Untitled Sermon

Introduction

Conclusion of the OT

Start of the NT

Ch. 1

1-17 Genealogy

18-25 Jesus’ birth

Ch. 2

1-23 Jesus’ childhood

Ch. 3

1-12 John the Baptist

Text: Matthew 3:13-17

I. The Example of Jesus

Submission to God (v. 15, 1-6)

Command

Matthew 28:19

Conviction

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

1 Corinthians 6:12- 20

2 Corinthians 6:14 -16

Statement of repentance (v. 15, 1-6)

Confession vs repentance

Matthew 3:8 NASB95

8 “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance;

Sign of salvation (v 7-9, 11)

Not an earthly inheritance (7-10)

Exalting Jesus in Matthew The Method

We continue to need to be reminded that our family heritage cannot save us. With all due respect to brothers and sisters from traditions where infant baptism is practiced, many of whom are close friends of mine, the New Testament picture of baptism indicates that Jesus is opposed to the idea that one is born into God’s family by physical birth. It is dangerous and potentially damning for people to believe that because they were born into a Christian family, and maybe even baptized into a Christian family, their status before God is secure. This kind of thinking is rampant around the world, where “Christian” is a family or social identification. However, in Scripture baptism is not a sign that you have been born into a covenant family; instead, it’s a sign indicating that regardless of what family you’ve been born into, you must personally repent, confess your sins, and put your faith in the Lord.

A reflection of what has happened (11)

Romans 6:3-23

Romans 8:1-17

II. The Evidence of Jesus

Beloved Son

Psalm 2:7 “7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.”

Genesis 22:2 “2 He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.””

Well pleased

Isaiah 42:1 “1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.”

“delight” - “take pleasure, delight, be glad in”

The Gospel of Matthew A. Jesus Comes for Baptism by John (3:13–17)

Jesus is acclaimed as God’s favourite, approved and chosen for the role for which he is now endowed by the Spirit. It is likely that part of what is involved here is an endorsement of the attitude of mind reflected in Jesus’ decision to seek baptism from John.

Conclusion

John’s message:

God’s Grace…The gospel…the good news

Matthew 3:2 “2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.””

God’s wrath…judgement.

Matthew 3:10 “10 “The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Matthew 3:12 “12 “His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.””