Message Notes

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 16 APRIL 2022
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Text: Matthew 10

Subject: SENDING OUT THE APOSTLES

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE APOSTLES

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts,

10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

Matthew 10:8-10

FOCUS OF THE MINISTRY

1. A careful reading of the Text is of vital importance

a) Heal the sick

b) Cleanse the lepers

c) Raise the dead

d) Cast out demons

2. What the Lord Jesus did not mean!

a) He was not encouraging to focus on these activities

b) How should the Apostles understand this word of Instruction?

3. The Example of the Lord Jesus must be borne in mind (Matthew 8-9)

a) His main focus was to preach the Kingdom of Heaven

i) He sought to help people find faith in God

ii) He sought to bring people back to God

b) Along the way

i) People who were sick came to Him

ii) People who were possessed were brought to Him

iii) The Lord sometimes raised the dead (daughter of Jairus)

c) The Apostles were to follow the Lord in the way He ministered

i) Preaching and teaching came first

ii) As and when, they may exercise the authority and power to heal and cast out demons

iii) But the supernatural part was not meant to be the focus of Ministry

FREELY RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE

1. The Apostles would come across some who would be very grateful

2. They may be given gifts along the way

3. How should the Apostles understand and respond to this?

a) They must not solicit money

b) They must not focus on making money

c) They may freely receive but they must also learn how to freely give

d) They would come across many poor people along the way

e) If they are able to, they must use what they are given to minister to those in need

LEARNING TO EXERCISE FAITH IN GOD

1. The Lord Jesus had shown His Disciples how He lived and served

2. He depended fully on the people whom He had brought to salvation

3. If they had truly found the Lord Jesus:

a) As their Saviour

b) As their Teacher

c) As their Lord and Master

d) They would support Him

4. The Apostles must learn to exercise Faith/ Trust in the Lord

a) They do not need to bring with them

i) Gold, silver and copper (monetary means

ii) Bag, extra, clothes, sandals, or even a staff

5. An important Principle of Ministry

“A worker is worthy of his food”

Matthew 10:10

a) The Apostles must prove their worth

i) Skills

ii) Competence

b) If they are worthy workers

i) There will be adequate provision

ii) They need not worry about support

CONCLUSION

1. Basic principles of ministry must be learned

a) Faith

b) Focus

c) Faithfulness

2. The Lord would do His part

a) In providing for His servants

b) He would provide for all our needs Philippians 4:19