Message Notes

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 7 MAY 2023
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Text: Matthew 10

Subject: SENDING OUT THE APOSTLES

21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

Matthew 10:21-26

1. Possible ways in which Persecution may come

a) The Family can be divided

i) Those who believe in the Lord Jesus

ii) Those who do not

b) The Non-believing members of the Family

i) They can become hostile

ii) They can be severely abusive

c) Hatred

i) Personal hatred

ii) Religious hatred

iii) Hated because of Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

2. The challenge

a) To understand

b) To be prepared for possible intense suffering

c) To be able to endure all things for the sake of the Lord

d) Fleeing from one city to another

3. Appropriate responses

a) It is not wrong to flee when one’s life is in obvious danger

b) Paul and Barnabas had to flee cities Acts 13-14

i) Antioch, Pisidia

ii) Lystra and Derbe

iii) Thessalonica

HOW CAN WE COPE?

1. Consider

a) The example of the Lord Jesus

b) Our call to be identified with the Lord

2. Principles to live by:

a) We are Disciples

b) We are not above the Lord Jesus as a Teacher

c) If He had to endure suffering

i) Being sneered at

ii) Being accused of being in league with Beelzebub

d) We, who are of His household, must be prepared for persecution too

3. Cultivate

a) Faith

b) Fortitude

c) Fearlessness

d) Full of the Spirit of God

4. A poignant Truth

a) All things are not fully revealed yet

b) One day, God will shine through and vindicate in victory