Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:40-42
Matthew 10: The Messiah's Apostles
Intro.
1. Jesus had impressed his disciples with the importance of compassion for lost and being laborers in the Lord's harvest.
2. Matt. 10: Apostles commissioned to go to Jews (10:5-6; 28:19).
3. The apostles of Christ fulfill a significant role in the Messiah's kingdom (Matt. 19:27-28; Acts 1:8; Eph. 4:11-12).
4. Matthew 10 gives insight into their work and its effect on us.
I. THE APOSTLES ACTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST, 10:1-10. Because…
A. Jesus Selected them, cf. Mk. 3:14-15.
1. “Whom he also named apostles" (Lk. 6:13) "Ones sent." Sent to:
a. Preach (kingdom), 10:7 (gospel, Lk. 9:6).
b. Heal, 10:1, 8.
2. Sent with urgency, haste, 10:9-10 (Lk. 22:35-38: Trust in the Lord's provisions).
3. Christians are a chosen generation, 1 Pet. 2:9.
B. Jesus Empowered them, Matt. 10:1, 8; cf. Lk. 9:1.
1. They acted with divine power, Acts 4:8-10.
2. Their teaching and its effect (forgiveness) was based upon heavenly authority, Matt. 16:19; Jno. 20:22-23.
3. Our strength comes from Christ, Phil. 4:13; 2 Cor. 12:10.
C. Jesus Charged them, 10:5-8.
1. “Command" (KJV): “To pass on an announcement...to give the word, order...” (Vine).
a. Go to lost sheep of Israel, Matt. 10:5-6.
b. Later, to the whole world (Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8).
2. We are under the commands of Christ, Col. 3:17.
II. RECEIVING THE APOSTLES – RECEIVING CHRIST, 10:11-15; 40-42.
A. Those who Receive the Apostles are Described as “Worthy”, 10:11-13.
1. “Worthy” – “Befitting, congruous, corresponding...to a thing” (Thayer, 52).
a. Worthy in heart, Lk. 8:15.
b. Worthy in deeds, 10:9-11 (cf. willing to support preachers of gospel, 1 Cor. 9:4-14).
2. Worthy because they received the apostles' teaching, Matt. 10:14; Acts 2:41-42.
3. Peace upon those who did (and do), Matt. 10:13.
B. Receiving the Apostles is Equivalent to Receiving Christ, Matt. 10:40; cf. Jno. 13:20; Gal. 1:8.
1. Reject the apostles -- Reject Christ and the Father, 10:14-15.
a. 10:14 – Relieved of responsibility, (Acts 18:6; 20:26-27).
b. 10:15 – Judgment of God, 2 Ths. 1:8-9.
C. A Secure Reward for those who Receive the Apostles, 10:41-42 (1 Jno. 1:3-4).
-Recognize their relation to God, receive them and their work – Rewarded (2 Tim. 4:8).
III. THE APOSTLES’ FAITH IN CHRIST, Matt. 10:16-39.
-(cf. Our faith, Heb. 13:7).
A. The Character of their Faith, 10:16-23.
1. Wisdom, 10:16; Jas. 3:13-18.
2. Courage, 10:17-18; cf. 2 Pet. 1:5.
3. Trust/confidence in word of God, 10:19-21; Rom.10:17.
4. Endurance, 10:22-23; cf. Col. 2:6-7.
B. The Object of their Faith: Their Master (Christ/God), 10:24-31 (Heb. 11:6).
1. Humility, 10:24-25.
2. Overriding reverence for God, 10:26-28.
C. The Action of their Faith: Confession, 10:32-33; 1 Tim. 6:12.
D. The Effect of their Faith: Conflict and Sacrifice, 10:34-39; cf. 1 Cor. 4:9-14.
-What effect is your faith having on you?
Conclusion
1. Thank God for the apostles and what their work accomplished.
2. Receive Christ by receiving their teaching.
3. Imitate their faith and be rewarded.