The First Christian Primer: Matthew

by Bob Utley

Publisher:

Bible Lessons International

, 1997

Overview

The teachings of Jesus are presented in a thematic way. It was used to teach new converts about Jesus because it is the fullest and most systematic account of His life and message. The purposes of Matthew were evangelism and discipleship, the twin aspects of the Great Commission.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The eye is the lamp of the body;’ The background of this statement was the Jewish concept of the eye being the window of the soul. What one allows into his thought-life determines who he is. Thought produces desire, desire produces action, action reveals the person.” (Page 56)

“‘judge’ This Greek word is the etymological source for our English word ‘critic.’ Another form of this same root in v. 5 is translated ‘hypocrite.’ It seems to imply a critical, judgmental, self-righteous spirit which judges others more severely than it does itself. It emphasizes one set of sins over another set of sins. It excuses one’s own faults but will not excuse the faults of others (cf. 2 Sam. 12:1–9).” (Page 63)

“Believers’ God-given happiness is not based on physical circumstances but inner joy. There are no verbs in these statements. They are EXCLAMATORY in form like Aramaic or Hebrew (cf. Ps. 1:1). This blessedness is both a current attitude toward God and life as well as an eschatological hope.” (Page 36)

“It is important that one balance human persistence with God’s responsive character. Believers cannot force God to do that which is not good for them. However, at the same time, they can bring any need to their heavenly Father. Jesus prayed the same prayer in Gethsemane three times (cf. Mark 15:36, 39, 41; Matt. 26:39, 42, 44). Paul also prayed three times about his thorn in the flesh (cf. 2 Cor. 12:8). But the great thing about prayer is not that one receives a specific answer to his request, but that he has spent time with the Father.” (Page 64)

Product Details

• Title: The First Christian Primer: Matthew
• Author: Bob Utley
• Publisher: Bible Lessons International
• Publication Date: 1997
• Pages: 263

About Bob Utley

Bob Utley is a dynamic and inspirational Bible teacher. He feels that the Lord has given him a gift of relating to all types of people, especially those who have been turned off by "religiosity." Bob was born in 1947 in Houston, Texas. He is married to the former Peggy Rutta and they have three children and three grandchildren. He has earned degrees from East Texas Baptist College, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and has done post-graduate work at Baylor University, Wycliffe Bible Translators' Summer Institute of Linguistics, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has pastored several churches in Texas. Currently Bob conducts revivals and Bible conferences both in the United States and abroad.