" Overcoming apathy " -- Matthew 2: 1-12 -- Rev. John W. Armstrong

Sermon notes:

Overcoming apathy

I.     The Magi may not know God’s Word, but God can speak their language. 

A.  Scripture forbids _________________.  It brings God’s judgment, and it is   inadequate for knowing God (v.2; Deuteronomy 4:19; 18:10-14; Isaiah 47:13-14).

B.  Those who seek Jesus must submit themselves to God’s _____________ (vv. 3-6).

II.    God’s people know God’s Word but may ignore it.

A.  The pagan astrologers seek Jesus; Israel’s leaders _______________ Jesus and fail to act on what they know (vv.5-6).   

B.  Akedia (acedia) = apathy/indifference (lit. “a lack of care”).  It is a sin of __________________, not commission.

1.  We become dull of hearing (Hebrews 5:11).

2.  “The last shall be first and the first shall be last” (Matthew 20:16).

III.   “The one who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Luke 21:19;  James 1:12).

A.  God’s _______________ is our foundation for daily life, not our feelings or lack thereof (Matthew 4:4).   

B.  We may stop ________________ God, but He does not stop ________________ us (Luke 15:4).