MATTHEW

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

Art Davison MATTHEW 0 Comment
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

Art Davison MATTHEW 0 Comment
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

Art Davison MATTHEW 0 Comment
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.

THE LIGHTS OF GOD–MATTHEW 5:14-16; PHILIPPIANS 2:15

Art Davison MATTHEW 0 Comment
THE LIGHTS OF GOD
MATTHEW 5:14-16; PHILIPPIANS 2:15
Introduction:

The Lights of God include His Word, His Spirit, and the Believer in Christ.

We tend to think that only the Word of God and perhaps God’s Spirit are the only lights that man sees. However, the Lord reminds us that we who know Christ as Savior are lights also, v. 14, Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

I. THE REVEALING LIGHT—THE WORD OF GOD

A. He reveals the deep and secret things, Daniel 2:22, “He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.”

1. It reveals the truth about mankind, Romans 3:10-12, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

2. It reveals the depth of man’s sin, Isaiah 64:6, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

B. It reveals the condemnation that man is under, John 3:18, ”He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

1. God’s love does not dwell in man without Christ, John 5:40-42, “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. 41 I receive not honour from men. 42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.”

2. Because he doesn’t believe God’s Word, 1 John 5:10, “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.”

C. It reveals God’s love for man, 1 John 4:9, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”

1. He became sin for us, 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.”

2. That we might be made the righteousness of God in him, Romans 3:21-22, “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:”

II. THE GUIDING LIGHT—THE SPIRIT OF GOD

A. He testifies of the Lord, John 15:26, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:”

B. He dwells in the believer, John 14:17, “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

C. He teaches the truth, John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

D. He convicts us of sin, John 16:8, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”

III. THE SHINING LIGHT—THE BELIEVER

A. You are the light of the world, John 5:14, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

B. Let your light shine, 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.”

1. We have the light of life, John 8:12, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

2. We need to share it with others, Ephesians 5:8, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

3. We need to communicate the joy of knowing Christ as our Savior, Titus 2:7-8, “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”

CONCLUSION

The Light of the world is Jesus Christ. If you have been saved you are a light of some kind. You might be a DIM light or you might be a BRIGHT light, but you ARE A LIGHT.

If you have never trusted Christ as your Savior it’s time to do so right now and quite living in DARKNESS.

THE KING COMES IN JUDGMENT–MATTHEW 25:31-46

Art Davison MATTHEW 0 Comment
THE KING COMES IN JUDGMENT
MATTHEW 25:31-46

Introduction:

The Second Coming of the Lord to this earth will mean that the Gospel will have been preached to every nation on the earth, Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

In this passage the Lord causes us to think only of the final coming of Christ, Matthew 24:3, “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”

I. WHEN THE SON OF MAN SHALL COME TO THE EARTH IN HIS GLORY

A. He will come AS HE LEFT, Acts 1:11, “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

1. The Resurrection and Rapture of the Saints precedes His coming to the earth, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

2. The VISABLE Second Coming to the earth, Revelation 1:7, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen”

B. His Advent will NOT be a GREAT DELIGHT to the WORLD, Revelation 1:7, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”

1. He will come in the CLOUDS with a SHOUT, Psalms 47:5, “God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.”

2. His coming will be SEEN by EVERYONE on earth, Zechariah 12:10, “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and THEY SHALL LOOK upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall MOURN for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in BITTERNESS FOR HIM, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”

a. The Jews will RECOGNIZE WHO IT IS that is coming BY THE TESTIMONY of God’s WORD, Isaiah 19:1, “The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.”

b. Daniel SAW A VISION of the coming to the Lord thus, Daniel 7:13, “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, ONE LIKE THE SON OF MAN came with the CLOUDS of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.”

c. Those that “PIERCED HIM,” THE ROMANS, will SEE Him, John 19:34, 37, “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. 37 And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.”

3. His coming will CAUSE GREAT FEAR, Revelation 6:15-17, “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, HID THEMSELVES in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, FALL ON US, and HIDE US from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and FROM THE WRATH of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?”

II. THE KING COMES TO GETHER HIS ELECT

A. The FIG TREE represents ISRAEL, Matthew 24:32-34.

1. Summer IS NEAR, the kingdom of God is nigh at hand, Luke 21:30-31, “When they now shoot forth, ye see and KNOW of your own selves that summer is now NIGH AT HAND. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, KNOW YE that the KINGDOM of God IS NIGH AT HAND.”

2. His Coming is AT THE DOOR, James 5:9, “Judge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: BEHOLD, the judge standeth before the door.”

B. My WORDS SHALL NOT pass away, Matthew 24:35; Isaiah 55:11, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall NOT RETURN UNTO ME VOID, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it.”

1. God’s Word will PROSPER in that which the Lord intended, Isaiah 45:23, “I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”

2. The Lord’s COUNSEL will be REALIZED, Isaiah 46:10, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, MY COUNSEL SHALL STAND, and I will do all my pleasure:”

C. The Lord had indicated GREAT CHANGES were coming, Luke 21:25-26, “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”