PATCHWORK CHRISTIANITY
(MATTHEW 9:14-17)

INTRODUCTION:
1. The Jews knew a Messiah was coming, but they didn't expect Him to
change their lives or religious practices.
2. John the Baptist was no big surprise. He was prophesied about in Isaiah
40:3.
3. However, Jesus was not what they expected! He had no military might, was
not from a royal family, and had grown up in an obscure fashion.
4. In Matthew 9:14, He is being asked more than just a question about fasting.
a) In 9:3, they accused Him of blasphemy.
b) In 9:11, they ridiculed Him for eating with sinners.
c) And now, in 9:14, they are saying that He doesn't fast often enough!
6. What they really want to know is "Why are you so different?"
7. They were the religious establishment of the day and He refused to heed
them, it made them angry!
8. Jesus answers both the question and the attitude behind it.

I. FASTING IS A SIGN OF MOURNING
A. The disciples would not mourn until He was gone.
B. Bridegroom is Christ.
C. Friends are disciples including Christians today.
D. After His death, and ascension, fasting, persecution, and mourning will
continue until He returns.
II. CHRIST DID NOT COME TO PATCH UP JUDAISM (VSS.16-17)
A. He did not come to incorporate Pharisaic traditions into Christianity.
B. Christianity had its roots in Judaism, but it is new! Not warmed-over
Judaism.
C. Christ did not come to fix a few wrong things about Judaism.
D. He came to fill it full, set it aside, and replace it with Christianity
(Matt.5:17).
III. CHRIST DID NOT COME TO PATCH UP A FEW THINGS IN MY
LIFE
A. Not to stuff a few good things into the wineskins of sinfulness, but to
"Seek & Save" (Lk.19:10)
B. We are to BURY THE OLD MAN, not just patch him up!! (Rom.6:1-1
14)
C. Many try to hold on to old habits, language, clothing, friends etc.
(Heb.12:1-2)!
IV. BEING A CHRISTIAN MEANS BECOMING SOMETHING NEW
A. New creation (2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:2-12).
B. New in mind (Rom.12:2).
1. The old one dwelt on evil - the new one on good (Phil.4:8)
2. The old one was vengeful and impatient -the new one will go the
second mile (Mtt. 5:38-42)
3. The one was haughty - new one is humble (Phil.2:5-8)
C. New in attitude (Col.3:5-25).
1. Put off old ways (vss.8-9)
2. Put on new attitude (vss. 12-17)
3. Vss.18-25 Esp.vs.23.
D. New in motivation (2Cor.5:14; Jno.14:15; 1Cor. 13:4-8).
1. Old man was motivated by lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes and the
pride of life (1John 2:16)
2. New man is controlled by the love of Christ (2Cor.5:14)
3) Love behaves this way (1Cor. 13:4-8).

CONCLUSION:
1. Is your new life an old garment with a few new patches
2. Christianity won't stick to an old, sinful life!
3. New Christianity won't firt into old sinful skins; it will burst forth and spill
out.
4. Become a new creation today ! (2Cor.5:17).
5. Invitation song "A NEW CREATURE" by L.O. Sanderson.