Sermon On the Mount: An Introduction

Sermon On the Mount: An Introduction
Matthew 4:12-25

Introduction and Relevance…
Jesus came with purpose in order to accomplish a mission, i.e. John 17:3-4

1. Set apart at His baptism… Matthew 3:13-17
2. Tested and tried for His calling… Matthew 4:1-11

I. The Place of Christ’s Ministry 4:12-17 Galilee of the gentiles…
A. A Place of Contempt…
B. A Place of Ministry, vs. 12
C. A Place of Spiritual Darkness and Great Affliction, vs. 13-17

1. Identified with the Gentiles…
2. People dwelling in darkness…
3. Historical perspective…
   a. the Kingdom was divided after Solomon…
   b. Galilee became apostate and was greatly afflicted…
   II Chronicles 16:4; II Kings 13:3-7; 14:25-27; 15:29; Jeremiah 1:14-15
   Two vital observations:
4. A Word of comfort to those living in Galilee…
5. A word of grace to the world… Matthew 9:12-13

II. The Calling of Christ’s Disciples, vs. 18-22
A. Ordinary common fisherman…
B. Contrary to all human wisdom…
C. Qualified men…
“Not because of what they were, but because of what they were not…” I Corinthians 1:26-31; II Corinthians 4:1ff…

Lesson: 1. Christ will make His own disciples…
2. Christ issues a sovereign call to discipleship…
3. His choice (election) and His calling are both efficacious…vs. 20 cf. vs. 22

III. The Ministry of Christ Carried Out… vs. 23-25

A. The Gospel of the Kingdom is preached…
B. Miracles serve a vital purpose…
1.
2.
3.
Application: