The Kingdom And The Power Thereof | Matthew 3:1-12 | Pastor Neil McClendon
Aug 3, 2025
Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor
Grand Parkway Baptist Church
The Kingdom And The Power Thereof
Matthew 3:1-12
Purpose of Matthew
a) tell the story of Jesus
b) apologetic and evangelistic
c) explore the reality of the Kingdom
d) catechetical- to teach the truths of Christianity and their ethical implications
1. The proportionality of repentance, v. 1-3
The Kingdom of heaven/God is best understood by two words…
a) reign
b) realm
2. The requirement of baptism, v. 4-10
a) confession, v. 6
b) demonstration, v. 7-9
Repentance is a change of mind and actions wherein we cease our approval of wickedness (in others) and justification of bad behavior (in self). It is foremost a decisive reorientation of one’s life away from the self and toward the Lord. But this subsequent repentance flows from and confirms the initial act wherein we realize our desperate state, admit our need of pardon and come to Jesus in a childlike manner.
c) sanctification, v.10
“Sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.”
-Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
Galatians 5:22-24
“Repentance is an inward matter, which has its seat in the heart and soul, but afterwards yields its fruits in a change of life.” - John Calvin
3. The moreness of Jesus’ baptism., v. 11-12
-Romans 8:9-11
a) Holy Spirit- the person of God
b) fire- the power of God
Mental worship…
1. Do you spend more time asking God to bless your will or submitting to His?
2. How would you describe the Kingdom of God in one sentence?
3. What do you point to on the outside that is proof that you have been changed on the inside?
4. What do you walk away wanting to think more about this morning?
5. Which do you seek more often, forgiveness or fire?
6. How do you keep your love for God from getting cold?