Matthew 3:13-17 — The Commissioning of the King — Baptism, Anointing and Approval
THE COMMISSIONING OF JESUS TO PUBLIC MINISTRY INCLUDED BAPTISM TO IDENTIFY WITH SINNERS, ANOINTING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE PUBLIC APPROVAL OF GOD THE FATHER
Matthew 3:1-12 — The Ministry of John the Baptist, the Forerunner of Jesus
THE BAPTISM OF JOHN EMPHASIZING REPENTANCE PREPARED THE NATION FOR THE SUPERIOR BAPTISM OF JESUS AND THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Matthew 2:13-23 — Divine Protection of the Messiah against the Treachery of King Herod
DIVINE PROTECTION IN RELOCATING THE MESSIAH FULFILS OT PROPHECY
Matthew 2:1-12 — Wise Men Still Seek Him — The Adoration of the Magi Vs Antagonism from King Herod
THE COMING OF THE KING OF THE JEWS PROMPTS EITHER ADORATION AND WORSHIP OR FEAR AND OPPOSITION
Matthew 1:18-25 — Virgin Conception of Jesus Christ
THE VIRGIN CONCEPTION IN FULFILLMENT OF OT PROPHECY AS CONFIRMED BY ANGELIC REVELATION WAS ESSENTIAL TO CHRIST’S ULTIMATE MISSION AS JESUS AND INCARNATE PRESENCE AS IMMANUEL
Matthew 1:1-17 — Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham
THE HISTORIC JESUS FULFILS ALL THE GENEALOGICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROMISED MESSIAH, THE SEED OF ABRAHAM, WHO WOULD SIT ON THE THRONE OF DAVID
1 Peter 3:1-6 — Submission in the Home
SUBMISSION OF WIVES TO HUSBANDS
Hebrews 13:18-25 — Closing Personal Instructions
THE DYNAMICS OF INTERCESSORY PRAYER AND ENCOURAGING FELLOWSHIP SUPPORT OUR GOAL OF TRUSTING OUR GREAT SHEPHERD TO EQUIP US TO DO THE WILL OF GOD
Hebrews 13:7-17 — Practical Exhortations Regarding Religious Duties
SUSTAINING PERSEVERANCE REQUIRES:
– STABILITY IN GRACE AND FAITH
– SACRIFICES OF PRAISE AND GOOD WORKS AND
– SUBMISSION TO OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS
Hebrews 13:1-6 — 3 Practical Exhortations Regarding Social Duties
OUR LOVE AND REVERENT SERVICE TO GOD MUST BE COUPLED WITH CULTIVATING:
– AGGRESSIVE LOVE TOWARDS THE BRETHREN
– MARITAL FIDELITY AND
– CONFIDENT CONTENTMENT
Hebrews 12:18-29 — Greater Privileges Mean Greater Accountability
THE SUPERIORITY OF THE NEW COVENANT BRINGS GREATER JUDGMENT IF WE FAIL HEED GOD’S WARNINGS
Hebrews 12:12-17 — Response to Divine Discipline
ENCOURAGE THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY:
– TO PERSEVERE IN RUNNING THE RACE AND
– TO PURSUE PEACE AND PURITY