Matthew 7:1-6
S. The Warning About Judging and Criticizing Others, 7:1-6
(Luke 6:37-42)
1 Do not judge, do not criticize (v.1)
2 The criticizer will be judged (v.2)
a. For the same criticism (v.2a)
b. With equal weight (v.2b)
3 The criticizer fails to examine himself (v.3)
a. He looks for faults (v.3a)
b. He looks for faults in others—not himself (v.3b)
4 The criticizer is deceived about himself (v.4)
a. He speaks, but unthoughtfully (v.4a)
b. He is not fit to judge (v.4b)
5 The criticizer is a hypocrite: He must extract his own sin first (v.5)
6 The criticizer is undeserving of the gospel (v.6)
a. He tramples the gospel underfoot (v.6a)
b. He turns against and tears people apart (v.6b)
Matthew 7:7-11
T. The Key to Prayer: Persevering in Prayer, 7:7-11
1 What is persevering prayer? (v.7)
a. Ask—until you receive (v.7a)
b. Seek—until you find (v.7b)
c. Knock—until it is opened (v.7c)
2 Why persevere in prayer? (v.8-10)
a. Prayer is conditional: Must ask—seek—knock (v.8a)
b. Everyone is heard (v.8b)
c. God cares much more than an earthly father cares (v.9-10)
3 How does a person persevere in prayer? (v.11)
a. He must come to God as his Father (v.11a)
b. He must come asking for good things (v.11b)
Matthew 7:12-14
U. The Summit of Ethics: The Golden Rule and Two Choices in Life, 7:12-14
(Luke 6:31; Luke 13:23-24)
1 The golden rule of life (v.12)
a. Demands true justice (v.12a)
b. Includes real love (v.12b)
c. Teaches the whole law (v.12c)
2 The two choices in life (v.13-14)
a. Two gates: Wide versus narrow (v.13a)
b. Two ways: Easy versus hard (v.13b)
c. Two ends: Destruction versus life (v.13c)
d. Two travelers: The wise versus the unwise (v.14a)
e. Two decisions: No effort versus seeking to find (v.14b)
Matthew 7:15-20
V. The Warning About False Prophets, 7:15-20
1 Their presence: Beware (v.15a)
2 Their chief trait (v.15b-c)
a. Outwardly: As sheep (v.15b)
b. Inwardly: Are wolves (v.15c)
3 Their revealing mark: The fruit they gather (v.16)
4 Their true nature: Is not good, but corrupt and evil (v.17)
5 Their hopeless fruit: Cannot bear good fruit, but only corrupt and evil fruit (v.18)
6 Their terrible future: Judgment (v.19)
7 Their fruit: Exposes them (v.20)
Matthew 7:21-23
W. The Warning About False Pretenses: Who Shall Enter the Kingdom of Heaven, 7:21-23
(Luke 13:26-27)
1 The law of entrance (v.21)
a. A person must do more than profess (v.21a)
b. A person must do God's will (v.21b)
2 The plea of false profession: Works (v.22)
a. Plea 1: Prophesied and cast out evil spirits (v.22a)
b. Plea 2: Great works (v.22b)
c. Plea 3: Served in the Lord's name (v.22c)
3 The rejection of false profession (v.23)
a. Because Christ never knew (v.23a)
b. Because worked iniquity (v.23b)
Matthew 7:24-27
X. The Wise and Foolish Builder, 7:24-27
(Luke 6:47-49)
1 A wise builder: Hears the instructions and obeys them (v.24-25)
a. He builds a house (v.24a)
b. He builds upon a rock (v.24b)
c. He faces a storm (v.25a)
d. He built wisely: The difference is the foundation (v.25b)
2 A foolish builder: Hears the instructions and does not obey them (v.26-27)
a. He builds a house (v.26a)
b. He builds upon the sand (v.26b)
c. He faces a storm (v.27a)
d. He built foolishly: Suffers great destruction—the difference is the foundation (v.27b)
Matthew 7:28-29
Y. The Teaching of Jesus and Its Impact, 7:28-29
1 The impact: The people were amazed (v.28)
2 The reason: Jesus taught with authority (v.29)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Bible Reading Plan : Matthew 6
Matthew 6:1-4
K. The Right Motive for Giving, 6:1-4
1 Alms—doing good and giving (v.1)
a. Warning: Do not seek recognition (v.1a)
b. The reason: God will not reward (v.1b)
2 The wrong motive (v.2)
a. Giving for recognition (v.2a)
b. Characteristic of hypocrites (v.2b)
c. Reward: Recognition by men only (v.2c)
3 The right motive (v.3-4a)
a. Giving unconsciously (v.3)
b. Giving quietly—privately—secretly (v.4a)
4 The reasons (v.4b-c)
a. Father sees in secret (v.4b)
b. Father rewards openly (v.4c)
Matthew 6:5-6
L. The Right Motive for Prayer (Part I), 6:5-6
1 The wrong motive: Praying to be seen by men (v.5)
a. Place: Loving to pray (v.5a-b)
1) Only in the synagogue (v.5a)
2) Only in the streets (v.5b)
b. Reason: For recognition (v.5c)
c. Reward: Man's esteem (v.5d)
2 The right motive: Praying to be heard by God (v.6)
a. Place: In one's own closet or private place (v.6a)
b. Reason: God is in one's secret or private place (v.6b)
c. Reward: Will receive open blessings (v.6c)
Matthew 6:7-8
M. The Three Great Rules for Prayer, (Part II) 6:7-8
1 Rule 1: Do not use empty repetition (v.7a)
2 Rule 2: Do not speak much (v.7b)
3 Rule 3: Trust God (v.8)
a. He knows your needs (v.8a)
b. He desires to hear your prayer (v.8b)
Matthew 6:9-13
N. The Model Prayer (Part III), 6:9-13
(Luke 11:2-4)
1 There is surrender (v.9)
a. To our Father in heaven (v.9a)
b. To God's holy name (v.9b)
2 There is request and plea (v.10-13a)
a. For God's kingdom (v.10a)
b. For God's will (v.10b)
c. For daily bread (v.11)
d. For forgiveness (v.12)
e. For deliverance (v.13a)
3 There is praise and commitment (v.13b)
Matthew 6:14-15
O. The Basic Principle of Prayer (Part IV): Forgiveness 6:14-15
(Mark 11:25-26)
1 The promise: Forgive others and be forgiven (v.14)
2 The warning: Refuse to forgive others and be unforgiven (v.15)
Matthew 6:16-18
P. The Right Motive for Fasting, 6:16-18
1 The wrong way to fast (v.16)
a. Fasting as a hypocrite (v.16a)
b. Fasting for recognition (v.16b)
c. Reward: To receive only human recognition and esteem (v.16c)
2 The right way to fast (v.17-18)
a. Fasting as a duty (v.17)
b. Fasting without notice (v.18a)
c. Fasting to God alone (v.18b)
d. Reward: God shall reward openly (v.18c)
Matthew 6:19-24
Q. The Warning About Wealth and Materialism, 6:19-24
1 A contrast: About two kinds of riches (v.19-20)
a. Earthly riches (v.19)
1) Lay not up (v.19a)
2) Are corruptible (v.19b)
3) Are insecure (v.19c)
b. Heavenly riches (v.20)
1) Lay up (v.20a)
2) Are incorruptible (v.20b)
3) Are secure (v.20c)
2 A warning: About two kinds of hearts (v.21-23)
a. A good heart: Like a good eye (v.22)
1) Focuses and sees (v.22a)
2) Focuses on heaven (v.20) (v.22b)
b. A bad heart: Like a bad eye (v.23)
1) Blind and dark (v.23a)
2) Focuses on the earth (v.19) (v.23b)
3 A choice: About two kinds of Masters (v.24)
a. Either hate or love (v.24a)
b. Either cleave or despise (v.24b)
c. The choice: Serve God or material things (v.24c)
Matthew 6:25-34
R. The Counsel on Worry and Anxiety, 6:25-34
1 A counsel—do not worry about necessities (v.25a-b)
a. About food and drink (v.25a)
b. About body and clothing (v.25b)
2 Do not worry about your life and body (v.25c)
3 Do not worry about food and shelter (v.26)
a. Behold the birds (v.26a)
b. You are better than the birds (v.26b)
4 Do not worry about your stature: Worry is pointless (v.27)
5 Do not worry about clothing (v.28-30)
a. Consider the lilies (v.28-29)
1) They do not toil (v.28)
2) They are more adorned than Solomon (v.29)
b. Trust—believe: You of little faith (v.30)
6 Do not worry: Do not be thinking and talking about food, drink, and clothing (v.31-32)
a. You are different from the heathen (v.32a)
b. Your heavenly Father knows your needs (v.32b)
7 Do not worry: Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (v.33)
8 Do not worry about tomorrow: Live one day at a time (v.34)
K. The Right Motive for Giving, 6:1-4
1 Alms—doing good and giving (v.1)
a. Warning: Do not seek recognition (v.1a)
b. The reason: God will not reward (v.1b)
2 The wrong motive (v.2)
a. Giving for recognition (v.2a)
b. Characteristic of hypocrites (v.2b)
c. Reward: Recognition by men only (v.2c)
3 The right motive (v.3-4a)
a. Giving unconsciously (v.3)
b. Giving quietly—privately—secretly (v.4a)
4 The reasons (v.4b-c)
a. Father sees in secret (v.4b)
b. Father rewards openly (v.4c)
Matthew 6:5-6
L. The Right Motive for Prayer (Part I), 6:5-6
1 The wrong motive: Praying to be seen by men (v.5)
a. Place: Loving to pray (v.5a-b)
1) Only in the synagogue (v.5a)
2) Only in the streets (v.5b)
b. Reason: For recognition (v.5c)
c. Reward: Man's esteem (v.5d)
2 The right motive: Praying to be heard by God (v.6)
a. Place: In one's own closet or private place (v.6a)
b. Reason: God is in one's secret or private place (v.6b)
c. Reward: Will receive open blessings (v.6c)
Matthew 6:7-8
M. The Three Great Rules for Prayer, (Part II) 6:7-8
1 Rule 1: Do not use empty repetition (v.7a)
2 Rule 2: Do not speak much (v.7b)
3 Rule 3: Trust God (v.8)
a. He knows your needs (v.8a)
b. He desires to hear your prayer (v.8b)
Matthew 6:9-13
N. The Model Prayer (Part III), 6:9-13
(Luke 11:2-4)
1 There is surrender (v.9)
a. To our Father in heaven (v.9a)
b. To God's holy name (v.9b)
2 There is request and plea (v.10-13a)
a. For God's kingdom (v.10a)
b. For God's will (v.10b)
c. For daily bread (v.11)
d. For forgiveness (v.12)
e. For deliverance (v.13a)
3 There is praise and commitment (v.13b)
Matthew 6:14-15
O. The Basic Principle of Prayer (Part IV): Forgiveness 6:14-15
(Mark 11:25-26)
1 The promise: Forgive others and be forgiven (v.14)
2 The warning: Refuse to forgive others and be unforgiven (v.15)
Matthew 6:16-18
P. The Right Motive for Fasting, 6:16-18
1 The wrong way to fast (v.16)
a. Fasting as a hypocrite (v.16a)
b. Fasting for recognition (v.16b)
c. Reward: To receive only human recognition and esteem (v.16c)
2 The right way to fast (v.17-18)
a. Fasting as a duty (v.17)
b. Fasting without notice (v.18a)
c. Fasting to God alone (v.18b)
d. Reward: God shall reward openly (v.18c)
Matthew 6:19-24
Q. The Warning About Wealth and Materialism, 6:19-24
1 A contrast: About two kinds of riches (v.19-20)
a. Earthly riches (v.19)
1) Lay not up (v.19a)
2) Are corruptible (v.19b)
3) Are insecure (v.19c)
b. Heavenly riches (v.20)
1) Lay up (v.20a)
2) Are incorruptible (v.20b)
3) Are secure (v.20c)
2 A warning: About two kinds of hearts (v.21-23)
a. A good heart: Like a good eye (v.22)
1) Focuses and sees (v.22a)
2) Focuses on heaven (v.20) (v.22b)
b. A bad heart: Like a bad eye (v.23)
1) Blind and dark (v.23a)
2) Focuses on the earth (v.19) (v.23b)
3 A choice: About two kinds of Masters (v.24)
a. Either hate or love (v.24a)
b. Either cleave or despise (v.24b)
c. The choice: Serve God or material things (v.24c)
Matthew 6:25-34
R. The Counsel on Worry and Anxiety, 6:25-34
1 A counsel—do not worry about necessities (v.25a-b)
a. About food and drink (v.25a)
b. About body and clothing (v.25b)
2 Do not worry about your life and body (v.25c)
3 Do not worry about food and shelter (v.26)
a. Behold the birds (v.26a)
b. You are better than the birds (v.26b)
4 Do not worry about your stature: Worry is pointless (v.27)
5 Do not worry about clothing (v.28-30)
a. Consider the lilies (v.28-29)
1) They do not toil (v.28)
2) They are more adorned than Solomon (v.29)
b. Trust—believe: You of little faith (v.30)
6 Do not worry: Do not be thinking and talking about food, drink, and clothing (v.31-32)
a. You are different from the heathen (v.32a)
b. Your heavenly Father knows your needs (v.32b)
7 Do not worry: Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (v.33)
8 Do not worry about tomorrow: Live one day at a time (v.34)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Bible Reading Plan : Matthew 5
Matthew 5:1-12
IV. THE TEACHINGS OF THE MESSIAH TO HIS DISCIPLES: THE GREAT SERMON ON THE MOUNT, 5:1-7:29
(Luke 6:20-49)
A. The True Disciple (Part I): Who He is and His Reward (the Beatitudes), 5:1-12
(cp. Luke 6:20-23)
1 Jesus saw multitudes (v.1-3a)
a. Setting: Mountain (v.1a)
b. Posture: Set—ready (v.1b)
c. Audience: Disciples (v.1c)
d. Purpose: To teach and prepare (v.2)
e. Blessed (v.3a)
2 The poor in spirit: Given the Kingdom of Heaven (v.3b)
3 Those who mourn: Comforted (v.4)
4 The meek: Inherit the earth (v.5)
5 Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness: Filled (v.6)
6 The merciful: Obtain mercy (v.7)
7 The pure in heart: See God (v.8)
8 The peacemakers: Called the children of God (v.9)
9 The persecuted: Given the Kingdom of Heaven (v.10-12)
a. The persecution (v.11)
1) Reviled and insulted (v.11a)
2) Slandered and lied against (v.11b)
3) Persecuted and hurt (v.11c)
b. The behavior expected: Joy (v.12a)
c. The reason for joy (v.12b-c)
1) Great reward (v.12b)
2) Great examples: The prophets (v.12c)
Matthew 5:13
B. The True Disciple (Part II): The Salt of the Earth—Serving God, 5:13
(Mark 9:50; cp Luke 14:34-35; Col. 4:6)
1 The disciples' character: Salt (v.13a)
2 The disciples' place to salt: The earth (v.13b)
3 The disciples' mission: To salt the earth (v.13c)
4 Their danger: Becoming useless and destructive (v.13d)
Matthew 5:14-16
C. The True Disciple (Part III): The Light of the World—Shining for God, 5:14-16
(Mark 4:21-23; Luke 8:16-18; 11:33)
1 The disciples' character: Light (v.14a)
2 The disciples' place to shine: The world (v.14b)
3 The disciples' unavoidable witness (v.15)
a. Like a city on a hill (v.15a)
b. Like a candle set on a candlestick (v.15b)
4 The disciples' purpose (v.16)
a. To show forth good works (v.16a)
b. To stir men to glorify God (v.16b)
Matthew 5:17-20
D. The Law and Jesus: Breaking the Law of God, 5:17-20
1 A person must know that Christ came to fulfill the law (v.17-18)
a. The law is not to be destroyed (v.17)
b. The law is perpetual—more sure than heaven and earth (v.18)
2 A person must do and teach the law in order to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven (v.19)
a. If a person disobeys and influences others he is ranked least (v.19a)
b. If a person obeys and influences others he is ranked great (v.19b)
3 A person must have more righteousness than a religionist to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (v.20)
Matthew 5:21-26
E. The Real Meaning of Murder, 5:21-26
1 The law (v.21)
2 The real meaning: Anger (v.22a)
3 The growth of anger (v.22b-d)
a. A brooding anger (v.22b)
b. A contemptuous anger (v.22c)
c. An accusing, cursing anger (v.22d)
4 The judgment of anger (v.22e)
5 The answer to anger: Reconciliation (v.23-24)
a. The urgency: Must precede worship (v.24a)
b. The time: While some openness exists (v.24b)
6 The danger or damage of holding anger (v.25)
a. Earthly judgment (v.25a)
b. Divine judgment symbolized (v.25b)
7 The terrible end of anger: Judgment is sure (v.26)
Matthew 5:27-30
F. The Real Meaning of Adultery, 5:27-30
( Matthew 19:3-11; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:1-16)
1 The law (v.27)
2 The real meaning (v.28)
a. A deliberate look (v.28a)
b. A desire: lust, passion (v.28b)
c. An act of adultery (v.28c)
3 The two guilty culprits: The eyes and hands (v.29a)
4 The danger (v.29b-c)
a. Offending or stumbling (v.29b)
b. Being condemned to hell (v.29c)
5 The answer (v.30)
a. Surgery: Cut out the offending body member (v.30a)
b. Death: Let the offending body member perish (v.30b)
c. Repentance: Turn from being cast into hell (v.30c)
Matthew 5:31-32
G. The Real Meaning of Divorce, 5:31-32
1 The law (v.31)
2 The real meaning: Divorce disallowed (v.32a)
3 Exception: Fornication (v.32b)
4 The guilty parties (v.32c-e)
a. The instigator (v.32c)
b. The divorced who remarries (v.32d)
c. The one who marries the divorced (v.32e)
Matthew 5:33-37
H. The Real Meaning of Oaths and Swearing, 5:33-37
1 The law (v.33)
a. Do not swear falsely and deceivingly: Committing perjury (v.33a)
b. Keep all oaths (v.33b)
2 The real meaning: Do not swear (v.34-36)
a. Because all things are sacred (v.34-35)
b. Because all power belongs to God (v.36)
3 The ideal oath or guarantee (v.37)
a. One's word—character (v.37a)
b. The reason: Swearing has its source in evil (v.37b)
Matthew 5:38-42
I. The Real Meaning of the Law Governing Injury, 5:38-42
(Luke 6:29-30)
1 The law (v.38)
2 The real meaning: Do not retaliate (v.39a)
3 The ideal behavior (v.39b-41)
a. Accept physical injury (v.39b)
b. Accept property injury (v.40)
c. Accept any forced burden (v.41)
4 The great Christian ethic: Give (v.42)
Matthew 5:43-48
J. The Real Meaning of Human Relationships, 5:43-48
(Luke 6:27-36)
1 The law (v.43)
2 The real meaning (v.44)
a. Love your enemies (v.44a)
b. Bless those who curse you (v.44b)
c. Do good to those who hate you (v.44c)
d. Pray for persecutors (v.44d)
3 The incentive (v.45-47)
a. Makes you a child of God (v.45a)
b. Makes you like God (v.45b)
c. Makes you distinctive from other men (v.46-47)
4 The charge: Be perfect (v.48)
IV. THE TEACHINGS OF THE MESSIAH TO HIS DISCIPLES: THE GREAT SERMON ON THE MOUNT, 5:1-7:29
(Luke 6:20-49)
A. The True Disciple (Part I): Who He is and His Reward (the Beatitudes), 5:1-12
(cp. Luke 6:20-23)
1 Jesus saw multitudes (v.1-3a)
a. Setting: Mountain (v.1a)
b. Posture: Set—ready (v.1b)
c. Audience: Disciples (v.1c)
d. Purpose: To teach and prepare (v.2)
e. Blessed (v.3a)
2 The poor in spirit: Given the Kingdom of Heaven (v.3b)
3 Those who mourn: Comforted (v.4)
4 The meek: Inherit the earth (v.5)
5 Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness: Filled (v.6)
6 The merciful: Obtain mercy (v.7)
7 The pure in heart: See God (v.8)
8 The peacemakers: Called the children of God (v.9)
9 The persecuted: Given the Kingdom of Heaven (v.10-12)
a. The persecution (v.11)
1) Reviled and insulted (v.11a)
2) Slandered and lied against (v.11b)
3) Persecuted and hurt (v.11c)
b. The behavior expected: Joy (v.12a)
c. The reason for joy (v.12b-c)
1) Great reward (v.12b)
2) Great examples: The prophets (v.12c)
Matthew 5:13
B. The True Disciple (Part II): The Salt of the Earth—Serving God, 5:13
(Mark 9:50; cp Luke 14:34-35; Col. 4:6)
1 The disciples' character: Salt (v.13a)
2 The disciples' place to salt: The earth (v.13b)
3 The disciples' mission: To salt the earth (v.13c)
4 Their danger: Becoming useless and destructive (v.13d)
Matthew 5:14-16
C. The True Disciple (Part III): The Light of the World—Shining for God, 5:14-16
(Mark 4:21-23; Luke 8:16-18; 11:33)
1 The disciples' character: Light (v.14a)
2 The disciples' place to shine: The world (v.14b)
3 The disciples' unavoidable witness (v.15)
a. Like a city on a hill (v.15a)
b. Like a candle set on a candlestick (v.15b)
4 The disciples' purpose (v.16)
a. To show forth good works (v.16a)
b. To stir men to glorify God (v.16b)
Matthew 5:17-20
D. The Law and Jesus: Breaking the Law of God, 5:17-20
1 A person must know that Christ came to fulfill the law (v.17-18)
a. The law is not to be destroyed (v.17)
b. The law is perpetual—more sure than heaven and earth (v.18)
2 A person must do and teach the law in order to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven (v.19)
a. If a person disobeys and influences others he is ranked least (v.19a)
b. If a person obeys and influences others he is ranked great (v.19b)
3 A person must have more righteousness than a religionist to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (v.20)
Matthew 5:21-26
E. The Real Meaning of Murder, 5:21-26
1 The law (v.21)
2 The real meaning: Anger (v.22a)
3 The growth of anger (v.22b-d)
a. A brooding anger (v.22b)
b. A contemptuous anger (v.22c)
c. An accusing, cursing anger (v.22d)
4 The judgment of anger (v.22e)
5 The answer to anger: Reconciliation (v.23-24)
a. The urgency: Must precede worship (v.24a)
b. The time: While some openness exists (v.24b)
6 The danger or damage of holding anger (v.25)
a. Earthly judgment (v.25a)
b. Divine judgment symbolized (v.25b)
7 The terrible end of anger: Judgment is sure (v.26)
Matthew 5:27-30
F. The Real Meaning of Adultery, 5:27-30
( Matthew 19:3-11; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:1-16)
1 The law (v.27)
2 The real meaning (v.28)
a. A deliberate look (v.28a)
b. A desire: lust, passion (v.28b)
c. An act of adultery (v.28c)
3 The two guilty culprits: The eyes and hands (v.29a)
4 The danger (v.29b-c)
a. Offending or stumbling (v.29b)
b. Being condemned to hell (v.29c)
5 The answer (v.30)
a. Surgery: Cut out the offending body member (v.30a)
b. Death: Let the offending body member perish (v.30b)
c. Repentance: Turn from being cast into hell (v.30c)
Matthew 5:31-32
G. The Real Meaning of Divorce, 5:31-32
1 The law (v.31)
2 The real meaning: Divorce disallowed (v.32a)
3 Exception: Fornication (v.32b)
4 The guilty parties (v.32c-e)
a. The instigator (v.32c)
b. The divorced who remarries (v.32d)
c. The one who marries the divorced (v.32e)
Matthew 5:33-37
H. The Real Meaning of Oaths and Swearing, 5:33-37
1 The law (v.33)
a. Do not swear falsely and deceivingly: Committing perjury (v.33a)
b. Keep all oaths (v.33b)
2 The real meaning: Do not swear (v.34-36)
a. Because all things are sacred (v.34-35)
b. Because all power belongs to God (v.36)
3 The ideal oath or guarantee (v.37)
a. One's word—character (v.37a)
b. The reason: Swearing has its source in evil (v.37b)
Matthew 5:38-42
I. The Real Meaning of the Law Governing Injury, 5:38-42
(Luke 6:29-30)
1 The law (v.38)
2 The real meaning: Do not retaliate (v.39a)
3 The ideal behavior (v.39b-41)
a. Accept physical injury (v.39b)
b. Accept property injury (v.40)
c. Accept any forced burden (v.41)
4 The great Christian ethic: Give (v.42)
Matthew 5:43-48
J. The Real Meaning of Human Relationships, 5:43-48
(Luke 6:27-36)
1 The law (v.43)
2 The real meaning (v.44)
a. Love your enemies (v.44a)
b. Bless those who curse you (v.44b)
c. Do good to those who hate you (v.44c)
d. Pray for persecutors (v.44d)
3 The incentive (v.45-47)
a. Makes you a child of God (v.45a)
b. Makes you like God (v.45b)
c. Makes you distinctive from other men (v.46-47)
4 The charge: Be perfect (v.48)
Bible Reading Plan : Matthew 4
Matthew 4:1-11
C. Jesus' Temptation: Overcoming All, 4:1-11
(Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)
1 Jesus' temptation (v.1)
a. Led by the Spirit (v.1a)
b. Tempted by the devil (v.1b)
2 Temptation 1: To prove His deity by using His power for personal reasons (v.2-4)
a. The temptation (v.3)
1) To secure by His own power (v.3a)
2) To trust Himself and His own ability instead of God (v.3b)
b. Jesus' answer: From Scripture (v.4)
1) Man needs more than bread (v.4a)
2) Man needs God's life—spiritual (v.4b)
3 Temptation 2: To prove His deity by the spectacular (v.5-7)
a. The temptation (v.6)
1) To test God (v.6a)
2) To attract attention by the spectacular (v.6b)
b. Jesus' answer: From Scripture (v.7)
1) God is not to be tested (v.7a)
2) God is to be trusted, not the spectacular (v.7b)
4 Temptation 3: To prove His deity by compromise (v.8-10)
a. The temptation (v.8-9)
1) To achieve His purpose by another route (v.8)
2) To switch loyalties or to take a short-cut (v.9)
b. Jesus' answer: From Scripture (v.10)
1) A decisive choice (v.10a)
2) A worship of God alone (v.10b)
5 Conclusion: The triumphant victory (v.11)
Matthew 4:12-25
III. THE BEGINNING OF THE MESSIAH'S MINISTRY, 4:12-25
A. Jesus' Ministry: Going Forth with Purpose, 4:12-17
1 There was the sign to begin: John's imprisonment (v.12a)
2 There was the chosen headquarters: Galilee (v.12b-13)
a. Jesus left Nazareth (v.13a)
b. Jesus headquartered in Capernaum (v.13b)
3 There was the deliberate decision to fulfill Scripture (v.14)
4 There was the mission (v.15-16)
a. To go to needy lands (v.15)
b. To take people in darkness and show them great light (v.16a)
c. To take people in death and give them light (v.16b)
5 There was the message (v.17)
a. Repentance (v.17a)
b. Reason: the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (v.17b)
C. Jesus' Temptation: Overcoming All, 4:1-11
(Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)
1 Jesus' temptation (v.1)
a. Led by the Spirit (v.1a)
b. Tempted by the devil (v.1b)
2 Temptation 1: To prove His deity by using His power for personal reasons (v.2-4)
a. The temptation (v.3)
1) To secure by His own power (v.3a)
2) To trust Himself and His own ability instead of God (v.3b)
b. Jesus' answer: From Scripture (v.4)
1) Man needs more than bread (v.4a)
2) Man needs God's life—spiritual (v.4b)
3 Temptation 2: To prove His deity by the spectacular (v.5-7)
a. The temptation (v.6)
1) To test God (v.6a)
2) To attract attention by the spectacular (v.6b)
b. Jesus' answer: From Scripture (v.7)
1) God is not to be tested (v.7a)
2) God is to be trusted, not the spectacular (v.7b)
4 Temptation 3: To prove His deity by compromise (v.8-10)
a. The temptation (v.8-9)
1) To achieve His purpose by another route (v.8)
2) To switch loyalties or to take a short-cut (v.9)
b. Jesus' answer: From Scripture (v.10)
1) A decisive choice (v.10a)
2) A worship of God alone (v.10b)
5 Conclusion: The triumphant victory (v.11)
Matthew 4:12-25
III. THE BEGINNING OF THE MESSIAH'S MINISTRY, 4:12-25
A. Jesus' Ministry: Going Forth with Purpose, 4:12-17
1 There was the sign to begin: John's imprisonment (v.12a)
2 There was the chosen headquarters: Galilee (v.12b-13)
a. Jesus left Nazareth (v.13a)
b. Jesus headquartered in Capernaum (v.13b)
3 There was the deliberate decision to fulfill Scripture (v.14)
4 There was the mission (v.15-16)
a. To go to needy lands (v.15)
b. To take people in darkness and show them great light (v.16a)
c. To take people in death and give them light (v.16b)
5 There was the message (v.17)
a. Repentance (v.17a)
b. Reason: the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (v.17b)
Bible Reading Plan : Matthew 3
Matthew 3:1-12
II. THE PREPARATION FOR THE MESSIAH'S COMING, 3:1-4:11
A. Jesus' Forerunner, John the Baptist: A Message for All, 3:1-12
(Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20; John 1:6-8, 15-37)
1 John ministered in the wilderness (v.1)
2 His message to the people: Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (v.2-6)
a. His message fulfilled prophecy: One crying, "Prepare" (v.3)
b. His message was the message of a prophet: He dressed and ate as a prophet (v.4)
c. His message bore fruit (v.5-6)
1) Crowds gathered (v.5)
2) Crowds confessed and were baptized (v.6)
3 His message to the religionists, the Pharisees and Sadducees (v.7-10)
a. Point 1: Flee the wrath to come (v.7)
b. Point 2: Repent (v.8)
c. Point 3: Heritage is of no value (v.9)
d. Point 4: Judgment is at hand (v.10)
1) Immediate: Now (v.10a)
2) Inevitable: Every unfruitful tree is cast into the fire (v.10b)
3) Basis: Fruit (v.10c)
4 His message to all: Christ—Messianic preaching (v.11-12)
a. Christ is greater... (v.11a)
b. Christ shall baptize... (v.11b)
c. Christ shall judge and purge (v.12)
1) Gather some (v.12a)
2) Burn some (v.12b)
Matthew 3:13-17
B. Jesus' Baptism: What Baptism is All About, 3:13-17See:
(Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:28-34)
1 The startling request of Jesus: To be baptized (v.13)
2 The humbling reaction of John: Humility and need (v.14)
3 The godly purpose of Jesus: To fulfill all righteousness (v.15)
4 The unusual signs of Jesus' baptism (v.16-17)
a. The heavens were opened (v.16a)
b. The Spirit descended (v.16b)
c. The voice of God was heard (v.17)
II. THE PREPARATION FOR THE MESSIAH'S COMING, 3:1-4:11
A. Jesus' Forerunner, John the Baptist: A Message for All, 3:1-12
(Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20; John 1:6-8, 15-37)
1 John ministered in the wilderness (v.1)
2 His message to the people: Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (v.2-6)
a. His message fulfilled prophecy: One crying, "Prepare" (v.3)
b. His message was the message of a prophet: He dressed and ate as a prophet (v.4)
c. His message bore fruit (v.5-6)
1) Crowds gathered (v.5)
2) Crowds confessed and were baptized (v.6)
3 His message to the religionists, the Pharisees and Sadducees (v.7-10)
a. Point 1: Flee the wrath to come (v.7)
b. Point 2: Repent (v.8)
c. Point 3: Heritage is of no value (v.9)
d. Point 4: Judgment is at hand (v.10)
1) Immediate: Now (v.10a)
2) Inevitable: Every unfruitful tree is cast into the fire (v.10b)
3) Basis: Fruit (v.10c)
4 His message to all: Christ—Messianic preaching (v.11-12)
a. Christ is greater... (v.11a)
b. Christ shall baptize... (v.11b)
c. Christ shall judge and purge (v.12)
1) Gather some (v.12a)
2) Burn some (v.12b)
Matthew 3:13-17
B. Jesus' Baptism: What Baptism is All About, 3:13-17See:
(Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:28-34)
1 The startling request of Jesus: To be baptized (v.13)
2 The humbling reaction of John: Humility and need (v.14)
3 The godly purpose of Jesus: To fulfill all righteousness (v.15)
4 The unusual signs of Jesus' baptism (v.16-17)
a. The heavens were opened (v.16a)
b. The Spirit descended (v.16b)
c. The voice of God was heard (v.17)
Bible Reading Plan : Matthew 2
Matthew 2:1-11
C. Jesus' Acknowledgment as King by Wise Men: An Unexpected Worship, 2:1-11
1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem (v.1)
a. In the days of Herod (v.1a)
b. Wise men came seeking Him (v.1b)
2 Their unexpected question: Where is the newborn King? (v.2)
a. The unusual journey (v.2a)
b. Their purpose:Worship (v.2b)
3 Their unexpected disturbance (v.3-6)
a. Disturbed all the people in Jerusalem (v.3b)
b. Disturbed Herod: He misconceived a threat (v.3a)
c. Disturbed the religionists (v.4-6)
1) Herod quizzed them (v.4)
2) They had ignored the Scripture (until now) (v.5-6)
4 Their unexpected commission: Having to search for the newborn King (v. 7-8)
a. Their testimony: The star (v.7)
b. Their commission: To go-search-find (v.8)
5 Their unexpected sign: The star guided them again (v.9-10)
6 Their unexpected King: A humble child in humble surroundings (v.11)
a. They found Him in a house (v.11a)
b. They gave Him worship (v.11b)
c. They gave Him gifts (v.11c)
Matthew 2:12-23
D. Jesus' Childhood: Facing Danger after Danger, 2:12-23
1 The first danger: Herod plotted to find Jesus (v.12)
(see Matthew 2:3-8, 12)
a. The wise men were miraculously warned (v.12a)
b. The wise men obeyed (v.12b)
2 The second danger: Herod attempted to destroy Jesus (v.13-18)
a. Joseph was miraculously warned to flee into Egypt (v.13)
b. Joseph obeyed (v.14)
c. Scripture was fulfilled: The family sojourned in Egypt (v.15)
d. Herod slaughtered the children (v.16)
e. Scripture was fulfilled: The prediction of the children's slaughter (v.17-18)
3 The third danger: Archelaus reigned in Judea (v.19-23)
a. Joseph was miraculously instructed (v.19-21)
b. Joseph was again miraculously warned: Herod's son Archelaus was a threat (v.22a)
c. Joseph obeyed (v.22b)
d. Scripture was fulfilled: Jesus lived in Nazareth (v.23)
C. Jesus' Acknowledgment as King by Wise Men: An Unexpected Worship, 2:1-11
1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem (v.1)
a. In the days of Herod (v.1a)
b. Wise men came seeking Him (v.1b)
2 Their unexpected question: Where is the newborn King? (v.2)
a. The unusual journey (v.2a)
b. Their purpose:Worship (v.2b)
3 Their unexpected disturbance (v.3-6)
a. Disturbed all the people in Jerusalem (v.3b)
b. Disturbed Herod: He misconceived a threat (v.3a)
c. Disturbed the religionists (v.4-6)
1) Herod quizzed them (v.4)
2) They had ignored the Scripture (until now) (v.5-6)
4 Their unexpected commission: Having to search for the newborn King (v. 7-8)
a. Their testimony: The star (v.7)
b. Their commission: To go-search-find (v.8)
5 Their unexpected sign: The star guided them again (v.9-10)
6 Their unexpected King: A humble child in humble surroundings (v.11)
a. They found Him in a house (v.11a)
b. They gave Him worship (v.11b)
c. They gave Him gifts (v.11c)
Matthew 2:12-23
D. Jesus' Childhood: Facing Danger after Danger, 2:12-23
1 The first danger: Herod plotted to find Jesus (v.12)
(see Matthew 2:3-8, 12)
a. The wise men were miraculously warned (v.12a)
b. The wise men obeyed (v.12b)
2 The second danger: Herod attempted to destroy Jesus (v.13-18)
a. Joseph was miraculously warned to flee into Egypt (v.13)
b. Joseph obeyed (v.14)
c. Scripture was fulfilled: The family sojourned in Egypt (v.15)
d. Herod slaughtered the children (v.16)
e. Scripture was fulfilled: The prediction of the children's slaughter (v.17-18)
3 The third danger: Archelaus reigned in Judea (v.19-23)
a. Joseph was miraculously instructed (v.19-21)
b. Joseph was again miraculously warned: Herod's son Archelaus was a threat (v.22a)
c. Joseph obeyed (v.22b)
d. Scripture was fulfilled: Jesus lived in Nazareth (v.23)
Bible Reading Plan : Matthew 1
Matthew 1:1-17
I. THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH, 1:1-2:23
A. Jesus' Genealogy: Interesting Roots, 1:1-17
(Luke 3:23-28)
1 It shows Jesus to be the legal heir (v.1)
a. To the throne of David (v.1a)
b. To the blessings of Abraham (v.1b)
2 It encourages believers scattered abroad (v.2)
3 It symbolizes God's glorious mercy (v.3-6)
a. In the Gentile woman, Tamar (v.3-4)
b. In the Gentile woman, Rahab (v.5a)
c. In the Gentile woman, Ruth (v.5b)
d. In the sinful woman, Bathsheba (v.6)
4 It demonstrates that God's grace is not inherited; it is given as He wills (v.7-10)
5 It emphasizes the power of God to keep His promises (v.11-16)
a. In delivering His people through terrible times (the Babylonian captivity) (v.11-15)
b. In sending forth the Christ, the Messiah (v.16)
6 It symbolizes generations of spiritual history (v.17)
a. Abraham-David: Birth and growth (v.17a)
b. David-Babylonian captivity: Regression and enslavement (v.17b)
c. Babylon-Christ: Liberation and triumph (v.17c)
Matthew 1:18-25
B. Jesus' Divine Birth: Unusual Events, 1:18-25
(Luke 1:26-28; Luke 2:1-7)
1 His birth was of the Spirit (v.18a)
2 His birth created a predicament (v.18b-19)
a. Joseph's predicament: Mary was pregnant before marriage (v.18b)
b. Joseph's character and solution (v.19)
1) Character: A just man (v.19a)
2) Solution: Not to expose Mary (v.19b)
3 His birth necessitated a special revelation (v.20-21)
a. To give assurance (v.20a-b)
1) He was chosen (v.20a)
2) He was not to fear (v.20b)
b. To guide: In taking Mary to be his wife (v.20c)
c. To explain: The child is of the Spirit (v.20d)
d. To reveal the child's destiny (v.21)
1) His name: Jesus (v.21a)
2) His mission: To save (v.21b)
4 His birth was a fulfillment of prophecy (v.22-23)See: DS7
a. Predicting His virgin birth (v.23a)
b. Predicting His name: Emmanuel (v.23b)
5 His birth wrought a great obedience (v.24-25)
I. THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JESUS, THE MESSIAH, 1:1-2:23
A. Jesus' Genealogy: Interesting Roots, 1:1-17
(Luke 3:23-28)
1 It shows Jesus to be the legal heir (v.1)
a. To the throne of David (v.1a)
b. To the blessings of Abraham (v.1b)
2 It encourages believers scattered abroad (v.2)
3 It symbolizes God's glorious mercy (v.3-6)
a. In the Gentile woman, Tamar (v.3-4)
b. In the Gentile woman, Rahab (v.5a)
c. In the Gentile woman, Ruth (v.5b)
d. In the sinful woman, Bathsheba (v.6)
4 It demonstrates that God's grace is not inherited; it is given as He wills (v.7-10)
5 It emphasizes the power of God to keep His promises (v.11-16)
a. In delivering His people through terrible times (the Babylonian captivity) (v.11-15)
b. In sending forth the Christ, the Messiah (v.16)
6 It symbolizes generations of spiritual history (v.17)
a. Abraham-David: Birth and growth (v.17a)
b. David-Babylonian captivity: Regression and enslavement (v.17b)
c. Babylon-Christ: Liberation and triumph (v.17c)
Matthew 1:18-25
B. Jesus' Divine Birth: Unusual Events, 1:18-25
(Luke 1:26-28; Luke 2:1-7)
1 His birth was of the Spirit (v.18a)
2 His birth created a predicament (v.18b-19)
a. Joseph's predicament: Mary was pregnant before marriage (v.18b)
b. Joseph's character and solution (v.19)
1) Character: A just man (v.19a)
2) Solution: Not to expose Mary (v.19b)
3 His birth necessitated a special revelation (v.20-21)
a. To give assurance (v.20a-b)
1) He was chosen (v.20a)
2) He was not to fear (v.20b)
b. To guide: In taking Mary to be his wife (v.20c)
c. To explain: The child is of the Spirit (v.20d)
d. To reveal the child's destiny (v.21)
1) His name: Jesus (v.21a)
2) His mission: To save (v.21b)
4 His birth was a fulfillment of prophecy (v.22-23)See: DS7
a. Predicting His virgin birth (v.23a)
b. Predicting His name: Emmanuel (v.23b)
5 His birth wrought a great obedience (v.24-25)
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