“Growing in the Greatness of God”

(Ephesians 3:14-21)

Series: Christ and the Church [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

February 14, 2021

The Passage

Ephesians 3:14-21

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16 I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, 19 and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Introductory Comments:

How many of you remember what happened last week with Paul? He got totally sidetracked! He started to talk about something and then he took a beautiful detour to talk about the mystery of Christ. Now, he comes back to where he started. 

Look, if you will, at Ephesians 3:1, which we covered last week. It says, “For this reason . . .” Now, look at verse 14, which we’ll cover this week. It says, “For this reason . . .” It’s the same reason! Paul never finished his thought! So, let’s look at that reason again this week.

Before we go any further, let’s go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to speak to us. 

(prayer)

Paul is now back on track and his intention is to share with the Ephesians a prayer that he prays for them. Finally, this passage will conclude with one of the most beautiful doxologies in all of the Bible. 

As we look at Paul’s prayer, we can see three steps that we should take when we come to God. 

First, . . .

I. Be humble before God (vv. 14-15) [on screen]

In Ephesians, Paul has spoken about God’s sovereign choice of people to salvation, he’s spoken about God’s adoption of us as His children, he’s spoken about the tearing down of the wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles, he’s spoken about the mystery of Christ, and he’s spoken about the fact that he is a prisoner of Christ. 

After speaking about all of that, Paul speaks of a humble posture that he takes as he comes to God in prayer. Let’s read about it. Look at verses 14 and 15:

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.

Most of us probably know that there are several different stances that we can take when it comes to prayer. 

We can stand with our hands lifted up. We can simply bow our heads and close our eyes, we can sit with our head bowed, we can lie prostrate on the ground with our face in the floor, or we can kneel before God. 

Kneeling before God in prayer seems to communicate humility and loyalty to God.

As subjects will often kneel in the presence of kings or queens, so also Paul chose to kneel before God in prayer. Although we are free to take any stance we would like before God in prayer, we should definitely do so in humility, understanding who God is and who we are in relationship to God. 

Don’t forget that we are saved by grace, this is not from ourselves. We did not earn our relationship with God. We are in Christ, before God, and we have come to God only by His magnificent love and grace. So, we should be humble before God. 

Remember Paul says at the beginning of verse 14, “For this reason . . .” For all the reasons that are listed in Ephesians 1:1-3:13; for all the reasons that Paul has already spoken about the work of God, we should come to God with a posture of humility and reverence. Let us come humbly before Him. 

Not only should we come before Him humbly because He is king, but also

“The Wonder of the Mystery of Christ”

(Ephesians 3:1-13)

Series: Christ and the Church [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

February 7, 2021

The Passage

Ephesians 3:1-13

1 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. 3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5 This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.

8 This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, 9 and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. 10 This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. 11 This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him. 13 So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.

Introductory Comments:

Have you ever been in the middle of telling someone something and then you get excitedly carried away and start talking about something else? Perhaps you’re telling someone about a trip that you went on for work and then you get distracted by telling them about this great restaurant that you stopped at. You may start telling them about the fantastic burgers and delicious milkshakes and you just get carried away because it is so wonderful to you!

In today’s passage, Paul gets carried away speaking about the wonder of the mystery of Christ! He starts to say one thing but gets excitingly sidetracked with another thing before coming back to the first. 

Before we hear what Paul has to tell us, let’s go to God in prayer and ask Him to speak to us. 

(prayer)

In Ephesians chapters 1 and 2, Paul has shared a lot of theology and deep truth regarding salvation, the Church, and the availability of salvation to the Gentiles. Now, Paul is going to get a little more personal. He’s going to talk about his calling and how God is working through him. 

While Paul is sharing about God’s work through him, he focuses on the mystery of Christ. As he does so, he gets a little excited, like someone telling a story of something they really enjoyed. That’s what we’re going to look at now. So, first, . . . 

I. Have you heard about the mystery? (vv. 1-4) [on screen]

We’re going to see that Paul begins to tell the Ephesians about something related to his imprisonment (remember, Paul is in prison while writing this letter). However, Paul stops talking about that and picks up a discussion about the mystery of Christ. 

Let’s check it out. Look at verses 1-4:

1 For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. 3 The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4 By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.

First of all, Paul speaks about his imprisonment. 

Notice of whom Paul says that he is a prisoner. Look at verse 1. Paul says he is, “ . . . the prisoner of Christ Jesus.” Paul doesn’t say that he is a prisoner to the Roman Empire, or to local authorities, or to Jewish leaders. Paul says he is a prisoner of Christ. 

Paul also says he is a prisoner on behalf of the Gent

“Extreme Makeover: Gospel Edition”

(Ephesians 2:11-22)

Series: Christ and the Church [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

January 31, 2021

The Passage

Ephesians 2:11-22

11 So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. 12 At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In his flesh, 15 he made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that he might create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. 16 He did this so that he might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death. 17 He came and proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

Introductory Comments:

Do you remember the hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition? [show picture on screen] It was hosted by Ty Pennington and a crew of fantastic volunteers and good looking professional contractors and designers who could take a terrible house like this [show picture on screen] and turn it into a beautiful home like this [show picture on screen]. There was normally a family involved about whom you would hear an inspiring backstory and then the transformation began. 

Well, today we’re learning about Extreme Makeover: Gospel Edition. We’re going to learn about the extreme transformation that Jesus brought in our lives. 

Before we go any further, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us. 

(prayer)

In Ephesians chapter 1, Paul is telling us who we are in Christ, what God has been doing since before the world began to bring us to Christ, and how God’s power is seen in the preeminence of Christ. In chapter 2, Paul begins to explain that we are saved because of God’s great gift of grace!

Now, Paul takes us further down this path of God’s work to explain this extreme makeover through the power of the Gospel. 

As with the episodes of the show on HGTV, we must first understand . . .

I. The backstory (vv. 11-13) [on screen]

The backstory is knowing what happened before the transformation started. For the show, it was always something like they had 12 kids, or the dad just lost his job, or the family’s pet hamster died. For Paul, he wants to make sure that the Ephesians are reminded of what life was like for them before Jesus changed them. 

Let’s check out what Paul says. Look at verses 11-13. 

11 So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. 12 At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Paul has already spoken about the past of the Ephesians in this chapter. Remember, in verses 1-4, he spoke about the Ephesians being dead in their sins. But God made them alive!

Now, Paul is giving a specific recounting of their past as

“Raising the Dead”

(Ephesians 2:1-10)

Series: Christ and the Church [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

January 24, 2021

The Passage

Ephesians 2:1-10

1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. 3 We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, 5 made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! 6 He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

Introductory Comments:

Welcome back to the book of Ephesians. Thus far, we have learned of the power of God in choosing, adopting, and sealing His children; we’ve learned about the power of God seen in the authority of Jesus over all things, including the Church; and today we will learn about the power and grace of God in our salvation. 

If you haven’t already, find your way to Ephesians 2:1-10, which is page 1036 in the pew Bible. Let’s pray together before we begin. 

(prayer)

In the next two passages that we study, Paul is going to remind the Ephesian believers who God is and what He has done. 

In today’s passage, we will see discover three ways that mark the life of a follower of Jesus. 

Are you ready? First, we see . . .

I. The way of sin (vv. 1-3) [on screen]

As we did the last couple of weeks, we’re going to take a few sneak peeks at a verse before we cover it in totality. Peek with me at the beginning of verse 1. Paul says, “And you were dead . . .”

Very simply, the way of sin leads to death. 

As a pastor, I’ve seen a lot of dead bodies. I don’t mean to be too callous or light-hearted about this, but I can tell you very quickly that I’ve never seen a dead person do anything to help themselves. This truth is at the heart of what Paul is saying. As we study today’s passage, keep that in mind. 

Let’s first look at verses 1-3:

1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. 3 We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.

Paul says that those of us who are followers of Jesus were once (in the past) dead. Why were we dead? Because of their trespasses and sins. 

Rather than living as those who were in Christ, we were dead as those who were in sin. 

The Apostle Paul says elsewhere in Romans 6:23, “For the wages [or payment] of sin is death . . .” [on screen]

The Old Testament proverbs teach us in Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death.” [on screen]

So, the way of sin is death. 

Paul goes on to describe the characteristics of being in sins and trespasses. 

Paul says in verse 2 that we walked in these ways and that these ways were“according to the ways of this world . . .” These are not the ways of the heavenly kingdom; they are not the ways of God. 

He says these ways are also “according to the ruler of the power of the air . . .” It is generally accepted that Paul is speaking here a

“The Power of God and the Preeminence of Christ”

(Ephesians 1:15-23)

Series: Christ and the Church[on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

January 17, 2021

The Passage

Ephesians 1:15-23

15 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.

20 He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens— 21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

Introductory Comments:

Well, here we are continuing our series in the book of Ephesians. Last week’s passage was rich with mysterious knowledge and deep grace. 

In chapter 1 of Ephesians, Paul is building a foundation for us to understand who Jesus is so that we can understand how He relates to the Church. Last week was about discovering the riches of God in Christ. Today, Paul moves beyond that introductory systematic theology course to get a little more specific about Jesus’ place in the world and the Church.

Last week had to do with our salvation in Christ. This week has to do with Christ’s relationship to the world and the Church. 

Before we continue, let’s pray and ask God to speak to us. 

(prayer)

Introduction (vv. 15-16)

As with last week, there are a few introductory verses to this passage. 

Let’s take a sneak peek. Look at verse 15. Paul says, “This is why, . . ..” I’m preaching out of the Christian Standard Bible. Some other translations say, “For this reason . . . ,” or “Wherefore . . .” in the King James Version. 

“This is why,” implies that Paul is starting a new discussion based on the previous discussion. So, pay attention to see what Paul is saying and why He is saying it. 

Look at verses 15 and 16:

15 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.

Remember, the previous discussion was about being in Christ, receiving adoption as God’s children, and being sealed with the Holy Spirit. Paul says for that reason, because the Ephesians are in Christ and have experienced God’s riches also, he has heard of their faith in Jesus and love for the saints, and he never stops giving thanks for them in his prayers. 

Well, what does Paul pray for the Ephesians? That leads right into our first point:

I. God’s provision for the Church (vv. 17-19) [on screen]

Paul is continually praying for the Ephesians. He is praying that they will experience and realize God’s provision for them. In short, Paul is praying that they will experience that which He described in last week’s passage, verses 1-14. 

Let’s look at our passage for today. Look at verses 17-19:

17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his str

“Remember that Time at Supper”

(Matthew 26:26-35)

Series: God’s Fulfilled Promise [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

October 18, 2020

The Passage

Matthew 26:26-35

26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

31 Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight all of you will fall away because of me, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”

33 Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away.”

34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”

35 “Even if I have to die with you,” Peter told him, “I will never deny you,” and all the disciples said the same thing.

Introductory Comments:

Last week we learned that the disciples and Jesus were sharing the Passover meal together as Jesus predicted that one of them would betray Him. We found out that the betrayer is Judas.Well, in today’s passage, the disciples are sharing the Passover meal with Jesus and He predicts that they will all abandon Him. I promise you that this is not the same sermon from last week. Something different is going on here. 

From this passage, we learn about one of the fundamental practices for worship in the Church. In this passage, we learn about the ordinance known as the Lord’s Supper. 

Let’s look at this passage together and learn what God has for us. Before we do, let’s go to God in prayer.

(prayer)

Later in the service, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Before we do, I want us to properly understand the origins of this beautiful ordinance and what it means for us as the Church today. 

By the time we conclude, we’ll discover two important looks that emerge from the Lord’s Supper. Before we do that, I want us to sort of take a walk through the passage and highlight some important truths in these verses. 

A walk through the passage: [on screen]

As we begin to walk through the passage, let’s look at it together. Look at Matthew 26:26-35:

26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” 30 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

31 Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight all of you will fall away because of me, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”

33 Peter told him, “Even if everyone falls away because of you, I will never fall away.”

34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to him, “tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”

35 “Even if I have to die with you,” Peter told him, “I will never deny you,” and all the disciples said the same thing.

Remember, Jesus and His apostles are still eating the Passover meal. As they are eating the meal, Jesus teaches them something using the bread and the wine as illustrations. Not only does He teach them something, but He commands them to c

“Dinner and Deceit”

(Matthew 26:17-25)

Series: God’s Fulfilled Purpose [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

October 11, 2020

The Passage

Matthew 26:17-25

17 On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

18 “Go into the city to a certain man,” he said, “and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time is near; I am celebrating the Passover at your place with my disciples.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. 20 When evening came, he was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”

22 Deeply distressed, each one began to say to him, “Surely not I, Lord?”

23 He replied, “The one who dipped his hand with me in the bowl—he will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for him if he had not been born.”

25 Judas, his betrayer, replied, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” “You have said it,” he told him.

Introductory Comments:

We are continuing our study in the Gospel of Matthew. Here we are, picking it back up, in Matthew 26. We’re learning about the conspiracy against and betrayal of Jesus. 

You may remember from last week that Judas had met with the Jewish leaders to see what he might gain from betraying Jesus. 

Now, Judas is dining with Jesus and the other disciples as they prepare to celebrate the Passover. This is what we’ll dive into today. 

Before we go any further, let’s pray together.

(prayer)

When my wife and I were dating I took her to a mystery dinner show. Many different clues were presented throughout the show and we were able to enjoy a meal and enjoy mystery at the same time. 

In today’s passage, the disciples are getting ready to enjoy a dinner with their master, teacher, lord, and Messiah. We’ll see that this is not just any other dinner. At this dinner, there is mystery and suspense. 

As we study this passage, we will identify two moments that happen before a soon coming monumental event. 

First, let’s identify . . . 

I. The moment before the Passover. (vv. 17-19) [on screen]

Let us look at the passage to see what is happening with our Lord and His disciples. Look at Matthew 26:17-19.

17 On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

18 “Go into the city to a certain man,” he said, “and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time is near; I am celebrating the Passover at your place with my disciples.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

First of all, we learn that the timing of this gathering is associated with two events, the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Passover. Well, which one is it? Actually, it’s both. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was a festival of about seven days which took place around the same time as Passover; it was part of the Passover festivities. So, Jesus and His disciples assemble on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which was probably the day before Passover to gather for a meal. More than likely, after sundown, the Passover meal could be taken in celebration of the Passover. 

Again, we see this event where Jesus tells His disciples to go into the city and tell someone that they are to do a specific thing for Jesus. 

Remember, this happened with Jesus and the donkey’s colt as He rode into Jerusalem at the Triumphal Entry back in Matthew 21. 

Jesus could have supernaturally arranged all of this to happen, or He could have coordinated this ahead of time. Perhaps this “certain man” Jesus spoke of was someone who accepted Jesus as Messiah and he would be more than glad to accommodate this request. We don’t kno

“Conspiracy Against the Divine”

(Matthew 26:1-16)

Series: God’s Fulfilled Promise [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

October 4, 2020

The Passage

Matthew 26:1-16

1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he told his disciples, 2 “You know that the Passover takes place after two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, who was named Caiaphas, 4 and they conspired to arrest Jesus in a treacherous way and kill him. 5 “Not during the festival,” they said, “so there won’t be rioting among the people.”

6 While Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman approached him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. She poured it on his head as he was reclining at the table. 8 When the disciples saw it, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. 9 “This might have been sold for a great deal and given to the poor.”

10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a noble thing for me. 11 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me. 12 By pouring this perfume on my body, she has prepared me for burial. 13 Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

14 Then one of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So they weighed out thirty pieces of silver for him. 16 And from that time he started looking for a good opportunity to betray him.

Introductory Comments:

Well, we are turning a corner today in the book of Matthew. We have concluded the Olivet Discourse and we are now approaching the plot against, betrayal of, arrest of, and crucifixion of Jesus. 

Jesus came into the world as a miracle child. Angels accompanied Him at His birth and people received Him as a king. John the Baptizer would boldly proclaim of Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The disciples followed Him believing Him to be the conquering king Messiah who would rescue Israel. The people welcomed Him as He came into Jerusalem and they proclaimed, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” Yet, after all of that, a group of religious leaders would plot to arrest Him, one of those closest to Him would betray Him, the people of Jerusalem would shout “Crucify Him,” and His disciples would abandon Him. 

These are the events that begin to unfold in Matthew 26. Let us now pause in prayer and ask God to speak to us as we journey into this crucial section of Matthew’s Gospel. Join me now in a spirit of prayer.

(prayer)

Many detailed plans have been made when it comes to the killing of people of notoriety. There is still quite a bit of mystery surrounding the killing of President John F. Kennedy.  Regarding President Abraham Lincoln, the original plans were to kidnap the president. Those plans were later changed to assassinate not only President Lincoln but also the vice president and the secretary of state. Those plans did not play out in full either, although President Lincoln was tragically killed. 

Well, we see in this passage, the unfolding of the conspiracy against the divine. In Matthew 26, plans are being made to kill the Son of God. As with some other famous conspiracies to commit murder, this plan did not pan out exactly how the conspirators planned it. However, it did happen exactly as God planned it. 

In Matthew 26, we will reflect upon three elements of the last days of Jesus, which point us to God’s plan for why Jesus came to the earth. 

Let us now look at the first of these elements, . . . 

I. The treacherous plan (vv. 1-5) [on screen]

Let us turn our attention to verses 1-5 of Matthew 26. We’ll look at these verses and seek to discover what

“The Most Important Pasture of All”

(Matthew 25:31-46)

Series: God’s Fulfilled Promise [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

September 27, 2020

The Passage

Matthew 25:31-46

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

35 “‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; 36 I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?’

40 “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41 “Then he will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels! 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger and you didn’t take me in; I was naked and you didn’t clothe me, sick and in prison and you didn’t take care of me.’

44 “Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help you?’

45 “Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Introductory Comments:

Over the last two weeks, I have have been able to enjoy a meal from two of my favorite restaurants in our area. In both cases, I ordered a salad as part of my meal. While doing so, I was dejected to find, upon receiving my salads, that they were tainted with a foul ingredient: olives. I believe every olive in the world should be used to make olive oil, which is delicious, and the refuse should be thrown out into the outer darkness. Well, upon seeing the olives, I didn’t make a scene (I’m not much for the dramatic), so I picked them out. I sorted out the salad as the part to be enjoyed and the part to be discarded. 

Well, today we’re going to continue our study of the Olivet Discourse and learn about a divine sorting that will take place by Jesus.

Before we get into this passage, let’s pray and ask God to supernaturally bless us as we study the passage.

(prayer)

We’re continuing our series in the book of Matthew and Jesus’ discussion on the Mount of Olives, called the Olivet Discourse. This is the last little section before we get into the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. 

This passage is utterly important because we must understand that there are some objective truths in this world, which present opposing realities. You are either with Jesus or you are not with Jesus. You will either go into eternal life or eternal punishment. We’ll see these truths emerge in today’s passage.

As we look at this passage, we must understand that this is not a parable. Although it speaks about sheep and goats, we should still view this passage as something that is true and will actually happen. People are compared to sheep and goats as a metaphor, but this will really happen. 

As we look at Matthew 25:31-46, we will discover three actions that will t

“Gifts and Faithfulness”

(Matthew 25:14-30)

Series: God’s Fulfilled Promise [on screen]

Rev. Matthew C. McCraw, EdD

First Baptist Church, Bartow, Florida

September 20, 2020

The Passage

Matthew 25:14-20

14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately 16 the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. 17 In the same way the man with two earned two more. 18 But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money.

19 “After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents.’

21 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’

22 “The man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents.’

23 “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’

24 “The man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’

26 “His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, 27 then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned.

28 “‘So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 30 And throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Introductory Comments:

There have been some great investments made throughout history. In fact, if I had a time machine and could go back in time I could be your pastor and not take a salary. Also, our church would never need to do a financial campaign again. 

John Gray invested $10,500 in the stock of Ford Motor Company in 1903. [show picture on screen] When Ford bought the stock back in 1919, the stock was worth a whopping $26.25 million. Asa Candler bought the recipe for Coca-Cola from John Pemberton for $2,300 in 1891. [show picture on screen] Candler then sold the same recipe in 1923 for $25 million! Peter Thiel, one of the original investors for Facebook, invested $500,000 in the company in 2005. [show picture on screen]His return was 800 times the initial investment, as he sold all 25 million shares of Facebook for $400 million in 2012.

You see, history is full of people who made both profitable and devastating investments. The truth is, money can be managed well and it can be managed poorly. A faithful Christian will be a good steward of the money that God has given him or her. However, there are things in life that are much more important than money, and we are to be good stewards of those things as well. 

Today, we’ll be looking at the parable of the talents and we’ll learn what Jesus is teaching us when it comes to managing that which He has entrusted to us. 

Let’s pray together before we study this passage, and ask God to speak to us. 

(prayer)

Before we get into three truths that we will discover from the passage, let’s look at the