The Perplexed Prophet - Matthew 11:1-19

Today we will see Jesus explain His calling to John the Baptist; we will also see Jesus explain John the Baptist’s calling to the crowds; and finally Jesus’ call for everyone to walk in the wisdom of faith.

Matthew 11:1-19

Jesus sent out the first ones, and began training the next ones – just like we do to this day! The next ones probably included men like Justus and Matthias, who later would be the finalists to replace Judas Iscariot.

Jesus explains John the Baptist’s calling to the crowds - V. 7-15

JTB was more than a prophet because he served as the Messiah’s forerunner – His prophetic ministry stood at the end of the age of Mosaic Law and at the beginning of the offer of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of sins. - Luke 1:76-77

And many came to Him (Jesus). And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this Man was true. And many believed in Him (Jesus) there. - John 10:41-42

In Old Covenant days believers went to the Temple; In these New Covenant days believers are each Temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). Thus every believer living in New Covenant days is ‘greater’ than the greatest saint living under Old Covenant days.

“You brood of vipers – who warned you to flee from the wrath to come. Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our Father.” - Matthew 3:7-9

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. - 2 Tim. 3:12

JTB was the fulfilment of Malachi 4:5-6. John himself denied that he was Elijah (John 1:21), yet he came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17).

Jesus explains His calling to John the Baptist - V. 2-6

John was probably both perplexed and perturbed! Perplexed because he had spoken of the Christ as bringing judgment to evildoers and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matt. 3:12). Perturbed because he was also related to Jesus (Luke 1:36), yet rotting in evil King Herod’s prison while ‘cousin’ Jesus was healing, not judging!

Jesus answered JTB by citing the miracles He was doing, all in fulfilment of prophecies (see for instance Isa. 29:18-19; 35:5-10; 61:1).

In his zeal for what we would call Christ’s Second Advent (Coming) as Conquering King to bring absolute righteousness to Israel and judgment of God’s enemies, JTB had minimized what we would call Christ’s First Advent (Coming) to deal with both Israel and the world’s bigger problem of spiritual lostness. No one will experience the physical external rule of the King who doesn’t first experience the spiritual internal reign of King Jesus.

What chokes every prayer and every hope is the memory of all the prayers H.and I offered and all the false hopes we had. Not hopes raised merely by our own wishful thinking, hopes encouraged, even forced upon us, by false diagnoses, by X-ray photographs, by strange remissions, by one temporary recovery that might have ranked as a miracle. Step by step we were ‘led up the garden path.’ Time after time, when He seemed most gracious He was really preparing the next torture. - C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed, page 30

What are you going to do when your expectations of God’s work in your life don’t match up with the way He actually works?

Will you still worship and follow Jesus? Or will you choose to be offended at Him because of your unrealistic expectations.

Some of you may be perplexed and even perturbed at Jesus right now. I hope you will go to Him in prayer and get back to a place of surrender to God and His actual calling for you rather than your unmet expectations.

Jesus’ call for everyone to walk in the wisdom of faith - V. 16-19

Precious Gifts - Philippians 1:29-30

James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Never in a million years would we consider suffering to be a gift, yet this, among other things, is exactly what Paul states.

PHILIPPIANS 1:27-30

What has the Father of heavenly lights given us?

 Gifts (v.29) “been granted”

o The same root word from which we get “Grace”

Why did He give them?

 (v.29) “for the sake of Christ”

o By definition, He alone receives glory.

Remember: In the giving, God gets the glory; in our receiving, God gets the glory.

Three Precious Gifts that Bring God Glory

1. Gift of Salvation Brings God Glory (v.29)

o We did nothing to earn salvation

 Isaiah 64:6

 Romans 3; Ephesians 2:3

 Ephesians 2:8-9

o Salvation is to God’s glory and results in our joy!

 Romans 14:17

Don’t be distracted this Christmas by that which is here today and gone tomorrow!

God rest ye merry, gentlemen,

Let nothing you dismay,

For Jesus Christ our Savior

Was born upon this day,

To save us all from Satan’s power

When we were gone astray:

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy;

O tidings of comfort and joy.

2. Gift of Suffering Brings God Glory (v.29)

o 2 Corinthians 11; Hebrews 11

o Matthew 5:10-12

o Suffering does several things:

 Confirms our salvation

• John 16:33

• 2 Timothy 3:12

 Purifies us

• Romans 5; James 1; Job 13:15

3. Gift of Company Brings God Glory (v.30)

o Suffering Bonds the Saints Together

 Hebrews 13:3

Now to the Lord sing praises,

All you within this place,

And with true love and brotherhood

Each other now embrace;

This holy tide of Christmas

All others doth deface:

O tidings of comfort and joy,

Comfort and joy;

O tidings of comfort and joy.

o Suffering Permits Us to Share in the Suffering of Christ

 Philippians 3:10

• “know” = experientially

“If we were suffering for ourselves, it would be no privilege, but because we are suffering for and with Christ, it is a high and holy honor. After all, He suffered for us, and a willingness to suffer for Him is the very least we can do to show our love and gratitude.”

~Warren Wiersbe

 Application

o Romans 12:14

 Bless

• Luke 6:27-36

 Do not Curse

o Job 13:15

o Hebrews 11:1

Psalm 75 Worksheet

The Psalm/ song was to be set musically to the tune “Do not destroy.” That same tune was used in Psalms 57-59. It is a tad ironic since the Psalm ends with the knowledge that God will destroy the __________________________.

So many of the Psalms go back to the idea introduced in Psalm 1:6 –

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. -Psalm 1:6

Psalm 75 begins and end with thanksgiving and praise, making this a _________________ and praise Psalm.

When the Psalmist says “God’s name is near, it is the same thing as saying God’s _________________ is near.”

The Psalm shifts from the third person to the first person in verses 2-5 as God says what He will do. Verses 2-3 make such an huge point there is a Selah so that we stop and think about what God has said before we go on.

We don’t need to fret about whether God will judge the wicked and reward the righteous. God says He will at a time of His own ________________________! The God who gives and takes away (Job 1:21) can dissolve the earth as it is now, and set it back up on firm pillars.

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. -Proverbs 16:18

God Himself _____________________ the boastful and wicked in verses 4-5.

The concept of lifting up the horn occurs ________ times in this short Psalm. Animals with horns use those to fight other animals. When applied to people and kingdoms, horns represent strength or _________________________.

So what is God saying when he warns the proud and boastful not to lift up their horns with a stiff neck?

God is warning the boastful and wicked person not to take Him on, and explains __________ in verses 6-7.

Israel was not to fear other countries, and those countries would not have the final word about God’s people – God would! He always has the _____________________ word!

Verse 7 makes me think about God’s word to Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 2.

The words of Psalm 75 are prophetically pointing forward to how God will judge _______________ sin, either at the Cross or at the Great White Throne Judgment.

The Prophets often spoke of God making the wicked drink a cup filled with ‘judgment’ on their sins, like a man drinking ____________________ that would make him die (Job 21:20; Isa. 51:17; Jer. 25:15; Hab. 2:16).

For thus says the LORD God of Israel to me: “Take this cup of fury from My hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send you, to drink it.” -Jeremiah 25:15

But who else took up the cup of wrath for His people?

So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given me?” -John 18:11

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; but he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on Him. -John 3:16

We are all wicked sinners (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). Christ took the wrath due our sins on Himself (2 Cor. 5:21). For those who don’t receive Him, the wrath ________________ their sins will be pronounced at the Great White Throne Judgment and Lake of Fire.

Christ’s atoning death is sufficient to save all who have ever lived; but it is efficient to save only those who repent and believe.

Satisfied that the Judge of all the earth will do right, the Psalmist returns to ____________________.

This Thanksgiving we can rejoice because whatever we are facing, God will have the _______________ word in our lives!

Thankful for Our Win-Win Situation - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today’s message is a simple one: make sure this week you keep the THANKS in Thanksgiving, and remember WHO to give thanks to: the very God who created you and died to redeem you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Notice how short these 3 verses are: verse 16 is just 2 words; verse 17 is just 3; verse 18 is just 17. All 3 are only 22 verses, (John 3:16 is 24). You could memorize these verses this week and quote them at Thanksgiving!

Notice also that we are told it is God’s WILL for believers to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.” God WANTS, desires, and expects these things to characterize true believers.

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. - Deuteronomy 29:29

Notice that God’s word does not present 3 suggestions here, but 3 commands. Believers are commanded to “rejoice, pray and give thanks” no matter how they are feeling or what they are experiencing.

How many times did Paul command believers to “rejoice?” At least 7 times!

“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4

Even if I am being poured out as a drink offering…I am glad and rejoice with you all. -Phil. 2:17

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. - Col. 1:24

A non-Christian would not respond well to a command to rejoice and give thanks, especially if their circumstances we’re bad. They would think you cruel for suggesting it.

Do you know who else has a hard time with the commands to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances? Those we may call “carnal Christians.”

As for the one sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and pleasures of life choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. - Combine of Mt. 13:22 & Lk. 8:14

The faithful and fruitful follower of Jesus Christ can be commanded to rejoice whether circumstances are going our way or not, because God has given us an eternal perspective about wins and losses in life.

Bur rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. - 1 Pet. 4:13

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Phil. 4:6-7 (note how close to 4:4)

Christians can always rejoice and give thanks because we pray to the God who is always in control. What do we mean when we say that God is in control? That God will have the final word in our lives, not circumstances.

Genetics is important, but it can’t overcome environment;

Environment is important, but it can’t overcome circumstances;

Circumstances are important, but they can’t overcome our choices;

Our choices are important, but can’t overcome God’s choices.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a Mighty One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will exult over you with loud singing. - Zephaniah 3:17

Psalm 74 Worksheet

The heading of Psalm 74 says that it is a “contemplation of Asaph.” Last time I made a big deal about how 12 Psalms are ascribed to Asaph. This does not necessarily mean he wrote them all – it could be that the “________________ of Asaph” wrote some of them just as the sons of Korah did. That would seem to fit the content of Psalm 74, which sure sounds like it is referring to the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon in 586 BC.

Psalm 74 is a _________________________ lament over destruction suffered at the hands of enemies, and a prayer for God to do something about it.

Taking our “___________________” Questions to God V. 1-11

Taking our questions to God helps us process what has happened and sets the stage for trusting Him and “________________________” our situations to Him. Talking to God helps us go forward even when “why” is not answered.

Often when the psalmists ask God to remember they are also helping themselves remember God’s ______________________. By faith they know that God will respond to the humble and repentant pleas of His people.

Deuteronomy 30:1-10

Or if your people Israel are defeated before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and return and confess Your name, and pray and make supplication before You in this Temple, then hear from Heaven and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them back to the land which You gave to them and their Fathers. -2 Chronicles 6:24-25

It is good and proper to take time to lament the enemies destruction of what was built up for God’s ________________________.

These verses certainly fit with Nebuchadnezzar’s destruction of the Temple in 586 B.C. The same thing happened again AD 70 under the Romans. Some of it relates to the desecration of the Temple in 167 B.C.

Verse 9 does make this Psalm a little harder to place in 586 B.C. – Many prophets were active before, during and after Jerusalem’s destruction. And Jeremiah was able to say the captivity would last 70 years (Jer. 29). Perhaps this does take us back to Asaph prophetically writing generically about future events. That would be a good _________________________ to Psalm 73 that told how much going to Temple helped give perspective. That would make these words helpful in not taking the Temple for granted.

No matter what circumstances we face we still ____________________ our God V. 12-17

In Revelation 4-5 we read of saints always praising God in Heaven for being the Creator and Redeemer – and we see that in these verses as well!

Leviathan is a reference to great and powerful sea monsters that can swallow people up. Here it is a reference to enemies of God. Even as God’s people face new Leviathan’s like Nebuchadnezzar and Antiochus Epiphanes, this Psalm reminds them of God taking care of past Leviathan’s like _____________.

Verses 16-17 are great reminder verses of the ____________________________ of God.

The Psalmist asks God to deal with the enemy V. 18-23

The Psalmist knew that God would ultimately judge those who _______________ God’s people.

For the day of the Lord upon all nations is near; As you have done, it shall be done to you. -Obadiah 1:15

Verse 20 is well worth meditating on – The dark places of the earth are full of the haunts of cruelty. But even there God can ____________________________, as He did in Nineveh after Jonah’s preaching.

The Psalm ends with the Psalmist pleading – “God, your _____________________ is at stake – judge your enemies and save Your people!”

Don’t miss that the Psalmist is not asking God to help him take vengeance on the enemy – He is asking God to act based on His own honor and glory. The Glory of God is the great ________________ of the Bible. God is glorified through the salvation of repentant sinners. But He will also be glorified through judging unrepentant sinners who act selfishly on earth.

Ambassadors for Christ Part 3 - Matthew 10:34-43

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. - 2 Cor. 5:20

Getting the message to people is on us as Jesus’ ambassadors – what people do with the message is on them!

“THIS generation of Christians is responsible for THIS generation of lost souls around the world.” - Keith Green

We don’t go out to engage people in physical struggle. We are in a spiritual battle to win people to Jesus who often don’t see their need for Jesus. We are going out to serve a world that doesn’t always want to be served.

Jesus is telling us to be prepared but not paranoid! Exercise prudence in actions and speaking, but don’t lose a sense of wonder at God’s ability to change hearts before your very eyes!

We see this on the pages of church history – as people have served Christ and witnessed for Him, they have often had conflicts with others. Today 1 in 7 Christians (360 million) worldwide suffer high levels of persecution.

Now the Bible makes clear that being a Christian will equip you to be a better child, sibling, spouse, parent, friend, worker, and citizen. But you will always put Christ first, and some who don’t share your faith will never understand that – and they will treat you with contempt.

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

‘Persecution’ exists along a Spectrum:

Mocked Overlooked Fired Beaten Martyred

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. - 2 Timothy 3:12

“I can’t, but God never said I could – Jesus can in and through me, and He promised that He would.” - Wayne Barber

As true Christians persevere in their faith, God promises to preserve them amidst the troubles they encounter!

The main practical point is to have a sense of urgency as we witness! We want people to be right with God before He comes in judgment!

3 things to keep in mind when dealing with persecution - V. 24-31

People that don’t like Jesus won’t like His followers (v. 24-25)

If you fear God you don’t need to fear what man can do to you (v. 26-28)

Know that the God who cares for even the smallest of details cares for you (v. 29-31)

Trying to impact the world for Christ will mean trouble for us – but never conclude that God doesn’t care for you when you go through troubles as you serve Him– His loving care is with you in every circumstance!

Jesus will acknowledge all who acknowledge Him - V. 32-33

Jesus died for you, don’t be afraid to take your stand for Him, starting with baptism! - Matthew 10:34-43

“Never was there an age since the name of Christians was known upon the earth, wherein there was such a direct opposition made unto the Person and glory of Christ, as there is in that wherein we live.”

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church. - Col. 1:24

Christ’s suffering actualizes salvation for all who repent and believe; Our suffering is to give lost people access to that saving message.

Psalm 73 Worksheet

Psalm 73 is a Psalm of Asaph as are the first ________ Psalms of Book 3 of the Psalms, Psalm 73-83. Asaph also wrote Psalm 50.

1 Chronicles 15:14-28 1 Chronicles 16:1-6, 7-8, 37 1 Chronicles 25:6-7

2 Chronicles 5:11-13 2 Chronicles 29:30 2 Chronicles 35:15

Ezra 2:41, 3:10 Neh. 7:44; 11:17, 22

For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. -Nehemiah 12:46

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How each Book of the Psalm starts…

Psalm: Writer: Theme:

1 Anonymous (David) The Blessed man delights in the Bible

42 Sons of Korah My soul thirsts for the living God

73 Asaph Going to ‘church’ gave perspective

90 Moses Help us live our days out fearing God

107 Anonymous Give thanks to the Lord for Hesed

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As I read Psalm 73, look for how it builds up toward the perspective we gain when we go to the “sanctuary of God,” making this a _______________________ Psalm!

Great opening statement V. 1

Is serving God really worth it? V. 2-15

Asaph puts in a song what many followers of Jesus often think: Is serving God really worth it? We see many wicked people boasting about how well they are doing apart from God. If we are only thinking about the here and now, it is easy to ____________________ those who seem to be doing fine without God.

Compare the wicked person’s pride & violence ‘necklace’ in verse 6 with the one worn by the person who trusts in the Lord in Proverbs 3:3.

And then he amplifies the things the wicked seems to have that the righteous often don’t, starting with _____________________ (v. 7).

The wicked even brag about what they get away with (v. 8).

The wicked also ____________________ God and run their mouth without consequence (v. 9).

The wicked even get away with influencing the ________________ among us to turn from God (v. 10-11).

In verses 12-14, the Psalmist is just about to ________________________ that it has not been worth it to serve God since so many that reject God seem to be doing just fine while he is struggling to make it.

In verse 15 Asaph realizes that if he had stopped with the preceding thoughts and given himself over to sin he would have led all those he _____________________________ in Israel to sin, especially younger generations.

Everything ____________________ when Asaph went to the sanctuary! V. 16-17

Everything changed when Asaph went to where God’s voice is heard, a biblical worldview is reinforced, and holy living and service is encouraged! The same thing happens for us when we go to our Bible-believing church!

What God says is true about the unrepentant _______________________ V. 18-20

God says at any moment the unrepentant wicked could die and be cast into judgment.

The wicked’s ‘abundance’ will turn into desolation; their cockiness will turn into terror when God deals with them; their dream life will turn into an eternal nightmare. They mocked God, but God will have the __________________ word. God always has the final word!

Remember Eziekiel 18:32 – God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked – He would rather they repent and live rather than go to Hell.

Asaph is sad he was so foolish but thankful for God’s grace V. 21-28

Asaph testifies of restored confidence and ________________________ of eternal life for having faith in God (v. 23-24).

Asaph pledges to trust God no matter how _________________ he has now, knowing that after this life the wicked will ‘perish’ but he will live in abundance with his God!

Ambassadors for Christ Part 2

“Lord, we are forty who have taken a stand for Thee – grant that we be forty who are crowned with victory.”

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. - 2 Cor. 5:20

Getting the message to people is on us as Jesus’ ambassadors – what people do with the message is on them!

“THIS generation of Christians is responsible for THIS generation of lost souls around the world.” - Keith Green

Behold and Be wise - V. 16

We don’t go out to engage people in physical struggle. We are in a spiritual battle to win people to Jesus who often don’t see their need for Jesus. We are going out to serve a world that doesn’t always want to be served.

Jesus is telling us to be prepared but not paranoid! Exercise prudence in actions and speaking, but don’t lose a sense of wonder at God’s ability to change hearts before your very eyes! 
Beware and be ready - V. 17-18, 21

We see this on the pages of church history – as people have served Christ and witnessed for Him, they have often had conflicts with others. Today 1 in 7 Christians (360 million) worldwide suffer high levels of persecution.

Now the Bible makes clear that being a Christian will equip you to be a better child, sibling, spouse, parent, friend, worker, and citizen. But you will always put Christ first, and some who don’t share your faith will never understand that – and they will treat you with contempt.

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

‘Persecution’ exists along a Spectrum:
Mocked - Overlooked - Fired - Beaten - Martyred

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.    - 2 Timothy 3:12

Keep calm and keep going - V. 19-23

“I can’t, but God never said I could – Jesus canin and through me, and He promised that He would.” - Wayne Barber

I think “the end” Jesus speaks of here could refer to multiple situations – the end of the assignment for the age you are in.

The word saved in verse 22 could be translated preserved. As true Christians persevere in their faith, God promises to preserve them amidst the troubles they encounter!

The main practical point is to have a sense of urgency as we witness! We want people to be right with God before He comes in judgment!

3 things to keep in mind when dealing with persecution - V. 24-31

People that don’t like Jesus won’t like His followers - (v. 24-25)

If you fear God you don’t need to fear what man can do to you - (v. 26-28)

A person who truly fears God cares more about what He thinks than what people think. If you fear God you won’t need to fear anything else!

Know that the God who cares for even the smallest of details cares for you - (v. 29-31)

Trying to impact the world for Christ will mean trouble for us – but never conclude that God doesn’t care for you when you go through troubles as you serve Him– His loving  care is with you in every circumstance!

Jesus will acknowledge all who acknowledge Him    - 32-33

Jesus died for you, don’t be afraid to take your stand for Him, starting with baptism!

“Lord, we are 39 who have taken a stand for Thee – grant that we be 39 who are crowned with victory.”
“Lord, we are 40 who have taken a stand for Thee – grant that we be 40 who are crowned with victory.”

Psalm 72 Worksheet

This is the last Psalm of Book 2 of the Psalms (Psalms 42-72).

Only this Psalm and Psalm _________________ are attributed to Solomon.

Jacob prophesied in Genesis 49:8-12 that Judah would become the ruling tribe of Israel, and that the Messiah King would come from that tribe. While David was king He was given the Davidic Covenant by Yahweh. God told David that his son Solomon would get to build the Temple, and that a _______________________ Son of David in the family line would be Israel’s Messiah King.

Some of the words in this Psalm seem to be Solomon’s prayer for himself to be a good king like his father David. Other words in this Psalm point to the only ___________________________ King, Jesus the Messiah. Perhaps this was written for Solomon’s Kingly coronation.

Do you remember what Solomon had prayed for when God came to him in 1 Kings 3 and told him to ask for anything he wanted?

____________________________ to govern God’s people.

Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours. -1 Kings 3:9

Write out their own ____________________ of God’s law. Deuteronomy 17:14-20

The word judge in the Old Testament referred to those who administered the Law as rulers. The King was to lead the people to live rightly and to make sure the most vulnerable among them were not done ___________________________. Proverbs 31:1-9

Mountains are often scary places to be, and those that live there are often known for doing their own thing. Solomon prays there will even be Shalom in places not __________________ for shalom.

By the way, did you know that peace is in Solomon’s Hebrew name? Shelomo wanted to bring Shalom in

It is good for kings and those in authority to think about how God has allowed them to be in position not for themselves but to ________________________ (serve) to others. Romans 13:1-7

The __________________________ character of the Messiah’s reign V. 5-9

Temporary kings that fear God recognize who the ___________________ King is, and how His reign is eternal, not temporal! Micah 5:1-4

Like beneficial rain, the Lord ____________________________ His subjects with benevolence, with what they need to live.

Verses 7-8 definitely go beyond anything Solomon experienced to what the Bible says about the Messiah. Isaiah 9:6-7

Solomon’s rule foreshadows a ___________________________ rule to come V. 10ff

Verse 10 is Solomon’s way of speaking about the greatness of Israel and Israel’s King ___________________ north, south, east and west.

2 Chronicles 9:21 records the Tarshish tribute; 1 Kings 10:1 Sheba’s contribution.

Revelation 21:22-27

The end of verse 14 makes us think of Psalm 116:15, but these words make us think particularly of those who are persecuted and even _________________________ for their faith in God.

The things said in verses 16-18 make us think of the millennial rule to come of Jesus Christ.

Verses 18-19 fittingly end the Psalm with __________________________.

Verse 20 does not mean there are no more Psalms of David after this. But the majority of the Psalms in Book 1 and 2 of the Psalms were by David.

Book 1 - 37 of the 41 Psalms by David (90%)

Book 2 - 18 of the 31 Psalms by David (58%)

Book 3 - 1 of 17 Psalms by David (6%)

Book 4 - 1 of 17 Psalms by David (6%)

Book 5 - 15 of 44 Psalms by David (34%)

It may be as simple as that the remaining Psalms by David are not as much prayer Psalms as praise Psalms. I prefer to think that Solomon is saying we have Books 1 and 2 of the Psalms because of David writing Psalms. We are going to keep adding Psalms now that David has died. That understanding also makes it natural that they added Psalms by David as they ______________ in the later Books of the Psalms.

Ambassadors for Christ Part 1

What is the ingredient that adds fruitfulness to faithfulness? Courage to speak when others remain silent. When a faithful believer by faith presses through their fear, meets needs and proclaims Jesus, fruitfulness to some degree will follow!

Matthew 10:1-15

Three Basic Bible Study Principles (O-I-A):

Observation – What the text says – what was God saying to the first audience in their context.

Interpretation – What the text means – what is the timeless theological teaching here.

Application – How the text applies today – what God is calling us to do in our context.

Those who are called go forth to represent Christ, not themselves - V. 1-4, 7-8

We are called first to grow in our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and our ministry for Him is to be the overflow from the time we have spent with Jesus, ministering to people like He would if He was physically present.

There is a word that ties together the Sermon on the Mount message and this commissioning of King Jesus’ Ambassadors message. It is the Greek word exousia, which can be translated as right, authority, and power. Chapters 7-9 established that Jesus is the Lord of all realms – the authority over the Doctrinal/ Moral realm, the Physical realm, and the Spiritual realm.

They had seen Jesus meet needs and proclaim the Kingdom – Now He sent them out to do the things that He had modeled for them. Most of us can’t work healings in this church age, but we are also called to meet needs together and proclaim Jesus!

These basic men being called reminds me that God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.

Jesus doesn’t wait until you are fully ready to give you your first ministry experiences (you will never be fully ready); Your first ministry experiences make a difference now and are part of getting you more ready for later ministry experiences to come.

This particular trip was to get Israel ready for decision day - V. 5-7

The entire gospel of Matthew is building toward Matthew 28 – Jesus’ Great Commission for His disciples to go to all the people groups of the world.

Now we can surmise a practical point here – in training disciples it is probably best for them to first minister to people more familiar to them before they go outside their comfort zone to people very different than they are.

Before we get to Matthew 28 Matthew’s gospel is building toward His triumphal entry to Jerusalem in Matthew 21, and Jesus’ formal offer of Himself to be Israel’s King.

Nineveh repented when Jonah the Prophet preached; but Israel as a whole did not repent, they did not vote “Yes” to King Jesus when He came, so one coming of their Messiah turned into two with the church age we are in now between the first and second coming of Jesus.

Disciples are to trust God to meet your needs; they are not in it for the money - V. 8b-10

They were not to charge for their ministry, but they could accept basic hospitality and support and watch God meet their needs – basic reliance and trust. And the people they ministered to who appreciated their ministry would learn to support the ministry (verses 40-42). Paul later called for church saints to support their pastors financially (1 Tim. 5:17-18;1 Cor. 9:9-14).

The Disciples’ job is to meet needs and proclaim Jesus, and leave the results to God - V. 11-15

There is no doubt that God is calling you to step out in faith and boldly speak to people you come across about Jesus. Some will like it, and some won’t!

Lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.” - Isaiah 6:10b

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after this comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him. - Hebrews 9:27-28