Part 62 of the David Pawson 'Unlocking the Bible' Podcast series
Two of the 4 gospels were written for sinners (Mark & Luke) and two for Christians. Matthew is a manual of discipleship, the best book of the New Testament to take a new convert through. “You disciple someone by teaching them how to live in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth.” The expectations of Jew and Christian regarding the Messiah and the Kingdom differ. We are living in the overlap of the “present evil age” and the establishment of the Kingdom on earth. David says that all 5 sermons of Jesus recorded in Matthew are important, and are all about how to be subjects of the kingdom. The Kingdom needs not only the good Sovereign but also good subjects. The 5 sermons: #1The Sermon on the Mount – the lifestyle of the Kingdom. #2The Mission of the Kingdom: we have a mission to bring others into the kingdom by demonstrating and then declaring the Kingdom. #3What to Expect: Don’t be disappointed that not every seed sown yields a harvest. #4The Community of the Kingdom: Church discipline is included. #5The Future of the Kingdom: 4 clear signs of Jesus’ second coming given. God is both King and Father. Faith, Righteousness and Judgment are themes of Matthew. We must never forget what Jesus has done for us.
