" Follow Me " -- Matthew 4:12-25 -- Rev. John W. Armstrong

Sermon notes:

“Follow Me”   (Matthew 4:12-25)

I.     Matthew emphasizes the absolute initiative of God in establishing communion with man (Martin Franzmann).

A.  Calling is an act of God (Genesis 1:3ff.; 12:1-3; Exodus 3:10; Proverbs 8:1-4; 1 Samuel 3:4; Hosea 11:1-2; Micah 1:1, etc.; Mark 3:13; Acts 9:1-6). 

1.  The Word of the Lord comes without our asking and often against our ___________ (e.g. Moses, Jeremiah, Jonah, etc.).   

2.  Jesus is no ordinary rabbi.  He is ____________, who “confiscates” us for His own purposes (vv.19, 21; John 15:16; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Corinthians 7:15;           Colossians 3:15; Galatians 5:13).

B.  Jesus does not seek ____________________ (Matthew 8:18-22; Luke 9:61-62).

II.    Christ’s call involves complete committal and relentless devotion.

A.  His call __________________ the claim of wife, family and home (v.22; 10:37).

B.  His call _______________ what it demands (v.19).  

1.  We love whatever we find _______________________.

2.  God’s love does not find, but _______________, what is attractive or     desirable. 

C.  Jesus is an ___________________, not a legislator.  His call is an _______________________ (Matthew 13:44; John 10:10; Galatians 1:15;              Ephesians 3:2).