WWJD…IHLITLA-What Would Jesus Do if He Lived in the Lake Area?
Pastor David unpacks Christ’s ministry in Matthew 4 to draw out principles for believers in the Lake Area today. He challenges us to follow in His steps by sharing the Gospel, walking alongside others, and demonstrating kingdom living in three vital ways: meeting needs, teaching truth, and reaching the lost.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus has a message for all the world. (v. 12-17)
- Jesus calls disciples on mission with Him. (v. 18-22)
- Jesus sets the example for Kingdom living. (v. 23-25)
Further Study
- When Jesus says “follow Me”, what is the gospel significance of abandoning our own righteousness and following Him (Philippians 3:7-11)?
- How do the examples of the first disciples demonstrate that salvation is only through faith in Christ and not works (Ephesians 2:8-9)?
- What spiritual needs were met through Jesus’ ministry of teaching, preaching and healing? How does the perfect life and atoning death of Christ meet our deepest needs (Colossians 2:9-10)?
- In what ways did Jesus set an example of proclaiming the good news of the kingdom (Acts 1:8)? How can we follow His example in boldness (1 Peter 3:15)?
- When large crowds followed Jesus, what was the true source of their healing (1 Peter 2:24)? How does understanding this impact our view of salvation (Romans 4:5)?
The Gospel
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it.
Reach outWhen Jesus began His ministry, He came proclaiming “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (verse 17). He called people to turn from trusting in themselves and their own goodness, and instead place their faith in Him as the way, the truth and the life.
But Christ’s message of repentance was as odds with the popular belief that Messiah would come as a political or military deliverer. Rather, He came to seek and save the lost by destroying sin through His atoning death on the cross (Luke 19:10).
Christ backed up His message by living a perfect, sinless life that fulfilled all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). But He also called others to “follow Me” in walking in His steps (Matthew 4:19). By living in obedient faith and being united to Christ, we can be rescued from sin’s power and death’s dominion. Christ’s death on the cross was the ultimate fulfillment of His mission to save people from their sins.
As Pastor David said, true gospel repentance is turning from self to Christ, and trusting completely in His finished work rather than our own deeds or performance. Our God is faithful to save to the uttermost all who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25).