Providence Church

Christ refers to His death by speaking of an Old Testament figure of a "cup" and a "baptism." His death was physical and literal but its effect was spiritual and demonstrated figuratively. In Romans Paul explains that the "seed of Christ" was justified at the cross. He asks, does this permit ongoing sin? He states: "God forbid." This truth is symbolized by the believer's baptism by immersion. In fact, as Christ was resurrected, we are "to walk in the newness of life."

Many important truths are found in these verses but this message settles on the words of Christ in verse fifteen. It expands to show the relationship between this statement and Jesus' words found in chapter five, verses 17 and 18. It concludes by asking, "how does Jesus' baptism fulfill righteousness?" Simply put, His public obedience at baptism led to His public obedience at death. Righteousness was established by His sinless obedience.

The third chapter of Matthew records two important events. This message concerns the first of the two. John the Baptist or "baptizer," the cousin of Jesus and at roughly the same age steps on the page of Scripture as prophesied by Isaiah. He is the forerunner of Christ. He comes as an Old Testament prophet. He calls men to repent and publicly confess their sins. Baptism in water is the mechanism God gave them to make this open declaration.

The third chapter of Matthew records two important events. This message concerns the first of the two. John the Baptist or "baptizer," the cousin of Jesus and at roughly the same age steps on the page of Scripture as prophesied by Isaiah. He is the forerunner of Christ. He comes as an Old Testament prophet. He calls men to repent and publicly confess their sins. Baptism in water is the mechanism God gave them to make this open declaration.

Many important truths are found in these verses but this message settles on the words of Christ in verse fifteen. It expands to show the relationship between this statement and Jesus' words found in chapter five, verses 17 and 18. It concludes by asking, "how does Jesus' baptism fulfill righteousness?" Simply put, His public obedience at baptism led to His public obedience at death. Righteousness was established by His sinless obedience.

The men causing conflicts in the church are doing two dangerous things in the closing verses of chapter four. First, they are disregarding God and His sovereignty. They are not living by the principle, "if the Lord will." Secondly, they are disregarding God and their own sin. They know what is right and know what it is to do "good but do it not." In both cases they presume God will overlook their attitudes and their actions. He will not, James says.

The scene is Nazareth of Galilee, Jesus' hometown. In this message we learn of a city not named in the Bible, Sepphoris. It lay about five miles north of Nazareth. Jesus was more than a carpenter. He was a "craftsman" in wood, metal and stone. Most likely He daily walked the distance to do stonemason work in that city. It was a part of His obedience and suffering. He is the healthy root and Nazareth is the dry ground.

The men causing conflicts in the church are doing two dangerous things in the closing verses of chapter four. First, they are disregarding God and His sovereignty. They are not living by the principle, "if the Lord will." Secondly, they are disregarding God and their own sin. They know what is right and know what it is to do "good but do it not." In both cases they presume God will overlook their attitudes and their actions. He will not, James says.

The scene is Nazareth of Galilee, Jesus' hometown. In this message we learn of a city not named in the Bible, Sepphoris. It lay about five miles north of Nazareth. Jesus was more than a carpenter. He was a "craftsman" in wood, metal and stone. Most likely He daily walked the distance to do stonemason work in that city. It was a part of His obedience and suffering. He is the healthy root and Nazareth is the dry ground.

Through chapters three and four James is issuing a series of warnings. Following a list of ten imperative statements he adds another. He says, "speak not evil." This is self-righteous judgment of others in the congregation. He may have gotten this from Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount, "judge not." Here, the context is critical. Previously He said, "seek righteousness...take no thought of self." This message addresses both texts.