewd as serpents, and
Innocent as doves.”

L. Be on guard

You’ll face the authorities.
Don’t be afraid—he’s with you.
God will give you the words to say.
Family will betray you. Not if—when. But not all.

M. You’ll be hated. You’ll be persecuted. But if you stand firm, God is faithful and you will be saved.

N. If it happened to Jesus, it will happen to you.

O. Don’t be afraid of them.

God will reveal the truth eventually and vindicate his people.
Proclaim what you hear from him in your prayer closet. (God’s word is your filter, of course)
Don’t fear who can kill your body.
Fear only he who can throw you into hell—who holds your soul in his hand. Honor and revere the Lord, don’t be scared of your enemy.
God values you. You are worth a lot to him. His son died for you. Doesn’t that say enough?
God cares about the details in your life. Even the trivial ones.

P. Acknowledge Jesus Christ publicly or he won’t acknowledge you publicly.

Q. He came not to bring peace but a sword. Truth divides those who trust and believe it from those who don’t. This is inevitable.

R. Love Jesus more than your family

Your parents
Your kids
Yourself
Otherwise, you are not worthy to be his disciple

S. You cannot trust and follow God apart from Jesus Christ. Trusting him is trusting the one who sent him. And trusting Jesus’ disciples leads to these things as well. Welcoming Jesus’ followers even with humble hospitality is noticed by God and rewarded.

Conclusion

“Recently, the story was relayed to me by one of our church's mission teams to North Africa about a lady in that region who was brought to a medical clinic in a wheelbarrow. She was sick and about to die, until she received care from Christians. These Christians later shared the gospel with her, and the lady trusted in Christ and then went back home to her own family. When she shared her new faith in Christ with her household, her own father beat her. This kind of reaction is all too common in that region, as most of persecution happens in the household, not primarily from any government. Nevertheless, this lady stood strong and shared the gospel, and her own father, the man who had beaten her, came to faith in Christ. He's now an evangelist, going from village to village sharing the gospel. This story is one of many in that region of the world; however, when you talk with these believers, as some of our church members have, it's not the suffering they talk about. It's the joy. In Christ, the reward far outweighs the risk. And all of this is happening because believers are sharing Christ in their daily lives.” -David Platt, Exalting Jesus in Matthew

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?

Other notes

David French article

https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/frenchpress/

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)

Darien GabrielOctober 30, 2022Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, bible believing, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabirel, Matthew 10, King and Countries

Should You Judge Others? | Matthew 7:1-6; 15

Series: All: All Authority, All Nations, All Allegiance

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6; 15 (Main); 2 Samuel 12:1-7; John 7:24; Romans 14:1-4; Romans 2:1; 2 Cor 5:10-11

Title: Should You Judge Others? (Darien Gabriel)

(See below for bibliography)

Summary Matthew 7: Jesus teaches us to ask God for what we need, how to treat others, and how to live as a true child of the Heavenly Father. (Outline Bible)

Bottom Line: While we need godly discernment and confrontation in the body, we must avoid hypercriticism and judgmentalism. Otherwise, we’ll be establishing the standard by which God will judge us. There’s a way to judge that is biblical and there’s a way to judge that is not. It’s a matter of the heart.

I. What do I want you to know? Jesus taught that we’re to exercise discernment (judge) without a spirit of judgmental-ism or hypercriticism. “Judge the fruit, not the fruit” comes to mind.

Why? Because one is dangerous, foolish and unhelpful while the other is wise and protective. And you’ll be judged by God the way you’re judging others.

II. What do I want you to do?

Deal with the sin in your own life at least as aggressively as you deal with the sin in other people’s lives.
Avoid judgmental-ism and hypercriticism.
Use discernment in who, how and when you share the gospel with others.

Why? Because why bring unnecessary harm onto yourself and those around you? Why waste resources on those hostile to God when there are many ready to receive the good news enthusiastically?

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. In what areas of your life are you most likely to be judgmental of someone (e.g., finances, work, health, spiritual disciplines, parenting, marriage, emotions, etc.)?

2. What is the difference between church discipline (cf. Matt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5) and sinfully judging a brother or sister?

3. Why would you not want to be judged with the same standard you judge others (7:2)?

4. What aspect of the way God has treated you in the gospel should compel you to be humble and patient instead of judgmental?

5. Why do your actions toward other people affect how God acts toward you?

6. Jesus, like you, would have been tempted to judge sinfully. What are some examples in the Bible where you see Jesus not being judgmental when it would have been tempting to do so?

7. Unlike you, Jesus judges perfectly. Where in the Bible do you see Jesus giving grace and not judging when he has the right and the authority to judge?

8. Are you more sensitive to the sin of others than to your own sin? If so, how can you swap this sensitivity?

9. This chapter teaches that "some things are right and wrong, but some things are just different." What are examples of things that are culturally different and not proper reasons to judge someone?

10. Does social media increase or decrease your temptation to judge others? How do you use social media without sinfully judging someone?

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

Our world is a criticizing world. You cannot escape it. And we’ve moved from being critical to canceling people now. It’s out of hand.

And yet that’s the world we live in. But we don’t have to be that way.

This passage contains one of the most misused verses in the Bible. Don’t judge. Jesus will explain it to us today. Today’s message is “Should you judge others?” Jesus weighs in and gives us guidance on judgment, discernment, and criticism as it relates to others in the world as well as in the church.

I. Don’t be judgmental to others. (7:1-2)

A. Don’t judge refers to not being judgmental to others.

B. That does not mean we don’t judge. Reasons this cannot be made to say we a never to judge include:

V. 6 Shows we cannot obey Jesus’ command here without exercising judgment (discernment). You must judge whether or not a person is a dog or pig metaphorically.
V. 15 “Jesus warns us to ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.’ This requires subtle, discriminating judgment on our part.” -Hughes
John 7:24 says, “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

C. Discerningly critical vs hypercritical; constructive vs destructive

D. Warning against pettiness on secondary issues found in Romans 14:1-4.

E. There are 2 eternal judgments:

Bema seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10-11)—not guilty + rewards
The Great White Throne (20:11-15)—guilty
The point: God will judge us as we’ve judged others (7:1) (Romans 2:1)

II. Don’t be hypercritical to others. (7:3-4) A crazy and sarcastic picture.

A. Plank/log = huge piece of wood (bring a 2x4 as a visual)

B. Speck of sawdust = tiny dust of wood

C. Impossible, comical, and, unfortunately, common

D. Illustration: King David, 2 Sam 12:1-7

E. Illustration: So easy to turn a Microscope on others vs wrong end of the telescope ourselves

F. We can be “log-toting speck inspectors” = hypocrites (Hughes)

G. This is where church discipline is possible. It requires humble judgment to know how best to discipline church member. (18:15-17)

What are we to do instead?

III. Be brothers and sisters to each other. (7:5)

A. Judge yourself—“take the plank out of your own eye.” Only then will be begin to see clearly enough to help someone take the speck out of theirs.

B. “We then see ourselves as we are, and we see others as they are.” -Hughes

C. “Instead of being critical, we weep for ourselves and them.” -Hughes

D. “Jesus does want us to discern the sins and shortcoming in others, but he wants us to see them through clear, self-judged eyes—eyes that are tender and compassionate.” -Hughes

E. How do we remove a speck from the eye of another?

Carefully! Nothing more sensitive in the human body than the eye. In the spiritual realm, nothing more sensitive than the human soul.
Therefore, “we must be humble, sympathetic, conscious of our own sins, and without condemnation.” -Hughes
Conclusion by D. Akin:
“I want to be both helpful and practical as we conclude our study on being judgmental. How can those of us who have been redeemed from all of our sin by the precious blood of Christ rightly make judgments without wrongly being judgmental?
1. CHECK YOUR MOTIVES. Ask yourself, Why am I doing this? Check your heart, knowing that ultimately only God knows the motives and intentions of the heart (Prov 16:2; 1 Cor 4:3-5).
2. EXAMINE YOUR OWN WALK WITH THE LORD FIRST. Ask, Am I walking in the Spirit, characterized by a gentle spirit, careful to monitor my own sin (Gal 6:1-2)?
3. SEEK OUT THE WISDOM OF GOD’S WORD AND GODLY COUNSEL BEFORE ACTING (Prov 10:13-14; 11:14; 15:22).
4. PRACTICE THE GOLDEN RULE. Think about how you would want to be treated if you were on the receiving end of correction (Matt 7:12).
5. BE CAREFUL NOT TO MAKE A SNAP DECISION OR QUICK JUDGMENT. Take the time to get the facts, and listen before taking action (Prov 18:13).
6. PRAY FOR THE ONE WHO APPEARS TO BE CAUGHT IN SIN BEFORE CORRECTING HIM OR HER. (Jas 5:15-16).
7. DO NOT FORGET THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS, WHO HELPED AND MINISTERED TO SINNERS. Jesus was condemned and ridiculed for the way he cared for and loved sinners, tax collectors, pagans, and the woman caught in adultery (John 7:53-8:11).
8. SPEAK THE TRUTH BUT DO IT IN LOVE. (Eph 4:15).
9. KEEP IN MIND THAT SOME THINGS ARE RIGHT AND WRONG, BUT SOME THINGS ARE JUST DIFFERENT. (Rom 14:1-6,13-23). Be careful not to judge someone because of personality or cultural differences.
10. NEVER FORGET THAT ULTIMATELY EVERYONE MUST GIVE AN ACCOUNT TO THE LORD, BUT NOT TO YOU. (Rom 14:7-12; 2 Cor 5:10).

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of criticism in our world and even in the church. Let’s pray for God to purge us, our churches, and our world of hypercriticism and judgmentalism.

Pray

My Notes:

Akin’s outline

Main idea: “To judge others without examining and correcting oneself first is hypocritical and foolish, but it is biblical and wise to discern kingly judge those who abuse God’s message” (and messengers).

I. Jesus warns us about being judgmental towards others. (7:1-5)

A. It is foolish. (7:1-2)

B. It is prideful. (7:3-4)

C. It is hypocritical. (7:5)

II. Jesus counsels us to judge those who live wickedly. (7:6)

A. Some tear up God’s precious truth.

B. Some trample God’s precious truth.

Hughes’ outline

I. We are not to relate judgmentally to others. (7:1-2)

II. We are not to relate hypercritically to others. (7:3-4)

III. We are rather to be brothers and sisters to each other. (7:5)

Sinclair’s outline

I. Seeing More Clearly (7:1-5)

II. Seeing others more clearly (7:6)

III. Seeing God more clearly (7:7-12)

References/Bibliography:

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

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“Sermon on the Mount” by Charles Quayle’s

“The Sermon on the Mount: Kingdom Life in a Fallen World” by Sinclair Ferguson

Bible.org https://bible.org/seriespage/12-maintaining-peaceful-relationships-matthew-521-26

“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)

“Exalting Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount” by Daniel Akin (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

"Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" by Kenneth E. Bailey

Darien GabrielSeptember 4, 2022Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Bible-believing, Grace Christian Fellowshiop, Ladson, SC, Darien Gabirel, Darien Gabriel, judgment, ALL

Jesus Teaches How to Stop Worrying | Matthew 6:25-34

Series: All: All Authority, All Nations, All Allegiance

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34 (Main); Philippians 4:6-7; 2 Corinthians 11:28-29

Title: Antidote to Anxiety, pt 2: Jesus Teaches How to Stop Worrying (Darien Gabriel)

(See below for bibliography)

Bottom Line: We don’t have to worry about anything in life because

our Creator is our Father (he cares) +
our King (he can).
He can and wants to take care of all our needs.

I. What do I want you to know? Worry is unproductive and unhelpful.

Why? Because worry and anxiety rob us of the joy of the Lord that comes when we believe that God cares about us and can meet all our needs.

II. What do I want you to do?

Decide what kingdom you’re going to live for.
Seek first his kingdom and his righteous way i.e. Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly

Why? Because when we seek first his kingdom and righteousness, all these things will be added to us.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. How is worry sin? Have you considered worry a sin and repented of it?

2. How does Jesus's instruction not to worry about what you eat shape how you think about diets, eating lifestyles, and food choices? What is the difference between wise eating and worry eating?

3. What in your life creates the most worry? Why does that event or item cause you to worry? What does the gospel say about that issue that can help you trust God?

4. How does thinking about eternity help you not worry about your life?

5. How does your culture and economic status shape what you consider to be the appropriate standard for God's feeding, clothing, and taking care of you? How might your perspective change if you lived in a different context?

6. Were first-century Christians less susceptible to the desire for clothing than Christians today? Why or why not?

7. How can our trust in God, when we would naturally worry, be an

evangelistic witness to others?

8. Do you ask God more often for wants or for needs? How does God

handle our requests for things we want?

9. How can increasing our desire and concern for God's kingdom

lessen our worry over our lives and the future?

10. If your treasure is in heaven, how will that affect how much you are

willing to sacrifice now on earth?

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

Bring back the coins (problems) and show how focusing on (worrying) just one problem affects everything else in life. It blinds us from the resources we have available to us and the perspective that keeps us grounded in those God-given resources.

If I have a handful of coins representing a handful of problems (family, marriage, work, school, finances, health, addictions), I’m going to have stress, worry and anxiety as long as I obsess on those from a perspective that God doesn’t know, doesn’t care, can’t help, isn’t trustworthy, or isn’t your King/Lord.

Worry is a symptom of a greater disease.
Worry is also a sin. It is the sin of unbelief. It’s not believing that God is who he says he is and/or that he won’t do all he’s promised to do.
The disease is heart disease—a heart of “little faith” in an infinitely loving Father and King.
“Do not worry” is a present imperative from Jesus. That is, it’s a command of constant and continuous action of not worrying. (Not do not be concerned but don’t worry from a self-centered place)

Outline

Jesus tells them not to worry about life.

Be concerned, sure.
Be worried, no way.

Gives 3 reasons why.

Gives 3 examples/illustrations to support those reasons.

Gives the antidote to anxiety and worry about life today.

And tomorrow. You have enough to deal with the worries of life today.

You don’t have enough to deal with the worries of tomorrow. So don’t try.

“Anxiety can never be cured by getting more of what we have already…Anxiety can be cured only by the assurance that our needs will be met by our King. For this reason, the chief drive in our lives should be to live under the authority of the king and to see his kingdom extended in every possible way—morally, socially, and geographically, as well as personally, inwardly, and spiritually. When our hearts are set on his righteousness pervading our lives, we have our priorities in order, and will discover two things:

First, all we need, he will provide. He has never failed one of his children.

Second, many of the things we thought we needed we now discover we did not really need, and do not now want.” —Sinclair Ferguson

Food, drink and clothing are great servants. They are terrible masters.

Simple Outline (Hughes)

I. Do not be anxious! Why? Because God is the King of life. (25-30)

II. Do not be anxious! Why? Because your the King’s Children. (31-34)

6:26

“Look at” the birds.

They are industrious, hard workers.
They do not sow or reap though.
Birds don’t deal with ulcers, see counselors or tranquilizers.
They have what they need most of the time.
Yes, bad things still happen to them.
Yet they fulfill their purpose in life.
Aren’t you worth more to God than these?! Yes! Why?
- You’re human > animals
- You’re greater because you’re created in the image of God. They are created but not in his image.
- They call God their Creator, yes. But they don’t call God their Father and King!
- Not only are we created in his image, we’ve been redeemed even though we were traitors and rebels. And at the cost of his one and only son Jesus.

6:27

Worry is pointless, fruitless, and foolish. It may add to the quality of your life—but not because it improves it!

Worry won’t lengthen our lives. In fact, if anything, it shortens your life!

Why worry when your Father + King has your life in his hands?

Your worry is a sign that

You don’t adequately know him
You don’t trust him
You haven’t yet yielded to him

6:28-30

Avg American family spends $1,700/yr on clothing. (Johnson, “Real Cost”)
1st century Hebrews in Israel had what they needed but not much more.
South Sudanese own 2 sets of clothes and a pair of sandals according to “Pastor Sam”
Did God not clothe Adam and Eve in the garden when their need became obvious even though they’d just rebelled against him?
“You of little faith” is intended as a “healing dagger”
Worry is energized by “little faith”—the issue is faith; do we trust God or not?
“Call it what you want: tension, anxiety, worry. But we need to call it what God calls it: unbelief. At it’s core worry is practical atheism, practical deism, or practical finite theism.” -Akin
- Practical atheism—I don’t really believe God is real or knows about me
- Practical deism—I don’t believe God cares
- Practical finite theism—I don’t believe God can do anything about it

Transition: Now it gets more personal…

II. Do not be anxious! Why? Because your the King’s Children. (31-34)

6:31-32

Worry makes you like those who don’t believe or live like they don’t believe God matters. As a result, they worry because they have nowhere else to turn for help with the problems in this world.

If this is us, it should sober and humble us towards faith.
If this is those around us, as Christians, it should move us compassionately towards others.

Little faith
Misplaced faith

Jesus concludes with a simple truth: “Your Heavenly Father knows that you need them.” -Akin

“Heavenly” as in sovereign God who can.
“Father” as in YOUR loving Father who cares.

He knows.

He sees.

He cares.

How then should we live?

6:33-34

We should not be anxious about anything but instead seek first his kingdom and his righteousness knowing (believing) that all these things that we’re tempted to be worried about will be given to us.

“Seeking his kingdom primarily means trying to spread the reign of Christ through the spread of the gospel. It involves a profound poverty of spirit.”
“Seeking his righteousness involves making his righteousness attractive in all areas of life—personal, family, material, international.”

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” 5:6

Again Jesus uses present imperative (command, continuous action) “But (constantly) seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” -Akin

Seek God’s rule

Seek God’s righteousness

Life’s needs will be provided

Cure for worry —> First things first: Stop worrying and start seeking. Stop worrying for your little kingdom and start seeking God’s big kingdom first. The watch him care for you.

6:34

“We are not to worry about tomorrow. Worry will not destroy tomorrow’s trials, but it will sabotage our strength. George Macdonald put it this way: ‘No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow’s burden is added to the burden of today, that the weight is more than a man can bear.’

“Worrying does not enable you to escape evil. It makes you unfit to cope with it. The truth is, we always have the strength to bear the trouble when it comes. But we do not have the strength to bear worrying about it.”

Therefore, live for today instead of worrying about tomorrow. “Focus on today, and watch anxiety disappear.”

“In John Piper's excellent study of Matthew 6:24-34, he highlights eight reasons not to be anxious:

1. Life is more than food and clothing (v. 25).

2. The birds of the air work and count on God (v. 26).

3. Anxiety doesn't get you anywhere (v.27).

4. God delights to adorn things (W. 28-30).

5. Unbelievers are anxious about food and clothing (v. 32).

6. Your heavenly Father knows your needs (v. 32).

7. God will carry your burdens if you seek first his honor (v. 33).

8. Tomorrow will be anxious for itself (v. 34). ("Nine Arguments")

The last two items on Piper's list summarize well what we find in Matthew 6:33-34. God knows our needs and will take care of them so we do not.

have to worry.”

Phil 4:6-7 is another key ingredient.

Conclusion

Bottom Line: We don’t have to worry about anything in life because

our Creator is our Father (he cares) +
our King (he rules—because he’s able).
He can and wants to take care of all our needs.

“In summary: Reject the secular reductionist mindset. You are more than a body. Along with this, refuse to focus on the world’s trinity of cares.

Consider the birds and the flowers. If God cares for the lesser, what will he do fro the greater—for us?

Do not live in the future. Live now. Put your arms around your wife right now. Take a walk with your child today. Enjoy the life God has given you.”

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” 6:33

Pray

My Notes:

References/Bibliography:

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

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“Sermon on the Mount” by Charles Quayle’s

“The Sermon on the Mount: Kingdom Life in a Fallen World” by Sinclair Ferguson

Bible.org https://bible.org/seriespage/12-maintaining-peaceful-relationships-matthew-521-26

“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)

“Exalting Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount” by Daniel Akin (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

"Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" by Kenneth E. Bailey

Darien GabrielAugust 28, 2022Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Bible-believing, church, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabirel, Matthew 6, worrying

Jesus' Antidote to Anxiety | Matthew 6:19-25

Series: All: All Authority, All Nations, All Allegiance

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Title: Jesus’ Antidote to Anxiety (Darien Gabriel)

(See below for bibliography)

Summary of passage: Jesus lays out the principles and rules of kingdom living.

Bottom Line: Jesus teaches us to bank in heaven, keep our windows clean, and serve the right master to be free from anxiety.

Group Video Outline:

I. What do I want you to know?

Why? Because

II. What do I want you to do?

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. How does treasure in heaven compare to treasure on earth? What does each look like, and how are they different?

2. Why is it often easier to desire earthly treasures over heavenly treasures?

3. According to this chapter, how do you store up treasure in heaven? Are you pursuing any of these?

4. Does what you treasure show that you prefer God over this world?

5. This chapter teaches that you are to be single in your devotion. How does Christ's single devotion to his people empower his people to be single in their devotion to him?

6. What does it mean to be devoted to God? Is this devotion an inward, personal response, or is it an outward action? Why?

7. Why does Jesus contrast God with money as opposed to something else? What about money makes it particularly capable of being a master over people?

8. Why is money not able to provide satisfaction, security, and stability? In what ways is God alone able to provide satisfaction, security, and stability?

9. How do you lessen your desire for money and earthly treasure and increase your desire for God and heavenly treasure?

10. How is Jesus's previous discussion about prayer and fasting connected to Jesus's teaching about treasures and money? How do prayer and fasting (or the lack thereof) affect what you treasure?

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

You can’t take it with you when you die.

There are no U-hauls behind Hertz’s in funeral processions. King Tut left all that gold behind that was entombed with him. We can’t it with us!s

But we can send it ahead.

Jesus deals with anxiety the next two weeks.

This week he uses money to get to the heart of the matter.

Next week he’ll use food, clothing and drink.

Paul gives us his command about anxiety in Philippians 4:6-7.

“Earthly treasures may leave us in this life. It is certain we will leave earthly treasures in our death.” -Akin

Treasures are things we value:

Possessions
Wealth, money
Looks
Brains
Education

“You can’t take it with you, but you can send it ahead.” -Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle

“Seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” -Paul, Colossians 3:1-2

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” -Jesus, Matthew 6:33

Akin says in 6:19-24 that Jesus deals with our priorities or what we treasure (truly value) head-on.

Jesus wants us to

have the right treasure,
Be single in devotion, and
Be single in master.

Quarles says vv. 19-24 “explicitly state the priorities that the model prayer (9-13) assumes.”

Outline

Who doesn’t want to be fully themselves without a care for what others think about them!

Who doesn’t want to be free from constant anxiety over the things of this world?

Jesus was. We can be too.

Q1. What do I you to know?

A1. Jesus teaches us that the life free from anxiety is the life wholeheartedly focused on the Lord Jesus and his agenda; his kingdom.

Q2. Why do I want you to know this?

It leads to anxiety-free life. Largely, stress-free.

Q3. What do I want you to do?

A3. I want you to:

Bank in Heaven .
1. Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven.
2. Randy Alcorn says it this way: “You can’t take it with you but you can send it ahead.”
Keep your windows clean.
Serve the right master.

Q4. Why do you want me to do these?

Because that’s where your wealth will last and multiply.
Because that’s how you will see where to go, what to do and how to do it. It’s how you light up your heart.
Because we’re all created to serve a master. Serving the wrong master leads away from a joyful, peaceful, wise life.

Conclusion — Summary story:l from Treasure Principle.

Imagine that you live in the US but get a 12 month job in the Philippines. And the company rules dictate that you can buy whatever you want there but it all has to stay there. Or you can invest it for later. Now you’re getting paid 5 times what you’d make in America but you are responsible for all of your expenses. How will you spend your money? Will you buy an expensive house? Expensive car? Will you buy all of the niceties for your apartment like big screen TV and build a deck out back? Or will you live simply? Buying what you need but sending the rest to invest in the future back home? I imagine the wise person will live frugally and invest in the future where they’ll spend the rest of their lives.

Bottom line antidote for anxiety.

Pray

My Notes:

Initial read and thoughts…

6:19-21

Don’t…
Do…
Why? Because heart; where do you want your heart ot be: heaven or earth?

6:22-23

Truth: eye is lamp (window) of the body. (Metaphor)
If: eyes are healthy (clean, open, un-shuttered), body full of light (good, God)
But, if: eyes are unhealthy, body full of darkness (no light) (evil, no God)
God is light! Jesus is the light of the world!

6:24

Truth: No one can serve 2 masters.
Why not? Because it’s just no possible.They both claim your allegiance which conflicts with the other. And their purposes are as different as light and dark.

Diving deeper…

Danny Akin’s commentary:

Jesus says…

I. Pursue heavenly treasures over earthy ones (19-21).

In life we make choices everyday. They can get complicated with all the choices.
Jesus Simple’s pointing out there are really only 2 places we can store up treasure: heaven and earth.

A. What you treasure shows what you value (19-20). Jesus is direct:

Don’t treasure the things of this world…why not? Because, earthly treasures don’t last
1. Stolen
2. Fade—high school memorabilia like my letterman jacket are gone; one shirt left
3. Forgotten—trophy’s in SHS trophy case covered in dust
4. It’s all hevel—a vapor; a wisp of smoke (use candle to illustrate) cf. Ecclesiastes
Do…therefore, Jesus says treasure the things that don’t fade but the things that last forever. How? See sermon on the mount. This is what Jesus is talking about throughout. It’s about the kingdom of God. And his kingdom is for this world—for this city! It’s
1. Suffering persecution for his name’s sake
2. Loving our enemies
3. Being generous to the poor
4. Fervent, sincere prayer
5. Humble fasting
Command
Constant vigilance

B. What you treasure shows what is in your heart (21). (Light or darkness)

Where is our treasure located? Truly it’s in your heart.
Cf. Luke 12:16-21—->ties v. 21 to 19-20, Parable of a Rich Man

“And he told them this parable: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, “What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.” Then he said, “This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; east, drink and be merry.’ But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21

“In fact, the condition of our heart and what we value will become clear for all to see. Why? “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Basic truth: Our heart (thoughts, feelings, will) should belong to God.

He created us.
He redeemed us.

To love anyone or anything > we love Jesus = spiritual adultery or adultery of the heart

II. Pursue light over darkness (22-23).

Basic truth: light = good; we should pursue good over evil
1 John 1 “…God is light, in him there is no darkness at all…” 1:5-7
John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Matthew 5:14 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
John 3:19-21 What do we love? “This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished byGod.”
Basic principle: Pursue light

2 truths:

A. Be single in your devotion (22).

“Just as a window lets light into a house, the eye lets light into the body. Therefore, it is important that we have good, healthy eyes.
Good eye is one of fixed and single devotion. No fuzzy vision, double vision (2 masters), lazy eye. (My lazy eye surgery)

B. Be on guard against all self-deception (23). Evil is a sense of good (or corruption of good).

III. Pursue God over money (24).

The mark of a disciple:
1. His eyes are fixed on heaven. (Upward)
2. His spiritual vision is single, not divided, (Single-minded) and
3. He serves the right master. (Wisdom)
Piper says either
1. You are mastered by money and therefore ignore God or make him the servant fro your business, or
2. You are mastered by God and make money a servant of the kingdom.
“But if either tries to master you while you are mastered by the other you will hate and despise that other master.” -Akin
This is why we sometimes push back when a church or missionary invites us to partner financially with them in kingdom work. Because sometimes at those moments we’re exposed to our submitting to the master of money. (Or fear of loss) “This is why Jesus said it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom”

A. We can only serve one master.

Truth: No one can serve (fully, faithfully) two masters.
- Think master—slave relationship.
- Think what it’s like to work 2 jobs.
- Think the tension between family and being in the military.
Implication: We were made to have a master in life. S. Ferguson
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his…he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26
Spurgeon
- You can live for this world
- You can live for the next world
- But you can’t live for both

B. We can only satisfy one master.

Why is money the other master? “Jesus now specifies the #1 challenge to total and absolute surrender to his lordship: money.”
“Originally the word (money) meant ‘something in which one puts their confidence’” -Carson
Interesting that when we talk about the health of the American economy we talk about consumer confidence.
The issue isn’t what you have. (Rich or poor)
The issue is what controls you, for who or what we live. Which is back to what we value.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Want true life? Don’t settle for being rich on earth. Pursue storing up heavenly riches, open windows, and single, wholehearted devotion.

References/Bibliography:

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

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“Sermon on the Mount” by Charles Quayle’s

“The Sermon on the Mount: Kingdom Life in a Fallen World” by Sinclair Ferguson

Bible.org https://bible.org/seriespage/12-maintaining-peaceful-relationships-matthew-521-26

“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)

“Exalting Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount” by Daniel Akin (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

"Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" by Kenneth E. Bailey

Darien GabrielAugust 21, 2022Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabirel, Bible-believing, church, Grace Christian Fellowship, non-denominational church, Matthew, anxiety, antidote to anxiety

How to Provide and Protect Your Family | Psalm 127:1-5

Series: The Psalms

Scripture: Psalm 127:1-5 (main); Luke 15:11-32

Title: How to Provide for and Protect Your Family

Heavy credit: (See below for bibliography)

Summary of passage:

Bottom Line: Hard work + Discipline + Divine Support = Fruitfulness that will last; “For apart from me you can do nothing.” -Jesus

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss in your groups:

Psalm 127

OPEN: How many siblings did you have?

What was the biggest family that you knew?

Can you name all their kids?

CONSIDER (V. 2): What causes you the most worry?

What do you tend to lose sleep over?

Does this verse help at all? Why?

CONSIDER (WV. 3-5): In today's society, what have you heard are the disadvantages to having children?

From what you have read in the Bible and heard

in the church, what are the advantages?

Which are you inclined to believe?

APPLY: Acknowledge that God can run your business and family better than you can.

Give God control of your business and family through sincere prayer.

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

For further study, note Genesis 11 illustrates this Psalm.

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

Opening story:

Hawkeye scene (See YouTube)

Video clip to open the message: https://youtu.be/DCkaS2ygh-Y Stop after “good job Hawkeye” (1:00)

While this Psalm applies to mom’s and dad’s, it feels very fatherly in tone and emphasis. Even in the gender in the NIV “Blessed is the man” is the translation. So I am applying this to Fathers in particular today believing that wherever this is taken to heart stronger marriages and families will follow. That leads to stronger neighborhoods, cities, and nations. That leads to a better world. But more likely it leads to a stronger church in a dark world.

Psalm 127 is written by either David to Solomon or by Solomon himself. Beloved is possibly a covert reference (concealed signature) to Solomon’s God-given name of Jedidiah since they use the same root word. (2 Sam 12:25) The point is that this is a special work by a father and what he does in life.

Ironically, much of Solomon’s wisdom was lost on him.

His building (literally and figuratively) became reckless,
His kingdom a ruin, and
His marriages a disastrous denial of God.

Warning: If we’re not careful, we’ll also have wisdom we ignore in life.

Bottom Line: Hard work + Discipline + Divine Support = Fruitfulness that will last; “For apart from me you can do nothing.” -Jesus

I. THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY (127:1-2) (WILLMINGTON)

A. What is necessary (1-2)

The home must be built by the Lord.
The home must be protected by the Lord.

B. What is needless (3-5): The breadwinners need not burn the candle at both ends and be overly anxious, for God will supply rest and what we need.

II. THE FRUITS FROM A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY (127:3-5) (WILLMINGTON): Children

A. The parents will be honored (3-4): Children are a reward and like sharp arrows.

B. The parents will be helped (5): They will not be ashamed in front of their accusers. (At the city gates i.e. in court (public?))

I. Labor is in vain without God’s providence. (1-2) (BKC)

II. Children are evidence of God’s providence. (3-5) (BKC)

“Children are some of the Lord’s providential blessings. They are a reward from the LORD. Sons help defend the family for they are like weapons (arrows) in the hand of a mighty man. Sons are capable of defending the family in civil cases (at the gate civil cases were discussed and decided). The images of arrows and of defense “in the gate” was natural for a nation endangered from without and within.” BKC

CSB Study Bible

House = physical building and/or home, family connecting

Food = hard work + favorable conditions + favor of God

Children = uncertainty of childbirth + favor of God

Bottom Line: Hard work + Discipline + Divine Support = Fruitfulness that will last; “For apart from me you can do nothing.” -Jesus

THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY (127:1-2) (WILLMINGTON)

I. Prosperity and security are not ultimately your accomplishments but God’s gifts. (127:1) (Keller)

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://psalm.bible/psalm-127-1

3 Universal Preoccupations of humanity:

Building (Creator, producer)
Security
Raising a family

What are we spending our time building?

Will it last?

Will we wish we had worked more on our death bed?

Watchmen (security)

Uvalde shooting???? Are our children safe? Can we sleep at night?

“In vain” ≠ vanities in Ecclesiastes, though still sweeping

“Anxious toil” or “toiling” of late comes from same root word used in Gen 3:16 where Eve hears from God some of the consequences of her actions.

Hard work + Discipline + Divine Support = Fruitfulness that will last

II. So overwork, worry and strain are a) foolish, and b) wrong. (127:2) If you know that the one who loves you

unfailingly is in complete charge of history, you will be able to sleep well (verse 2).(Keller)

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://psalm.bible/psalm-127-2

Work still harder is no answer to worldly success: it can be a fresh enslavement, in fact. Not simply that projects fail (some bread) but that they lead nowhere.

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, …discipline and diligence isn’t enough (Sorry Jocko)

Why? Because the LORD gives sleep zzzzzzzzz to his beloved—true rest and peace that allows you to sleep when the enemy is out there (today’s war on children in general)

Being anxious over food…

Working long hours…

Vain unless the LORD is in it.

Trusting in the Lord leads to rest and peace because we’re not carrying the full burden but recognizing that we cannot—but He can.

Hard work + Discipline + Divine Suppor = Fruitful life in all that you do

Transition: From here on, Solomon gives the alternative to our elaborate failures.

THE FRUITS FROM A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY (127:3-5) (WILLMINGTON)

III.-V. So too thriving, happy children are God’s doing. (127:3-5) (Keller)

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://psalm.bible/psalm-127-3

“Helicopter” parenting and over involvement in our children’s lives, cannot ensure their health and happiness. (Keller)

Unless the Lord enters their lives, all our watching is in vain. (Keller)

Giving our children to God is the ONLY WAY we get to keep them. (Keller)

If you know that the one who loves you unfailingly is in complete charge of IEStory, you will be able to sleep well. (Keller)

And if you are overworked and over stressed, you are forgetting who God is. Jesus wait it most bluntly: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

What do parents worry about most? Their children’s future.

They are: a heritage from the Lord (he is the gracious ultimate source).

Heritage = a person’s unique source of family identity: the values, traditions, culture and artifacts handed down by previous generations.

Repeated: a reward ( a good blessing) from him (ultimate source).

Genesis 11 illustrates this Psalm:

Man builds for glory and security to achieve is only a fiasco “in vain” whereas
God quietly gives to the obscure Torah a son whose blessings havre proliferated ever since.

Wealth isn’t the issue.
An upstanding family is wealth and honor enough.

IV.

“Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://psalm.bible/psalm-127-4

Simile

How are they a heritage and reward? Like arrows to an archer—warrior/protector/rescuer readying for battle.

Full quiver of arrows represented prestige and protection in that day. (CSB)

“Like arrows for a warrior, children were useful in the agricultural society. The man who had many children also enjoyed respect in the near eastern society.” (CSB)

We’re in a war. Every day.

“Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://psalm.bible/psalm-127-5

Something he launches in the battle to defend and win the battle.

Our battle isn’t against flesh and blood (Ephesians 2) but against rulers and principalities beyond this world.

Are we preparing our children for that??!

Simile continues…

Someone he launches into life to enter the fray (equipped??) on their own two feet.

Assuming the Lord builds his house resting on the Lord,

He will be blessed
His children will not be put to shame when they battle
- In court
- In war
- In life

Because if they all with the Lord too (most raised this way will) then they’ll have nothing to be ashamed of. Therefore, peace no matter the short-term outcome.

And long-term

Conclusion

Bottom Line: Hard work + Discipline + Divine Support = Fruitfulness that will last; “For apart from me you can do nothing.” -Jesus

Prodigal Father scripture Luke 15:11-32

References/Bibliography:

“Psalms 73-150” by Derek Kidner

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

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

“The Songs of Jesus” by Tim Keller

“Treasury of the Psalms” by Charles Spurgeon

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

CSB Study Bible

Darien GabrielJune 19, 2022Grace Christian FellowshipFather's Day, Psalm 127:1-5, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabirel, Bible-believing, non-denominational church, Ladson, SC, provide, protect, family, The Psalms

How to Live Out the Beatitudes Today | Matthew 5:10-16

Series: All: All Authority, All Nations, All Allegiance

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-16 (main)

Title: How to Live out the Beatitudes Today

Heavy credit: David Platt and Douglas Sean O’Donnell (See below for bibliography)

Summary of passage: Coming out of who Citizens of the Kingdom are in the beatitudes, Jesus describes what those citizens get to do in a dark and tasteless world.

Bottom Line: Jesus follows how to BE like Christ with how to DO like Christ. (Fruitfulness Matrix) (draw?)

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss in your groups:

1. British pastor and author John Scott said at the Cape Town Lausanne Conference, “The greatest hindrance to the advance of the gospel worldwide is the failure of the lives of God’s people.” What do you think about John Stott's claim? Do you agree or disagree, and why?

2. Where do you see decay around you? Where do you see darkness?

How can you be salt and light in these places?

3. What is the connection between the Beatitudes and Jesus's call in verses 13-16?

4. How does a pure life impact our witness to the gospel? How might impurity also affect our witness?

5. What might it look like for your life to be "useful" in the kingdom?

6. What are some ways we can lose our saltiness and become useless in the kingdom of God?

7. How does this passage command and inspire international missions?

8. How do many Christians hide their light under a basket? What causes us to do that?

9. How does the light of the Christian lead to God's glory?

10. Consider the questions at the end of this chapter. Which strikes you as most convicting? Why?

Final Questions

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

Opening to Sermon:

There is a salt and pepper shaker collection in our home that has generated much conversation over the years.

Who gets them when mom kicks the bucket?
Why are the ones on the table always empty?
Which ones will we use next?
Who gave us that set?

Use matzah to help people taste no salt. As each person comes into the room, give out to each person along with a slip of paper that says:

This cracker is to eat at sometime in this service. The explanation will come during the message. Feel free to eat it now or when I explain it in the message. God bless you.

The idea will be to show people a sample of how bad tasteless is.

We move from the beatitudes where Jesus describes to us what his people look and act like. We get more detail to this as we work through the entire sermon on the mount. But Jesus laid the foundation in verses 1-12. We’ll pick this up in v. 13 but I’m going to start reading in v. 10.

In v. 13-16 we’re going to answer the questions that Jesus answers on behalf of his fellow Kingdom citizens:

Who am I? (In light of being a kingdom citizen), and
What do I get to do as a kingdom citizen?

““You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:13-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.13-16.NIV

Notice right away that the words “You are” are grammatically emphatic. Jesus says what is true. You can reject it or you can believe and embrace it. But he says what is true. In Christ, you are salt and light. The question is, do you receive and believe this? (John 1:12)

Once again we see that Jesus acts as one with “All Authority.” This series is called “All!” because Matthew wants us to see that Jesus has all authority so that all nations will give him all of their allegiance. This is seen throughout the book of Matthew.

Who am I? What do I get to do?
1. This is a question of identity. We ask this question more than we think. Because intuitively we know that what we do flows from who we believe we are. Not necessarily from who we want to be or someone tells us we are. But who we really believe we are. This is why faith is so important.
2. Also, it’s not you CAN be salt and light. You ARE salt and light. You have all that you need in Christ to do what these imply you can do.
3. Jesus answers this question in 2 ways using metaphor:
  1. We are the salt of the earth.
    1. Why salt? Salt can do a lot of things. One commentator listed 11 things that salt does. But I agree with Hughes who tells us the passage gives us the one that matters to Jesus here. Salt flavors things. Salt is NaCl and it flavors things. Which is why you don’t usually choose to eat unsalted food. (Health reasons not withstanding)
    2. Warning: Don’t lose your saltiness (i.e. usefulness—flavoring power)
    3. Our flavoring power is a metaphor for us to bring flavor of Christ into our world. Now we still acknowledge that flavor can be received one of two ways:
      1. Some will like it.
      2. Some will hate it.
      3. People respond to Christ in one of two these ways when he confronts them with the gospel.
        They gladly receive it or
        They reject it.
  2. We are the light of the world. “This little light of mine” (sing?)
    1. Why light?
      1. Jesus said he is the light of the world in John 8:12. So why this? Jesus chooses to reveal himself to the world through his people. This is his strategy of blessing the world through us to bless us in the process.
      2. Light does a lot of things too. But again context pushes towards the more obvious thing: Light shines. Light illuminates.
    2. Warning: Light was meant to be seen. Therefore, don’t hide it. This implies we will be tempted to not “let” our light shine. If we don’t, what happens?
      1. Good works don’t happen in our world in and through us. (Sin)
      2. God doesn’t get the glory (light!) he deserves and uses to bless.
How does this fit with 1-12? When we live this way—meaning it’s the pattern of our lives—we will be persecuted.
1. Ex. When a husband loves and serves his life well in another country where maybe men don’t typically do that, he will stand out.
  1. Some men will make fun of him and even be angry with him for suggesting this is appropriate.
  2. Some men will see the good in it and change. Maybe even repent and believe.
Imagine a church—or a movement of churches—where everyone lived salty, bright lives in dark places! Boy wouldn’t they stand out! Like a bright city on a hill!
1. And yes there would be fireworks! Some would lead to peace-filled lives.
2. And some would lead to conflict where we’d have to love our enemies publicly.
3. But both would bring glory to God.

Conclusion

“David Brainerd, missionary to the American Indians, died at the age of 29. Reflecting on his life and calling from God, he said, Here I am, Lord, send me; send me to the ends of the earth; send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness; send me from all that is called comfort on earth! send me even to death itself, if it be but in thy service, and to promote thy kingdom. (Edwards, Life of David Brainerd, 224)” —Akin, p. 21

“Ion Keith-Falconer (1856-1887) was a Scottish missionary and Arabic scholar who died at the age of thirty-one. He won the world cycling championship in 1878 at the age of twenty-two but would leave all that behind and go to Egypt and later Yemen as a missionary for Jesus. He died from malaria after being married to his missionary wife Gwendolen for only three years. In the preface to his biography, Robert Sinker wrote,

A career of exceptional promise was early closed in the death of Ion Keith-Falconer. The beauty of his character, his ardent missionary zeal, his great learning, form a combination rarely equaled. . . . How noble a life his was. (Memorials, v)

What was it in this man that would cause him to give up all for the glory of King Jesus and the lost among the nations? I suspect it was this conviction buried deep in his heart that settled the issue:

"I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light." As was true of Ion Keith-Falconer, may it also be true of us: "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!" —Akin, p. 22

References/Bibliography:

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

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“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)

“Exalting Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount” by Daniel Akin (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

"Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" by Kenneth E. Bailey

“The Sermon on the Mount: Kingdom Life in a Fallen World” by Sinclair Ferguson

Darien GabrielJune 12, 2022Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, All, Matthew 5, Beatitudes, Darien Gabirel, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, church, Bible-believing

What Does Kingdom Blessing Look Like? | Matthew 5

Series: All: All Authority, All Nations, All Allegiance

Scripture: Matthew 5: (Main), Phil 2:5-8, John 15:1-6; Proverb 4:23

Title: What does Kingdom blessing look like?

Heavy credit: David Platt and Douglas Sean O’Donnell (See below for bibliography)

Summary of passage: Kingdom citizens follow Jesus by being poor in spirit, mourn over sin and brokenness, are meek, hunger and thirst for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, and are persecuted peacemakers. Their allegiance to Christ is seen in the fruit of the Spirit outlined here.

Bottom Line: The pathway to kingdom blessing and life starts by dying to self.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. Matthew 5:1-3 teaches that spiritual beggars will possess the kingdom of heaven. How does recognizing ourselves as spiritual beggars affect the way we live each day? How can we cultivate this identity more?

2. Citizens of God's kingdom should grieve over their sin and sin in the world. Are there some sins that seem easier for us to grieve over and some that we too often overlook? Why or why not?

3. What does it mean to give God a blank check? Is that call something you find inviting or scary?

4. How does God satisfy those who hunger and thirst

for righteousness?

5. Explain what "mercy" is. Why is being merciful a

requirement for receiving mercy?

6. How can we tell whether we are "pure in heart"? What does this mean for us, knowing that we will not be completely perfect until Christ returns (cf. 1 John 3:2-3)?

7. How does peace play a central part in the Bible's story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration? How can we reflect and participate in that story with our own peacemaking?

8. Why is persecution a necessary part of the Christian life? How does Christ's death and resurrection give us comfort in the face of

persecution?

9. How has persecution been a fuel for the spread of Christianity? What rewards does God promise for those who are experiencing persecution?

10. The Beatitudes describe a high calling for the Christian. How do our relationship to God and our relationships to one another give us the ability to act in these ways?

Final Questions (optional)

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

Opening to Sermon:

Jesus as the new Moses comes to fulfill the law in a way that looks like he’s destroying it. But, of course, he doesn’t destroy it. He brings it to full fruition by bringing new life through it.

We need to law to show us we can’t earn or deserve kingdom blessings. We need to surrender fully to Jesus Christ so he can rescue us and restore us. The law shows us our need for a savior. The gospel tells us the good news that even though we cannot earn our way into the kingdom, he has still made a way for us to get there…through Jesus’ sacrifice at the cross. His death, burial and resurrection!

“Jesus did not destroy the Law by fighting it; he destroyed it by fulfilling it!” —?

Illustration: You can destroy and acorn in 1 of 2 ways:

You can smash it between 2 rocks.
You can plant it in the ground and let it fulfill itself by transforming into an oak. —?

The point here is that the acorn was created/made to be broken. But when it’s broken as God intends it leads to life. If planted, it will dry out (die), and then life will come. It will sprout a new stem and leaf and begin to grow. It’s miraculous.

It’s a picture of what Jesus did at the cross.
It’s a picture of what Jesus does in those who are born again. (New life)
It’s what water baptism is supposed to picture. (Immersion specifically)

Jesus is calling us to come and see, come and follow, come and fish for people, come and die.

Have you ever been in a long line—say at Disney World—and you think you’re about to arrive at the ride itself only to turn the corner and see that you still have a long way to go?

Sometimes that’s what spiritual growth feels like. You grow and are making progress. But just as you start to feel like maybe you’ve arrived, you turn a spiritual corner and realize you are barely any closer than you were. You’ve come to realize (through scripture, grace) that God is way more holy than you imagined and that you have not progressed nearly as much as you think you have.

How does Jesus follow up his teaching, preaching and healing in Matthew 4? What will he do next? He lays out his kingdom manifesto. He wants to the world to know, understand and trust in how to become a citizen of his kingdom instead of the enemy’s. He lays out the blueprint for how his kingdom works.

Jesus shares who in the world receives supernatural and lasting blessings in life. Kingdom blessings.

It comes from God,
Through the Son,
By the Spirit.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://matthew.bible/matthew-5-3

Poor in Spirit = bankrupt of pride and self-sufficiency. Recognition that you have nothing on which to rely on for God’s blessing. Not…

Your reputation
Your holiness, purity, righteousness
Your pedigree, family
Your good works, church work, church position
Your special abilities
Your goodness

Like a branch cut off from the vine, we have no life or worth—we’re fire-worthy only.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://matthew.bible/matthew-5-4

Those who mourn = Grieve over

Our sin
Other’s sin
Consequences of sin in our world
World’s brokenness
Our church’s lack apathy towards the gospel and sharing it
Lack of love for God himself

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://matthew.bible/matthew-5-5

Meek ≠ Weak; Meekness is power under control (like a racehorse or stallion after broken)

We too need to be broken (over our sin) before we can truly run with power under control.

Meekness is humble strength that belongs to the one who has learned to submit to difficulties believing God is working for your good through those difficulties (circumstances and people). —O’Donnell

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://matthew.bible/matthew-5-6

“Hunger and thirst” - Jesus hungered and thirsted for righteousness. He acted justly, loved mercy and walked humbly with the Father. He did this fervently, zealously and wholeheartedly.

Jesus craved a world where relationships would be restored—vertically and horizontally.

Represents a constant pursuit of righteousness in our world and in your life.

By Kenneth Bailey:

“Once in my life I nearly died of thirst. While living in the south of Egypt, a group of friends and I traveled deep into the Sahara Desert by camel. As our trek began, the temperature soared to above 110 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, and there was no shade. On our way, one goat-skin water bag leaked all of its precious contents.

With consumption high due to the heat, we ran out of water, and for a day and a half we pressed on while enduring intense thirst. The goal of the excursion was a famous well named Bir Shaytoun, deep in the desert. Our guide promised us that it was never dry—ah, but could we survive to reach its life-giving liquid silver? My mouth became completely dry, and eating was impossible because swallowing felt like the rubbing of two pieces of sandpaper together. My vision became blurred and the struggle to keep moving became harder with each step. We knew that if the well was dry, our armed guards would probably have forcibly seized our three baggage camels and ridden them back to the valley, leaving the rest of us to die. As I staggered on, my mind turned to this verse and I knew that I had never sought righteousness with the same single-minded passion that I now gave to the quest for water.

Yes, we managed to stagger to the well, and it was full of “the wine of God,” as water is named by desert tribesmen in the Middle East. In the process I learned something of the power of Jesus’ language. In a world where water was scarce and travel arduous, his listeners would have known what it meant to “hunger and thirst” after food and water, and thus could understand what Jesus was saying about an all-consuming passion for righteousness.”

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, Ken Bailey, pp. 76-77

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://matthew.bible/matthew-5-7

We love to receive mercy.

We do not love being merciful. Ex. Cancel culture

Being merciful and giving others what you think they deserve. It’s not judging them. It’s letting God judge them. (Unbelievers)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://matthew.bible/matthew-5-8

Pure = unpolluted by sinful attitudes, beliefs, words, actions or inactions. Bullseye living.

“Be perfect as your father in heaven is perfect.”

“Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (5:9)

Pacemaker vs. Peacemaker

Pacemaker = A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device. This device senses when your heart is beating irregularly or too slowly. It sends a signal to your heart that makes your heart beat at the correct pace. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007369.htm

Peacemaker = Someone who senses when someone else’s heart is beating irregularly or too slowly and sends a signal that makes your heart beat with God’s again.

Peace is about more than the absence of conflict, violence, or war. It denotes a wholeness, completeness, orderliness and prosperity to the core of who we are as human beings. A blessing and manifestation of divine grace.
A peacemaker is one who actively pursues the making of peace at every level: From financial peace to relational peace with people to spiritual peace with God. As God’s children, we pursue what our papa pursues. And that is, fundamentally, peace (shalom). It’s what our soul craves and the kingdom brings about. Our leader is not called the Prince of Peace for no reason.

E. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Cf. 5:3) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

When you hunger and thirst for righteousness, show mercy, keep a clean heart before God, and are a peacemaker, the world, the flesh and the accuser will attack you. You will be persecuted when you reflect this way of life. If they persecuted the prophets who lived and spoke this way, and they persecuted Jesus who lived and spoke this way, why would you not receive the same exact treatment.
Our bottom line again: We are called to Jesus’ vision to live as kingdom citizens in a fallen world.
We now have heard what that looks like—the good and the bad.
Jesus says, “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” for living this way.
Notice: Jesus is at the center of it.

Chiasm

Conclusion

Jesus was spiritually poor, though he never sinned. He humbled himself (Phil 2:5-8). Yet he fully relied on the Father and the Spirit while human.

Jesus mourned over the sin in our world. He was called a man of sorrows for this reason.

Jesus modeled meekness—divine power under control. He restrained or emptied himself to be fully human. What a sacrifice.

Jesus hungered and thirsted for righteousness.

One of the criticisms of the police in Uvalde, TX shooting was that they did not put their lives on the line to save those children but stayed back because of the belief that the children were safe even though the gunman was not secured. They lacked the moral courage that compels one to put their life on the line to save those who cannot save themselves.

What about us?

Are we willing to live and die for the cause of Christ and to rescue those far from him but close to us?

"Satanic Slumber"

Conclusion (last week)—Iranian woman quote

The film cites one Iranian couple that had the opportunity to move to the U.S. After living in America for a matter of months, the wife decided she wanted to move back to Iran, telling her surprised husband: “There is a satanic lullaby here. All the Christians are sleepy and I’m feeling sleepy.” http://godreports.com/2019/09/fastest-growing-church-has-no-buildings-no-central-leadership-and-is-mostly-led-by-women/

She sees the temptation to fall asleep spiritual (spiritual napping) to be of greater danger than to live with the threat of death in Iran as a Christ-follower there.

On Thursday, our son in law had surgery for his torn ACL. We went to his house to help our daughter get him inside because they checked him out with him still very asleep due to the anesthesia. So we met up there to carry him in. And he was awake enough to help us with his one leg. But he was out of it. He was asleep. But he didn’t realize it. For ex., he couldn’t figure out why all these people were there to help get him inside. He thought he could just get the crutches and hop inside. He was awake but just barely. But the danger in it was that he wasn’t aware that he was asleep.

According to this Iranian woman, this describes the American church in general. We’re asleep. Now I’d like to think I am not. But am I ready to blow her assessment off? No way. The stakes are too high.

References/Bibliography:

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

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“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)

"Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" by Kenneth E. Bailey

“The Sermon on the Mount: Kingdom Life in a Fallen World” by Sinclair Ferguson

Darien GabrielJune 5, 2022Grace Christian FellowshipBeatitudes, Darien Gabirel, David Platt, non-denominational church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Bible-believing, church, Ladson, SC, Matthew 5, ALL, kingdom blessing, Douglas Sean O'Donnell

How Do I Follow Jesus? | Matthew 4:18-25

Series: All: All Authority, All Nations, All Allegiance

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-25 (Main);

Title: How do I follow Jesus?

Heavy credit: David Platt and Douglas Sean O’Donnell (See below for bibliography)

Bottom Line: Following Jesus Christ is to believe he is who he says he is so fully that we daily surrender all to him.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. How would you explain what it means to "repent" to someone who had never heard the term?

2. Following Jesus costs us everything. What might that look like practically in our own culture? How might this look different in a hostile Muslim context?

3. If we must abandon everything for Christ, then how does God's grace play a part in our salvation?

4. In what ways has the call to follow Jesus been watered down in our culture?

5. Explain the idea that every disciple is to be a disciple-maker. What might this look like for a mom with young kids? For an accountant? What about a college student?

6. Explain the following statement:

"The New Testament pattern for discipleship is more about 'go and tell' than 'come and see."

7. What are some of the costs of non-discipleship that you see around you?

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

Opening:

Today I’m going to tell you how to follow Jesus as one of his very first disciples describe it.

Andy Stanley defines faith as believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he’ll do all that he’s promised to do. So, to follow Jesus would be to daily, gladly submit to who him and walk in all that he’s promised to do.

Question: Is following Jesus Christ life-giving for you?
- Does it invigorate you?
- Does it challenge you?
- Does it bring you joy?
- Or is it just a casual religious experience squeezed into your weekend long enough to assuage your guilt?

Nets

From engineering to full-time ministry: My story (briefly)
Do you still have your nets? I tossed mine last year.

I. Who’s “me”? (Outline eavily influenced by David Platt)

A. Matthew 1…me = Jesus; Jesus is…

Savior - The Lord saves; rescuer
Messiah - anointed one
Son of David - dynasty, king
Son of Abraham - covenant

B. Matt 2…Jesus is…

Sovereign over wise
Shepherd over weak

C. Matt 3…Jesus is…

Savior king
Righteous judge
Filled with spirit of God
Loved by the Father

D. Matt 4

New Adam who passed the test
True Israel who passed the test
Salvation = light of the world
Hope for the nations

E. Therefore, me is he and he is…

Worth far more than casual church attendance
Worth all allegiance from all people of all nations (Including me); it’s appropriate to surrender all to follow him

II. What does “Follow me” means?

A. Repent & Believe

Repent from your current way of thinking and going to the way of Christ
Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, and that he’s to be Lord (authority) of your life
By grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9)

B. Follow

More than just walking alongside of him
Following his…(Show Bullseye of becoming a Disciple; matrix by Mike Breen)
1. Character (Ways)
2. Competency or Example (Works)
Notice 2 sides of salvation: (Platt)
1. God’s sovereign authority (all authority)
2. Humanity’s (all nations) appropriate response (all allegiance)
Notice what they leave behind
1. Family
2. Friends
3. Career
4. Dreams
5. Security
6. Comforts

C. Go Fish! How?

Teach - in synagogues (insiders; Jews)
Proclaim - herald (outsiders; Gentiles)
Healing - miraculous healings and exorcisms validated his message & mission

D. Where? Around the corner and around the world—Where we live, work, learn and play.

Conclusion:

Do you still have your nets? I cut mine loose last year.
My story concl
Come forward for prayer, healing, and surrender

My Other notes:

Outline: (by David Platt)

I. Me?

A. Jesus is (Matt 1)

Savior
Messiah/Christ - anointed one
Son of David - dynasty
Son of Abraham - covenant

B. Jesus is (Matt 2)

Sovereign over the wise
Shepherd over the weak
Deliverer - Inaugurates the new exodus
Restorer - ends the mournful exile
Loves his fiercest enemies

C. Jesus is (Matt 3)

Savior King
Righteous judge
Filled with the Spirit of God
Loved by the Father

D. Jesus is (Matt 4)

New Adam
True Israel
Light of the World
Hope for all people

E. Jesus is, therefore,

Worthy of far more than church attendance and casual observance
Worthy of total abandonment and supreme adoration

II. Follow

A. Live with radical abandonment for his glory.

We leave all things behind.
We live for one thing: honor the king.

B. Live with joyful dependence on his grace.

He takes the initiative to choose us.
He provides the power to use us.
He gets the glory through us.

C. Live with faithful adherence to his person.

We aren’t casual listeners.
We aren’t convinced listeners.
We are committed learners and disciples.

D. Live with total trust in his authority.

He is the master of every domain in our lives.
He is the Lord of every detail in our lives.

E. Live with urgent obedience to his mission.

Every follower of Jesus is a fisher of men.
Every disciple of Jesus is a disciple-makers.
This is an unconventional plan that demands an universal response.

III. Will you follow Jesus Christ?

A. Consider the cost of discipleship.

B. Consider the cost of non-discipleship.

References/Bibliography:

“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

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

Darien GabrielMay 29, 2022Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Bible-believing, Darien Gabirel, Matthew 4, How do I follow Jesus?, follow Jesus, fishers of men, David Platt

How to Deal with Temptation | Matthew 4:1-11

Series: All: All Authority, All Nations, All Allegiance

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11 (Main); Hebrews 2:18, 4:15; James 1:13-15; 4:7;

Title: How to deal with temptation

Heavy credit: David Platt and Douglas Sean O’Donnell (See below for bibliography)

Summary of chapter: “The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil.” (Outline Bible)

Bottom Line: We handle temptation by following Jesus’ examples of preparation and action.

Jesus’ temptation was…
God-ordained but not God-inflicted. Therefore, we trust God’s sovereign authority. (Spirit leads)
When his flesh was weak. Therefore, we deny ourselves and rest in his power. (Weakness)
Unique yet universal. Therefore, we rest in his faithfulness.
He resisted with the word of God. Therefore, we believe his word.
Tough but temporary testing. Therefore, we embrace the season of testing.

Opening:

In the Lord of the rings trilogy Frodo Baggins has to deal with the temptation that comes whenever he put on the ring of invisibility or the ring of power. Because with that power he could envision himself doing all kinds of things. That power was corrupting him over time and tempting him to change. It is a reminder of how the enemy tempts us through power.

We’re all tempted every day via flash, by the world views were surrounded by, and by the enemy himself. Temptation itself is not evil. Being tempted is part of the test. Sin comes when we give into temptation.

Last week we said sin has consequences.
Two weeks ago we said repentance and faith removes the penalty of sin.
This week we’ll deal with the enemy, the flesh and the world tempting us to sin.

Discussion questions for group and personal study:

Note: We encourage you to use our sermons and discussion questions to gather with some friends and talk about the passage together. Pray and ask God to guide you. He is faithful. Questions? Email us at info@GraceToday.net

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

Goal: The goal isn’t to ask every question. The goal is to encourage people to engage the scriptures together.

Reflect and Discuss

1. What images come to mind when you hear about demons and spiritual warfare? Are these thoughts biblical? If not, explain why.

2. List some things that distract us from seeing the spiritual battles all around us. What are some specific ways we can battle our ignorance and apathy toward spiritual warfare?

3. Which sins are especially prevalent in our culture today?

4. Explain how Jesus' triumph through temptation is both our example and the basis for our own victory in temptation. What is the danger if we only see Jesus as our example?

5. How would you answer the following question: "If Jesus was fully God, then how can His victory over temptation help a weak and sinful person like me?"

6. Of Satan's three temptations in this passage, which one do you struggle with the most? What promise from Scripture might help you battle that temptation?

7. Explain the following statement: Jesus triumphed where Adam and Israel failed.

8. What attributes of God strengthen you during temptation?

9. How do Satan's temptations seek to undermine the purpose of the cross?

10. How does the promise of eternal life and the believer's future reign with Christ affect your everyday battle with sin?

Scripture:

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:1-11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.4.1-11.NIV

Opening:

We all struggle with temptations. (Examples in my life??)

God helps us when we are being tempted (Hebrews 2:18)

God sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15)

So we’re looking at Jesus’

Identity
Example

Outline:

5 Characteristics of Jesus’ temptations so we can become resistors of temptation

Jesus’ temptations were…

I. God-ordained but not God-inflicted. Therefore, we trust his sovereign authority.

A. Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (God-ordained) to be tempted/tested by the devil (not God-inflicted).

B. Jesus is both

Tested: Is he really the true Son of God? Will he hold fast to God’s plan of salvation?
Tempted:
1. To exalt himself
2. To avoid the pain and suffering of the cross
3. To bow to Satan’s rule

C. Lesson: “If you want to follow Jesus, know that the road to Heaven is not paved with gold and lined with daisies. Jesus who was loved by God was sent into the wilderness to be tested. If you are his follower, you can expect the same.” —DSO

“Perhaps you have heard the story of a congressman from Tennessee who, after serving his first term in Washington, was seeking reelection. He returned to his home state of Tennessee to seek support for reelection, and in those efforts he went to the home of a wealthy farmer who had been a key supporter in his first election. The congressman said to the farmer, “I’m running for a second term. Will you support me again?” The farmer shook his head no and said, “No, I’m sorry, Mr. Crockett. I’m not going to support you again.” He continued, “Do you remember what happened last year when there was a fire in Washington that displaced people from their home? You voted to give the displaced people the money they needed to build a new house. You didn’t take that money from your own pocket, but you voted to take it from mine.” In other words, the money distributed by the congressman had not been his to give.”

Excerpt From Matthew - An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul

II. When his flesh was weak. Therefore, we deny ourselves and rest in his power.

A. Wilderness/desert, no shelter, hostile nature, extreme weather, no creature comforts.

B. Solitude - alone, no companionship.

C. No food.

D. “We should be prepared to fight when we are most weak.” —DSO

Or think about Adam and Eve. Read what James Montgomery Boice says about them in contrast to Jesus:

“Adam and Eve were in paradise; Jesus was in the vast, desolate wilderness of Judah. Adam and Eve were physically content and satisfied. They were

free to eat from any of the trees of the garden, save the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; Jesus was hungry, having fasted for forty days and forty nights. Adam and Eve were together. They had each other for company and mutual support; Jesus was alone. Yet Adam and Eve rapidly succumbed to Satan's wiles, carrying the entire human race into sin, misery, destruction, and both physical and spiritual death, while Jesus stood firm as the Savior who was to bring life and salvation to the race.

What Adam didn't do, Jesus did. P. 85

III. Unique yet universal. Therefore, we rest in his faithfulness.

A. Unique temptation—because he is unique

Remember who he is: (Matt 3:17; Psalm 2; Isaiah 42)
1. Son of God
2. Suffering Servant
3. Of course, this is why Satan’s point of attack centers on
  1. Questioning his identity, and
  2. Challenging him to take the crown without the cross.

B. Universal temptations—Aren’t we all tempted to grab the crown without the cross?

To think that the physical > spiritual?
Seek out the gospel through gimmicks, entertainment, and worldly means—our own version of turning stones to bread?
By the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16)
From holy reliance on the Father to an unholy independence?

The tempter tempts him to take the shortcut to glory by bypassing Gethsemane and Golgotha. That's what all these temptations are about.

Just look at the least obvious—verses 3, 4. Here it's as if Satan says,

“Look, Jesus, you're hungry. The whole world is hungry. If you can turn these stones into bread, which I know you can- because you're God's Son!—then feed yourself, and feed the world. Use your power for what people most need and want—their bellies to be filled—and then watch the whole world

"run after you like sheep, grateful and obedient." You will have the world literally eating from your hand. Give people what they really want—not the Word of God but food from God.” -Douglas Sean O’Donnell, p. 87

IV. Resisted with the word of God. Therefore, we believe in his word.

A. While we could go to the sword analogy (Eph 6:17) as the word of God, DSO suggests we go to the shield analogy instead: The shield of faith.

B. Because we acknowledge God’s word is powerful. But do we really believe it? Do we live by “every word” of God?

C. The shield of faith is more defensive by nature. It extinguishes the fiery darts of the enemy.

Not darts tempting towards obvious evil but good things that can trip us up as well.
Romans 10:17 Faith comes from hearing…

D. Questions to consider

Do you know the word of God? It’s content?
Do you know how to interpret it correctly?
Do you trust what God has said and written?

V. Tough but temporary. (10-11) Therefore, we embrace the season of testing.

A. James 4:7

B. 1 Cor 10:13 makes it clear, there’s no temptation that is

Not common to everyone,
Not beyond your ability to resist with our Lord’s help (Heb 2:18),
From which God does not provide a way of escape—if you say “NO!” he will go.

C. “Our God only allows Satan to tempt us for our good, to try and test and refine our faith.

Conclusion:

Satan cannot break jesus because…
- He rests in his identity
- He prays
- He fasts
- He’s following the Holy Spirit
- He knows the word of God
- He knows the future
- He speaks the word aloud in the face of the enemy believing it’s power

Let’s do this and lead others to do the same!

Pray

My Other notes:

Resist seems a key action (requires faith)

Fasting seems a key strategy or power source (prayer = faith in action)

Scripture seems a key weapon (requires faith) (truth)

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

‭‭James‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://james.bible/james-4-7

“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://1peter.bible/1-peter-5-9

Verse 1

“Then” - follows his baptism where he’s affronted in his character and identity as the Son of God.
“led” - Jesus followed, didn’t just lead.
“By the Spirit” - Holy Spirit/Spit of God is who Jesus followed modeling this perfectly for us.
“Into the wilderness” - the most uncomfortable place to be is away from shelter, food, family, and friends. Especially for an extended length of time.
“To be tempted” - This is why the Holy Spirit led him there. This is the Spirit testing and preparing Jesus for what is to come.
“By the devil” - the Tempter, the Accuser; Father of lies.

Verse 2

“40” - A significant Bible number—combination of 4, earthly things and 10, divine perfection. A long time to not eat! No wonder he was hungry! Also, the number of years Israel wandered in the desert with Moses being tempted, tested and led by the Spirit of God.

Verse 3

“the Tempter” - Satan, the devil; what he does.
“Came to him” - Has Jesus in his crosshairs.
“‘If you are the son of God’” “If” is his way of introducing doubt. Satan knows exactly who Jesus is.
“Son of God” - who Jesus Christ is.
“Tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus could have done this. He likely was tempted as a man. Yet he did not give in.

Verse 4

He resisted this temptation by fasting, praying, and recalling scripture and quoting it to Satan.
“Answered” - Jesus dialogues with Satan, whom he knows well.
“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” LIfe is spiritual as well as physical. God’s word feeds our soul and faith even as food feeds our body. We need both. And God still speaks (through) his word.

Verse 5

“Took” - Jesus willingly follows Satan to the highest point on the temple; could have been literally or just visually. This would have also been the highest point in Jerusalem overlooking the city and the region.

Verse 6

“If” - once again, Stan questions/raises doubts to tempt Jesus to doubt his own identity.
“Throw yourself down” - i.e. test. Psalm 91:11-12 by jumping so the angels will rescue you. But to what end? To prove to himself he’s really Son of God? To prove to Satan? The world?
“He will command his angels concerning you…” - The Lord protects his son when he wants to…but not before and on the cross.

Verse 7

“It is also written” - more scripture to combat temptation.
“Don’t put the Lord your God to the test.” There’s a only one time in scripture where God says test me and this isn’t it.

Verse 8

“Again” - third time
“Took him to a very high mountain” - another epic view. This time of the entire world. “Showed him all the kingdoms of the world.” To tempt him to rescue the world without having to go to the cross.

Verse 9

“All this I will give you…if you will bow down and worship me.” - Because Satan has this authority right now. Price? Allegiance and worship of Satan. This is what Satan ultimately wants.
Jesus responds with scripture once again to resist temptation powerfully as his leaning on the same authority that gave Satan temporary authority over the world.
“Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” - Ourallegiance is to the Lrod God alone. Even the Son of God bows to him while in the flesh. He submits to him as well (the cross; incarnation)

Verse 10

“The devil left him“
- Satan cannot break jesus because…
- He rests in his identity
- He prays
- He fasts
- He’s following the Holy Spirit
- He knows the word of God
- He knows the future
- He speaks the word aloud in the face of the enemy believing it’s power

Verse 11

“Angels came and attended him” - His physical needs are eventually met.

Notes from RC Sproul’s commentary

Temptations rise from within.

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1:13-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Therefore, God isn’t tempting Jesus—Satan is.
God led Jesus there knowing that would happen and using it to test him.

Adam & Eve failed a similar test but under much different conditions:
- They were in paradise (Garden of Eden) vs. the wilderness/desert that Jesus was in.
- They had unlimited food around them vs. Jesus fasting for 40 days and nights.
- They had each other (plus the Father each night) vs. Jesus being all alone.

Yet, same issues is at stake: The serpent came to Adam & Eve with a question: “Has God really said…?”

In the wilderness, Satan suggested three times, “If…”

The Devil’s point of attack is the same in both cases—the trustworthiness of God’s word. Adam and Eve did not believe God’s word. Jesus did. RCS

Jesus submitted to baptism in part to identify with his people.

Maybe a bigger miracle is Jesus’ sinless life. If he’s not sinless, then he’s not an acceptable sacrifice. No cross, no salvation. So all that is on the line here in the wilderness.

Could Jesus have sinned?

Divinely speaking, no.
Humanly speaking, yes. But he didn’t. As a man, Jesus had the ability to sin, or he’d not have been truly human nor truly tempted. It would have all been a scam.

Satan used a simple desire to satisfy a legitimate need to tempt Jesus.

Satan plants the suggestion that if Jesus really was the son of God, he’d not have to endure suffering but use divine authority to eat.
“It is written” is Jewish shorthand for the words of God or scripture.
Life requires more than physical food. We need bread plus spiritual food.
What else? “Every word” not just some words of God.
“Jesus’ meat and drink was to do the will of the Father. He had a zeal that consumed him.”
“The word that came from the Father was more important to him that his bread.”
“Let’s see if the Bible is true. Jump and see if the angels catch you.”
Hermeneutics - laws/rules that govern the interpretation of scripture.
- First principle: the “analogy of faith” = scripture Has it’s own interpreter. That is we interpret scripture with scripture.
- God never speaks a lie.
- God’s word is coherent and unified.
- God never contradicts himself.
Therefore, what he says in Judges can never contradict what he says in Ephesians.
Therefore, if we set one part of scripture against another we violate this first principle of bible interpretation.
This is exactly what Satan is doing.

BQ: Have you ever considered your personal point of vulnerability if Satan were to come to you with a test?

What would he put in front of you?

Glory?
A kingdom? (A company, an organization, an institution)
Riches?
Power?

He offered all of these things to Jesus in exchange for one thing—worship.

Jesus already knew he was getting all of that. But Satan was tempting him to get it with a shortcut—without the cross.

BQ: How do you respond to Satan’s temptations when you’re alone and no one can see you?

“Get our of here, Satan!”

Notes from Warren Wiersbe’s commentary

Temptation 1: Satan appealed to the body; the flesh.

Satan suggests that if Christ were God’s son, he wouldn’t let Jesus stay hungry as if God were holding out on him. (Does God really love you? Answer, see Matt 3:17)

God tests us in ordinary things in life.

Word > Bread

Temptation 2: Satan appealed to Jesus proving himself.

Satan leaves out “in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11-12) when quoting this Psalm.

Temptation s3: Satan appealed to Jesus with an “easier way” to become king. Appeal to by-pass the cross and suffering.

Kingdom already promised to Jesus (Ps 2:6-9)
Kingdom received after dying on the cross.

“Whatever we worship (what we order our lives around) is the god we serve.” -WW

We cannot serve both God and god. Matt 6:24

Says Jesus was tested so that every creature would know that Jesus Christ conquerors. Jesus exposed Satan’s tactics and defeated him.

We have victory because he was victorious here and ultimately at the cross.

Adam & Eve Jesus vs Satan

Garden of Eden Wilderness/Desert

Plenty of food, drink Fasting

Shade, shelter No shelter from the weather

Companionship Alone

Suggestion 1: Satan always suggesting that God is depriving you of what’s good (is God really good; does he really love you?); he must not love us!

Suggestion 2: Use your divine power to meet your own needs and those around you.

“When we put our physical needs ahead of our spiritual needs, we sin.” -WW

“Jesus could have turned the stones into bread, but he would have been exercising his powers independently of the Father; and he came to obey the Father.” -WW

God’s word IS our food. John 4:32-34

Third temptation: Shortcut to the kingdom.

“Satan has always wanted worship, because Satan has always wanted to be God.” -WW

“Worshipping the creature instead of the Creator is the lie that rules our world today.” -WW

“If we want to share in the glory, we must also share in the suffering.” (1 Peter 5:10)

No cross—no crown

“Whatever we worship, we will serve.”

Worship and service go together.

Jesus calls others to obey after he obeyed.

References/Bibliography:

“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

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

Darien GabrielMay 15, 2022Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Bible-believing, Darien Gabriel, Darien Gabirel, Matthew 4

Sermons

Various levels of church discipline

Personal differences between Christians (Matt. 18:15–18; Phil. 4:1–3).

Doctrinal error.

A believer overtaken by sin (Gal. 6:1–3).

A repeating troublemaker (Titus 3:10).

Open immorality (1 Cor. 5).

Church Discipline Notes