Matthew 1:18-25 Abundant Life

Main Body

Setting the Stage

Main Proposition

Through Christ we have life, abundant life from the comment of salvation, now and in eternity.

Blessed through Christ (Matthew 1:1)

• Genealogies provided a means for rulers to establish their status and relationship between others. Matthew 1 provides a genealogical prologue to the Gospel that Matthew chose to write. Genesis 1 provides a hook into the Gospel of Jesus.
• In verse 1 we see the phrase βιβλος γενέσεως, that is a record of the origin of Jesus.
• In verse 1 we see Jesus introduced as Jesus Christ, or Jesus Messiah. For Matthew's audience, people of Jewish origins, the concept of Messiah carried a common idea, someone who would liberate Israel. Matthew further elucidates this point by calling attention to Christ's position as the Son of David. In fact, Matthew calls Jesus the son of David no fewer than six times in his Gospel. Matthew is placing emphasis on Christ's position as the one who fulfills prophecy. However, Matthew is doing more, from the title of Son of David, Matthew moves into a non-messianic title, Son of Abraham. Rather, as son of Abraham Jesus fulfills more than just the deliverance of Israel, Jesus is the one through whom all nations on earth are blessed.

The Blessing Promised (Genesis 12:1-3)

• Genesis 12:1-3 presents Abraham as the one through whom God would move to bless the entire earth. In the statement "and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" God provides Abraham with a messianic prophecy.

The Blessing Realized (Galatians 3:7-9)

• By Christ, through faith, we have been blessed. The apostle concluded this phase of his argument by stating that though provision was made for “all nations” (v. 8), only those who have faith receive the blessing of justification.<footnote>Donald K. Campbell, “Galatians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 597.

As followers of Christ we have been placed in the position of blessing and our life should declare this position of blessing, not in arrogant pride but humbly recognition of God's grace.</footnote>

Saved through Christ (Matthew 1:18-25)

Save His People From Their Sins(Matthew 1:20-21)

• The name Jesus reflects the Hebrew word "Yehoshua" which means Jehovah saves.
• John 1:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

God with us (Matthew 1:23-25)

As follows of Christ we should live abundant life, recognizing that Jehovah saves.

Heirs through Christ (Matthew 2:1-2)

A Future Kingdom (Revelation 21:1-7)

As followers of Christ we must live with the hope of eternity in mind.

Conclusion

Do you live a life that recognizes the coming kingdom?

Through Christ we have life, abundant life from the comment of salvation, now and in eternity.