It can be scary to talk about Jesus with others. But Christ not only equips our witness, but prepares us for hardship as we acknowledge Jesus before others.

Matthew 10 - Sheep Among Wolves

2nd Body of Teaching - Discourse

Instructions to his 12 disciples as they are being sent out as laborers into the harvest. Sent out to preach.

Simplified Summary:

I. Christ gives his disciples authority to go, proclaim, and demonstrate the Kingdom of Heaven.

- Go to Israel.

- Proclaim as you go - the KOH is at hand

- Demonstrate - Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.

II. Christ sends them as sheep among wolves

- Expect persecution - - If they called me Beelzebul (a term for Satan), they will malign you.

- God's Spirit will enables their witness

- "You will be hated by all for my name's sake."

- Endure to the end - saved.

III. Don't be afraid, be mindful of the risks, the costs, and the reward.

- v.28 - Don't fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. - fear - take seriously.

- Polycarp - "You threaten a fire which burns for an hour, and after a little is quenched; for you don't know the fire of the future judgment and of the eternal punishment which is reserved for the impious. But why do you delay? Do what you will."

- You are valuable to God. v.30-31

- v.32 - everyone who acknowledges me

- [ ] Christ is calling us to have a heavenly perspective when it comes to suffering and persecution.

**Truths** - Christ sends out his disciples to proclaim and demonstrate the Kingdom of Heaven. He equips with his authority.

- The Spirit of God will speak through His Disciples

- The Father is intimately aware of everything that happens to us, we are precious to him.

If they hated Christ, they will hate his disciples.

We are valued by God.

**FCF** - Fear of Man and of death.

**Application Heavy -**

- Go, Proclaim, and Demonstrate the Kingdom of Heaven

- Expect and Endure Persecution/Hardship for Jesus

- Fear God more than Man

- Remember that ITS WORTH IT!!!!!

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Expanded Outline -

I. Gives them authority v.1-4

- cast out demons and heal every disease and every affliction

II. Instructions to the 12 - Go, Proclaim, Demonstrate

- Go to Israel.

- Proclaim as you go - the KOH is at hand

- Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.

- what did they receive? The Kingdom.

- Stay with the worthy, shake the dust

- More bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for the town that rejects them

III. I send you as Sheep in the Midst of Wolves

- They would be persecuted

- God's Spirit enables their witness

- "You will be hated by all for my name's sake."

- Endure to the end - saved.

- If they called me Beelzebul (a term for Satan), they will malign you.

IV. Don't Be Afraid v.26-33

- v.28 - Don't fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. - fear - take seriously.

- Polycarp - "You threaten a fire which burns for an hour, and after a little is quenched; for you don't know the fire of the future judgment and of the eternal punishment which is reserved for the impious. But why do you delay? Do what you will."

- You are valuable to God. v.30-31

- v.32 - everyone who acknowledges me

- [ ] Christ is calling us to have a heavenly perspective when it comes to suffering and persecution.

V. Christ came to divide v.34-39

- Christ draws a line, you're either with him or against him.

- Following Christ will cost you, you must value him more than those most loved by you.

VI. Whoever receives Christ's disciples receives Christ. v.40-42

Read from:

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)

© 2001 by Crossway,

a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

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