Matthew 3-4

The Most Important Issue in Your Life

I. Repenting and Preparing for the Kingdom - Matthew 3:1-12

A. The anticipation of the kingdom - Gen. 1:26-28; Dan. 2:44; 4:3, 34; 6:26; 7:13-14,

18, 22, 26-27

B. The stages of the kingdom

1. Drawn near in the Person of Christ - Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7; Luke 10:9, 11

2. Its beginning with the baptism of the Holy Spirit - Matt. 3:11; Acts 1:3-8

3. Its present reality in the Spirit and in the churches - Rom. 14:17; Rev. 1:6

4. Its future manifestation - Rev. 11:15; 20:1-5

5. Its end with the baptism of fire - Matt. 3:11; 1 Cor. 15:23-28; Rev. 20:11-15

6. Its eternal dimension - 2 Pet. 1:11; Rev. 22:5

C. Repenting and preparing for the kingdom - Matt. 3:1-4

D. Baptized and sifted for the kingdom - Matt. 3:5-12

II. Living for the Kingdom - Matthew 3:13-17

A. In the Son's fulfilling life - Matt. 3:15; 5:17; Rom. 8:4

B. In the baptismal pattern of death and resurrection - Matt. 3:16; Rom. 6:3-5

C. In the Spirit's anointing - Matt. 3:16; Acts 19:5-8

D. With the Father's love and pleasure - Matt. 3:17; John 20:17; Heb. 2:11-13

III. Tested for the Kingdom - Matthew 4:1-11

A. The negative goal of the kingdom (to deal with Satan) - Matt. 4:1, 11; Luke 11:20;

Rev. 12:9-11; 20:1-3

B. The unique tested Life - Heb. 2:17-18; 4:14-16

C. Tested in relationship to the flesh

1. Live by the Word - Matt. 4:2-4

D. Tested in relationship to God's providence in environment

1. Submit to God's hand rather than seek presumptuous miracles - Matt. 4:5-7, 11

E. Tested in relationship to motives

1. One single goal - worship and serve Him - Matt. 5:8-11

IV. Following for the Kingdom - Matthew 4:12-25

A. To succeed all the preceding ones - Matt. 4:12,17; Heb. 11:39-12:2

B. To bring the gospel to all peoples - Matt. 4:13-17

C. To be trained for service - Matt. 4:18-22; Acts 4:13

D. To minister to the needs of others - Matt. 4:23-25

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