02-13-11 Discipleship: Cost of Ministry
a sermon by Teaching Elder, Dr. Robert E. Griffin Jr
BASIS for Effective Ministry (10:5-15);
REACTION to an Effective Ministry (10:16-23),
COST of such an Effective Ministry (in this message; 10:24-31);
PROMISES for an Effective Ministry (10:32-42).
I. CONSECRATION TO THE MASTER
A. IMMITATION OF THE MASTER, 10:24-25
Matthew 10:24-25a “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a bondservant above his master. It is sufficient for the disciple to become like his teacher, and the bondservant like his master”
1. The Acorn Falls Close to the Tree
2. Jesus Was Scorned and Ridiculed
B. EXPLANATION OF THE MASTER, 10:25b
Matthew 10:25b “If they called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more [will they malign] those of his household?”
1. We Identify with Jesus by Confessing Him Openly
2. Converse is Also True – Christians who do NOT walk like Jesus or identify with Him . . .
“The kingdom is entered and served on God’s terms, not mine.”
II. CONTENTION FROM THE WORLD
A. JUSTIFICATION BY GOD, 10:26-27
Matthew 10:26-27 “Therefore you should not fear them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the darkness speak in the light, and what you hear whispered shout on the housetops.”
1. Do Not Fear
2. Foolishness of Fear
3. The TRUTH will be Told
B. JURISDICTION OF GOD, 10:28
Matthew 10:28 “And you should not fear because of those who kill the body but are unable of killing the soul. Rather you should fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.”
1. LIMITED Power of Man
2. UNLIMITED Power of God
“There is no cure for the fear of man like the fear of God.”
III. COMPENSATION FROM THE FATHER
A. EVALUATION BY GOD, 10:29-30
Matthew 10:29-30 “Are not two sparrows sold for an assarion [1/16 of day’s wage] yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father? But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.”
1. Value of a sparrow
2. Value of hair
B. ACTION BY EACH OF US, 10:31
Matthew 10:31 “Therefore you should not fear – you are worth more than many sparrows.”
1. 3rd time “Do Not Fear”
2. Value of God’s Beloved
“My conscience is captive to the Word of God.”