GENEALOGICAL GOLD!

MT. 1:1-17

Pastor Rick Jackson

Oftentimes we rush through Bible genealogies looking for something "more interesting." We forget that which we often quote, 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

"All Scripture" includes genealogies!

"You mean genealogies are profitable?"

"That's right!"

"For Doctrine?"

"Yes."

"For reproof?"

"Mmmm hmmm."

"For Corrrection?"

"Absolutely."

"For instruction in righteousness"

"That's what the Bible says!"

Are we going to believe God or ourselves, seeings how we are often too lazy to dig out what God has for us? We are going to see the Gospel and more in a genealogy, and we are going to see it illustrated through five women. It is somewhat unusual for women to be in a Jewish genealogy in the first place. But here are five of them!

I. TAMAR- SHOWS US THAT SINNERS CAN COME TO CHRIST [v. 3]

Tamar's story is told in Gn. 38. It is a tale of woe and sadness. Tamar was a sinner among a sinful people as we all are. Rm. 3:23 declares, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" but praise God Jesus said, [Luke 5:32] "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Look also at Mt. 1:21

II. RAHAB SHOWS US THAT SINNERS COME TO CHRIST BY FAITH [v. 5a]

Her story is told mainly in Joshua 2 but the New Testament sheds some light on this woman of faith as well.

Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Galatians 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

III. RUTH SHOWS US THAT SINNERS ARE SAVED BY GRACE [v. 5b]

Tamar showed us to come as a sinner, Rahab-a gentile woman showed us to come by faith, and Ruth, another Gentile woman shows us that attitude of God by which He gives us what we do not deserve, cannot deserve and never will deserve. GRACE!

Grace is one of the sweetest words in all the universe. Grace, God's Riches At Christ's Expense! Grace- undeserved favor. "Amazing Grace how sweet the sound."

Ruth 2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

IV. BATHSHEBA & DAVID SHOW US ETERNAL SECURITY [v. 6]

God does not cast out His sinning children though He will chasten them. Their story is told in II Samuel 11-12. 2 Samuel 12:13-14 "And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die."

Heb. 12, quoting Proverbs 3:11-12 and Psalm 94:12, remind us God chastens His children but He does not cast them out!

V. MARY SHOWS US THAT SAVED SINNERS CAN SERVE GOD [v. 16]

Luke 1:46-48 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.