Sermons on Religion
The Woes of the Religiously Misguided
We explore the seven woes that Jesus speaks against the religious establishment and Jerusalem itself. (Matthew 23:1-38) Sermon Outline “So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” (Matthew 23:3) Three Critiques of Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees (23:1-6) They are inconsistent (23:3) They burden people (23:4) They are concerned with appearances and reputation (23:5-6) A Contrast for Jesus’ Disciples (23:8-12)…
Questioning Jesus
The religious leaders ask Jesus three forceful questions, based on their own religious perspective. Jesus answers their questions and responds with another question. (Matthew 22:15-46) Sermon Outline “One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’” (Matthew 22:35-36) Questions and Jesus The context of the questions: “the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words” (Matthew 22:15) Question 1: Pharisees – “should we…
The Withering of the Old Ways
Jesus cleanses the temple and causes a fig tree to wither. Jesus’ authority is questioned by the religious leaders and he responds by stonewalling them. What does it mean that Jesus has come with authority? (Matthew 21:12-27) Sermon Outline “Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, ‘May you never bear fruit again!’ Immediately the tree withered.” (Matthew 21:19) Jesus Overturning Tables (21:12-17) Jesus…
The Messiah and Satan
Jesus confronts the demonic powers and the accuser of humanity and finds He is confronted by skeptical religious folks about who He is. Matthew 12:22-37 SERMON OUTLINE “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” (Matthew 12:25) Jesus’ Power Over Demons The reality of demonic powers and Satan’s kingdom the effects upon this man (12:22) the reality of Satan’s kingdom (12:26) The work of Jesus in relation to these…
Rebuking
There are not many who receive harsh words from Jesus in direct interaction, but those who universally receive such harsh words are the religious leaders. In this week we will explore the rationale for Jesus’ harsh words in Luke 11 and 12. SERMON OUTLINE Luke 11:37-54 Jesus’ testing of the leaders / ceremony and tradition -vs- the Word of God The leaders’ hypocrisy / we all have a realm of influence—what example are we living before others Luke 12:1-12 Warnings…