Matthew 10:1-15 (18/6/2017)

  • Jesus gave His disciples authority over (v1)
    • to cast out unclean spirits
    • heal every kind of disease and sickness
  • Jesus instructions to disciples (v5-15)
    • Don’t go to the Gentiles or Samaritans but the lost sheep of Israel
      • Jesus goes after Israel, just like God has in the past
    • Do what? (v8)
      • Heal the sick (the infirmities)
      • Raise the dead (the impossible)
      • Cleanse the lepers (the untouchables)
      • Cast out demons (the supernatural)
      • Freely you received, freely give
    • Preparation for mission (v9-10)
      • Do not acquire
        • gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts
        • bag for your journey
        • even two coats, or sandals, or a staff;
      • Why?
        • the worker is worthy of his support
        • whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city
          • give it your greeting (peace be to this house)
          • If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace (let peace come upon this house)
          • if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace
    • Warning
      • Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city,
        • shake the dust off your feet.
        • Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
      • God saves, not us. We don’t need to convince anyone or have solid arguments to “win converts”

Questions to consider

  • Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?
  • Are you led by the Spirit of Jesus Christ?
  • Are you ready and willing to share the Good News?
  • Do you know who saves people?
  • Do you trust the LORD to provide?

Matthew 10:16-42 (25/6/2017)

  • Jesus sends us out (v16-20)
    • Where?
      • Sheep amongst wolves
        • In the world
        • In the church
    • How are we to be?
      • Shrewd as snakes
        • The devil is shrewd.
      • Innocent as doves
        • Burnt offering in Leviticus to make atonement (Leviticus 1:14)
        • We can be shrewd and be innocent (of sinning against the LORD)
    • What could happen to us?
      • Handed over to authorities for Jesus sake
      • To witness about Jesus
    • What will we say?
      • Don’t worry
      • Trust the LORD
      • Humble yourself
      • Listen to the Spirit
      • Be obedient
  • Jesus warns us about persecution (v21-23)
    • Why?
      • Because of Jesus (living the way He wants us to, not calling ourselves a Christian but living in an ungodly manner)
    • Who?
      • From family
      • From everyone
    • What should we do?
      • It’s OK to flee persecution
    • v22
      • “the one who stands firm to the end will be saved”
      • Don’t turn on Christ when the world turns against you.
  • Not greater than Jesus, not less than Him (v24-25)
    • Jesus was called Beelzebul/Beelzebub (winged demon, Baal, the Devil)
    • We’ll be called that or worse!
  • Don’t be afraid (v26-31)
    • Be bold in proclaiming Jesus and His Word
    • People can take your life but they can’t touch your soul, God can destroy both!
    • You’re precious to God!
      • Sparrows are cheap but they don’t die unless God allows it.
      • The hairs on our head are numbered!
  • Acknowledging Jesus (v32-33)
    • Do you hide your Christianity?
    • Jesus will treat us the way we treat Him before God the Father
  • What following Jesus looks like practically (v34-39)
    • Not peace on earth but peace to us, peace between us and God
    • v35 (Micah 7:6)
      • Following Jesus means our families may turn on us, not that Jesus wants us to turn on them!
    • Loving Jesus more than everyone else (v37)
      • More than parents
      • More than children
    • Our cross (v38)
      • Whatever struggles/challenges/persecution we face as a result of becoming a follower of Jesus
    • Our life (v39)
      • Earthly life
      • Living for and serving the King
  • Actions towards others (v40-42)
    • How we treat other followers of Jesus is equivalent to how we treat Christ and the Father
    • Prophets
      • Truly sent by God vs false prophets
      • Rewarded by God (Spirit speaking to the prophet)
    • Righteous person
      • Led by the Spirit, walking in a manner worthy of Jesus
    • Serving the least in Christ is like serving Jesus Himself

Questions to consider

  • Are you truly following Jesus, listening to the Holy Spirit when He tells you to share the Good News with others?
  • Are you open about your Christian faith OR afraid of offending others or being persecuted for being a Christian?
  • Do you know what it means to love Jesus more than your family, your children and others?
  • Are you building your life on earth OR are you serving Jesus, “losing” your life on earth as a result?
  • Following Jesus is more than just a verbal commitment. What would God say if He were to examine your words, thoughts, actions and attitude?

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