Study the word

• Read, context, harmony, translations

Preach the word

Apply the word

Further tips on preaching

• How do I choose a topic?
• Keep in concise.
• Control your nerves by doing all your preparing ahead of time.
• Truth first, delivery second.
• Use illustrations, stats, anecdotes, etc. wisely.
• Application
• Practice
• Try to avoid a “Concordance Lesson.”
• Make your notes easy to read at a glance.
• Be nervous but natural.

Matthew 16

Matthew 16:1-4

• See Isaiah 48:1; 50:10
• They said they wanted a sign from Jesus, but they refused to acknowledge what He had already shown them. This was hypocrisy.
• Compare Matthew 12:38-41.

Matthew 16:5-12

• The disciples were focused on physical things and missed Jesus’ point completely. Jesus was warning about the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
• Compare Galatians 5:7-9.

Matthew 16:13-20

• Jesus did not set in place any order of succession for the apostles, nor for a pope.
• See Matthew 18:1-4; 14:22, 33.
• John 6:66-69; 11:27 – People were recognizing that Jesus was the Christ.
• Matthew 21:42-44; Romans 9:33
• Matthew 7:24
• I Corinthians 3:11
• Ephesians 2:20
• Jesus is the chief cornerstone. The apostles were part of the foundation. Jesus was not building His church on Peter. Jesus Himself was the cornerstone.

Matthew 16:21-28

• If Jesus had bowed to Satan at any point, His entire mission on earth would be lost. Jesus was going to complete His mission, no matter the physical consequences.

Introduction

• Matthew 22:37

Talk about God all the time.

• Deuteronomy 6:5-6
• Spiritual discussions should be something that happen all the time. A spiritual view should be our default perspective on the news of the day.
• Hebrews 13:15
• Deuteronomy 6:10-13 – God warned Israel not to be distracted with blessings.
• Philippians 2:21
• Ephesians 5:23; 6:4 – Men, lead your family spiritually!

Think of ourselves as slaves.

• Luke 17:7
• Romans 6:16, 22
• The self-esteem movement has caused narcissism. We shouldn’t build ourselves or others up artificially.

Teach kids to respect authority.

• II Corinthians 5:10
• Hebrews 12:7-12
• Matthew 25:41, 46
• We can give our kids a tremendous boost by teaching them discipline and respect for authority because one day they will stand before God.
• Romans 1:29

Introduction

• Romans 1:16

Overview of salvation: Romans

• Condemnation (Romans 1-3) – All of us are guilty of sin and justly condemned by God.
• Christ (Romans 4-5) – Thankfully, we are justified through faith in Jesus Christ.
• Choice (Romans 6-8) – We must choose to die to sin, a system of perfect law-keeping, and the flesh.
• Children (Romans 9-11) – ALL people can be children of God, whether Jews or Gentiles.
• Conduct (Romans 12-16) – Given God’s love, His people ought to conduct themselves accordingly.

Condemnation (Romans 1-3)

• Romans 1:18
• Romans 3:23
• Romans 1:7
• Romans 8:1
• Romans 1:20-32 – Something bigger than me exists! Giving approval to sin is just as bad as sinning.
• Romans 2:1-3 – If you know to do better, but do not do better, you are guilty.
• A sin is a sin, no matter who you are!

Christ (Romans 4-5)

• Romans 5:1
• By ourselves, there is nothing we can do to fix sin. God’s grace saves us if we meet His conditions.
• Romans 5:9
• Romans 3:24 – Salvation is a gift.
• This should bring humility on our part.
• Romans 5:1-2, 12 – All men are guilty because all sinned.
• Romans 4:3 – Abraham believed and it was credited to him as righteousness. Even he did not earn salvation.
  • James 2:21-24
  • Hebrews 11:8
  • Romans 5:9

Choice (Romans 6-8)

• Romans 6:1-2
• Romans 6:12-13, 4-5 – We should be a new person!
• Romans 6:11 – We must be dead to sin.
• Romans 6:17