Download the transcript as a Word file to receive access to the full outline and complete sermon.

• Big Idea: Jesus offers everyone the opportunity to experience freedom in him.
• And yet, sadly, this is an opportunity that many will let pass them by.

• Matthew 12:38
• The problem with the Pharisees was not a lack of evidence—a lack of miraculous signs; the problem with the Pharisees was the attitude of their stone cold hearts.
• Most often, this attitude masks a willful determination not to believe—a stubborn refusal to take the risk that faith requires.
• John 20:25-27
• The difference between Thomas’ attitude and the Pharisees’ attitude was, when presented with the evidence, Thomas was willing to believe and the Pharisees weren’t.
• Matthew 12:39
• The “I’ve got to see it to believe it” mentality holds us back because everything we need to see in order to believe has already been revealed.
• Illustration: May shares the story of a time when he wished he could just have a sign to renew his faith and a friend recounted the Incarnation, the Resurrection, the Bible, and other signs…saying, “Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27)

• You don’t clean up your life and give it to God so that he can use it. You give your life to God and let him clean it up, and then he’ll use it according to his purposes.
• Matthew 12:43-45
• Experiencing the fullness of God in your life is not about a short-term diet; it’s about long-term life transformation.
• Trying to do it in your own strength, by your own rules, guarantees that you will only get further and further from the goal, and that you’ll miss out completely on the opportunity to experience his power in your life.

• Matthew 12:46-50
• There is no “inside track” in his kingdom, no special treatment, no shortcuts, and there’s no “watching from a distance”—you’ve got to get personally involved.
• Get involved in serving God; seek his will for you life, and do it.

• Jesus has made an incredible offer to all who will accept it: grace, mercy, peace, joy, forgiveness, power, fulfillment, purpose, life abundant—and so many people, like the Pharisees, completely miss out on the opportunity.
• Don’t miss out on what God has for you.