Author: Art Davison

THE WORD OF GOD-MATTHEW 4:1-4

Art Davison MATTHEW 0 Comment
THE WORD OF GOD
MATTHEW 4:1-4
Introduction:

Do you think that the Bible is really the Word of God? If it is, do you think that it is the solution of our problems? My response to that question is, YES!! However, we need to see what the Bible itself says in that regard.

I. I Believe that the Bible is the Word of God!

A. It is the Complete Revelation of God.


Revelation 22:18-19, “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

1. There is nothing that needs to be added to it.

2. Nothing should be taken from it.

B. It is the Word of God, therefore, it is without error,2 Peter 1:21, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

II. I Believe That The Bible Was Written For Man.

A. The message of salvation is for all men, Revelation 22:17, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

B. After man is converted to Christ, the rest of the Bible is for the purpose of guiding him through his life, 1 Corinthians 2:14-16, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

1. A non-believer in Christ (the natural man) does not understand the Bible, v. 14.

2. But the believer in Christ has the ability to understand the Word of God, vs. 15-16.

III. I Believe That The Bible Shows Us Important Things.

A. Man is a Sinner.

1. Sin is the violation of God’s law, for example, the ten commandments, Exodus 20:3-17.

a. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

b. “Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal.” Vs. 13-15.

2. Man brought sin into the world, Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” See Romans 3:23.

Jesus Christ is the ONLY HOPE of man, Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

B. Salvation is by FAITH IN CHRIST, Ephesians 2:8-9, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Conclusion

The Bible is the Word of God. It has the solution of all of his problems. HIS GREATEST PROBLEM IS SIN!

The solution: FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AS HIS SAVIOR!!! The rest is not difficult.

THE TREASURE OF TALENTS–MATTHEW 25:14-30

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THE TREASURE OF TALENTS
MATTHEW 25:14-30
INTRODUCTION:
We have a real treasure within ourselves, that is, the talents that God has given each of us that are to be used to glorify Him. What are we doing with those talents? Perhaps this study will give you insight as to whether you are glorifying the Lord with your talents.
I. ABILITY–the CAPACITY TO SERVE

God has given each of us exactly what we need in order to serve Him.

A. He has give us HIS GRACE in order to do the thing He has called us to do.

Ephesians 4:7-8, But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

2 Corinthians 9:8, And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

B. He has given the manifestation of the Spirit (the evidence that the Lord lives in us).

1 Corinthians 12:7, But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

C. He has given us the RIGHT SPIRIT in order to do the work.

2 Timothy 1:7, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
II. ANTICIPATION

God expects all Christians to serve Him with their God-given talents.

A. We should anticipate God’s call to serve Him by letting His light shire in our lives.

Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

B. The fact that the LORD has chosen us should bring anticipation of the great opportunities of service for Christ.

John 15:16, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

C. We are His workmanship, that is, we were created for this purpose.

Ephesians 2:10, For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:8, This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
III. AVAILABILITY

The greatest ability is availability! Now honestly, are you really available to God?

Isaiah 6:8, Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

“I think it’s time we challenged the notion that the church is a volunteer army. Since when did God give us the option of enlisting? Does He discuss terms of commitment with us? Should faithfulness be expected only of those who get paid for their work?” (Edwin W. Lutzer, pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois).
IV. ACCOUNTABILITY

God will judge each Christian according to HIS SERVICE.

Matthew 25:14-30

A. We have to account to the Lord for the talents He has given to us and how we have used them for His glory.

B. An unfaithful servant will suffer loss of rewards when we stand before the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

CONCLUSION:

Our talents may not be many, but they are sufficient for the work the Lord has called us to do. Our responsibility is to put them to use in His service. NOT BODY WAS EVER CALLED TO BE A BENCH WARMER!!!

THE SON OF MAN CAME TO MINISTER–MATTHEW 20:20-28

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THE SON OF MAN CAME TO MINISTER
MATTHEW 20:20-28
Introduction:


Attitude is paramount in serving Jesus Christ. What you think of other people, other members of the church, even other churches in the area. Our attitudes reflect just how dedicated we are to the cause of Jesus Christ.


In this passage the mother of James and John had come to the Lord to ask that her sons might sit at the Lord right and left hand in His kingdom. The Lord states that to sit at His right hand was not His to give, but rather His Father would make that decision. However, He explains the basis by which the choice will be made.


I. WHOSOEVER WILL BE GREAT AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE YOUR MINISTER, v. 26. {diavkono” }

II. 
A. One who executes the commands of another, especially of a master, a servant, attendant, minister.

1. Women by the cross, Matthew 27:55, “And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:”


2. John Mark, a young preacher, Acts 13:5, “And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.


B. A deacon,


1. One who chosen by the church, Acts 6:2-3, “Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”


a. Seven men of honest report, 2 Corinthians 8:21, “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”


b. Who are full of the Holy Ghost, Acts 11:23, “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”


c. Full of wisdom, Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”


2. The pastor assigns them their duties, to cares for the poor and needy in the church, Acts 6:3b, “whom we may appoint over this business.”


III. WHOSOEVER WILL BE CHIEF AMONG YOU, LET HIM BE YOUR SERVANT, v. 27
{dou`lo”}

A. One who gives himself up to another’s will, whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing His cause among men, Matthew 23:11-12, “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”


B. One who is devoted to another to the disregard of his own interests, 1 Corinthians 9:19, “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.”


1. The example of Christ to do God’s will, John 5:30,


“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”


2. His example of obedience to the Father, Philippians 2:6-8, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”


IV. THE SON OF MAN CAME TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY, v. 28.

A. Jesus came to minister, Luke 22:7, “For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.”


1. Religion makes a show of their greatness with fancy and expensive robes, Matthew 23:27, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”


2. Jesus came in humility to serve, “but I am among you as he that serveth.”


B. Our lives were forfeited into the hands of divine justice by sin, Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”


C. Jesus laid down His life for a ransom.


1. He was made sin for us, 2 Corinthians 5:20, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”


2. He was made a curse for us, Galatians 3:13, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:”


3. He died in our stead, 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”


CONCLUSION:

Jesus came to minister. He came to do the will of the Father. In so doing He became the Saviour of the mankind.


He is our perfect example in attitude and obedience to the Father. We live spiritually today because Jesus was a faithful minister of God the Father.


What is our ministry like in comparison to the example He left for us to follow?



THE RICHES OF OUR GOD–MATTHEW 6:19-21

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THE RICHES OF OUR GOD
MATTHEW 6:19-21
Introduction:

Men have always occupied their minds and hearts with treasure. There are many treasures on this earth that have great value. There are also treasures here that men have esteemed unworthy of their time to investigate.

I speak of the richest treasure of them all, the riches of our God. Let’s consider some of those treasures and riches mentioned in the Word of God. Those that acquire these treasures get life everlasting.

I. THE RICHES OF HIS GOODNESS AND FORBEARANCE AND LONGSUFFERING

A. His goodness (KINDNESS) to us, Romans 2:4, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

1. His kindness is great toward us, Psalm 117:2, “For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.”

2. His kindness is a comfort to the believer, Psalm 119:76, “Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.”

B. His forbearance (TOLERANCE), Romans 3:25, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”

1. Divine patience has kept us out of hell.

2. His longsuffering with us His mercy, Psalm 86:13, “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”

C. His longsuffering (PATIENCE) that leads us to repentance, 2 Timothy 2:25, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”

II. THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY

A. On the vessels of mercy, Romans 9:23, “And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,”

B. The glory of his inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:18, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

C. To be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man, Ephesians 3:16, “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;”

III. THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE

A. Redemption through his blood, Ephesians 1:7, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

1. Repentance, Acts 5:31, “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”

2. The forgiveness of sins, Acts 13:38, “Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:”

B. Knowledge of the mystery of Christ in you, Colossians 1:27, “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

1. The hope of glory, Colossians 3:4, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

2. We rejoice in the Hope, Romans 5:2, “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

3. It is the hope of righteousness that we wait for, Galatians 5:5, “For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.”

C. The riches of His glory supply all of our needs, Philippians 4:19, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

IV. THE REPROACH OF CHRIST IS GREATER RICHES THAN ALL THE TREASURES OF THIS WORLD

A. Moses thought so, Hebrews 11:26, “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”

B. Jeremiah knew of Greater Riches, Jeremiah 9:24, “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”

C. Paul knew of Greater Riches, 2 Corinthians 6:10, “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

1. He knew the unsearchable riches of Christ, Ephesians 3:8, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;”

2. Paul knew the Greater Riches of the inheritance of God’s people, Ephesians 1:18, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

CONCLUSION

The riches of our God are beyond that which we think or even imagine. We are rich through Jesus Christ and the salvation that we have in Him. We are rich is His many blessings here on earth as well as the promises of His Second Coming and of our future state in the presence of God the Father.

THE MARRIAGE OF THE KING’S SON–THE MARRIAGE FEAST

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THE MARRIAGE OF THE KING’S SON
THE MARRIAGE FEAST

Matthew 22:1-14

Introduction:

A marriage feast was a big event in the nation of Israel during the time our Lord was on the earth. Much preparation was made and great expectation accompanied the occasion. Family and friends were invited and many times that included an entire village.

In this passage a “certain king” was preparing a feast for the marriage of his son.

I. THE DINNER PREPARED FOR THIS MARRIAGE, v. 4.

A. This feast includes all the blessings of the new covenant,..

1. The pardon of the sinner, Nehemiah 9:17, “And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.”

2. The favor of God, Psalm 30:5, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

3. The peace of conscience.

a. By faith we have peace with God, Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

b. Being faithful we have a “good conscience toward God, 1 Timothy 1:19, “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:”

4. The promises of the gospel.

a. Great and precious promises, 2 Peter 1:4, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

b. Motivating promises, 2 Corinthians 7:1, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

B. This feast contains all the spiritual riches that are in the promises of the gospel.

1. Rejoicing in His Word, Psalm 119:13, “I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.”

2. The riches of his goodness, Romans 2:4, “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

II. THIS DINNER WAS A FEAST

A. A feast is a good day, Isaiah 25:6, “And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.”

B. It is a time of rejoicing, Psalm 107:22, And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.”[Singing].

C. It was a day of high expectations,

III. THE INVITATIONS GO OUT

A. The King sent forth his servants to call them that were invited to the feast, v. 3, “And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.”

1. The King had prepared well and sent his servants to personally invite each guest.

2. These guest were Hebrews, the Kings own people, but “they would not come.”

B. The second invitation was even more detailed, v. 4, “Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.”

1. The dinner is prepared, “my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready.”

2. Come, “come unto the marriage.” Revelation 22:17, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

C. The unthinkable happened.

1. Some made light of it, v. 5, “But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise.” Hebrews 2:3, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;”

2. The others took the King’s servants and mistreated them and some they killed, v. 6, “And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.”

D. The King reacts to the rejection of His invitation, v. 7, “But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.” In 70 AD the Roman general Titus destroyed Jerusalem just as the Lord said would happen.

IV. THE KING INVITES OTHERS, Vs. 8-10

A. They which were bidden were not worthy, Acts 13:46, “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”

B. Other sheep have I, John 10:16, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”

This message continues with THE CASE OF THE MAN WITHOUT A WEDDING GARMENT.