Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Episode: The Sending of the Twelve
Release Date: March 9, 2025
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Speaker: R.C. Sproul

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Renewing Your Mind, hosted by Nathan W. Bingham, Dr. R.C. Sproul delves deep into the Gospel of Matthew, specifically focusing on "The Sending of the Twelve." This session is part of Dr. Sproul's insightful sermon series aimed at enhancing Christians' understanding of Scripture and applying its eternal truths to their lives.

Contextual Overview

Dr. Sproul begins by reading and analyzing Matthew 10:5-15, where Jesus commissions the twelve apostles. This passage sets the foundation for understanding the early Christian mission and its implications for believers today.

Mission to the Jews: Priority and Purpose

Scriptural Foundation:
Dr. Sproul reads Matthew 10:5-15, emphasizing Jesus' directive to the apostles to focus their ministry on "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (00:31).

Key Insights:

• Geographical Focus:
  Jesus instructs the apostles to avoid Gentile regions and Samarian cities, concentrating their efforts within Galilee. This strategic focus underscores the priority of evangelizing to the Jewish people first.

• Theological Significance:
  Dr. Sproul connects this mission to Apostle Paul's teachings in Romans, highlighting that Israel holds the primary place in God's redemptive plan. He references Luther's perspective on Jews, reinforcing that salvation is fundamentally rooted in Israel.

• Historical Context:
  Jesus' initial focus on Jews reflects the early Christian church's composition, predominantly Jewish believers awaiting the Messiah.

Notable Quote:
"Our Lord himself was a Jew and he saw a priority as coming to his own people." – R.C. Sproul [01:41]

Salvation by Grace: Freely Received, Freely Given

Core Message:

• Unmerited Grace:
  Dr. Sproul emphasizes that salvation is a free gift from God, attained not by human effort but by divine grace. He reiterates, "Freely you have received, freely give" (01:41), urging believers to embody this generosity in their evangelistic endeavors.

• Practical Application:
  The apostles are instructed to travel light, without financial or material burdens, relying on the hospitality and support of those they minister to. This approach models the dependence on God's provision and the importance of trusting in Him for sustenance.

Notable Quote:
"If you are a Christian, if you have received the greatest benefit that a human being can ever receive, you need to know, and you need never to forget, that the gift of salvation that you possess you didn't earn... but it was given to you by the grace of God freely." – R.C. Sproul [08:15]

The Instructions to the Apostles: Traveling Light

Guidelines from Jesus:

• Minimalism in Ministry:
  The apostles are told not to carry money, extra clothing, or other provisions, signifying a reliance on God and the communities they serve.

• Hospitality and Support:
  Believers are encouraged to find worthy households that will provide for their needs, fostering a reciprocal relationship between the minister and the community.

Theological Implications:

• Dependence on God:
  This instruction teaches Christians to trust in God's provision rather than their own resources.

• Community Engagement:
  Engaging with supportive communities enhances the effectiveness of ministry and fosters unity within the body of Christ.

Notable Quote:
"I don't want you taking any gold or silver or copper in your purse... I don't want you being weighed down with the burden of finances." – R.C. Sproul [12:30]

The Reality and Severity of Hell

Understanding Eternal Judgment:

• Degrees of Punishment:
  Contrary to the popular binary belief, Dr. Sproul explains that Scripture indicates varying levels of punishment in hell, based on the severity and number of sins committed (16:45).

• Biblical Evidence:
  He cites over 25 New Testament passages supporting the notion of differentiated rewards and punishments, emphasizing that while all of hell is dreadful, the extent of suffering varies.

Sodom and Gomorrah Comparison:

• Unprecedented Judgment:
  Jesus remarks that it would be "more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for that city" (18:00). Dr. Sproul interprets this as a stark warning about the severe consequence of rejecting the Gospel.

• Symbolism of Rejection:
  Shaking off the dust from one's feet symbolizes a complete repudiation of unclean influences and rejection of Jesus' message, intensifying the judgment for such cities over historically wicked ones like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Notable Quote:
"I can't think of anything in this world more terrifying than the thought of going to hell." – R.C. Sproul [00:00]

Call to Evangelism: Embracing the Reality of Hell

Urgency in Preaching:

• Heeding the Warning:
  The reality of hell serves as a motivator for believers to engage passionately in evangelism, understanding the eternal stakes involved.

• Dispelling Misconceptions:
  Dr. Sproul addresses common misconceptions, such as the belief that individuals can send themselves to hell, clarifying that judgment is solely God's prerogative.

Personal Reflection:

• Dr. Sproul's Testimony:
  Sharing a personal moment of fear and reliance on Christ, Dr. Sproul emphasizes the importance of clinging to Jesus for salvation (20:30).

• Encouragement to Act:
  Believers are urged to recognize the gravity of sin, particularly the refusal to accept Christ, and to respond with sincere repentance and faith.

Notable Quote:
"If you're not a Christian, I can't bring you into the Kingdom of God. I hope I can scare you into it, if no other way, that you will rush to the cross and plead to the Savior to save you." – R.C. Sproul [23:15]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dr. Sproul's exposition on "The Sending of the Twelve" serves as a profound reminder of the foundational truths of the Christian faith:

• Priority of Israel in God's Plan
• Salvation by Unmerited Grace
• The Seriousness of Eternal Judgment
• The Imperative of Evangelistic Zeal

Through his thorough analysis and passionate delivery, Dr. Sproul challenges listeners to deepen their understanding of Scripture, embrace the gravity of salvation, and commit wholeheartedly to the mission of spreading the Gospel.

Host's Final Remarks:
Nathan W. Bingham wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage further with Dr. Sproul's teachings and support the ministry's mission through donations and accessing additional resources.

End of Summary