Matthew 15-16

How to Discern the True Church

I. The Frustrations of the True Church

A. The tradition of men - Matt. 15:1-6

B. Hypocritical and vain worship - Matt. 15:7-9

C. Offended religious people - Matt. 15:10-13

D. Blindness - Matt. 15:14

E. Sign-seeking - Matt. 16:1-4

F. Doctrinal leaven - Matt. 16:5-11

II. The Marks of the True Church

A. Its basis

1. God's selection - Matt. 15:13; Eph. 1:1, 3-5

2. All-inclusive (including Jews & Gentiles) - Matt. 15:21-28; Eph. 3:3-6

B. Its emphasis

1. Stresses inward change rather than outward behavior - Matt. 15:15-20;
Gal. 1:14-16

2. Stresses the cross to deal with the self and soul-life - Matt. 16:24-26; Gal. 2:20

C. Its reality

1. Full of love and care - Matt. 15:32

2. Full of nourishing supply and satisfaction - Matt. 15:33-39

3. Ministers healing and deliverance - Matt. 15:29-31; James 5:13-16

4. Exposes the presence of Satan - Matt. 16:22-23

D. Its revelation

1. Concerning Christ - Matt. 16:13-17, 20-21; Col. 2:8-19

2. Concerning the church - Matt. 16:18; Eph. 3:8-11

3. Concerning the kingdom - Matt. 16:19, 27-28; Rom. 14:17; 2 Pet. 1:10-11

Copyright ©2008 Ministry of the Word     Privacy Policy / Terms of Use