Proclaiming the Message of the Kingdom
by Rev. Kirby Williams
The initial commission of the twelve apostles.
Text: Matt. 10:5-8
Date: 01/29/2012, the Traditional service.
Series: "Matthew" Part 88
Description:
After introducing the twelve apostles, Matthew continues to reveal Christ's battle plan-- how He intends to take back the souls of humanity from the clutches of Satan. Towards this end, He commissions the twelve to go forth as His apostles, proclaiming the message of the Kingdom. Although this commission will be expanded dramatically at the end of Jesus' ministry, initially it is limited both geographically and socially. First He defines the theater in which the battle will be waged-- the relatively isolated area of Galilee. And then He defines the restricted group of people to be evangelized-- the lost sheep of Israel. We will discuss the reasons for this in the context of the historic mission of the church, and then examine the unique act of "apostling" (proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom while compassionately caring for the lost). We will finally establish the modern relevance of this activity and the importance for the church to continue to proclaim the timeless good news of the Kingdom.
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Matt. 10:5-8.
A. Context
B. Defining the battlefield, vs. 5-6.
1. The specific activity of an "apostle".
a. Another "inclusio", Matt. 11:1.
b. The act of "apostling".
2. Limiting the field of battle.
a. Setting the geographic boundaries.
i. The road to the Gentiles.
ii. The cities of the Samaritans.
iii. Geographic considerations.
b. The restricted commission, Matt. 4:15-16.
3. The spiritual considerations.
a. Future reversal, Matt. 28:19, Rom. 1:16.
b. Reasons Christ restricts the initial outreach.
i. A good place start.
ii. Honoring the covenants, Gen. 22:17-18, Lev. 26:11-12, Matt. 8:10-12.
iii. Building a firm foundation.
C. Clarifying the battle plan, vs. 7-8.
1. Proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom.
a. The preaching of John the Baptist, Matt. 4:16.
b. The preaching of Jesus.
c. The preaching of the apostles.
2. Authenticating the message.
a. Healing the sick.
b. Raising the dead.
c. Cleansing the lepers.
d. Casting out demons.
III. Application
A. The misunderstood message of the Kingdom.
1. Healing for those who are sick, Matt. 9:12-13.
2. New life for those who are spiritually dead, John 10:10, 11:25.
3. Purity for those who are defiled, 1John 1:9.
4. Freedom for those who are enslaved, John 8:34,44; 8:32,36.
B. Going "apostling".
IV. Conclusion
