How to Recognize Spiritual Blind Spots | Matthew 15:1-20

Series: All!

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-20

Title: “How to recognize spiritual blind spots” (Darien Gabriel)

Heavily relied on Sean O’Donnell’s commentary on Matthew for outline and key thoughts

Bottom line: Recognizing the blind spots in others not only keeps us from foolishly following others who have them but it helps us reflect on our own blind spots and deal with them effectively (at the heart level).

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. What sources of authority and traditions compete with God's Word in the context in which you live?

2. If not everyone who quotes Scripture speaks the truth, then how can you prepare yourself to discern truth from error?

3. Answer the following question: "The Bible was written by men, so how can it be true in everything it says?" What passages might you appeal to in your answer?

4. What contemporary trends are putting pressure on believers to compromise faithfulness to God? How can our response involve courage and humility?

5. What is the danger of emphasizing emotions in our corporate worship without being driven by God's Word? What kind of spiritual affections should our corporate worship encourage?

6. In your own words, explain the difference between superficial religion and supernatural regeneration.

7. Jesus teaches that holiness proceeds from the heart. Practically, then, how do you cultivate such holiness?

8. How do you identify false teachers? Is it unloving to reject their teaching? If not, why not?

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. The damning effects of spiritual blindness.

Q. Why?

A. So that we’ll see the truth in others and our selves:

Recognizing blind guides/false teachers/wolves in sheep’s clothing and not follow
Recognizing our own blind spots so we don’t become a blind guide

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. 3 things:

Ask the right religious questions,
Trust scriptures over traditions not based on scripture, and
See and pursue purity as a matter of the heart (inside-out).

Q. Why?

A. To help us recognize and deal with our spiritual blind spots and thus have a right heart towards God and people.

INTRO

Nicky Gumbel tells the story of…

Rich in Mercy

A man was having his portrait painted by a successful artist. When the portrait was finished it was unveiled. The man was most unhappy with the result. When asked whether he liked it, he replied, ‘I don’t think it does me justice.’ To which the artist replied, ‘Sir, it is not justice you need, but mercy!’ https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/17704/day/59?segment=0

I think it’s safe to say that this man had some blindspots as it relates to his look. And, if we’re honest, we all have some blindspots in our perceptions of self. Some of those are physical. Some of those are more subtle…like our spiritual maturity. All are impacted by our humility (or lack thereof).

Today we’re going to see what it looks like to have blindspots that are so big that you might call them blind altogether. In fact, Matthew and I are going to show you 3 big blind spots people have and the damning effects of those blindspots. We’re also going to show you how to recognize them so that you can better deal with those who have them—others and yourself.

CONTEXT

Jesus and his disciples leave Israeli territory and go to the decapolis (a region east of Judea made up of 10 gentile cities). This marks the last time Jesus will do ministry in the Galilean region as his remaining ministry will happen in Judea and especially in Jerusalem.

The religious leaders make a trip to where Jesus and his disciples are ministering to continue to confront him with the hopes of exposing him and condemning him.

Notice that this is in the wake of some pretty amazing miracles and teachings. He’s feed over 5,000 men plus women and children with a happy meal. He’s walked on water across the Sea of Galilee. He continues to heal all who come to him including just by walking by them and they reaching out to touch his cloak. He’s gaining immense popularity as a result. He’s being seen as a Messiah if not THE Messiah by the populace. As a result, the religious leaders are getting desperate. A leader like this will disrupt the status quo with Rome. And this means the loss of influence and affluence for the religious leaders of Israel. Not acceptable. Thus we’re already seeing some blind spots in these leaders. But it’s not just them who have them, remember.

3 Big Blind Spots and what they look like.

Those with blind spots…

I. Ask the wrong religious questions.

Sean O’Donnell wrote that the Pharisees asking Jesus this question after all he’d just done is like asking a firefighter who’s just rescued a baby from a house fire if it’s true his brother eats meat on Fridays during Lent.

II. Trust un-scriptural traditions even more than the scriptures themselves.

Corbin = the practice of pledging money (like willing it) to the temple to be paid upon one’s death.

Instead, it’s used to get out of helping needy parents because the $$$ already committed to God. They can use it but not for their parents. This didn’t just break the 5th commandment. This broke the whole law! Love God, love people. No compassion per Jesus.

Jesus calls out the Pharisees for putting their traditions over the Word. Your traditions are un-scriptural.

Isaiah 29:13

III. Think purity or faithfulness is an outside, not inside, reality. They discount the matters of the heart.

Scripture teaches us that the human heart is wicked, unclean and untrustworthy. (Heart = Seat of our emotions, thinking, will, and beliefs) This is why our words defile us.

Spiritual immaturity is seen in our words (and actions). Jesus emphasizes words here.

Jesus uses some of the 10 commandments to make his point:

5th - honor your parents—imposed a divine obligation on families to take care of their elderly parents. —Sproul

However, people attempted to get around this obligation by pledging their estates to the temple. So, while they were alive, they couldn’t spend their money on their parents since pledged to temple when they died. Therefore, really keeping their money for themselves until they die. Jesus said that their traditions permitted violation of God’s word.

There’s no law that says my disciples must wash hands before eating. But there is a law of God that tells you to honor your parents and therefore take care of them as they age.

6th - murder

7th - adultery

8th - theft

9th - lying, slander

Jesus will point these out vividly and call out those with these blindspots as to help the rest recognize and avoid following them.

There’s another caution here to consider: We all have blind spots. Let’s humble ourselves and make sure we see them and deal with them appropriately.

CONCLUSION

As we head into this new year, will you courageously, purposefully evaluate your life through this lense?

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

Pray

Outline Bible

SECTION OUTLINE FOURTEEN (MATTHEW 15)

Jesus confronts the Pharisees, teaches the crowds, and explains his teachings to Peter and the other disciples. He heals a Canaanite woman's daughter and feeds the 4,000.

1. THE MEETINGS (15:1-20)

A. Jesus' meeting with the Pharisees (15:1-9)

1. Their accusation (15:1-2): They accuse Jesus of breaking the

Mosaic law by permitting his disciples to ignore the ceremonial hand washing ritual before eating.

2. His condemnation (15:3-9)

a. Jesus speaks concerning their corruption (15:3-6): The Pharisees twist God's law in such a way that it allows them to ignore their responsibilities concerning their parents!

b. Jesus speaks concerning their character (15:7-9): Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites and says they fulfill Isaiah's terrible prophecy concerning them (Isa. 29:13).

B. Jesus' meeting with the people (15:10-11): Jesus tells the crowd that uncleanness is not caused by what goes into a person's mouth (nonkosher food) but rather by what comes out!

C. Jesus' meeting with Peter (15:12-20): He says the same thing to Peter and the disciples.

II. THE MIRACLES (15:21-39)

A. Healing a Canaanite woman's daughter (15:21-28)

1. The brokenhearted mother (15:21-23)

a. The place (15:21): Jesus is in the region of Tyre and Sidon.

b. The plea (15:22-23): A mother in this area begs him to heal her demon-possessed daughter.

2. The kindhearted Messiah (15:24-28)

a. His reminder (15:24-26): He tells her that his key ministry is to the Jews, not the Gentiles.

b. Her response (15:27-28)

(1) The reasoning (15:27): She agrees but asks for some of the crumbs that might fall from Israel's spiritual table.

(2) The reward (15:28): Jesus immediately grants her request.

B. Feeding the 4,000 (15:29-39): Jesus ministers to this group of 4,000 men as he did previously for the 5,000.

1. Meeting the needs of the hurting (15:29-31): Jesus heals the lame, blind, crippled, and the mute.

2. Meeting the needs of the hungry (15:32-39)

a. The amount of food (15:32-34): He has only seven loaves of bread and a few small fishes.

b. The abundance of food (15:35-39): Seven full baskets remain after all have eaten their fill!

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 8, 2023Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Matthew 15, blind spots

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

How Would You Respond to Good News? | Luke 2:8-20

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Ken DorrityDecember 25, 2022Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Ladson, SC, bible believing, church, Ken Dorrity, Luke 2:8-20, Good News, Christmas, Grace Christian Fellowship

Is There Room? | Luke 2:1-7

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Ken DorrityDecember 18, 2022Grace Christian FellowshipLuke 2:1-7, Christmas, Ken Dorrity, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, non-denominational church, bible believing, church

Is Jesus Christ Worth Everything? | Matthew 13:24-58

Series: All!

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-58

Title: “Is Jesus Christ Worth Everything?” (Darien Gabriel)

Bottom line: If you understand gospel GROWTH and gospel JUDGMENT, you will understand gospel GAIN—why fully embracing Jesus and his kingdom is like finding a hidden treasure that’s so great that it’s worth selling all you have (or even giving your life) to get.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. How is persevering faith different from works-righteousness?

2. What would you say to someone whose only evidence of salvation was a momentary decision?

3. What encouragement might come to persecuted believers from the parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast?

4. What do the parables of the Weeds and the Net have to teach us about the final judgment? Why is it sometimes difficult to discern who is and who is not part of the kingdom?

5. How could you use the parables of the Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price to respond to someone who said, "I want to follow Jesus, but I don't want to make drastic changes in my life"?

6. What wrong conceptions of the kingdom has Matthew 13 corrected for you?

7. If you knew that knowing Jesus Christ was worth everything, would you sell everything and follow him?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

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

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

Intro

Ticket for speeding in a blind school zone.

Weeds in your yard?

Sean O’Donnell gives us 3 themes that he says connect here in chapter 13. He also says that when we understand gospel growth and gospel judgment we’ll understand gospel gain and how that affects how we live in our world today.

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. Gospel Gain: That Jesus is worth any and everything in your life. Nothing is worth more than knowing and following Jesus Christ. He’s the ultimate win!

Q. Why?

A. Because of the way his kingdom works.

Tender hearts lead to rescue from kingdom of evil.
Tender hearts lead to fruitful living.
Tender hearts lead to growing & gain.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Sell all and exchange it for Jesus.

Q. Why?

A. Because he’s more than worth it.

Outline (David Platt’s outline)

REVIEW

I. Four Questions

A. What is a parable?

1. A practical story

2. Often framed as a metaphor

3. Illustrates a spiritual truth

B. How do we understand parables? 3 Principles

1. Listen from the hearer's perspective.

Put yourself in their shoes.
1st c. Jews vs. 21st c. Americans.
What would they hear? How would they respond? How would they feel?

2. Look for the main point. Usually 1–2 or 3 max.

3. Let the truth change your perception. I.e. Let it change the way you think about something through story.

C. Why do we have parables?

1. Jesus was revealing truth to those who were believing the mysterious (secrets)--this was evidence of God's mercy.

Why do we have parables?
“Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given to you to know, but it has not been given to them.”
Secrets or mysteries in the OT revealed in the NT.

What’s not secret: God would send the Messiah to usher in a kingdom.
Secret: What kind of Messiah God would send, how that Messiah would conquer

Not through political struggle (political scheming)
Not through brute force (military)
but through sacrificial love (cross)

Therefore, for those who were trusting that Jesus was promised King/Messiah, the parables helped them understand what kind of king he was and what kind of kingdom he was ushering in.
HEARING/BELIEVING WAS EVIDENCE OF GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY.

2. Jesus was concealing truth from those who were denying the obvious-this was evidence of God's judgment.

JESUS WAS CONCEALING THE OBVIOUS

Despite the many miracles (not to mention the signs).
Despite the many teachings.
NOT HEARING/BELIEVING WAS EVIDENCE OF GOD’S JUDGMENT.

3. 2 Purposes based on 2 kinds of audiences

First 4 parables told to the crowds.
Last 4 parables told to the disciples.

D. What is the kingdom of heaven?

1. The redemptive rule or reign of God in Christ

2. A present reality: The King is here, and His kingdom is advancing.

3. A future realization: The King is coming back, and His kingdom will one day be complete.

II. Eight Parables

A. The parable of the Sower (aka Soils) (13:1-9, 18-23)

The sower is the son of man and the seed is the message of salvation (aka good news of the kingdom).
The soil is the human heart.

Some in Jesus’ day rejected/rebelled.
Others casually responded to him.
The problem of rejection is not the seed nor the sower but the human heart.

Jesus points to 4 different heart-responses to the message of salvation:

Pathway/Packed soil = hard heart = seed sits on top and never enters the soil; birds eat. This is a lack of understanding prevents reception of the message. No fruit.
Rocky/Hard-pan soil = shallow/superficial heart = seed hits the soil, takes root and sprouts but due to the layer of rock beneath, the roots can’t go deep. When the sun comes out the plant withers. This is how a person falls away when the troubles of life test their faith. It withers. No fruit.

George Whitefield, 18th c. Evangelist during the first great awakening when asked how many were saved at one of his sermons would say, “We’ll see in a few years.”
Emma - we waited years after she professed Christ as VBS (4 yrs old) to see the fruit over time.

Good soil surrounded by thorn bushes = distracted/divided heart = The person falls away after hearing and responding due to the deceitfulness of wealth and worries in this life. Result is, once again, no fruit.
Good soil = Fruitful heart -

Hears the word
Understands the word
Believes the word
Obeys the word bearing fruit that will last (John 15:16). 30, 60 & 100X.
LOL

Listen to the word.
Obey the word. (Bearing fruit)
Leading others to listen to and obey the word. (Bearing fruit)

THIS WEEK

B. The parables of the Weeds and the Net

C. The parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast

D. The parables of the Treasure and the Pearl

E. The parable of the Homeowner

II. Two Primary Applications

A. Humbly and joyfully receive the message of the kingdom.

B. Confidently and urgently spread the message of the kingdom.

C. The Lord’s supper is where we

Look back at when we received the message.
Look up to the one who gave us a message worth hearing.
Look ahead to sharing this message with others until he returns.

Conclusion:

Herod illustrates a hard heart. And Jesus drives home the point that a hard heart leads to unfruitfulness, the broad road, and weeping and gnashing of teeth—where God carries out his holy wrath and justice.

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

Pray

References/Bibliography:

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

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

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

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

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

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

Darien GabrielDecember 11, 2022Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, bible believing, church, non-denominational church, Matthew

Why Did Jesus Teach with Parables? | Matthew 13:1-23

Series: All!

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23 (Main); Acts 1:6-8, Matt 1-23, Acts 28:28

Title: “Why Did Jesus Teach with Parables?” (Darien Gabriel)

Main source of commentary: David Platt

Bottom line: Jesus taught in parables to reveal to some and to conceal from others the good news that the kingdom of God is near.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. How did Jesus' parables both reveal and conceal truth?

2. Explain how the kingdom can be both present and future.

3. How would you sum up the parable of the Sower in one or two sentences? How might the parable of the Sower help us avoid being manipulative in our preaching, teaching, and evangelizing?

4. What are some signs that the cares and riches of the world are choking out saving faith as the Bible describes it?

5. How is persevering faith different from works-righteousness?

6. What would you say to someone whose only evidence of salvation was a momentary decision?

7. What encouragement might come to persecuted believers from the parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast?

8. What do the parables of the Weeds and the Net have to teach us about the final judgment? Why is it sometimes difficult to discern who is and who is not part of the kingdom?

9. How could you use the parables of the Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price to respond to someone who said, "I want to follow Jesus, but I don't want to make drastic changes in my life"?

10. What wrong conceptions of the kingdom has Matthew 13 corrected for you?

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

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/17704/day/196?segment=0

Soften Your Heart and Harden Your Feet

A twenty-one-year-old music college student took the cheapest ship she could find, calling at the greatest number of countries, and prayed to know where to disembark. She arrived in Hong Kong in 1966 and came to a place called the Walled City. It was a small, densely populated, lawless area controlled neither by China nor Hong Kong. It was a high-rise slum for drug addicts, gangs and prostitutes. She wrote:

I loved this dark place. I hated what was happening in it but I wanted to be nowhere else. It was almost as if I could already see another city in its place and that city was ablaze with light. It was my dream. There was no more crying, no more death or pain. The sick were healed, addicts set free, the hungry filled. There were families for orphans, homes for the homeless, and new dignity for those who had lived in shame. I had no idea of how to bring this about but with ‘visionary zeal’ imagined introducing the Walled City people to the one who could change it all: Jesus.

Jackie Pullinger has spent over half a century working with prostitutes, heroin addicts and gang members. I remember so well a talk she gave some years ago. She began by saying, ‘God wants us to have soft hearts and hard feet. The trouble with so many of us is that we have hard hearts and soft feet.’

Jackie is a glowing example of this; going without sleep, food and comfort to serve others. God wants us to have soft hearts – hearts of love and compassion. But if we are to make any difference to the world, this will lead to hard feet as we travel along tough paths and face challenges.

Context:

Where he was:

“We have a tendency to think that parables were merely illustrations Jesus employed to help make His points. There is a sense in which that is true, but it is a vast over-simplification of the actual function of parables. The word parable is made up of a prefix, para, and a root, the verb ballō. Para means “alongside.” A paralegal is someone who comes alongside a lawyer to provide legal help. A parachurch ministry comes alongside the church to aid it in its mission. Baleo means “to throw or hurl.” So literally, a parable is something that is thrown alongside of something else. In the case of Jesus, a parable was an illustration or a restatement of a truth that He “threw in” with His teaching.”

In reference to Isaiah 6:1-8…

“God was sending Isaiah as a prophet of judgment, because God had had enough of people who did not want to hear or see the truth”

“…He was explaining to Isaiah that He had kept for Himself a remnant, “a tenth,” from which He would raise up His people again. But Isaiah’s mission was to the rest, to clog their ears and blind their eyes.”

“So, in answer to the disciples’ question, Jesus explained that He used parables both to reveal and to conceal. To those who had “ears to hear,” the parables were words of life. To those whose hearts were hardened and who could not hear so as to understand, the parables were indecipherable stories, impenetrable mysteries. The first of them was the parable of the sower.”

Excerpt From

Matthew - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

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

This material may be protected by copyright.

Excerpt From

Matthew - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

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

This material may be protected by copyright.

““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.7.21-23.NIV

Bottom line:

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. That the condition of your heart determines whether you receive mercy or judgment.

Q. Why?

A. Because it’s a measure of your level of trust of the Lord.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Humble yourself and repent and believe the good news.

Q. Why?

A. Because your quality of life depends on it—here and now, and hereafter.

Bottom line: Jesus taught in parables to reveal to some and to conceal from others the good news that the kingdom of God is near.

Context: Jesus is talking to the crowd and the religious leaders intent on discrediting him. He continues to show them portraits of himself through his direct teachings. He’ll move to parables in the next chapter making his truths less obvious to some and even incomprehensible to others.

Outline (David Platt’s outline)

I. Four Questions

A. What is a parable?

1. A practical story

2. Often framed as a metaphor

3. Illustrates a spiritual truth

B. How do we understand parables? 3 Principles

1. Listen from the hearer's perspective.

Put yourself in their shoes.
1st c. Jews vs. 21st c. Americans.
What would they hear? How would they respond? How would they feel?

2. Look for the main point. Usually 1–2 or 3 max.

3. Let the truth change your perception. I.e. Let it change the way you think about something through story.

C. Why do we have parables?

1. Jesus was revealing truth to those who were believing the mysterious (secrets)--this was evidence of God's mercy.

Why do we have parables?
“Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given to you to know, but it has not been given to them.”
Secrets or mysteries in the OT revealed in the NT.

What’s not secret: God would send the Messiah to usher in a kingdom.
Secret: What kind of Messiah God would send, how that Messiah would conquer

Not through political struggle (political scheming)
Not through brute force (military)
but through sacrificial love (cross)

Therefore, for those who were trusting that Jesus was promised King/Messiah, the parables helped them understand what kind of king he was and what kind of kingdom he was ushering in.
HEARING/BELIEVING WAS EVIDENCE OF GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY.

2. Jesus was concealing truth from those who were denying the obvious-this was evidence of God's judgment.

JESUS WAS CONCEALING THE OBVIOUS

Despite the many miracles (not to mention the signs).
Despite the many teachings.
NOT HEARING/BELIEVING WAS EVIDENCE OF GOD’S JUDGMENT.

3. 2 Purposes based on 2 kinds of audiences

First 4 parables told to the crowds.
Last 4 parables told to the disciples.

D. What is the kingdom of heaven?

1. The redemptive rule or reign of God in Christ

2. A present reality: The King is here, and His kingdom is advancing.

3. A future realization: The King is coming back, and His kingdom will one day be complete.

Acts 1:6-8 “Then they gathered around him and asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”

II. Eight Parables

A. The parable of the Sower (aka Soils) (13:1-9, 18-23)

The sower is the son of man and the seed is the message of salvation (aka good news of the kingdom).
The soil is the human heart.

Some in Jesus’ day rejected/rebelled.
Others casually responded to him.
The problem of rejection is not the seed nor the sower but the human heart.

Jesus points to 4 different heart-responses to the message of salvation:

Pathway/Packed soil = hard heart = seed sits on top and never enters the soil; birds eat. This is a lack of understanding prevents reception of the message. No fruit.
Rocky/Hard-pan soil = shallow/superficial heart = seed hits the soil, takes root and sprouts but due to the layer of rock beneath, the roots can’t go deep. When the sun comes out the plant withers. This is how a person falls away when the troubles of life test their faith. It withers. No fruit.

George Whitefield, 18th c. Evangelist during the first great awakening when asked how many were saved at one of his sermons would say, “We’ll see in a few years.”
Emma - we waited years after she professed Christ as VBS (4 yrs old) to see the fruit over time.

Good soil surrounded by thorn bushes = distracted/divided heart = The person falls away after hearing and responding due to the deceitfulness of wealth and worries in this life. Result is, once again, no fruit.
Good soil = Fruitful heart -

Hears the word
Understands the word
Believes the word
Obeys the word bearing fruit that will last (John 15:16). 30, 60 & 100X.
LOL

Listen to the word.
Obey the word. (Bearing fruit)
Leading others to listen to and obey the word. (Bearing fruit)

B. The parables of the Weeds and the Net

C. The parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast

D. The parables of the Treasure and the Pearl

E. The parable of the Homeowner

II. Two Primary Applications

A. Humbly and joyfully receive the message of the kingdom.

B. Confidently and urgently spread the message of the kingdom.

C. The Lord’s supper is where we

Look back at when we received the message.
Look up to the one who gave us a message worth hearing.
Look ahead to sharing this message with others until he returns.

Conclusion:

Bottom line: Jesus taught in parables to reveal to some and to conceal from others the good news that the kingdom of God is near.

Who is Lord of Your Life?

Polycarp (AD70–156) was a bishop during a time of bitter attack against the Christians. At the age of eighty-six, he was arrested for no other crime than being a Christian. All he had to do to avoid torture and death was to proclaim, ‘Caesar is Lord.’

Polycarp responded, ‘Eighty-six years I have served Christ, and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?’ For Polycarp, the fact that ‘Jesus is Lord’ meant that he could not say, ‘Caesar is Lord.’ Steadfast in his stand for Christ, Polycarp refused to compromise his beliefs and was burnt alive at the stake on 22 February AD156.

How is your heart? Is it tender towards God or have you allowed it to be hard towards God? Are you feet hard from kingdom work or tender from taking care of yourself?

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 GabrielDecember 4, 2022Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabriel, parables, ALL, Matthew 13:1-23

How Relationship Trumps Religion | Matthew 12:38-50

Series: All!

Scripture: Matthew 12:38-50 (Main)

Title: “How relationship trumps religion” (Darien Gabriel)

Bottom line: We are born spiritually bankrupt. But we cannot save ourselves. So instead of trying to reform ourselves, we should humbly repent of our sins and trust Jesus to deliver us like he did Jonah.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. Matthew compares Jesus to Jonah and Solomon.

How do these comparisons speak to the seriousness of rejecting Christ?

2. How did Jonah serve as a “sign” of Jesus’s authority and mission?

3. How has Jesus brought healing to your life? What difference has Jesus’s power made in your struggle against evil?

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

How many of you remember cameras before digital photography? How many of you remember Kodak film?

Kodak went bankrupt as a company because they didn’t adapt their company to take advantage of digital technology.

But did you know that they actually developed digital photography?

They didn’t see that the way to the future of photography was through digital technology.

If you’ve been a part of the church for very long, you are vulnerable to making the same mistake. You can be so committed to the religion that you miss the relationship.

Even though we didn’t start in the old covenant, we can behave as if our religious ways are a covenant that is more like the old law than the new—more about religion than relationship. We must evaluate our relationship with God by looking at our willingness to do the will of God in practice instead of relying on our religion to save us.

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. We are spiritually bankrupt and unable to deliver ourselves from sin and death.

Q. Why?

A. Because we’re prideful and we think we can save ourselves.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Repent instead of reject or reform.

Q. Why?

A. Because it doesn’t work. In fact, it makes us more wicked than we already are.

Outline (David Platt’s outline)

We saw earlier that He (Jesus) is the Greater Priest. Today we see 3 more portraits of Jesus:

I. He is the Greater Prophet

A. Jonah was alive after 3 days in a fish; Jesus would be alive after 3 days in a grave.

B. The Ninevites responded with repentance; the Israelites were responding with rejection.

II. He is the Wiser King

III. He is Our Elder Brother

A. What we don’t need: an empty religion consumed with outer reformation.

B. What we do need: an intimate relationship compelled by inner transformation.

Conclusion

So what?

We need to see Jesus for who he really is so that we can see in contrast who we really are. Then we see our genuine need for rescue from sin and death.
We see our need to become part of the family of God.
We see that we cannot become part of the family of God unless he delivers us from the belly of the fish—from the tomb. For the wages of sin is death.
We need to see that our deliverance doesn’t come from us being more religious or working harder to earn something. Our salvation comes when we surrender and let him save us. We quit fighting him and let him rescue us.

A lost person is like a drowning person who is so desperate to not drown that they overwhelm their rescuer and drown them in the process. This is why it’s better to let that person nearly drown and then rescue them. Because they can no longer try to save themselves.

Like these Pharisees steeped in religion, we too display our spiritual bankruptcy until we repent and believe that Jesus is the way from dead, empty religion and moralism to abundant life that lasts forever. We must turn from trying to dig out of our own insurmountable debt to surrendering to the one who can forgive our debts and restore us to life and wipe out our sins.

Notes:

D Willmington’s outline”

I. Their Judges: A prophet, a city, and a queen

“Although they’d already seen Jesus perform many miracles, the Pharisees sought one more sign from him to prove his messianic claims. Chastising them for their persistent unbelief, Jesus reminded them of Jonah’s miraculous escape from the great fish, and in a veiled prophecy compared that to his own approaching death and resurrection. In judgment, these self-righteous Pharisees will be found wanting in the presence of Gentiles who exhibit true faith. (Luke 11:29-32)

II. Reformation - regeneration = condemnation

“Perhaps recalling the many he had cleansed of demons, Jesus noted that such cleansing is useless unless it leads to a filling with the Holy Spirit.”

III. The real family of God

“When Jesus heard that members of his biological family were looking for him, he used the occasion to teach that those who accept him as Messiah can enjoy a relationship with him that transcends earthly ties.”

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 GabrielNovember 27, 2022Grace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowship, ALL, relationship trumps religion, Ladson, SC, non-denominational church, bible believing, Church, trump

Will You Repent or Reject King Jesus? | Matthew 12:22-37

Series: King & Countries (week 5)

Scripture: Matthew 12:22-37 (Main)

Title: “Will you repent or reject King Jesus?” (Darien Gabriel)

Bottom line: When we truly see Jesus, as the Bible illustrates him, we will be drawn to repent, believe and receive him. Otherwise, we will reject him, and remain in the wrath of God.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. How might the portrait of Jesus' power in this passage impact our view of spiritual warfare?

2. How would you counsel someone who feared that they had committed the unpardonable sin because of a sinful thought or word toward God?

3. Matthew compares Jesus to Jonah and Solomon. How do these comparisons speak to the seriousness of rejecting Christ?

4. It's common to hear unbelievers refer to everyone as "God's children." How does Matthew 12:50 help us rightly define God's family?

5. Some sermons only emphasize moral lessons for believers. How does an emphasis on the person of Christ as we see in Matthew 12 help correct such an approach? What is the danger of not presenting Jesus as central in our teaching and preaching?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

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

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

Intro

We've been looking at the portraits of Jesus given to us by Matthew.

We've seen Jesus as:

Promised Messiah

Authoritative Judge

Sovereign Son

Gracious Master

Today we'll add:

King of Rest

Merciful Servant-King

Bottom line:

Q. What do I want you to know?

Q. Why?

Q. What do I want you to do?

Q. Why?

Notes:

“But as Christians we must not let such information make us intelligently impotent. The claims of Jesus are the claims of Jesus. We either believe them or we don't. What he said in verse 30 is either true or false. We can re-imagine Jesus into our own image, twisting and turning his words to sound a lot like our own. This has been done in many Christian denominations, hasn't it?

Such behavior I find intellectually dishonest. Don't call yourself a Christian if you don't believe Jesus ever existed. Don't call yourself a Christian if you believe only half of the red letters in your Bible have any connection to the historical Jesus. Don't call yourself a Christian if you think Jesus didn't die for your sins and rise for your justification. Don't call yourself a Christian if you think obeying Christ's commands are optional. And don't call yourself a Christian if you think there are many ways to God. To be a Christian is, at the very least, to take Jesus at his word. "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters" (v. 30). Thus saith the Lord.” P. 332, Sean O’Donnell, Matthew

Outline

SECTION OUTLINE TEN (MATTHEW 12) Outline Bible, Willmington

Jesus heals the sick, confronts the Pharisees, and fulfills ancient prophecies.

I. JESUS AND THE PHARISEES (12:1-14, 22-45) On three separate occasions, Jesus is confronted by these wicked men.

A. The Sabbath conflict (12:1-14): The Pharisees take issue with Jesus when he performs his miracles.

1. In regard to eating on the Sabbath (12:1-8): Jesus is criticized by the Pharisees for allowing his disciples to pluck some heads of grain from a field on the Sabbath. The Savior reports by pointing out two facts:

a. The purpose of the Sabbath (12:1-7): The Sabbath was made for man, and not the reverse!

(1) As seen in the life of David (12:3-4): David and his men ate the bread reserved for the priests.

(2) As seen in the law of Moses (12:5-6): The priests are allowed to serve in the Temple on the Sabbath.

(3) As seen in the Book of Hosea (12:7): God wants them to be merciful; he doesn't care that much about their sacrifices.

b. The person of the Sabbath (12:8): The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath!

2. In regard to healing on the Sabbath (12:9-14): Jesus notices a man with a deformed hand.

a. The accusation (12:9-10): The Pharisees ask Jesus whether it is legal to work by healing on the Sabbath day.

b. The answer (12:11-12): Jesus replies by asking them if they would rescue a sheep on the Sabbath. He says, "Of course you would! And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep!"

c. The action by the Savior (12:13-14): He heals the man's hand.

B. The source conflict (12:22-37): The Pharisees claim that Satan is the source of Jesus' miracles. On this occasion Jesus has just healed a demon-possessed, blind, mute man.

1. The criticism by the Pharisees (12:22-29)

a. Their accusation (12:22-24): "He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons."

b. His argument (12:25-29)

(1) "A city or home divided against itself is doomed"

(12:25).

(2) "If Satan is casting out Satan, he is fighting against himself" (12:26-29).

2. The condemnation of the Pharisees (12:30-37)

a. Jesus says their sin is terrible (12:30-34).

(1) They are corrupt fruit trees (12:30-33): A tree is known by its fruit.

(2) They are poisonous snakes (12:34): Whatever is in their hearts determines what they say.

b. Jesus says their sin is terminal (12:35-37): The words they say now will determine their fate on judgment day.

C. The sign conflict (12:38-45): The Pharisees insist that Jesus do something spectacular just for them.

1. Jesus refers to Jonah and Nineveh (12:38-41).

a. The illustration from the life of the prophet of God

(12:38-40): Jonah's experience in the belly of the fish depicts Jesus' death and resurrection; this is the only sign he gives them!

b. The indictment from the lips of the people of Nineveh

(12:41): The Ninevites will someday condemn Jesus' generation, for Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah, but Jesus is greater than Jonah.

2. Jesus refers to Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (12:42): She will condemn Jesus' generation because she had great respect for Solomon, and Jesus is greater than Solomon.

3. Jesus refers to eight evil spirits (12:43-45): Here Jesus likens his generation to a demon-possessed man.

a. The first state of the man (12:43): The original demon living within him departs.

b. The final state of the man (12:44-45): Unable to find

another person to indwell, the spirit returns to the man, this time bringing seven other spirits more wicked than himself.

II. JESUS AND THE PROPHECIES (12:15-21): Jesus fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah, who predicted the earthly ministry of the Messiah (Isa. 42:1-4).

A. Jesus' heavenly relationships (12:18a-18b)

1. Concerning the Father (12:18a): The Father would love him.

2. Concerning the Spirit (12:18b): The Spirit would fill him.

B. Jesus' earthly actions (12:15-17, 18c-21)

1. Concerning the nations (12:18c, 21): He would proclaim justice to the nations.

2. Concerning himself (12:19): He would not be quarrelsome or rebellious.

3. Concerning the weak and hopeless (12:20): He would treat them with gentleness and understanding.

4. Concerning the sick (12:15-17): He would heal the sick.

III. JESUS AND HIS FAMILY (12:46-50)

A. His earthly family (12:46-47): Jesus is told his mother and brothers are waiting to meet with him.

B. His eternal family (12:48-50): He says all who obey his heavenly

Father are part of his family!

References/Bibliography:

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

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

“Jesus Manifesto” sermon series, by Darien Gabriel: https://youtu.be/x65i2tqFrXk

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

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

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

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

ESV Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB)

Darien GabrielNovember 20, 2022Grace Christian FellowshipMatthew 12, repent, reject, King Jesus, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabriel, Ladson, SC

Who Is In Charge of Your Life? | Matthew 12:1-21

Series: King & Countries (week 5)

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-21 (Main)

Title: “Who is in charge of your life?” (Darien Gabriel)

Bottom line: When we surrender our lives to Jesus, the Lord of Sabbath, mercy and justice rules in our hearts and helps us overcome fear, doubts, and burdens.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

1. Why are legalistic hearts so resistant to Jesus?

2. How does legalism and a desire to earn your standing before God manifest itself in your own life?

3. Explain what it means to say that Jesus is greater than the temple.

4. Matthew presents Christ as merciful in this passage. How is the mercy of Jesus different from a "live and let live" mind-set?

5. In an effort to make the cost of following Christ clear, what is the danger of downplaying His mercy?

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

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

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

Intro

We've been looking at the portraits of Jesus given to us by Matthew.

We've seen Jesus as:

Promised Messiah

Authoritative Judge

Sovereign Son

Gracious Master

Today we'll add:

King of Rest

Merciful Servant-King

Bottom line: When we surrender our lives to Jesus, the Lord of Sabbath, mercy and justice rules in our hearts and helps us overcome fear, doubts, and burdens.

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (rest) in life.

Q. Why?

A. Because this is the only place we will find true rest and peace. Our faith is a conscious choice to rest on Jesus' work on the cross.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Rest in Jesus Christ alone.

Q. Why?

A. So that you'll be able to overcome your fears, doubts and burdens.

SECTION OUTLINE TEN (MATTHEW 12) Outline Bible, Willmington

SECTION OUTLINE ELEVEN (MATTHEW 12)

Jesus heals the sick, confronts the Pharisees, and fulfills ancient prophecies.

1. JESUS AND THE PHARISEES (12:1-14, 22-45) On three separate occasions, Jesus is confronted by these wicked men.