UFC Series "Ground Fight"

Matthew 10:1-15 “
Vr 1- Commissioning the disciples
Gave them power over the devil and demons and the power to cure the world of disease The design of the gospel was to conquer the devil and to cure the world.

Our enemy is the devil and our sickness is sin and the cure is the cross of Jesus
“it is a ground fight –tactic is the Message”

Vrs 2-4
This fight is fought by individuals not just the Pastors, The job of a pastor is to teach, train & equip, that is not to say that we don’t do the other things but if we are the only ones doing it, it will be impossible to really reach the people.

We are all part of the “ground fight”

Vrs 5-6 Jesus was commissioning them to go to the Jews first, part of God’s plan is that message goes to the Jews and after they reject it will go to the Gentiles. After Pentecost we see the message going to the Gentiles. Notice Jesus has compassion on them by using the phrase “Lost Sheep”
Principle-Realize who you are effective with, usually the people around you

Vrs 7 Jesus gave the message “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” That was the part of the message they had Tactic 1 Know the message: GOSPEL

Vrs 8 This was apostolic gift. This was a power Jesus gave them to confirm to their doctrine or that they were preaching truth. But today we can apply this by saying meet the needs of the people in Jesus’ name, this will confirm to them that you really believe what you are preaching. When you are telling others about the love of Jesus we should be willing to help them with their needs.

“freely” the apostles were commanded to use their power freely with people and not use it for their own self promotion.

Principle-God has blessed us now we are to freely give to others. Do you think God blesses us so we can hoard and squander? He gives so that we can give. Our society tells us the more we acquire the more we have for ourselves. Remember God is the one who has given it to you.

Vrs 9-10 Jesus wanted them to trust that their needs would be met and their journey was not going to be long. “Workman” As they spread the Word people would notice the work and feed them

Principle- Rely on God he will provide and your time here on earth is not long and you should not spend most of your life worrying and striving to have more. If you are doing what is right God will bless

If you are pursuing full time ministry, God will provide for you

Vrs 11-14
Vrs 11 Find the house with the good reputation and go there.
Vrs 12 Greet the household,
Vrs 13 If they are not warm toward your greeting they will probably not be warm toward the message
Vrs 14 Don’t be annoying and push the message on them & Don’t waste your time arguing, they need prayer, keep praying

In the case that someone is antagonistic Matthew Henry says The dust of the apostles' feet, which they left behind them, would witness against them, and be brought in as evidence, that the gospel had been preached to them,

Principle- there are going to people in your spear of influence that are just going to be cold to you because you are a Christian, we have to be sensitive to that, if you become too annoying and too pushy you cold actually do more damage then good.
Vrs 15 the inevitable results of not trusting in the message of Jesus is eternal judgment.

“The Ground Fight” Bring the message to people around us. Challenge: Christmas Series