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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