Jesus and His Teachings

Pastor D. Liang

I.       Who is Jesus (Mt 16;13-16; Lk 9:18-21)

A.     He is the center of belief (Rom 1:9; Lk 24:27)):  there will be a foundation in our belief if we know Jesus (I Cor 10:4)

1.        We can sustain trials (Jn 6:66-68)

2.        We need God’s revelation to know Jesus (Mt 16:17; Gal 1:16)

3.        After knowing Jesus, He will be our utmost treasure (Phil 3:7-8)

4.        Many people followed Him but did not know Him (Mt 16:14)

B.     He is Christ, the son of God (Mt 16:16)

1.        He is Christ: He will save us from sins (Mt 1:21)

2.        He is the son of God:  the physical manifestation of God (Jn 1:1, 14; Rom 1:4)

C.     He is a man, descendant of David (Rom 1:3)

1.        He has His genealogy (Mt 1:16)

2.        He was tempted by Satan, just as we are (Lk 22:42-44; Hew 64:15)

3.        He is a perfect man for us to imitate from (I Cor 11:1)

II.    Jesus said, I am...

A.     The bread of life (Jn 6:35)

1.        There are two forms of life (Lk 9:60)

 a.      Our fleshly body is short, fragile, and cannot be extended (Mk 8:36-37)

 b.      Eternal life is priceless (II Cor 4:16-18)

2.        Jesus gives us eternal life (Jn 1:4, 3;15-16, 36; 6:40; 10:28)

 a.      The word of God contains eternal life (Jn 5:39; 6:63, 68; 12:50)

 b.      Holy communion has the life of Jesus (Jn 6:53-54)

3.        A more abundant life (Jn 10:10)

 a.      Lacking the life of God (Amos 8:11-13)

 b.      Manifestation of an abundant life (Jer 17:7-8)

B.     The light of the world (Jn 8:12; 9:5)

1.        He is the light of life (Jn 1:4, 9)

 a.      Shine upon those who sat in the shadow of death (Lk 1:78; Mt 4;16; Ps 102:11; 36:9)

 b.      Death is the king of the world (Rom 5:12)

2.        Guide the direction of our life (Jn 8:12; 12:35; Ex 13;21; Neh 9:12)

 a.      Save those who are lost (Lk 19:10; 18:25)

 b.      Realize the true value of the world (Acts 26;12-19; Phi 3:8)

3.        Change our bad deeds (Jn 3:19-21; Eph 5:8-14)

 a.      Differences before and after creation (Gen 1:1-4)

 b.      Sons of light (Jn 12:36; Phi 2;15-16; Mt 5:14)

C.     The gate for the sheep (Jn 10:7, 9)

1.        Man cannot re-enter the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:22-24)

2.        Jesus is the gate (Rev 3:7; Acts 4:12)

3.        Enter the narrow gate (Mt 7:13-14)

4.        The gate will one day be shut (Rom 11:25-26)

D.     Good shepherd (Jn 10:11, 14)

1.        Gives up His life for the sheep (10:11; Gen 31:39; I Sam 17:34-37)

 a.      A hireling will not give his life for the sheep

2.        Know his sheep (10:14; Prob 27:23)

3.        Goes before the sheep (10:4)

 a.      The sheep follow Him (10:4)

 b.      Know His voice (4)

4.        One flock (16)

5.        Sheep shall not lack anything (Ps 23;1)

E.     He is the resurrection and the life (Jn 11:25)

1.        He resurrected from death (Lk 24:1-7; I Cor 15:12-19)

 a.      He was sinless (I Cor 15:55-56)

 b.      He has control over life (Jn 6:40; Heb 7:16)

 c.      Those who believe in Him have a great hope (I Cor 15:46-49)

2.        Resurrection of the flesh (Jn 5:21)

3.        Resurrection of the spirit (Jn 6:40, 44; I Cor 15:20-22)

 a.      Transform into spiritual body (I Cor 15:52-54)

 b.      Fill with glory (15:42)

 c.      Inherit heavenly kingdom (15:50)

 d.      To see God (I Jn 3:2)

F.      The way, the truth , and the life (Jn 14:6)

1.        Jesus is the only path to eternal life (Acts 4:12; Heb 10:19-20; Jn 14:6; 1:51)

2.        Jesus is the truth (Jn 1:14)

 a.      What is the Truth (Jn 18:38)

(a)     Truth comes from Jesus (Jn 1:17)

(b)     Truth is the light (Jn 3:21)

(c)     Receive true blessing from the truth (Jn 8:32; 1:14, 17)

(d)     Will encounter tribulation for preaching the truth (Jn 8:40; II Tim 3:12)

(e)     Those who do not practice the truth belongs to Satan (Jn 8:44)

(f)      Men will be judged by the truth (Jn 8:46; 12:47-48)

(g)     Sanctified by the truth (Jn 17:17, 19)

(h)     Those who are of the truth will listen to God’s voice (Jn 18:37; 8:47)

(i)       Understand the truth through the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:12:13)

3.        Jesus is the life

 a.      There is life within Him (Jn 1:4)

 b.      He is the ruler of life (Jn 5:40; 20:31; Acts 3:15; I Jn 5:12)

 c.      The word of Jesus is life (Jn 6:63)

 d.      Life is light (Jn 8:12)

 e.      Those who forsake their life in this world will gain eternal life (Jn 12:24-25)

 f.       Those who keep His word shall not die (Jn 8:51)

G.     The true vine (Jn 15:15)

1.        Heavenly Father is the vinedresser (Jn 15:2)

 a.      Not wild vine

2.        Bear fruits (Jn 15:2)

 a.      Live a godly life (Mt 3:8; 7:16-20)

 b.      Pursue spiritual virtues and characters (Gal 5:22-23; Eph 5:9; Phil 1:7)

 c.      Without bearing fruit, the branch will be cut off (Jn 15:6; Rom 11:16-24)

3.        Trim the branches (Jn 15:2-3; Heb 12:5-13)

4.        The branches are united (Jn 15:4-5)

 a.      Abide in the Lord always

 b.      Bear more fruits

5.        Ask, and it shall be given (Jn 15:7; 14:13-14)

6.        Heavenly Father is glorified (Jn 15:8)

 a.      Through Jesus (Jn 13:31-32)

 b.      Through the disciples (Mt 7:20; Lk 6:43-45)

III. The Nobility of Jesus

A.     Jesus demonstrated the superiority of God’s physical manifestation

1.        From  the eternal point of view

 a.      He is the only God (Jn 14:8-9)

 b.      He manifest the glory of God (Heb 1:3; Jn 1:14, 18)

 c.      He is the true manifestation of God Himself (Heb 1:3; Jn 14:9; Cal 1:15)

 d.      He is the only son of God (Heb 1:2)

2.        From the creation of universe (Heb 1:1-2; Rom 11:36)

 a.      He is the creator (Jn 1:3; Cal 1:16)

 b.      He upholds all things (Col 1:17)

 c.      He is the heir of all things (Rom 8:17)

3.        From the human point of view

 a.      He is the prophet, king, and priest (Heb 3:1)

 b.      Through Him, God gave mankind a final revelation (Heb 1:2)

4.        From the view of redemption

 a.      He purged our sins (Heb 1:3), and brought us to the presence of God

 b.      He sat down at the right hand of God (Heb 1:3; 8:1; 10:12-14; 12; Eph 1:20-22; Col 3:1; Mk 16:19)

B.     Jesus is superior to angels (Heb 1:5-14; 2:5-18)

1.        He is the son of God; angels are ministering spirits (Heb 1:5)

2.        He can control the future (Heb 2:5-8)

3.        God saved Him, but did not save angels (Heb 2:16-18)

 a.      Laws proclaimed by angels has its efficacy (Heb 2:2; Deut 33;2; Ps 68:17; Acts 7:38, 53; Gal 3:19)

 b.      Those who neglect the salvation proclaimed by Jesus cannot escape from sin (Heb 2:3)

C.     Jesus is superior to Moses:  a worker God (Heb 3:2)

1.        Moses was created, Jesus is the master of creation (3:3)

2.        Moses was a servant, Jesus is the son of God (3:5-6)

3.        Moses was in the household of God (3:5), Jesus was the builder of the house (3:4)

4.        Moses made preparations (Heb 3:5; Deut 18:15-19), Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of Moses (2:14-15)

5.        Moses led the people into Canaan (3:16-19), Jesus will bring us into eternal rest in heaven (4:8-11)

 a.      The danger of unbelief (3:7-19)

 b.      Those who believe may enter into rest (4:1-13)

 c.      Meditate about God (3:1; 12:3)

D.     Jesus is superior to Aaron, the high priest (Heb 4:14-7:28)

1.        For every high priest taken from among men is ap­pointed for men in things pertaining to God, especially sacrifices (5:1)

2.        Locations for offering sacrifices are different

3.        OT:  the Holy of holy (Lev 16:15, 17);  NT: the holy place in heaven (Heb 4;14; 8:1-5; 9:11, 24)

4.        The lengths of duty are different

5.        OT: restricted by death (7;23);  NT: lives forever to save until the end (7:25; 4;14-16)

6.        The qualifications are different

7.        OT:  bounded by sins (7:27); NT: sinless (7:26)

8.        Sacrifices are different

9.        OT: blood of animals (9:22, 13, ;10:4);  NT:  blood of Jesus (9:12-15)

10.     The end results are different

11.     Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant (9:15; 12:24; I Tim 2:5)

E.     Jesus fulfilled the better covenant (Heb 8:8-12; Jer 31:31-34)

1.        God’s laws become the inner principles in our hearts (8:10); it becomes a great joy to keep His command­ments (Ezek 36:26-27; Rom 8:24)

2.        Establish an intimate relationship between God and men (8:10)

3.        Have a clear and deep understanding of Jesus (8:11)

4.        Sins are forgiven forever (8:12)

IV.  The Life of Jesus

Know the tree by its fruit (Mt 7:16)

A.     The childhood of Jesus

1.        His exemplary parents

 a.      Joseph was a righteous man

 b.      Mary’s heart magnified the Lord and rejoiced in the Savior (Lk 1:38, 46)

2.        His pursuit of the word of God (Lk 2:46)

3.        His concern about His Father’s business (Lk 2:49)

4.        He obeyed his parents (Lk 2:51)

 a.      His parents did not understand him (Lk 2:50)

5.        He grew in wisdom and stature (Lk 2:40,52; Heb 11:24)

6.        He gain favor with God and men (Lk 2:52)

 a.      The grace of God proves God’s love (Lk 2:40)

 b.      Those loved by God will be love by men (Lk 2:52)

B.     Jesus tempted by Satan

1.        The sources of temptation:  lust, Satan (Jas 1:14; Lk 4:1)

2.        The essence of temptation: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (Lk 4:3-12; I Jn 2:16)

3.        Ways to overcome temptations: be filled by Holy Spirit (Lk 4:1; Gal 5:16,17), and obey God’s words (Lk 4:4)

 a.      Jesus did not sin when he was tempted (Heb 15)

 b.      He can sympathize with our weakness

 c.      Ask God to not lead us into temptation (Jn 6:12)

 d.      The failure of Adam (Gen 2:16; 3:5-6)

4.        Results of overcoming temptation

 a.      Glorify God (Rom 3:23)

 b.      Satan departed and angels ministered Jesus (Mt 4:11)

 c.      The beginning of Jesus’ ministry in serving God (Lk 4:14-15)

C.     Jesus’ serving

1.        His food is to do the will of God and to finish God’s work (Jn 4:34)

2.        Contents of serving

 a.      Preaching the gospel (Mk 1:14-15), teaching the people (Mk 6:34)

 b.      Healed sick and cast out demons (Mk 1:30-31; 1:21-27)

 c.      Forgive our sins (Mk 2:1-12; Lk 7:36-50)

·         He is the friend of sinners (Mk 2:15-16; Lk 19:1-10)

 d.      Train the disciples (Mk 3:13-19)

Focus on the successors (Mk 16:15-18)

The prerequisites for becoming a disciple and the rewards (Mt 16:24; 19:27-30)

3.        The spirit of serving

 a.      Merciful(Mk 1:40-42; 3:4-6; 5:11-13; 6:30-31; Mt 9:11-13)

 b.      Meek and humble (Mt 11:29; I Pet 2:20-23; Phil 2:6-8)

The greatest and least in heaven (Mk 10:42-45)

 c.      Forsake himself and became submissive (Jn 5:19-20, 30; 12:47-50; Lk 22;41-44)

Did not do according to his own will (Jn 8:28; 6:38),  did not seek self-glory (Jn 5:41-44)

One grain of wheat (Jn 12:24)

 d.      Faithful until death to fulfill the commission of God (Jn 17:4; Mk 1:21-34)

Emphasize work over food (Mk 3:20; 6:31-34)

4.        The power of serving

 a.      Full of power (Mk 1:21-22)

 b.      Emphasized prayer (Acts 10:38; Ok 4:1-14; Mt 17:14-16, 19-21)

 c.      Prayed before daybreak (Mk 1:35; 6:46-47, 12-13)

Prayed before doing any work (Lk 5:15-16)

The hidden life of prayer is the key to obtain spiritual power (Jn 8:1-2)

5.        The results of serving

 a.      Edify men (Acts 10:38)

 b.      Pleased God (Mk 1:9-11; 17:15)

 c.      Have the abidance of God (Jn 8:29)

True judgement (Jn 8:16)

Never alone (Jn 16:32; Jn 14:16-20)

 d.      Received glory (Heb 2:9; I Tim 3:16; Phi 2:9-11)

Temporary and everlasting (II Cor 4:17)

 e.      Kingdom of God is established on earth (Rev 11:15; Heb 2:10)

D.     The afflictions of Jesus

1.        Entered into Jerusalem (Mk 11:1-11)

 a.      Entered as a King (Lk 19:38)

 b.      Wept for Jerusalem (Lk 19:41-44)

2.        The departing prayer (Jn 17)

 a.      Glory (17:1, 4,5,10)

 b.      Sanctify (17:14-19)

 c.      United as one (17:11-12, 20-23)

3.        Prayer in Gethsemane (Lk 22:39-46)

 a.      Prayer of sacrifice (42)

 b.      Watchful and earnest prayer (22:43)

 c.      God increased His power (22;44)

4.        Arrested

 a.      Did not resist (Jn 18:11, 36)

 b.      Peter denied Jesus (Jn 18:27)

5.        Judged (Jn 8:35)

 a.      Kept silent (Lk 23:9; I Pet 2:21-23)

 b.      Peaceful at heart (Jn 19:11)

·         The mistake of Pilate (Jn 19:6, 12-16)

6.        Nailed on cross: the seven utterances on the cross

 a.      “Father, forgive them” (Lk 23:34)

(a)     For they do not know what they have done

(b)     Jesus loved His enemy (Acts 5:44) - the upmost love

 b.      “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23:43)

(a)     He has control over heaven

(b)     He suffered in darkness (Heb 12:2)

 c.      “Look at your son” (Jn 19:26-27)

(a)     Did not forget to honor parents even during sufferings

(b)     Care about His mother’s

 d.      “My God, why have you forsaken me” (Mt 27:46)

(a)     Tasted death for all mankind (Heb 2:9)

(b)     The suffering in Hades (II Thes 1:9)

 e.      “I am thirsty” (Jn 19:28)

(a)     Given the sour wine (29)

 f.       “It is finished” (Jn 19:30)

(a)     The fulfillment of salvation (Heb 10:19-20)

(b)     The completion of His work (Jn 17:4)

 g.      “Into your hands I command my spirit” (Lk 23:46)

(a)     Blessed are those who die in the Lord (Rev 14:13)

(b)     One can die after completing all things (Phi 1:24)

 h.      “He is truly a righteous man” (Lk 23:47), glorified God through death (Acts 7:54-56)

 i.        The change of Joseph (Lk 23:50-53; Jn 19:38-42)

E.     The resurrection of Jesus (Lk 24:6)

1.        The unbelief among disciples (Jn 20:24-25; Lk 24:25)

2.        Strengthen the faith of disciples for forty days (Jn 20:27)

3.        Issue the great commission (Jn 21:15-17; Mk 16:16)

4.        His resurrection serves as a model of our resurrection (I Cor 15:20-21)

V.     HeavenlyKingdom is near (Mt 4:17)

A.     What is the heavenly kingdom or the kingdom of God?

1.        Not of this world (Jn 18:36)

 a.      Hated by the world (Jn 15:18, 19; 17:14)

2.        From above (8:23)

3.        A kingdom where Christ is the king  (18:27)

 a.      King of this world is Satan (14:30; II Cor 4:4)

B.     Where is heavenly kingdom?

1.        In our heart (Lk 17:21)

2.        In the church (Eph 2:19)

 a.      Power of God (Acts 12:28; Mk 16:16-18)

3.        In heaven (Rev 21:2; Mt 6:10)

C.     The heavenly kingdom is near

1.        John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord (Mt 3:2; Jn 3:28)

2.        Jesus preached the gospel of heavenly kingdom (Mt 4:23; 10:7)

3.        “Kingdom of heaven” is the main theme of Jesus’ min­istry: it was mentioned about 50 times in Matthew

D.     How can we have part in heavenly kingdom?

1.        Believe in Jesus Christ (Jn 8:24; 3:18, 36; Mk 16:16)

2.        Repent (Mt 3:2; 4:17)

 a.      Confession our sins (Mt 3:6)

 b.      Depart from evil and do good (Mt 3:7-10; Lk 19:1-10)

3.        Be reborn (Jn 3:5)

 a.      Receive water baptism (Tit 3:5)

 b.      Receive Holy Spirit (Tit 3:5)

 c.      Live as a new man (Rom 6:1-11; Eph 4:23-24)

4.        Keep the commandment of God (Mt 7:21-23)

VI.  The one to prepare the road to heaven—John, the baptist

A.     The work of John the Baptist

1.        To prepare the way for Jesus (Mal 3:1; Is 40:3; Mt 11:10-14)

2.        To wash away sins (Mk 1:4)

 a.      In the Old Testament times, the burnt offering is for the atonement of sins; John’s baptism is a sign of repentance (Lev 1:3,4)

 b.      Chosen people in the Old Testament times can be saved along with saints in the New Testament times (Mt 8:11; Heb 11:39,40)

 c.      John’s baptism cannot wash away sins (Jn 1:29; 3:28-30)

 d.      After receiving John’s baptism, one must also re­ceive Jesus’ baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 19:1-5; 22:16)

 e.      Those who have receive John’s baptism but not the baptism of Jesus may be save in the manner of Old Testament saints

B.     John the Baptist himself

An influential person (Mk 1:5)

1.        Lived a simple life (Mk 1:6; Lk 12:15)

2.        Has the determination of Elijah (Lk 1:17)

 a.      Rebuked the Pharisees (Mt 3:7-10)

 b.      Rebuked Herod (Mk 6:17-29)

 c.      Has courage and strength (Mt 11:7)

3.        Understood himself (Prov 14:8)

 a.      The power of Jesus is greater than his (Mk 1:7)

 b.      The efficacy of Jesus is greater (Mk 1:8; Rom 8:1,2; II Cor 5:17)

 c.      “He must increase, I must decrease” (Jn 3:30)

 d.      He humbled himself knowing his own weaknesses (Jn 3:22-30)

4.        The least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than him (Mt 11:11)  Those in the kingdom of heaven – the bride of Jesus; John the Baptist – friend of the bridegroom (Jn 3:29)

VII.           Preachers of heavenly kingdom – The disciples of jesus (Mt 10)

A.     Selecting the disciples (Acts 4:18-22)—emphasized the cultivation of successors

1.        Prayed throughout the night (Lk 6:12)

2.        Regardless of their background:  fisherman, tax collec­tor, etc.

B.     Training the disciples

1.        Jesus was with his disciples often – personal training (Mt 8:23-26; Lk 8:1)

2.        Explained the truth – teaching by words (Mk 4:34)

3.        Sent them out to work – practical training (Lk 9:2)

 a.      Gave them power (Mk 9:18; Lk 9:1)

 b.      Have no worry about life (Lk 9:15)

 c.      Seek the lost sheep (Mt 10:6)

 d.      Be wise as snake and gentle as dove (Mt 10:16)

 e.      Be prepared to encounter sufferings (Mt 10:18-33)

C.     Prerequisites for becoming a disciple

1.        Love God more than family members (Mt 10:35-37; Lk 14:26; I Tim 2:4)

2.        Sacrifice ourselves (Mt 10:38,39; Mk 8:34)

 a.      our will (Mt 26:39)

 b.      our glory (Mk 9:35; 10:41-44; Lk 9:46-48)

 c.      our life (Lk 14:33; Jn 12:24)

3.        Carry the cross (Mk 8:34; Lk 14:27)

4.        Follow Jesus (Jn 12:26; I Pet 2:21)

5.        Obey His commandments (Jn 8:31)

6.        Bear more fruits (Jn 15:8)

D.     Rewards for being a disciple

1.        Be respected by Heavenly Father (Jn 12:26)

2.        Receive eternal life (Lk 10:20; 18:30; Jn 12:25)

3.        Have the abidance of God (Mt 10:19)

4.        Receive abundance in life (Mt 10:41; Lk 10:17; 18:28-30)

VIII.        Parables of heavenly kingdom (Mt 13)

A.     The parable of the sower (13:3-23)

1.        Our heart is the soil (13:3-23)

2.        The truth is like a seed (13:19)

3.        Hindrances of pursuing heavenly kingdom:  the wicked one, temptation, worries of the world, deceitfulness of riches, joy of the world (Mt 13:19-22; Lk 8:11-15)

 a.      It is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Lk 18:19-25)

 b.      Rely on God, all things are possible (Lk 18:26)

4.        Bear fruit:  Glorify God and edify men (Mt 13:23)

5.        Jesus is the sower

B.     The parable of the wheat and tares (Mt 13:24-30)

1.        Enemies came and sowed tares (25)

2.        Tares uproot the wheat (29)

3.        The final separation (30; 41-43)

4.        The truth was deteriorated at the end of apostolic time

C.     The parable of the mustard seed (Mt 13:31-32)

1.        Mustard seed: the Truth of the kingdom of God (25)

2.        Grown to become a tree:  prosperous (32)

3.        The birds of the air: Satan (32)

4.        Although it is prosperous but it has already deterio­rated (Rev 18:2)

D.     The parable of the leaven (Mt 13:33-53)

1.        Leaven represents sin and heresy (Mt 16:12; Lk 12:1)

2.        New religions spread rapidly because they contain leaven

E.     The parable of the hidden treasure (Mt 13:44)

1.        The truth is like a treasure (Prob 2:4; 3:14)

2.        Hidden in the ground:  walk by faith not by sight (II Cor 5:7)

3.        The heavenly kingdom is priceless in value (Mt 16:25; Heb 10:32-26)

F.      The parable of the pearl (Mt 13:45-46)

1.        The truth is more precious than pearl (Job 28:18; Mt 7:6)

2.        It is worthy for us to sell all things to purchase it (Lk 18:18-23)

G.     The parable of the dragnet (Mt 13:47-56)

1.        We are called and are chosen (Mt 22:4)

2.        The final judgement will separate the righteous from the wicked (49)

3.        The great mission of the TrueChurch:  reap the harvest and pull the net

 a.      Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force (Mt 11:12)

H.    The parable of the vineyard (Mt 20:1-16)

1.        There are rewards in heaven (20:2; II Cor 4:17)

2.        The rewards are given by God (20:15)

3.        The rewards are not given according to earthly stan­dards (20:10)

4.        Those who are last will be the first (16)

I.       The parable of the wedding feast (Mt 22:1-14; Lk 14:15-24)

1.        Receive blessings in the kingdom of God

2.        Blessings on the earth:  wealth, career, and family will hinder us from receiving blessings from heaven (Lk 14:18-20)

3.        Those who are despised by other will instead receive God’s blessings (21-24; I Cor 1:26-28)

IX.  Sermon on the mount – the statues of heavenly kingdom

A.     The Beatitudes (Mt 5:1-12)

1.        The Kingdom of God is full of blessings (Jn 1:14,16)

2.        The pursuit of the Kingdom of God must begin with changes of the heart (Jn 4:24)

 a.      The poor in spirit – inherit heavenly kingdom (5:3; Lk 4:18,19; Acts 8:28)

 b.      Those who mourn – receive comfort (5:4; Ps 34:18; 51:17; Lk 18:19; II Cor 7:8-11)

 c.      The meek – inherit the earth (5:5; 1:29; Jas 3:13,17; 1:21)

 d.      Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness – will be filled (5:6; Ps 36:8,9; 42:2)

 e.      The merciful – obtain mercy (5:7; 18:33; II Tim 1:16,18; Ps 41:1)

 f.       The pure in heart – will see God (5:8; 15:10-20; Job 42:5)

 g.      The peacemakers – be called sons of God (5:9; II Cor 5:17-19)

 h.      Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake – in­herit heavenly kingdom (5:10; I Thes 1:6; I Pet 3:14)

 i.        It is a great blessing to suffer afflictions (I Cor 15:10; II Cor 4:17)

B.     Jesus’ teaching of prayer (Mt 6:1-18)

1.        The one whom we pray to: the Heavenly Father (Mt 6:9)

2.        The contents of prayer: the Lord’s Prayer (6:9-13)

 a.      Things pertaining to God (6:9,10)

(a)     the name of God be exalted (6:9)

(b)     the kingdom of God come on earth (6:10)

(c)     the will of God be done on earth (6:10)

 b.      Things pertaining to men

(a)     pray for material need (6:11)

(b)     pray for God’s forgiveness (6:12)

(c)     pray that God help us overcome temptations 6:13)

3.        The method of prayer

 a.      Do not use repeating words (Mt 6:7,8) for God knows all things

 b.      Pray in secrecy (Mt 6:5-8)

(a)     have a concentrated heart (6:6)

(b)     not for self-glory (6:5)

4.        The efficacy of prayer (Mt 7:7-11; Lk 11:5-13)

 a.      Ask, and it will be given (7:7)

 b.      Seek, and you will find (7:7)

 c.      Knock, and it will be opened (7:7)

 d.      The love of God far surpasses that of our parents

5.        Fasting prayer (Mt 6:16-18)

 a.      Purpose:  train our heart to endure and suffer (II Chron 20:1-4; Mk 9:29; Neh 9:1,2; Jonah 3:5-9)

 b.      Have a correct motive (Mt 6:16)

 c.      Shall be rewarded by God (Mt 6:18)

C.     Witnesses of Christians

1.        The righteousness of scribes – obey the law of Moses

2.        The righteousness of Christians – elevate the inner moral standards (Mt 5:20)

 a.      Be the salt and light (Mt 5:13-16) to glory God’s name

 b.      Live in harmony with others (5:21-26)

 c.      Do not commit adultery (5:27-32)

 d.      Do not swear (5:33-37)

 e.      Love our enemies (5:38-48)

 f.       Perform charitable deeds often (6:1-4)

 g.      Do not worry about food or drink (6:24-34)

 h.      Do not judge others (7:1-5)

D.     In regards to salvation

1.        Jesus has fulfilled the law (Mt 5:17-20; Rom 10:4)

 a.      The essence of the laws: love God and love men (Mt 22:37-40; 13:8-10)

 b.      Our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees in order to enter into heaven (Mt 5:20; 15:1-6; 23:23,24)

2.        The genuine treasure (Mt 6:19-21)

 a.      Treasures in heaven (6:20; Heb 11:24-26; Phil 3:8-14)

 b.      Our heart follows our treasures (6:21)

3.        Do not serve two masters (Mt 6:24)

4.        The choice of two different path (Mt 7:13,14)

 a.      Wide gate with broad way – many people, leads to destruction

 b.      Narrow gate with narrow way – few people, leads to life

5.        The two kinds of trees (Mt 7:15-22)

 a.      Know the tree by its fruit (7:18)

 b.      Outward form of godliness cannot save a man (Mt 7:15; II Tim 3:5)

 c.      Only those who obey the word of God can enter into heaven (Mt 7:21); performing holy work alone cannot guarantee our salvation(I Cor 9:27)

6.        The two kinds of foundations (Mt 7:24-27)

 a.      Rock: can withstand trials (7:25)

 b.      Sand: the building will fall (7:27; Job 2:9; I Jn 2:18,19)

 c.      Abiding by the word of God is the foundation of our faith (Mt 7:24)

 

X.     People outside the gate of heaven—the pharisees

A.     The Greek name Pharisees, or Perushim in Hebrews, means “the separated ones.”  They called themselves Hasidim meaning “the godly ones.”  They insisted upon the strict observance of the laws of Moses.  They consid­ered the traditional rabbi teachings equal to the Old Testament Bible.  Their prominence came about during the era between the Old and the New Testaments.

B.     The righteousness of the Pharisees

1.        We must exceed their righteousness to be saved (Mt 5:20)

2.        They fast and offer tithes (Lk 18:12)

3.        They offer sacrifices and obey laws of Moses (Mt 23:23)

 a.      Nicodemus (Jn 3:1)

 b.      Gamaliel (Acts 5:34)

 c.      Paul (Phil 3:5)

C.     The leaven of the Pharisees (Mt 16:6,12; Lk 12:1)

1.        Abide by the tradition, cannot accept new teachings; emphasize literal meaning and neglect spiritual teach­ings (Mt 9:14)– hypocrisy

 a.      Holy Sabbath (Mt 12:2)

 b.      Wash hands before meals (Mt 15:2-6)

 c.      Fasting (Mt 9:14-16)

 d.      Sinners and sin itself (Mt 9:11; Mk 2:13; Lk 5:27-32; 7:39; 15:1,2)

 e.      Jesus often went to the house of Pharisees (Lk 7:36; 14:1)

2.        They do not know Jesus:  criticized and slandered Jesus

 a.      Casting out demons (Mt 9:34; 12:24)

 b.      Forgiving sins (Lk 5:21)

 c.      Teachings of Jesus (Jn 7:32, 45-52)

 d.      Healing the sick (Jn 9:15,24)

3.        They tempted Jesus:  to find reasons to accuse him

 a.      Showing miraculous signs (Mt 16:1)

 b.      Divorcing the wife (Mt 19:3)

 c.      Paying taxes (Mt 22:15)

 d.      The greatest commandment (Mt 22:36)

 e.      The adulterous woman (Jn 8:1-9)

 f.       The spirit of Jesus was wise as the serpent (Mt 10:16); he answered wisely by asking a question (Mt 22:41-46; Lk 14:1-6)

4.        They seek to destroy Jesus (Mt 12:14; Mk 3:6; Lk 6:11; Jn 11:47,53)

5.        Their sins

 a.      Rejected the council of God (Lk 7:30)

 b.      Greed (Lk 16:13-16)

 c.      Self-righteousness (Mt 18:9-14)

 d.      Judge by people’s outward appearance (Jn 8:13-15)

D.     The woes of the Pharisees (Mt 23:32)

1.        Neglected the weightier matters of the law (Mt 23:23; Lk 11:42)

2.        Vain glory of their religion (Lk 12:43,44)

3.        Clean on the outside but filthy on the inside (Mt 23:25-27; Lk 12:44)

4.        Obstruct people from entering into heaven (Mt 23:13; Lk 11:52)

5.        Blind guides (Mt 23:15,16)

6.        Have a godly appearance but without the true essence (Mt 23:14)

7.        Cannot distinguish the great from the small (Mt 23:16-18)

8.        Persecute the prophets (Mt 23:29-32; Lk 11:46)

XI.  The fulfillment of heavenly Kingdom—the coming of Jesus

A.     Prophesies of the coming of Jesus

1.        Descend from heaven with power and glory (Mt 16:27; Lk 21:27)

2.        Come as lightning (Mt 24:27)

3.        Be like the days of Noah (Mt 24:37)

4.        Be like the days of Lot (Lk 17:28-30)

5.        After the place is prepared, He will come again (Jn 14:2,3)

B.     Signs of Jesus’ second coming (Matthew 24)

1.        Natural disasters (24:7)

2.        Wars (24:6)

3.        Deception of false Christs (24:5)

4.        Persecutions (24:9)

5.        Deterioration of morality (II Tim 3:1-5)

C.     The day of Jesus’ second coming

1.        Every eye will see Him (Rev 1:7; 6:15-17)

2.        Heaven and earth will pass away (II Pet 3:10)

3.        Saints will resurrect (I Cor 15:52)

4.        Final judgement (Jn 5:26-29; Mt 16:27; Rev 11:18; 20:12)

5.        Heavenly kingdom is manifested (Rev 21:1,2)

D.     Preparing for Jesus’ second coming (Matthew 25)

1.        Parable of the ten virgins (Mt 25:1-13)

 a.      Filled by the Holy Spirit, living a holy life, and glori­fying God

2.        Parable of the talents (Mt 25:14-30)

 a.      Make good use of our gifts and talents to serve God

3.        Parable of the sheep and goats (Mt 25:31-46)

 a.      Live a life of loving God and loving men

4.        We must prepare and be watchful (Mt 24:42)

5.        Only those who labor and strive can enter into heaven (Mt 11:12)