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Doing What Jesus Did
Preaching The Gospel
Sunday Jun 2, 2024 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui
Matthew 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17 (NKJV)

The Message

Jesus set an example for His followers to spread the message of salvation and hope to others.

  1. Doing What Jesus Did: By preaching the gospel like Jesus, believers aim to follow His actions and teachings.

"From That Time"

  1. The phrase "from that time" marks a significant turning point or the beginning of a new phase in Jesus' ministry-introducing the transformative concept of repentance.

Question #1. What key events or circumstances led you to your current situation or location at this specific moment?

Application #1 Just as Jesus began His ministry at the right time following specific events, significant life changes or new opportunities often follow after a period of preparation or waiting.

"Preach"

  1. From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17 (NKJV)

Question #2. What message are you primarily focused on proclaiming? What's your conviction?

Application #2. Preaching involves publicly declaring a message- sharing one's faith or beliefs openly and with conviction.

"Repent"

  1. Greek Term "Metanoia" change of mind, Hebrew Term "Shuv": to turn or return.

Repentance is foundational to entering the Kingdom of Heaven.

Question #3 How can you incorporate repentance into your routine to ensure a closer relationship with God, and what specific steps can you take to turn away from recurring sins?

Application #3. Recognize your faults, feel genuine remorse, and make a commitment to change behavior and align with God's will and the Kingdom's values.

"The Kingdom of Heaven"

  1. Jesus began His ministry with a call to repentance and belief in the gospel: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).

Present And Future Reality of the Kingdom

  1. Immediate Presence: "But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you." Luke 11:20 (NKJV). This emphasizes that the Kingdom is already present in Jesus' ministry and work.
  2. Spiritual Kingdom: Jesus taught that the Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), indicating a spiritual kingdom and not a political kingdom.

"Future Hope of the Kingdom"

  1. Eschatological Fulfillment: While the Kingdom is present, its full realization is expected in the future.
  2. Parables of Growth: The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast (Matthew 13:31-33) illustrate how the Kingdom is pervasive and transformative and will eventually become all-encompassing.

Characteristics of the Kingdom

  1. Righteousness and Justice: Characterized by God's righteousness and justice..
  2. Inclusion and Grace: The Kingdom is open to all who repent and believe.
  3. Servanthood and Sacrifice: greatness in the Kingdom comes through servanthood (Matthew 20:26-28).

Manifestation in Believers' Lives

  1. Living Under God's Reign: Believers are called to live under God's reign, allowing His will to guide their actions, decisions, and relationships.
  2. Community of Believers: The Kingdom is also expressed through the community of believers, the Church, which serves as an outpost of the Kingdom on earth.

Hope and Assurance: The future hope of the Kingdom provides believers with assurance and a vision of the ultimate restoration God promises.

Question #4. How do you see the Kingdom of God manifesting both as a future hope and a present reality in your life and the lives of believers today?

Application #4.The Kingdom of Heaven represents God's rule and reign, both in a future sense and as a present reality in believers' lives. Practically, It involves living according to God's will and the Kingdom's values

"At Hand"

  1. "At hand" "near" or "close in time or place," Old English "the end of the arm."
  2. "The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:12, NKJV)

Question #5. What implications does the phrase "at hand" have for the urgency of Jesus' message?

Application #5. We should not delay in responding to the gospel recognizing the coming of significant events or changes- the coming of Jesus.

Challenge

  • 1. Make Repentance as a daily practice
  • 2. Live with the awareness of God's kingdom to guide your decisions, behaviors, and attitudes.
  • 3. Share the message of repentance and the nearness of God's kingdom in witnessing to others.
  • 4. Cultivate a sense of urgency in your faith journey to prioritize your spiritual lives and live out your faith actively.