Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The teaching ministry of the Lord Jesus

a) This was extensive

b) This was also corrective

c) This was always inspirational

2. Two groups of people

a) The multitudes

b) The disciples

c) Both were taught differently

THE MULTITUDES

10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”

11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.

13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
And seeing you will see and not perceive;

15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.

Matthew 13:10-15

1. The divine principle of learning

a) Responsibility must be exercised

i) To hear

ii) To see

iii) To understand

b) Results of not exercising responsibility

i) The heart grows dull

ii) The ears are hard of hearing

iii) The eyes are closed

2. The Hope that Remains

a) To be drawn to the teachings of the Lord Jesus

b) To be driven to be disciples of the Lord Jesus

THE DISCIPLES

16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear;

17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.

Matthew 13:16-17

1. The divine principle of learning was practised

2. The results

a) The Disciples are blessed

b) They are given to know the mysteries of the kingdom

c) Their eyes and ears are open to deep learning

THE INITIAL TEACHING MINISTRY OF THE APOSTLES

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:40-42

1. Peter was now deeply committed to teaching and preaching

2. He saw divine power at work:

a) The Spirit of God was convicting hearts

b) The word of God was making deep impact on lives

c) Many continued steadfastly in their pursuit and practice of faith

THE CONTINUING TEACHING MINISTRY OF THE APOSTLES

33 When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.

34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while.

35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men.

36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing.

37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed.

38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;

39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

40 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Acts 5:33-42

1. Persecution of the Church

a) It continued to become more intense

b) The lives of Peter and John were threatened

2. Perseverance of the Apostles

a) They were not intimidated in any way

b) They were rejoicing even after being threatened

c) They did not cease in their ministry of preaching and teaching

i) Publicly (In the Temple)

ii) Privately in homes

CONCLUSION

1. How do we regard the Word of God?

2. We must ever be committed to the ministry of the Word of God!