Feb. 27th, 2005: Kimber
Kauffman, Senior Pastor of College Park Church, continued his series of Matthew
by working through the exegesis and application of Matthew 9:14-17. In
recounting the story of the time some of John’s disciples asked Christ why his
disciples do not fast, Kimber focused on the theme that joy and sorrow are both
key aspects of the Christian life, as Christ our Savior is both our Bridegroom
and the Man of Sorrows.
1. Application #1 – “The true Christian experience is both one of
unspeakable joy and deep sorrow (compare 2 Cor. 11:23-29 & Gal. 5:22-23).
a. How does this application practically work itself out in your daily life?
When in your life has this truth been real and evident to you?
b. What brings unspeakable joy and what brings deep sorrow? Are these things
mutually exclusive?
2. Application #2 – When Jesus takes over your life at conversion, there is no doubt a new
day has dawned. (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 1:3-8; Rom. 6:1-4).
a. As you look back on your conversion experience, how did spiritual change
occur in your life? What was different as a result of Christ coming into your
life?
b. What does it mean that we are a “new creation” in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17)?
Upon conversion, what changes concerning our heart/self (Eph. 4:24) and our ability to say no to sin (cf. Rom 6)
3. Application #3 – We are not saying forget the Old Testament. As Kimber stated, “The
redemptive love of Jesus Christ flows out of the Old Testament!” The OT is not
the “old wineskin” that we are just to do away with (cf. Mt. 9:17).
a. Why does the OT often get a bad rap in Christian circles? Why do we treat
it (and talk about it) as if it is a less important body of writings than the
New Testament?
b. Does God believe as negatively about the Law as we often do (see Ps.
19:7-11; Ps. 119:97; Rom 7:12-13; 1 Tim. 1:8)? What did Jesus think of the Old
Testament, and how did he use it as a part of his daily life (cf. Mt. 4:1-11;
5:17-19; 22:37-40)?
c. How then should we view the Old Testament, and what part should it have
in our lives as believers and members of the Church?
4. Application #4 – Have you tasted the sheer joy of knowing Jesus Christ?
a. Has your attitude and mindset about life changed since you became a
Christian? How?
b. Do you experience the steadfast love and continuous mercy of our Lord as
a part of your Christian life (cf. Lam. 3:14-24)?
5. What is one thing you need to take
away from this sermon (and discussion) and implement into your own life?