Lake Region Bible Church | Sermons
RADICAL DISCIPLESHIP PRODUCES CUTTING-EDGE EVANGELISM (Matthew 9:9-13 ● Discipleship/Evangelism: Message #1/9) 02-28-10
INTRODUCTION. 1. Some Key Terms for our new Sermon Series: ● Topic (Discipleship & Evangelism): "Discipleship" - following Jesus by faith in obedience to God’s word, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and thru the fellowship of the Church (a disciple is a learner, follower). "Evangelism" - "Evangel" means “the gospel or good news” (Mk 1:1; Rom 1:1; 1Co 15:1); from the Greek word euangelion (good news). "Evangelist" means “messenger/preacher of the gospel” (Eph 4:11). "Angel" means “messenger” in Greek (Lk 2:9-10) (hence "ev 'angel' ist"). "Evangelism" means “proclaiming or preaching the gospel” (Mt 11:5; 1Co 15:1). "Evangelical" means “characterized by the gospel” (the evangel). ● Theme (Engaging the Culture and Preaching the Cross): "Engaging the Culture" (see 1Cor 9:19ff) - Becoming all things to all people through all means for the purpose of leading sinners to saving faith in Christ. "Preaching the Cross" (see Rom 1:16ff; 1Co 1:18 – 2:5) - Proclaiming the gospel as God’s power to save & transform sinners thru the cross (and His choosing the lowly of the world). The message of the cross is offensive to a spiritually blind and rebellious world (the cross is a stumbling block and foolishness to those who refuse to believe, due to its intrinsic humility, weakness, shame, surrender, suffering and death). 2. Today’s Scripture in Context (Matthew 9:9-13): ● “The Gospel according to Matthew” – written by the Apostle (and Evangelist) Matthew probably in the 50’s – 60’s A.D.; possibly to the church in Antioch (Jewish-Gentile membership). Matthew (Levi) was a Jewish tax collector in Israel, who left everything to follow Jesus. ● Mth 1 – 4: Introduction to Jesus Christ and the Gospel; ● Mth 5 – 7: Discipleship/Kingdom living defined (Sermon on the Mount); ● Mth 8 – 9: the Kingdom is Expanding: → thru the Messiah’s Authority & Power (showing Jesus as the Messiah); → thru Jesus’ Healing & Compassion (for the social outcasts); → thru the Cost/Call of Discipleship (disappointing & unexpected). ● Mth 10: Missionary Mandates (for the Apostles; to Israel/the World). THE RADICAL CALL OF DISCIPLESHIP. 1st, is Unexpected & Life-transforming (v9); 2nd, is for Social Outcasts: and it is Experienced thru Jesus’ Compassion (v10); 3rd, is Offensive to the Rebellious: but Good News for helpless Sinners (vs11-13). CUTTING-EDGE EVANGELISM 1st, Rises out of Radical Discipleship: in which we Follow Jesus wholeheartedly as a way of life; 2nd, is Lived out Incarnationally [Christ became one of us & lived among us (loving us sinners) – Let us follow in His example]: ● as we Meet People on their Turf; ● as we Love and Reach out to Social Outcasts; ● as we Open up our Homes to the Lost; ● as we Introduce People to Jesus Christ; ● as we Share the Gospel with Sinners.