THE DANGER OF UNBELIEF

THE DANGER OF UNBELIEF

Matt. 13:53-58; Selected Scriptures

1.      Unbelief questions the origin of biblical & supernatural authority (vv. 53-54; Lk. 4:16-29).

2.      Unbelief creates doubt in others (v.54).

3.      Unbelief questions the intellectual capability of others (v. 55a; Lk. 2:40, 52).

4.      Unbelief grows in greater proportion by those who are familiar with the one who proclaims biblical truth (vv. 55b-56).

5.      Unbelief causes one to refuse to accept biblical truth no matter how powerfully it is presented (v. 57; cf. v.54; Heb. 6:4-6).

6.      Unbelief causes one to attack the messenger of the truth instead of accepting the messenger and the message given as truth (v. 57; Matt. 10:40; Lk. 10:16; 1 Jn. 4:6).

7.      Unbelief causes one to forfeit the blessing of experiencing the transforming power of God at work in their lives (v. 58).

Application

1.      Accept ALL of God’s Word as absolute truth (Psa. 119:160; Jn. 17:17).

2.      Abstain from foolish arguments regarding biblical truth (Tit. 3:9; Prov. 26:4).

3.      Advance the cause of the gospel by proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Source of absolute truth to others (Jn. 14:6).

THE REALITY OF REAL DISCIPLESHIP (PART 2)

THE REALITY OF REAL DISCIPLESHIP (Part 2)
Matt. 10:34-42; Selected Scriptures


1. Those who commit to follow Christ must realize that Christ’s agenda conflicts with man’s agenda (v. 34; Matt. 5:9; cf. Isa. 9:6; 55:8-9).

2. Those who commit to follow Christ will experience personal conflict, strife & hatred with family members (vv. 35-36, 21; Matt. 24:10, 12).

3. Those who commit to follow Christ will not idolize their family but must be willing to abandon one’s own family if necessary (v. 37; Gen. 22:1-3, 6, 9-12; cf. Heb. 11:17-19).

4. Those who commit to follow Christ must be willing to sacrifice their own lives if necessary for the gospel (v. 38; Matt. 16:24).

5. Those who commit to follow Christ must understand the value of possessing eternal life over the temporal pleasures of the world (v. 39; Matt. 19:23-26; Mk. 8:36-37).

6. Those who commit to follow Christ know the reward that comes to souls who respond to Christ and the blessing of sharing truth with others (v. 40; Lk. 10:16; Gal. 4:14).

7. Those who commit to follow Christ are motivated by the reward & blessing that comes to those who accept the gospel & support it (vv. 41-42; Matt. 25:31-46).

THE REALITY OF REAL DISCIPLESHIP (PART 1)

THE REALITY OF REAL DISCIPLESHIP (Part 1)

Matt. 10:24-33; Selected Scriptures
Saiko Woods, Pastor-Teacher



1. Real disciples recognize their position in relation to the one who disciples them (v. 24; Col. 1:18).

2. Real disciples desire to be like the one who disciples them in everything (v. 25a; Lk. 6:40; 1 Cor. 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 2 Thes. 3:7; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 2:21).

3. Real disciples become more like Christ when they obey His Word (v. 25; Jn. 8:29, 31; 15:14).

4. Real disciples understand that their reputation will be attacked just like Christ’s was (v.25b; Mk. 3:22; Jn. 8:48; 15:20).

5. Real disciples aren’t fearful of the opinions of others (v. 26; Prov. 29:25; Gal. 4:16).

6. Real disciples refuse to seek personal revenge against those who mistreat/abuse them, but by faith, trust that God will right all wrongdoing in the end (v. 26; Eccl. 11:9; Rom. 12:19; 1 Cor. 4:5; 1 Thes. 4:6; 2 Thes. 1:6).

7. Real disciples who spend time alone with God, passionately proclaim His truth to others (v. 27; Jer. 20:9; 1 Cor. 9:16).

8. Real disciples understand that persecutors have limited power compared to God’s unlimited power (v. 28; Psa. 56:11; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; 2 Pet. 1:13-14).

9. Real disciples realize they are precious to God, are under His protective care, and are personally & intimately acquainted with them (vv. 29-31; Psa. 116:15; 139:13-18; Rom. 8:38-39).

10. Real disciples who boldly confess Christ as Lord will evidence their profession by consistent patterns of obedience & will not deny Him as evidenced through consistent patterns of disobedient living (vv. 32-33; Rom. 2:7-8; 2 Tim. 2:12; Tit. 1:16; Matt. 7:23).