Lesson 1: Matthew 1-3 | Bring Fruit That Proves Your Repentance

Paul Esuon introduces the course journey and explains why the Gospels—the biblical accounts of Christ’s birth, life, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension—form its foundation 00:06:18. These are not intended to be teaching sessions only. They are sessions of immersion, impartation, examination and practical application.

The opening section considers water baptism and the programme’s emphasis on being immersed in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit and fire 00:07:51. The baptism of fire includes allowing the hard truth of Scripture to expose anything that prevents a disciple’s relationship with God from becoming strong.

Before beginning Matthew, Paul explains why his teaching journey is documented and uses Job 33 to examine why God may allow someone to receive something in a dream without consciously remembering all of it 00:14:27.

Matthew 1 begins with the genealogy of Jesus and examines the people and women included in it 00:25:43. The class then considers Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph’s response, the angelic instruction he received and why Joseph is described as a just man.

Matthew 2 examines the wise men, the assumption that there were exactly three, the flight into Egypt and Joseph’s continued obedience 01:08:47. Herod’s killing of the children leads to an extended discussion about God’s plan, human destiny, Satan’s activity, suffering and divine sovereignty 01:37:09. Students are trained to let Scripture—not imagination—govern their conclusions.

Matthew 3 introduces John the Baptist and his message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” 02:22:54. John demands fruit worthy of repentance. If someone claims to have changed, what visible evidence proves that claim?

The lesson concludes with Jesus submitting to John’s baptism, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire, student reflections and a prayer inviting the Lord to scrutinize the foundation of every participant.

Recorded on 29 August 2026.

TIMELINE

00:00 Opening Prayer and the Foundation of Discipleship
06:18 The DISCIPLESHIP OF JESUS Course Journey
07:51 Water Baptism, the Holy Spirit and Fire
12:55 Being Immersed in God’s Word
13:37 How the Interactive Classes Will Work
14:27 Why the Teaching Journey Must Be Documented
17:29 Why Some Dreams Are Not Remembered—Job 33
24:33 Recording the Training for Future Generations
25:43 Matthew Chapter 1 Begins
26:18 The Genealogy of Jesus Christ
34:27 The Women Included in Christ’s Genealogy
45:31 The Conception and Birth of Jesus Christ
50:57 Joseph’s Initial Response to Mary’s Pregnancy
57:28 The Angelic Instruction to Joseph
1:02:02 Jesus and Immanuel—Names That Reveal Purpose
1:05:52 Why Joseph Was Called a Just Man
1:08:47 Matthew 2: The Wise Men From the East
1:12:18 Were There Really Three Wise Men?
1:17:48 The Flight Into Egypt
1:22:42 Herod and the Killing of the Children
1:29:12 Returning From Egypt
1:34:53 Joseph Follows the Voice of the Lord
1:37:09 God’s Plan, Destiny, Evil and Suffering
1:38:18 Who Moved Herod to Kill?
1:45:01 Let Scripture Govern Your Thinking
1:48:41 The Submission of Jesus in Suffering
1:50:16 Further Direction Comes After Obedience
1:52:00 Fear, Wisdom and Divine Guidance
1:55:02 “Beloved, Let Us Love”
1:57:15 Perfect Love and the Fear of Joseph
2:21:57 Concluding Matthew Chapter 2
2:22:54 Matthew 3: John Prepares the Way
2:23:10 “Repent, for the Kingdom Is at Hand”
2:26:23 The Voice Crying in the Wilderness
2:37:11 Bring Fruit Worthy of Repentance
2:40:05 Repentance Must Come From the Heart
2:48:50 Reading Scripture as Prophetic Formation
2:55:33 Why the Foundation of the Church Matters
2:59:31 No One Escapes the Lord’s Scrutiny
3:05:00 The Danger of Weak Spiritual Foundations
3:10:37 Baptism With the Holy Spirit and Fire
3:15:03 Jesus Submits to John’s Baptism
3:21:53 Repentance From Dead Works
3:31:30 Students Share Their Summary Lessons
3:40:58 Closing Prayer: “Scrutinize and Evaluate Us”

#GospelOfMatthew #Repentance #SpiritualFormation #JesusChrist #PaulEsuon