God's People Part 2 (Matthew 12:1-14)
Gary McManus, 02/02/2020Part of the New Life series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
What does it mean to be God’s people?
DCC declares it in the affirmations of faith.
Notice: God decides that we are God’s people.
A person can decide that they don’t want to
be God’s child.
See Jesus’ story, Luke 15:11-32.
“My people” or “God’s people” = 450 times in
the Bible.
2 Chronicles 7:14, Hosea 6:6 quoted by Paul
in Romans 8, Leviticus 26:12, Jeremiah 32:38,
Ezekiel 37:27.
Obedience to the commandments isn’t
what makes God’s people.
God declared the children of Israel to BE God’s people
even BEFORE God gave the commandments.
So what is obedience for?
The Bible suggests that we keep the commandments
so that we may be known as God’s people.
(See John 8:31, John 13:34-5)
In the Old Testament we read that we can tell
the difference between God’s people and her neighbors
. . .God’s people only worship ONE GOD—Israel’s
neighbors worship many Gods.
Jesus knew that the Old Testament law demanded sacrifice
. . .Jesus said fine, continue the sacrifices AND obey the
greatest commandments. . .
Controversies and confrontations of Jesus with the Jewish
authorities occurred several times in the Gospel accounts.
The rich man who asked Jesus about eternal life. . .
Jesus mentions and asks about the ten commandments.
The man answers and with confidence and asked
the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
(Matthew 19:16 ff)
Remember, OUR hope is in Jesus, not OUR righteousness.
American Christians have emphasized obedience
as a characteristic—a quality of our relationship with God.
Pastor doesn’t argue against that only to ask. . .
What about friendship with Jesus/God?
(John 15:15. . .do you obey your friends?)
So today’s word of Jesus. . . Matthew 12:7. . .
Temple sacrifice isn’t the issue here, is it?
The issue is sabbath AND LARGER ISSUES.
Leaders loyalty is to God’s law instead
of to God or God’s love.
(Matthew 12:50). . .
Our relationship to the Lord is defined not by
obedience to law or rules but more by
DOING the will of God.
(Mercy, not sacrifice.)
John 13:35 and concluding old story. . .
Amen.
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