Thesis: To teach the hearers of “the meaning,” “the doing,” and “the end result” of “such (so) great faith.”
Text: Matt 8:5-13
Mat 8:5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him,
Mat 8:6 "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly."
Mat 8:7 And he said to him, "I will come and heal him."
Mat 8:8 But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.
Mat 8:9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
Mat 8:10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such (great) faith.
Mat 8:11 (And) I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,
Mat 8:12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Mat 8:13 And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; let it be done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment (lit. hour).
Introduction,
This event took place shortly after the sermon on the mount, where it is said that “He was teaching them as One Who had authority, and not as their scribes” (Mt 7:29).
Remember one of the main points of the sermon was Him teaching them the law in truth, it had been twisted in many points by the scribes and Pharisees, making it of little or no effect.
And He also warned of false prophets (basically a reference to the scribes and Pharisees, but we can make application to any false teacher today) who, if followed, could cost them their souls (Mt 15:14).
Basically He was stating, “here is what the law truly commands, I am right, and they are wrong,” while He simultaneously instated His perfect Law which would go into effect upon His death (Heb 9:16-17; Eph 2:15; Col 2:14).
So He proceeds now to perform miracles which confirm His teachings as being from God (Mk 16:20; Jn 3:2; Acts 14:3; Heb 2:4), and that the people would believe that He Himself was God’s only begotten Son, the Christ of God (John 20:30-31).
Summed up, He “taught” as one who had authority, and now He “acted” as one who had authority.
A series of 10 miracles are presented forth in the text establishing Christ’s authority, wherein we come across the account of the centurion and his sick servant.
We will take a closer look into this account and try to glean from it the very important lessons therein concerning faith, therefore we will look at . . .
1) The “Prompting from Faith” (Mt 8:5-8)
2) The “Procedures from Faith” (Mt 8:9-10)
3) The “Promises from Faith” (Mt 8:11-13)
I. THE PROMPTING FROM FAITH (Mt 8:5-8)
A. (v 5)
Mat 8:5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him,
A centurion is an officer of the Roman Legion, having command over 100 men.
1. We see several honorable centurions mentioned in the NT, the most notable being Cornelius (Acts 10).
a. Yet we never see any command, example, nor implication in the NT that being a soldier is a sinful occupation, that it is not aligned with God's will.
b. If fact we are taught that governments are ordained of God (Rom 13:1), and law enforcement and armies are often employed by God in order to bring about His judgments on the wicked, and to avert lawlessness, they are His servants to execute His vengeance (Rom 13:4-5), to bring about His wrath (Rom 12:19; 13:4-5).
c. We need to keep in mind that the gospel never outright commanded the end of such things as slavery or war, but rather it works upon the hearts of individuals, who willingly turn away from such things.
d. God changes individuals not from the outside in, but from the inside out, from the heart (Rom 6:17) and that initial prompting is brought about from the love of God manifested in His giving of His Son (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-11).
1Jn 4:9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
1Jn 4:10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1Jn 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
2. In Luke’s account of this event (Luke 7:2-10) we learn that the centurion sent elders of the Jews unto Christ to speak for him; this is not a contradiction (as those attempting to discount God’s word may assert), but rather this is what is known as “agency,” it is often employed in the biblical text, (look at John 4:1-2; 19:1; Acts 10).
Joh 4:1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John
Joh 4:2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), (The disciples baptized, Jesus was credited)
Joh 19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. (Pilate “had” Jesus taken and flogged or scourged, he did not personally flog Him)
a. And also in the case of Cornelius in Acts 10, we see an angel, who spoke to Cornelius (v 3), who in turn sent men to Peter (v 8), who was told by the Holy Spirit that He (the Holy Spirit) sent them (v 20).
b. In fact without a proper understanding of the concept of agency, you will have trouble understanding much of what is brought forth in the bible.
3. In Luke’s account we also learn that this centurion loved his servant, and the nation of Israel, and even built a synagogue for them.
a. We might consider him to be a “God fearer” the “proselyte at the gate” an adherent to Judaism who had not yet submitted to circumcision, as was Cornelius (Acts 10:2).
b. This would be similar to one today who believes in Jesus, but has not yet manifested the obedience of faith that God desires (Rom 1:5; 16:26), it is God’s will that individuals continue in the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15), because “faith only” does not save (Ja 2:17, 19-20, 24, 26), faith is to be the “prompter” the “motivator” of the Christian to “continue doing” to “practice” the will of the Father (Mt 7:21).
B (v 6)
Mat 8:6 "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly."
Note that this centurion, who had the civil rule over the Jews (including Jesus), yet he “beseeches” “pleads” “appeals” “implores” Christ (v 5), and even addresses Him here in v 6 as “Lord” (which is the word “Kurios” and literally means “Master”)
Therefore we must conclude that the centurion knew something about Jesus and His teachings, His miracles, himself being associated with the Jews and their religion, and thus recognized his need for Christ in this situation.
a. We also need to recognize our need for Christ today, and likewise beseech, plead, beg, appeal for what only He can give.
b. He is the only way that we can approach God the Father (John 14:6).
c. His is the only sacrifice that has the ability to wash away our sins (Acts 22:16).
d. In Him, in Christ, is the only place where the worries of this world are brought to naught (Phili 4:7).
e. And in Christ, in His church, the kingdom on earth, is the only place where we can have the hope of eternal life, which God made promise of, before the world began (Tit 1:2).
This centurion’s servant was sick of palsy (ASV; KJV), this term was used in a much wider sense back in the 1st century than it is today, it can mean paralysis, tetanus, catalepsy, or a host of other terrible diseases.
a. But the point is, whichever specific disease is being addressed here, it is to the point that the servant is being “grievously tormented,” “suffering terribly,” it has reached the stage where he was suffering great agony, Luke’s account tells us he was “at the point of death” (Luke 7:2).
b. What most do not realize, or at least do not want to admit, is that they, without Christ are also “grievously tormented” “suffering terribly” in a state of spiritual death, because of sin (Isa 59:1-2; Rom 3:23; 6:23; Eph 2:1-5; 1 Tim 5:6).
Isa 59:1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;
Isa 59:2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; . . .
Eph 2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
Eph 2:2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
Eph 2:3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
Eph 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,
Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
1Ti 5:6 But she that gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives.
c. Yet deep down, most know God is Who He claims to be, and that they will be called into account for their transgression of His laws in the next life; and thus there is this great fear of death, not because of the unknown, but rather for that which is known, and assured (Jn 5:28-29; Heb 9:27; Rev 20:15).
Heb 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.
Rev 20:15 And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.
d. But Christ came to take away this fear of death in those who demonstrate biblical faith in Him and God’s promises that are attached to Him through the gospel (turn to Heb 2:14-15).
Heb 2:14 Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
e. Yet this fear is taken away by assurances in God’s word to those who believe, obey, and continue to be doers of God’s word (Jn 11:26; 1 John 5:13; 1 Pet 1:4).
Joh 11:26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you, that you may know that you have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God.
1Pe 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,
C. (v 7)
Mat 8:7 And he said to him, "I will come and heal him."
This is such a wonderful statement by our Lord.
1. Christ came down out of His glory in heaven (John 1:14), lived a perfect life in the face of many temptations (Heb 4:15), declared the Father and His will to the physical world in the face of much opposition (John 1:18), and was beaten, humiliated, and killed in order that you and I could have the chance of being healed (Isa 53:8).
Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes (wounds) we are healed.
D. (v 8)
Mat 8:8 But the centurion replied, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.
This shows us two very commendable characteristics of this centurion . . .
1. He was “poor,” contrite, humble, lowly in spirit, for it is written (Mt 5:3; 23:12),
Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
2. And he was “rich” in faith (Heb 11:1) . . .
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
a. He heard, he believed, he acted; this faith “prompted” him into action.
b. Faith originates from God’s word (Rom 10:17), it is the seed of the kingdom (Lk 8:11).
Rom 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Christ).
c. He believed, he knew, that Christ was able to miraculously heal his servant, even over vast distances.
3. Biblical faith is always that which “prompts” one unto action, and that is exactly what we see over and over in Heb ch 11, which is commonly known as the great “hall of faith” . . .
a. By faith. Abraham “obeyed” (v 8).
b. By faith. Abraham “became” a sojourner (v 9), and
c. By faith. Abraham “looked” for a heavenly city (v 10),
d. By faith. Abraham “offered” up Isaac (v 17),
e. By faith Isaac and Jacob “blessed” (“spoke well to God”; v 20-21)
f. By faith Joseph “gave commandment” concerning his bones (v 22).
g. By faith Moses “was hid” (v 23),
h. By faith Moses “refused” to be called the son of pharaoh (v 24),
i. By faith Moses “forsook” the riches of Egypt (v 27),
j. By faith Moses “kept” the Passover (v 28),
k. By faith Moses “passed through” the Red Sea (v 29).
l. By faith God's people “compassed” “received” “subdued” “wrought” “obtained” “stopped” “quenched” “escaped” “waxed” “turned” and on and on and on (v 30 ff),
m. “By faith” these sterling examples were “prompted” and “acted”.
n. Thus should we also when “by faith” we are “prompted” by the Spirit that dwells within us “act”, and that from the heart, knowing that “then” we indeed will be healed, as it is written (Rom 6:17-18; 8:14; Ja 2:20-23; 1 Pet 2:22-25) . . .
Rom 6:17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard (form; pattern) of teaching to which you were committed,
Rom 6:18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
Rom 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Jas 2:20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
Jas 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?
Jas 2:22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;
Jas 2:23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God.
1Pe 2:22 He (Jesus) committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
1Pe 2:23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
1Pe 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
1Pe 2:25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
o. This is God’s intended result of “the Prompting from Faith” (Rom 1:5; 16:26)
II. THE PROCEDURES FROM FAITH (Mt 8:9-10)
A. (v 9)
Mat 8:9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
The centurion used a logical argument to tell why Christ need not come in order to heal his ill servant, it was an argument based upon authority.
1. Basically he said “I am a man of authority, and when I command that something be done, my orders are carried out, You also are One of authority (in this case over diseases), when You give orders concerning such, they likewise are also carried out.
a. When he stated “I too am a man under authority” he showed to Christ that he recognized and was part of “authoritative chains” and the need for submission/adherence to such systems.
b. We also need to recognize God’s chain of authority, His plan, in the whole of creation (1 Cor 11:3), that between governments and people (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Pet 2:13-17), that within the family (Eph 5:23; 6:1), and that within the church (Heb 13:17; 1 Tim 2:11-12).
c. If we do, then God's will concerning all these entities are more likely to be properly carried out, for submitting to these, is in fact a great show of our faith, in God, Who commands such.
2. This is one of the bigger problems of our day, there is great disrespect showed within the governments, within the family, and also within the church.
a. It seems like no one is in subjection, everyone is bringing forth their agenda, which is based on the love of self, the love of money, instead of the love of others and the love of God.
b. Also I would like to remind you that within these chains of authority there is to be what we could call a “Divine governor,” God is over all (Eph 4:6), in other words we are to submit to our various authorities, but if that authority attempts to make us do or think something contrary to the will of God (sin), then the “Divine governor” comes into effect, when we have to choose between the two, we must rather obey God than men (Acts 4:19; 5:29), even if it costs us our lives (Rev 2:10).
3. This lack of respect for authority is certainly a sad situation, and it is bringing forth its fruit abundantly in our society, it makes one wonder just how long God is going to put up with it before He brings forth judgment, we need to be prompting people to come to repentance, that we might stay the mighty hand of God from being stretched out upon us, here are a couple of verses that show us what will happen when the Lord comes again (Heb 12:25-29; 2 Pet 3:9-13) . . .
Heb 12:25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.
Heb 12:26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens."
Heb 12:27 This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.
Heb 12:28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship (service), with reverence and awe,
Heb 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire.
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be (burned up) exposed.
2Pe 3:11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
2Pe 3:12 waiting (looking) for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
2Pe 3:13 But according to his promise we are waiting (looking) for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
a. Note that the sum of God’s word teaches us these things that will take place at the Lord’s coming, great shaking, and burning, and removing and dissolving, therefore let us keep focusing on the things above (Col 3:1-4), which cannot be shook, burned, removed or dissolved.
B. (v 10)
Mat 8:10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, "Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such (great) faith.
Some of the greatest faiths mentioned by our Lord was that of the Gentiles, here and that of the Canaanite woman in Mt 15:21-28.
1. Their belief in God's working though His procedures, which prompted their submission to these plans, by faith in the Father and the Son, are exceedingly great manifestations of faith.
a. We likewise, when we put our selves into subjection to God's revealed will through obedience to the gospel, and then trust “that” our sins are forgiven.
b. “That” He will care for us while we serve Him with all we are and have.
c. “That” our heavenly hope is as sure as God himself.
d. Let us in this manner show forth “such great faith (trust)” in “the Procedures from Faith”.
e. Let us look at a couple of those procedures of faith (Mk 16:15-16; Jn 5:24-25; Col 2:11-13) . . .
Mar 16:15 And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim (preach) the gospel to the whole creation.
Mar 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Joh 5:25 "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
Col 2:11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
Col 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Col 2:13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
f. These are some of the commands which are procedures based upon faith, let us look at this actually being carried out (turn to Acts 8:26-40)
Act 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is a desert place.
Act 8:27 And he rose and went (by faith). And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship
Act 8:28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah.
Act 8:29 And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot."
Act 8:30 So Philip ran to him (by faith) and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
Act 8:31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Act 8:32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth.
Act 8:33 In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth."
Act 8:34 And the eunuch said to Philip, "About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?"
Act 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news (preached to him) about Jesus (by faith).
Act 8:36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?"
Act 8:37 And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart (by faith), you may. And he replied and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Act 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him (by faith).
Act 8:39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing (by faith).
Act 8:40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea (by faith).
4. It is noteworthy to bring up here also that this type of faith was not manifested by the nation of Israel as a whole, though they were brought along and cared for by God through the ages, they should have been prepared for the Messiah when He came, but instead followed their own ways, instead of God’s, Paul wrote concerning this subject in Romans (look at Rom 10:1-4).
Rom 10:1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.
Rom 10:2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
Rom 10:3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.
Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes (i.e. by faith).
a. Through the gospel, in Christ, by faith, we become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21), the requirement of the law, which is perfection, Christ’s perfection, is imputed to us who walk after the Spirit (Rom 8:1-4), walk in the light (1 Jn 1:7), and as we do this, walk after the Spirit, walk in the light (i.e. attempt to live that spiritual life aligned with the gospel) Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all sin as we learn about and turn from sin, bringing holiness to completion (2 Cor 7:1).
b. Therefore, let us not be like the Israel of old, let us have zeal that is coupled with the knowledge revealed in the gospel, not coupled with what we “think” or what we might “believe,” but rather let our zeal be coupled with what “God says,” “by faith,” submitting to Him through the gospel, wherein is manifested “the righteousness of God” it has the power to make a person “right” before the eyes of God, but only if we submit ourselves to “the Procedures from Faith.”
III. THE PROMISES FROM FAITH (Mt 8:11-13)
A. (v 11)
Mat 8:11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,
Those who would come from the east and the west here are a reference to the Gentiles, those that are pictured as being “far off” in the things pertaining to God under the OT system (Acts 2:39; Eph 2:13, 17)
1. Those that were seemingly afar off under Moses would be entering into the kingdom of heaven through the gospel and drawing near to God under Christ (Eph 2:13).
a. Ever since its establishment on that day of Pentecost, the church, the kingdom, will never end. There is the church (ekklesia; “group of called out ones”) on earth, and the church (ekklesia; “group of called out ones”) in the heavenly places, which will be gathered together (summed up) with all the faithful throughout the ages into one entity at the end of time, who will spend eternity with God (Eph 1:10; Col 1:20).
Eph 1:10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Col 1:20 and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him, I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.
b. Take note here that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were not perfect, their sins are even recorded upon the pages of inspiration, yet they were “holy,” they were set apart “from” the ways of the world and “to” the way of God, i.e. to “do” His will; and God states that these men will be in heaven.
c. Thus there is no reason that any in our day should despair the winning of that eternal crown, “if” we indeed are set apart “from” the world, and “to” the Lord, “doing” the will of the Father, as it is written (2 Cor 7:1; 1 Pet 1:15-16; Heb 12:14) . . .
2Co 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
1Pe 1:15 But because the God who called you is holy you must be holy in every aspect of your life.
1Pe 1:16 Scripture says, "Be holy, because I am holy." (GW)
Heb 12:14 Try to live peacefully with everyone, and try to live holy lives, because if you don't, you will not see the Lord. (GW)
d. I think it is noteworthy that we are to “try” to live holy lives, to “follow” peace and the holiness, but we are “perfected” by Christ in Christ (2 Cor 5:21), even though we may not be the epitome of holiness, if we are trying, if we are being led by the Spirit of God, walking in the light of the gospel, the requirement of the law (perfection; perfect holiness) is imputed to us through Jesus in Jesus.
B. (v 12)
Mat 8:12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
The nation of Israel as a whole, rejected Jesus as the Christ, and still do to this day (John 1:11).
Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not.
They had been entrusted with the very oracles of God (Rom 3:2), the holy Scriptures, they should have been ready, understood, believed and obeyed Christ, a remnant did (John 1:12-13),
Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Joh 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
a. But for the most part, no! They didn’t chose to be born of God, born from above, born anew (John 3:3), born of the water and the Spirit (John 3:5), for the most part they did not choose to believe and be baptized that they might be saved (Mk 16:16).
b. Now if God, because of unbelief, rejected His very own people whom He nurtured and brought along through the ages (Rom 11:20-22), where does that leave the disobedient, unbelieving and ignorant of today? (2 Thess 1:8-9; Rom 6:17-18).
2Th 1:7 at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire,
2Th 1:8 rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:
2Th 1:9 who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
Rom 6:17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were servants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto you were delivered;
Rom 6:18 and being made free from sin, you became servants of righteousness.
c. So let us be thankful that we have the gospel to believe and obey unto the life eternal, always abounding in the work of Lord (1 Cor 15:58), striving (Lk 13:24), exhibiting an active faith (Rom 1:5; 16:26), allowing God to work in us (Phili 2:12-13), giving all diligence to show ourselves approved unto God, making our calling and election sure (2 Pet 1:10).
d. For the outer darkness is a real place, Gehenna Hell is a real place, these places really exist, just as sure as there is a God, there is a Heaven, just as sure as there is a God, there are these other places also (Mt 25:46).
Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life.
e. And it must be avoided at any and all cost (Mt 5:29-30; Luke 12:4-5).
Mat 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.
Mat 5:30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
Luk 12:4 "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.
Luk 12:5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!
C. (v 13)
Mat 8:13 And to the centurion Jesus said, "Go; let it be done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed at that very moment (lit. hour).
Here we see the end result of this “such great faith.” Jesus spoke it, the centurion believed it, and his servant was healed in that very hour, over distance, over physical ailments, over death, but was it belief alone?
1. Of course not, faith without works is, and always has been, dead, for it is written (Ja 2:17; 24, 26) . . .
Jam 2:17 Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.
Jam 2:24 You see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith.
Jam 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.
a. This man loved God’s people, Israel, he manifested that love by “building” a synagogue for them (Lk 7:5), in other words he gave his time and money to promote Judaism.
b. This man heard of, believed in, and “submitted to” Christ’s authority (Mt 28:18; Col 3:17).
c. He manifested this faith logically by information he had received (Rom 10:17), and “acted” upon it (Gal 5:6), he “ humbly appealed” for Christ’s help, lowering himself in the process (Mt 5:3).
2. We also can exercise the same type of faith, faith is not a leap in the dark, but rather a response to God's living and active word (Rom 10:17).
Rom 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Christ).
a. In the places we can check up on in the Bible, it is flawless, it is amazing, scientific truths, medical truths, historical truths, topographical truths, geographical truths,
fulfilled prophecies, written by the pens of inspired men over a period of 1500 years, from fishermen to kings, in 3 languages, in different lands, yet not one note of discord, it is perfect in harmony from front to back (Ps 119:160).
b. All the proof readers, computer assists, herds of men cannot even come close to the Bible in any of these fields in this day, we know we have the very word of God (1 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:20-21).
1Th 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe.
2Ti 3:16 Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.
2Ti 3:17 That the man (person) of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.
2Pe 1:20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation.
2Pe 1:21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man (humans), but men (people) spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
c. Thus in places in the Bible where we can’t confirm (such as the heavenly places, Hades, Heaven and its many mansions [abodes], spiritual entities, angelic beings, demons, Satan, and like things) we logically do, and must have faith in God, and His promises, for He cannot lie (Tit 1:2).
Tit 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, Who cannot lie, promised before the world began;
d. The kind of faith which grows day by day through study and application of God's life imparting, living and active word (John 6:63; Heb 4:12; 2 Pet 3:18; 1 Pet 2:1-2), the sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17) to our lives.
1Pe 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:
2Pe 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.
e. Which results is a great hope in “the Promises that come from Faith” which enables us to look more at Heaven, than at the things upon earth (Col 3:1-4; 1 Pet 1:3-4; John 14:2-3).
Col 3:1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.
Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall you also with him be manifested in glory.
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,
f. The Lord assures us (John 14:2-3) . . .
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions (abiding places); if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Conclusion,
1) We looked at the PROMPTING FROM FAITH, it is our actions, based upon evidence God has presented to us, in creation, and His word, the sword of the Spirit, the seed of the kingdom, working in our hearts.
2) We also looked at some of the PROCEDURES FROM FAITH; God commanded authoritative chains in families, governments, in the kingdom, the church, and in the whole of creation, which when believed in, and followed, are well pleasing unto Him (Heb 11:6).
3) And lastly we looked into the PROMISES THAT COME FROM FAITH; eternal life to those who are obedient from the heart (Rom 6:17-18; Heb 5:9), and eternal punishment, weeping, gnashing of teeth, in the outer darkness for those that know not God, nor obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess 1:8).
4) God, as always, has laid a choice before mankind (Jos 24:15), because He is not willing that any perish (2 Pet 3:9), He takes no pleasure in the death of those outside of His will (Ezek 18:23), for He wants all to be saved (1 Tim 2:4), thus He sent his Son, in the fullness of time to save those who desire reconciliation back to Him,
5) He laid out a simple and clear plan in the NT, in order that those who will (Rev 22:17) can believe, obey, and receive that great gift of eternal salvation, that which no one is worthy of (Luke 17:10), and this is the plan…
One is to. . .
Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);
Rom 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Christ).
One is to. . .
Believe that Jesus is the Divine Christ (Acts 8:37; John 8:24); and that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6), belief is the crossover point, where through one enters into the process of “being saved” (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15; Jn 5:24);
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
One is to. . .
Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5), Jesus stated . . .
Luk 13:3 . . . except you repent, you shall all in like manner perish.
One is to. . .
Confess Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9) as did the eunuch, he proclaimed.
Act 8:37 I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. So should you
One is to. . .
Be Baptized (immersed) into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3) unto (for) the purpose of the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); this is the point where one is to be dead to sin and alive to God (Rom 6:3-11).
And finally one is to
Live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15), being determined to follow God’s divine instructions (1 Pet 1:15-16), following holiness (Heb 12:14), bringing holiness to completion (2 Cor 7:1), thereby demonstrating a “Such Great Faith,” no matter what the cost (Rev 2:10).