A Voice in the Wilderness
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The TEACHINGS of JESUS
-- selected studies from --
the Gospel of Matthew
Teachings of Jesus: -Topics
- __Intro_ - Jesus: -Son of David
- _4: 1-11 - It is Written: -temptation
- _4:17-24 - Repent: -follow Me
- _5: 1- 2 - Sermon on the Mount: -opening comments
- _5: 3-12 - Sermon on the Mount: -beatitudes
- _5:13-16 - Sermon on the Mount: -salt & light
- _5:17-20 - Sermon on the Mount: -the Law & Prophets
- _5:21-48 - Sermon on the Mount: -but I say to you
- _6: 1&16 - Sermon on the Mount: -to be seen by men?
- _6: 5- 8 - Sermon on the Mount: -praying hypocrites?
- _6: 9-15 - Sermon on the Mount: -how to pray
- _6:19-34 - Sermon on the Mount: -worrying about survival
- _7: 1- 5 - Sermon on the Mount: -don't judge
- _7: 6- 6 - Sermon on the Mount: -pearls before swine?
- _7: 7-11 - Sermon on the Mount: -good gifts
- _7:12-12 - Sermon on the Mount: -as you would be treated
- _7:13-14 - Sermon on the Mount: -narrow way
- _7:15-20 - Sermon on the Mount: -wolves in sheep's clothing
- _7:21-23 - Sermon on the Mount: -I never knew you
- _7:24-29 - Sermon on the Mount: -doing His teachings
- _8: 1-17 - I am willing: -be healed
- _8:19-34 - Following Jesus: -perilous
- _9: 1-13 - Sins forgiven: -sinners to repentance
- _9:14-17 - Old/New wine/cloth: -appropriateness
- _9:35-38 - Shepherd's heart: -laboring in the harvest
- 10: 5-40 - Prophets in Service: -cost of faithfulness
- 11: 1- 6 - John the Baptist: -doubts and conflicts
- 11: 7-15 - John the Baptist: -praised
- 11:16-30 - John & Jesus compared: -both rejected
- 12: 1-21 - Legalism: -Lord of the Sabbath
- 12:22-32 - Unpardonable sin: -blaspheming the Holy Spirit
- 12:33-37 - Known by its fruit: -out of the mouth
- 12:38-42 - Seeking for signs: -condemnation
- 12:43-45 - Empty heart: -invitation to Satan
- 12:46-50 - He's gone mad: -a new family
- 13:1-23a - Parables: -lest they be converted
- 13:1-23b - Parable of the Sower: -seed and soils
- 13:24-30 - Look-alikes: -at the harvest
- 13:31-33 - Pervasive evil: -all-inclusive
- 13:44-46 - Great treasure: -seeking earnestly
- 13:47-50 - End of the World: -good vs bad
- 13:51-52 - Godly teachers: -unto understanding
- 13:54-58 - Unbelief: -withholding
- 14: 1-13 - Cost of Faithfulness: -John beheaded
- 14:14-36 - Solitude of the Storm: -meeting God
- 15: 1-20 - Phariseeism: -of the heart
- 15:22-28 - Faith & Grace: -to Jew -AND- Gentile
- 16: 5-12 - Beware the leaven: -doctrine
- 16:13-20 - Jesus, Deity: -Church's Foundation
- 16:21-28 - Heading to the cross: -cost of the soul
- 17: 1-13 - Transfiguration: -hear Christ
- 17:24-27 - Strangers: -pay taxes
- 18: 1- 5 - Children: -example of greatness
- 18: 6-10 - Children: -offenses
- 18:11-14 - Children: -saving the lost
- 18:15-20 - Forgiveness: -on NOT forgiving
- 18:21-35 - Forgiveness: -on Forgiving
- 19: 3-12 - Divorce: -not God's design
- 19:16-26 - Riches and Eternal Life: -some good thing?
- 19:27-30 - We Left All: -what do we get?
- 20: 1-16 - First -or- Last: -chosen
- 20:17-19 - Heading to the Cross: -final week
- 20:20-28 - Positions of honor: -servanthood
- 20:30-34 - Blind eyes opened: -by the "Son of David"
- 21: 1-22 - Royal Entry: -Hosanna to the "Son of David"
- 21:23-27 - Credentials please: -refused
- 21:28-46 - Rulers scrutinized: -true nature exposed
- 22: 1-14 - Kingdom of Heaven: -marriage supper
- 22:15-22 - Pharisees taunt: -Caesar or God?
- 22:23-33 - Sadducees taunt: -resurrection
- 22:34-40 - Lawyers taunt: -the greatest commandment?
- 22:41-46 - Now I've got one: -whose "son"? God or David?
- 23: 1-12 - Rabbi/teacher: -be a servant
- 23:13-39 - Woes: -condemnation of hell
- 24: 1- 8 - Olivet Discourse: -when will these things be?
- 24: 9-22 - Olivet Discourse: -tribulation
- 24:23-31 - Olivet Discourse: -His coming
- 24:32-35 - Olivet Discourse: -when will it happen?
- 24:36-44 - Olivet Discourse: -watching for His return
- 24:45-51 - Olivet Discourse: -faithful servants
- 25: 1-13 - Olivet Discourse: -getting into Heaven
- 25:14-30 - Olivet Discourse: -individual rewards
- 25:31-46 - Olivet Discourse: -judgment of nations
- 26: 6-13 - Anointing for Burial: -sacrifice & atonement
- 26:17-25 - It is time: -Traitor, do your duty
- 26:26-30 - Lord's Supper: -New Covenant, One Salvation
- 26:31-35 - Offense of the Cross: -denial & scattered
- 26:36-46 - Jesus' Passion: -discipline & obedience
- 26:47-57 - Betrayed: -"captured"?
- 27:11-14 - King of the Jews?: -you said it
- 27:46-51 - It is Finished: -our High Priest
- 28:16-20 - Great Commission: -Jesus' authority
Jesus:
Son of David
"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son
of Abraham."(1:1)
In this one tiny verse is wrapped up the essence of Jesus Christ. First
of all we see the "genealogy." In this, we see His "humanity." Jesus
was born as "water and blood."(1Jn5:6) That which makes up humanity.
Mankind is referred to as "flesh and blood."(1Cor15:50) And He
"partook" of the same.(Heb2:14)
As we look at parts of the genealogy, we see incest (1:3), marriage to
two pagans (1:5), adultery and murder (1:6); thus, fulfilling Paul's
description, "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a
bondservant.."(Phil2:7) Even, as society saw him, they saw the product
of what they perceived to be an illegitimate birth.(1:18), which notion
they did not neglect to point out, "we were not born of fornication."
(Jn8:41) Even today scoffers reject the "virgin birth." (Is7:14,Mt1:23)
Things haven't changed a bit in 2000 years. And so we can understand
how He "took our infirmities" upon Himself.(Mt8:17) And how He is able
to give support to us (Heb2:18), since He has gone through everything
we, as people, go through. "For we do not have a High Priest who
cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as
we are, yet without sin. (Heb4:15)
The "Throne of David" was promised in the Old Testament as an
everlasting covenant.(1Kg2:45) When His birth was prophesied, He was to
bring peace, order and justice.(Isa9:7) Something which is yet future.
Because His first coming was to be as a "Savior."(Isa53:1-6, 61:2a,
Lk4:19) Thus, the name "Jesus." But, at His first coming the records
needed to be confirmed, that this was the "right Man." That He was the
"Messiah" the "Christ" the "Anointed One." The One qualified by
prophetic lineage to sit on David's throne.
He was constantly called, "Son of David."(Mt9:27,15:22,20:30) And as
the multitudes saw His works and heard His teaching, they wondered,
"Could this be the Son of David?"(Mt12:23) The One they waited for.
Confirmation of His qualifications to be the Savior "Jesus" is also
contained in the statement "Son of Abraham." The covenant to Abraham
was, "I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your
name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless
you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families
of the earth shall be blessed."(Gen12:2-3) All "families" would be
"blessed" with "salvation" when He would die on the cross.(Gal3:7-9)
Since David came through the line of Jacob (Israel), Jesus was then,
also, the Son of the "God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."(Ex2:24,3:6) Our
translations capitalize the word "Son" making it a proper noun, as of
Deity.
Jesus claimed to be the "Son of God." "Before Abraham was, I am."
(Jn8:58) Claiming ownership of the title "God of Abraham, Isaac &
Jacob" (Ex3:6) ...the "I AM" (Ex3:14) And when Peter proclaimed, "You
are the Christ, the Son of the living God"(Mt16:16) Jesus told him that
the Father had made this revelation.(vs17) The Father, Himself, made
the proclamation at His baptism, as the "Spirit of God..[alighted] upon
Him" and with His voice said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased."(Mt3:17)
In presenting the royal genealogy the book of Matthew presents Jesus as
"King." The wise men came looking for the "King of the Jews."(2:2) When
standing before Pilate, Jesus spoke of His "kingdom" (Jn18:36-37) And
at His crucifixion, the gentile governor placed the title over His
cross, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews."(Mt27:36) Ultimately, Jesus
will wrench away the "kingdoms of this world" from satan, who presently
has that authority (Mt4:8-9,Lk4:6), and will take charge and reign
"forever and ever."(Rev11:15)
Just before Jesus returned to the Father after His resurrection, He
told His disciples, "all authority has been given to Me in heaven and
on earth."(Mt28:18) That authority was given to Him by the Father.
Ultimately, He will give back to the Father "the kingdom" and will put
an end to all "rule and all authority and power"(1Cor15:24) And once He
has done that, He, Himself, will subject Himself back to the Father,
Who is "all in all."(vs28)
This is the One Whose teachings we will study. John writes much about
"keeping His commandments." (1John) How can we keep that which we don't
know? Thus, this series. Rather than study commentaries of some men
about what they "say" Jesus said, let's go directly to the Source.
Where else can we go? In Peter's own words...
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.(Jn6:68)
Q/A on this topic
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[Library]
It is Written:
temptation -
(Mat 4:1-11)
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted
by the devil."(vs1)
As Jesus is about to begin His ministry he is first of all baptised.
(3:14-17) As John objects by saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and
are You coming to me?" Jesus says something interesting, "..it is
fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."(vs15) I'm not going to
pretend to understand that statement fully, except that it was part of
God's plan to fully prepare the "Sacrificial Lamb" which needed to be
perfect. Without any blemish. At His birth everything was fulfilled
"according to the law" to make Him a "Jew."(Lk2:39) And now He, the
"human," is being prepared to authenticate His righteousness. He has
just been authenticated by the Father's voice, "This is My beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased."(3:17)
Now, we need to find out whether He can sin. Can He be tempted? The
phrase "to be tempted" is quite fascinating. Is it possible for Him to
be tempted? If He is tempted, will He succumb? Let's specifically put
Him to the test, to see if it is possible. In Mark 1:12 we get a
picture of Him being "driven" out into the wilderness. "As if with
violence." This was not some little "happenstance" as He was passing
along. This is examination time! Graduation depends on its outcome!
We must understand what's at stake. The first Adam (1Cor15:45) had been
tempted, had yielded, and brought sin upon the whole human race. If the
"last Adam" was to be a "life-giving spirit" He had to be tempted in
the same manner, to be absolutely certain He was qualified to atone for
sin. And we are told that He was, "For we do not have a High Priest who
cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as
we are, yet without sin. (Heb 4:15)
So we see this as an "appointment." "To be tempted by the devil." If we
consider the conversation between God and satan in Job ch1, we can just
about imagine God's challenge to satan here; "There He is. My Son is
JUST a 'man' now. Take your best shot." In Mark we are also told that
He was with the "wild beasts"(1:13) no doubt thinking He might be their
next meal. That, along with 40 days of hunger has Him in dire physical
straights. Possibly on the verge of death?
Perhaps some "ground rules" had been laid out? While He would later
make bread to feed multitudes, perhaps He was not "allowed to" do so
for Himself? After all, He had taken on a "human" body. "being found in
appearance as a man, He humbled Himself.."(Phil2:8) If He was going to
willy nilly perform "creative" feats, He was no longer "just" a man,
was He? As He was being arrested for crucifixion He said, "Or do you
think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with
more than twelve legions of angels? (Mt26:53) But, He had come to be a
"man" and had to live under human limitations.
So, satan takes his first shot. "C'mon Jesus. I know how hungry you
are. Make the stones into bread. You can do it. After all, You're the
Creator. You've just been baptized and heard 'His' voice. You're God's
Son. Think of all this POWER at Your disposal!"
Here is Jesus' first teaching. And who, the more appropriate pupil,
than satan! His answer, "IT IS WRITTEN..."(vs4) He did not say, "well,
I don't THINK that would be a good idea." Or, "do you think I should?"
"Well, I don't know...let me think on it a while." As He then
rationalizes how "good it would taste."(Gen3:6) "After all, I'm just
about to die out here...and then, how would I SAVE the world?"
"How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your
word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against
You! (Psa 119:9,11) While Jesus quoted a Scripture related to "bread"
the point we need to understand here, is that He relied upon the
"already-given" Word of God.(Jude3) Not some "New Truth" or
"situational ethics." Since Scripture is sufficient for the "thorough
equipping" for "every good work."(2Tm3:17)
So now the crafty serpent (Gen3:1) tempts Him again, and this time uses
Jesus' defense "against Himself" by saying "...for it is written."(vs6)
Same thing he did with Eve, "for God knows..."(Gen3:5)
Hunger hadn't killed Him yet, nor the wild animals; so the appeal is to
pride and fame. "Just jump off this high place"(vs6) ...after all,
doesn't the Bible say...? Satan, of course, is hoping, yet, to kill Him
before He can get to the cross. And as an "angel of light"(2Cor11:14)
presents Scripture in a manner most appealing to the present situation.
But we are told to "rightly [divide] the Word of truth." (2Tm2:15) And
so, this time Jesus moves from the temptation at hand, and gets to the
core of what satan is doing. "You shall not tempt the Lord your God."
Don't twist the Scriptures (2Pt3:16) to suit your own fancy, and then
call upon God to obey your interpretation of it. After all, doesn't it
say, "If we asking anything...He will hear"? Well, "according to His
will" ...yes.(1Jn5:14)
As an example: Jesus said, "..they will take up serpents; and if they
drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them.."(Mk16:18) And so
there are some cults who "handle snakes" in their worship, expecting
God to "protect them" ...putting God to the test, when that passage has
nothing to do with courting danger purposefully. But when Scriptures
are distorted, an entire cult results. And some people get bit and die.
Now, the stakes are raised. At this point Satan seems willing to
forfeit everything, just to fulfill his dream of being "like the Most
High."(Is14:14) How could he fulfill that? By having Jesus, the "second
in command" bow and worship him. After all, Jesus was "second" to the
Father. The only One Jesus would be in subjection to was the Father; "I
always do those things that please Him"(Jn8:29) And if he could get
Jesus to bow to him, in that moment, he would be "like" the Father, the
Most High.
What is satan willing to give up for this one moment? "All the kingdoms
of the world and their glory."(vs8) Wait a minute! What is this? He is
going to give "to Jesus" (the Creator of all things) the kingdoms of
the world? Hopefully this is a bit of an eye-opener for us. While we
Believers know that God is "in control" we must never loose sight of
the fact of "who" is CURRENTLY RULING the world. Satan said, "for this
has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish."(Lk4:6) And
you will notice that Jesus does not deny that claim. As Paul reminds us
that our "warfare" is "against principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of
wickedness in the heavenly places."(Eph6:12)
The appeal for Jesus in this is to get His "kingship" NOW. After all,
He was introduced as "..Son of David, Son of Abraham."(1:1) But He knew
He was coming two times: first as Savior and then as King.
(Is61:2,Lk4:19) If He took the kingship "now" He could bypass
altogether the torturous, gruelling suffering and separation from the
Father on the cross. Hebrews says that "though He was a Son, yet He
learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (Heb5:8) If He did
not exercise endurance the world would not be saved, humanity would
"all" die without any hope of redemption, and ultimately Satan would
have "won" in the struggle against God.
So what does Jesus respond? "Away with you, Satan! For it is written,
'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve'."
(vs10) In His submission to God, refusing to bow to satan, He
"[resisted] the devil" and the devil [fled] from Him.(Jas4:7)
You will notice there is one thing in this account that Jesus did NOT
do. He did not "bind" satan! Of all people in creation, one would think
Jesus would have had the qualifications to do so. But He (the "man")
did not. So, all the "little christs" that run around today,
pretending to "bind" satan, are way in over the heads (Jude10) as they
seek an authority that even Jesus, Himself, did not appropriate. He
stood firm (Eph6:13b), stood His ground and said, "Be Gone!" Go on, get
out of here! "Away with you!"
As James continues, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.."
(vs8) And so, in Jesus' case, what happened when He had made satan
flee? "Angels came and ministered to Him."(vs11)
So, as Jesus provided the example in resisting temptation, we, too, can
do the same. Nothing will be allowed to come that we cannot resist. "No
temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God
is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are
able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that
you may be able to bear it. (1Cor10:13)
And yes, He will even send angels to minister to us. That is what they
are there for. "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to
minister for those who will inherit salvation? (Heb1:14)
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[Library]
Repent:
follow Me -
(Mat 4:17-24)
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand."(vs17)
This message, so succinctly stated in this short sentence, is
power-packed. First of all we see a continuance of the recurring O.T.
theme. The prophets didn't use the word "repent" as such, but another
that means the same thing. "Turn." Solomon prayed about God's people
"turn[ing] from their wicked ways."(2Chr7:14) The watchman warning the
"wicked" person in order that they might "turn from his wickedness."
(Ez3:19) John the Baptist retorted to the self-righteous, "Brood of
vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear
fruits worthy of repentance."(Mt3:7)
This is the part of the "gospel" that is mostly lacking in today's
sermons, but was most preached by Bible prophets. People today are
told that they are "already good" and God sees all sorts of "worth" in
them. That God accepts them "just as they are." No change is
necessary. For if anybody were to suggest the need for change, that
would mean the person was being "judgmental." After all, doesn't Jesus
say a bit later, "judge not, that you be not judged"?(7:1)
While we know from other studies we've had that salvation is a "free
gift" which is "not of works"(Eph2:8-9) we also realize that a CLAIM to
righteousness without its proving "works" is meaningless.(Jas2:26) What
a person sees in himself when he truly comes to God is his own
worthlessness. His utter depravity in sin. He sees that because of his
WORKS which proceed out of the heart.(Mt15:19) So, until the knowledge
of Christ enters his heart, the "need" he sees is to cleanse his heart.
To get rid of the evil. To change. Yes...by definition..."Repent."
Now, this next part of the message is unique. He says, "for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand." The O.T. prophets did not preach this. John the
Baptist was the first. Why? Because Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the
very essence of God's glory (Jn14:9-11,1Jn1:2) was now in their midst.
This word "kingdom" confused the disciples, just as it does many today.
They expected that their Messiah had come to establish the earthly-rule
kingdom (Acts1:6). But what He was actually proclaiming was that "the
Person of right and authority" was in their midst. The expression
"kingdom of heaven" and "kingdom of God" are synonymous. The kingdom of
God, the "King of kings and Lord of lords"(Rev19:16) was "at hand." He
is "here." You can "approach" Him. As John would later write, "..we
have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have
handled, concerning the Word of life."(1Jn1:1)
Put most simplistically, Jesus was proclaiming, "Repent! I'm here."
But, as most of His teaching was done with parables, "because seeing
they do not see, and hearing they do not hear...lest they should
understand with their hearts and turn so that I should heal them."
(13:13,15) He knew they would reject Him. He needed to die on the
cross. God foreknew their hardness of heart. So, He "couched" His own
introduction "indirectly."
But, those special ones whom He chose, whose hearts he knew, He called
specifically. "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."(4:19) As
He would later say, "No one can come to me unless the Father..draws
him."(Jn6:44) And even this was "granted" by the Father.(Jn6:65) As He
would also say later, "of all that He has given Me I should loose
nothing."(Jn6:39) And again, "Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and
none of them is lost except the son of perdition.."(Jn17:12)
And so He begins to choose His disciples, and calls them to follow Him.
The mission; to "catch men." Jesus' whole purpose in coming was to
"seek and to save that which was lost."(Lk19:10)
He did not come to be politically involved and become king. Those were
the "righteous" leaders of the day. And He says, "I did not come to
call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."(9:13) But the ones
needing "saving" were the sick.(9:12) And of Rome He said, "Render to
Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are
God's."(22:21) He did not come, at that time, to rule politically.
Now, while the disciples followed Him for three years, and never fully
understood His mission until after His resurrection and ascention, they
were willing subjects. "They immediately left their nets and followed
Him."(4:20)
No doubt they did so naively, not fully aware of what they were "in
for." But ultimately these "simple" fishermen would become the backbone
of the Church. They would be known for "having been with Jesus"
(Acts4:13) as they "turned the world upside down"(17:6)
Do you want to do great things for God? First you must learn to
"follow." That means giving up all rights to your own desires and
goals. Humility. "Whoever desires to be great among you, let him be
your servant."(20:26)
Someone not long ago forwarded to me some information about a "Golden
Medal Journey." A program designed to make "you and Jesus come
together" in some sort of, I suppose, "spiritual self-esteem." The
program had this "flavor" of being "chummy" with Jesus. Thinking hard,
and "deciding" what a person wanted to do, establishing some personal
goals, and "then" asking Jesus if He'd like to do it with you. Asking
Jesus to come alongside, and be supportive...and in that way, getting
to know Jesus. Starting with the person, and "including Jesus" in one's
own private plans.
But you notice, these men already had a direction in their lives. They
were fishermen...and Jesus called them to "leave it all" (their sole
livelihoods and personal goals) and "follow Him." If you want to be
with Jesus, you must leave all behind, forsake it all. "So...whoever of
you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. (Lk14:33)
What have you left behind, to follow Him?
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[Library]
Sermon on the Mount:
opening comments -
(Mat 5:1-2)
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was
seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught
them..."(vs1-2)
Possibly one of the most "famous" passages in all of Scripture. A
passage the "main line" churches love. For many who don't know Christ,
if you ask them if they are going to heaven, will respond, "Well, I try
to live the best I can, and follow the 'Sermon on the Mount'." And if
you were to ask them what it's about, they might respond..."Isn't that
the place were it says 'God helps those who help themselves'?"
While the unregenerate have grossly distorted, "to their own
destruction"(2Pt3:16b) most of the teachings of these next three
chapters, in a very real sense, this group of teachings contains a
synopsis of all necessary Truth. If a person had no other section of
Scripture, these three chapters contain enough "information" for one
who is truly seeking for God, to get him to heaven safely. For as Paul
writes that the Law was a gauge for how sinful we are (Rom5:20), and
that it is our "tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified
by faith."(Gal3:24) Jesus in this section teaches us what the intent of
the Law was.(5:17,22) What God's intention was for the Law, before
rebellious man distorted God's will, as Jesus would say, "You have
heard it said" ...by the human traditions... "but I say to you." This
is the Law. Man has distorted it this way. But here is what it really
meant all along
So, as "His disciples came [TO] Him" to learn, let us do the same.
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[Library]
Sermon on the Mount:
beatitudes -
(Mat 5:3-12)
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven."(vs3)
In this one "simple" sentence is the key to salvation. One who is "poor
in spirit" is one who is "destitute, afflicted, lowly, helpless,
powerless." He is the one who came "beating his breast and said, "God
be merciful to me the sinner."(Lk18:13) He could see that there was
nothing good about himself, because he realized "For I know that in me
(that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells."(Rom7:18)
This is the opposite of what the world and current churches teach;
self-worth, self-esteem, self-importance, self-empowerment,
self-righteousness and holiness. And these people will not be saved in
such a state, because Jesus said, "I did not come to call the
righteous, but sinners, to repentance."(Mt9:13) As he would say to
Peter, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me."(Jn13:8) Of the
self-righteous pharisee who praised himself to God and the humble tax
collector who asked for God's mercy Jesus said the "sinner" went home
justified rather than the "church leader" pharisee.(Lk18:14)
The one who is helpless to save himself is precisely the one for whom
Christ came. "For when we were still without strength, in due time
Christ died for the ungodly."(Rom5:6) And Jesus says, "theirs is the
kingdom of heaven."(vs3)
"Blessed are those who mourn..."(vs4) James says, "Lament and mourn and
weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom."
(Jas4:9) The salvation that brings eternal life is not a "feel good"
experience. If you go about to indulge your feelings, you will never be
saved. Being saved starts with "sorrow leading to repentance." As Paul
writes, "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not
to be regretted...(2Cor7:10) But, once a person has come in sorrow, and
Christ has washed away the sins (Rev1:5b) as the burden of sin has been
taken away, then there is the "relief" that a clear conscience brings.
(1Jn3:21) As Jesus says, "...they shall be comforted."
"Blessed are the meek..."(vs5) James continues, "Humble yourselves in
the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."(Jas4:10) When we are
in Christ, we are "joint heirs" with Him.(Rom8:17) Just as all things
have been given to Christ, so too, we will "reign with Him" (2Tm2:12)
And as the earth is "His footstool"(5:35) the one who comes to Him in
meekness can sit at His feet, as the disciples did on the mountain, and
learn from Him. "...inheriting the earth."
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness...(vs6) Job
said, "I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have
treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.(Job23:12)
Jesus invited His hearers, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me
shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.
(Jn6:35) "The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain
of water springing up into everlasting life."(Jn4:14) "...for they
shall be filled."
"Blessed are the merciful..."(vs7) Here we get into "faith in action."
Later He will teach "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors."
(6:12) and says, "if you forgive men..your heavenly Father will forgive
you."(6:14) And of the one who was unmerciful, "I forgave you that
debt...'Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant,
just as I had pity on you?' (Mt18:32-33) If we have truly come in
humility and received God's grace upon us, we cannot BUT be the same to
others. If we do He says, "..they shall obtain mercy."
"Blessed are the pure in heart..."(vs8) "Flesh and blood cannot inherit
the kingdom of God"(1Cor15:50) because it is the "body of death."
(Rom7:24) While God gave the Law as a "tutor to bring us to Christ,
that we might be justified by faith"(Gal3:24) Israel was promising,
"all that the LORD our God says to you [Moses] ..we will hear and do
it."(Deu5:27) But you see, Israel was an obstinate people..."they
always go astray in their heart."(Heb3:10) But what did God want from
them? To keep the Law? Yes...but more than that. "Oh, that they had
such a HEART in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My
commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children
forever!"(Deu5:29) "But with most of them God was not well pleased, for
they were scattered in the wilderness."(1Cor10:5) They did not partake
of God's "rest."(Heb3:11) But Jesus says that God's desire is for
people to have "pure hearts" ...to "see God." "And everyone who has
this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure."(1Jn3:3) This is
another step in the maturing process, as a person has his "senses
exercised to discern both good and evil."(Heb5:14)
"Blessed are the peacemakers..."(vs9) Even more maturing and growth is
required here. Not the brashness of youth that would wage battle at
every opportunity. Paul wrote, "If it is possible, as much as depends
on you, live peaceably with all men. (Rom12:18) Even regarding
something like an unbeliever seeking divorce from a Believer, Paul
gives the Believer the recommendation to go along with it, even though
God "hates divorce"(Mal2:16) because, "God has called us to
peace."(1Cor7:15) In pursuing the path of peace (Rom14:19, Heb12:14,
1Pt3:11) we become more like Christ the "Prince of Peace" (Is9:6) and
Jesus says, "...they shall be called sons of God."
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake..."(vs10)
Ultimate maturity here, as often, persecution results in martyrdom.
When a person has given his life, there is nothing greater (or more)
that he can give.(Jn15:13) If we submit to persecution for Christ, and
even, possibly, martyrdom, that is "ultimate love" demonstrated for
Christ, Who called us His "friends."(Jn15:14) And you will notice the
great honor bestowed upon His first martyr, Stephen, as he was about to
depart. Jesus rose from His seat and was "standing" at the Father's
right hand (Acts7:55-56) to welcome him into heaven for his
faithfulness. His was the "...kingdom of heaven."
Before I realized that many of those around me, whom I had thought were
Christians, were not; who were railing upon me for this or that as I
was trying to be faithful to God's Word, and they were not; I used to
get down in the glum-dumps of dejection because of their abuses. First
of all, I didn't realize they were not True Believers. And, I was
"hurt" that they would attack me for being faithful to God and His
Word. And for a few years I started to "cave in" and "softened" my
approach...and even became watered down a bit in doctrine...in order to
be more "loving" and "tolerant" and not so "judgmental." After all, we
are supposed to "love our brothers." Right? But...they were not
"Brothers in Christ." And I realize that now.
Also, a gauge as to one's faithfulness is the "kind of" objections
God's enemies bring one's way. If we receive the "praise of men" then
we are like the "false prophets." Jesus said it thus, Woe to you when
all men speak well of you, For so did their fathers to the false
prophets.(Lk6:26) Do we want the "passing pleasures" of the praise of
this world? Moses rejected them in order to serve God (Heb11:25) as he
"esteem[ed] the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in
Egypt; for he looked to the reward.(vs26)
As we are in the arena in battle, many in the stands (Heb12:1) are
"booing" us. And at times it seems like the "boos" are louder than the
cheers, as they also "throw stuff" at us. But we are called to "lay
aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us...run[ning]
with endurance the race that is set before us...LOOKING UNTO JESUS.
(Heb12:2) This is our ultimate goal. To look to Jesus. To follow Jesus.
Receive abuse for Jesus.(Col1:24) And, if called upon...to die for
Jesus.
It is not "demeaning" to suffer for Christ. On the contrary! The
early disciples rejoiced "that they were counted WORTHY to suffer shame
for His name."(Acts5:41) It is an honor. Jesus said...
"Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven,
for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."(vs12)
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Sermon on the Mount:
salt & light -
(Mat 5:13-16)
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how
shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out
and trampled underfoot by men. (vs.13)
In Jesus' teachings He often uses word "pictures." Examples from
everyday life. Things that people understand well, that are familiar.
To illustrate spiritual/heavenly principles.
As I understand things, they did not have the "Morton salt-boy" walking
in the rain with his fine-grained iodized salt pouring out of his
oversized container. They had salt "rocks" which would be put into the
cooking pot until enough salt had come out of the rock into the food to
flavor it as intended, and then the rock was taken out. Eventually with
repeated use the salt would all become disolved out of the rock. And
then, obviously, the rock was not useable for flavoring any more. And
it was thrown out to join the other rocks on the roadway. Unfit.
Believers are to be "flavorful" in the world. Paul speaks of a "sweat
aroma"(Eph5:2,Phil4:18) We are, if possible, to live "peaceably with
all men."(Rom12:18) The world is to be able to know we are Christians
by our "love."(Jn13:35) We are to be a positive influence on the world.
Salt is also a cleansing agent. If a person has a wound, and nothing
else medicinally is available, salt would be a suitable agent..although
QUITE painful. And the same properties which make it a healing agent
also make it a preservative; killing the spoiling bacterium.
Yes, sometimes a Christian's testimony seems to "sting" a bit when a
sinner hears the Gospel message or Biblical doctrine faithfully
proclaimed and lived. The person sees the sin in his own life, and
God's word seeks to kill the bacteria of sin, and it hurts.
Putting this verse together with 2Ths2:7 the Holy Spirit "restrains ..
lawlessness." If the Believer is acting as "salt" in the same way, it
is apparent that the "salt" here is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit
"convicts the world of sin and righteousness"(Jn16:8) And it is
supported by Jesus' words, "have salt in yourselves."(Mk9:50) The
Believer is the human agent by which He has chosen to accomplish His
work. So the Believer is to provide "flavor." But he is also to be
vigilant for sound doctrine, standing against sin; not adapting to the
world's ways to win the world, but being distinct. "For the weapons of
our warfare are not carnal."(2Cor10:4)
But the salt (rock) does not have flavor of its own will. It is merely
a "rock." The container. It must have the "salt" installed by Christ.
"Christ in you."(Col1:27) "Be filled with the [Holy] Spirit."(Eph5:18)
But you also notice He mentions the possibility of "los[ing] its
flavor."(vs13) Having salt/flavor is a choice. In the context of
speaking of eternal hell fire He says, "have salt in yourselves."
(Mk9:50) And what happens if the rock becomes "unflavorful?" It is cast
out and "trampled." Throughout His teachings, Jesus speaks often of the
circumstances which will cause a person to be "cast out." (We have
spoken of this .."once saved, always saved".. in the past in other
studies. It will also be covered again in more depth later in this
series.)
He goes on in the same teaching to say, "You are the light of the
world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light
a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives
light to all who are in the house."(vs14-15)
Again, a "contrast" to the world. The world is darkness. A Christian is
not to try to appropriate darkness in order to win the world. The light
is set up prominently so it can shine in the darkness, and make it
light. But we presently see a "church" full of people purposely dousing
their flames in order to grope around like the world does. After all,
we don't want to "offend" the world. If we shine too brightly, it will
expose the sin that the world commits, as they "love darkness rather
than light."(Jn3:19) And that would be "judgmental." But you notice
Paul writes, "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,
but rather EXPOSE them."(Eph5:11)
You notice, Jesus doesn't tell us to go around pointing our fingers and
wagging them in people's faces, nor bombing their murder clinics. He
says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works and glorify your Father in heaven."(vs16) Live pure and holy
lives. But don't be hoity-toity "to be seen by men."(6:1) And certainly
don't grovel around in their filth.
Just as a Christian spouse provides, by a good life, a testimony to the
unsaved (1Cor7:16,1Pt3:2), so, too, the light of the Holy Spirit living
through the person brings about praise unto our heavenly Father.(vs16)
Have salt... Let your light shine...!
Related topic: Light of the World
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Sermon on the Mount:
the Law & Prophets -
(Mat 5:17-20)
"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not
come to destroy but to fulfill."(vs17)
There are many professing christians who believe that the Old Testament
isn't for the Church. During my college days in the 70's, the hippy
"Jesus people" movement, and other similar offshoots essentially threw
out the O.T. and would only discuss the N.T. This that became what
today might be called the "Love & Grace" generation would quote, "for
you are not under law, but under grace." (Rom6:14) After all, didn't
Paul chide the Christians of Galatia for trying to adhere to the Law?
"Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the
flesh?"(Gal3:3)..as they merrily seek their "spirit-filled" experiences.
But Jesus is talking about the "Law [AND] Prophets." Since there was
not yet a "New Testament" the Scriptures given up to that point
consisted of what we, today, call the "Old Testament." They called it
the "Law and the Prophets" (Mt7:12,Acts13:15) You will also note that
the "Psalms" were included.(Lk24:44)
That Jesus is not isolating specifically the "Ten Commandments" or
Levitical ceremonies and rituals can be illustrated by Paul, "But now
the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being
witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, (Rom3:21) The "Law and the
Prophets" giving witness to the "law."
Jesus is not only teaching God's Truth, He is also setting things up to
refute and show the fallacies of the teachings of the Scribes and
Pharisees. "Now the Pharisees...derided Him. And He said to them, "You
are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your
hearts... "The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time
the kingdom of God has been preached...it is easier for heaven and
earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.(Lk16:14-17)
The religious leaders "legalistically" would pick-n-choose specific
laws as proof-texts of a person's obedience to God. They continually
harrassed Jesus for not keeping the Sabbath the way they thought it
should be kept. And He would focus in on their hearts instead,
declaring "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay
tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier
matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to
have done, without leaving the others undone. (Mt23:23)
So, as He is about to tear into their perversions, He assures them (and
us) that He is not about to overturn what God had previously given. He
is not getting ready to reveal "new truths." Some new "revelations."
But He came to FULFILL the Law. Remember Paul's words about some "other
gospel" (Gal1:9) Jesus is not about to declare a "new" way to get to
heaven. Salvation has ALWAYS BEEN by "grace through faith." (Eph2:8,
Lam3:22, Gal3:5-6) It has always been based on the "seed of the women."
(Gen3:15, Acts4:12) (And He was the fulfillment, the "Seed.")
"For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot
or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is
fulfilled."(vs18) God's Word is "settled in heaven."(Ps119:89) It is
firmly established, not because it has been scribed and printed on
parchment and paper, but because it is the very essence of Jesus
Christ, Himself. "..the Word was God...and the word became flesh."
(Jn1:1,14) And so, Jesus was well qualified to assure His hearers that
God's Word would not pass away, that it would be fulfilled down to the
minutest details, because He was speaking of Himself. And it will be
"fulfilled." As the "Prophets" had said, "so shall My word be that goes
forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall
accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper for which I sent it."
(Is55:11)
He speaks of "jot or tittle." This would be like all the "t"s are
crossed, all the "i"s are dotted, every article is correct, every
gender, case and tense is specific and true. Thus we know that the
"Word was God", not "a" God.(Jn1:1) We know that "Jesus is THE Christ"
(1Jn1:22), not "a" christ "principle." We know that Jesus came from the
Father (Jn8:42) and is the human representation of God. (Jn14:9-11,
Heb1:3) He did not go off to Tibet someplace during his adolescence and
learn from the "masters" until He had accumulated enough goodness. If
you read through the Gospels regarding His humanity, you will notice
innumerable references to fulfilled prophecy, even down to the
soldiers' gambling over His garments at His crucifixion. And then, what
of prophecies concering Israel..That's another whole subject in itself.
And, as past prophecies have been fulfilled down to the letter, we have
similar assurance of fulfilment of future prophecies. People think of
the earth as being fairly stable and predictable, engendering it's nick
name "terra firma." However, the earth is going to pass away. It will
be burned up.(2Pt3:10) But God's Word remains, "You, LORD, in the
beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the
work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; And they will
all grow old like a garment; (Heb1:10-11) Whatever unfulfilled
prophecies that remain, WILL BE fulfilled. "God is not slack concerning
His promises."(2Pt3:9a)
"Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and
teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but
whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom
of heaven."(vs19)
Oh the sorrow and lamentation to those who deliberately have perverted
and distorted Scripture! As Peter says, "to their own destruction."
(2Pt3:16) Never before in history have there been so many
"translations" of Scripture as today. Each, catering to their own
clientelle. They want a "pleasant voice..for they hear Your words but
they do not do them"(Ez33:32) They "heap up for themselve teachers"
(2Tm4:3) because they don't want "sound doctrine" ...they want to do
their own thing. And so we see a generation of "versions" which cater
to their desires.
While humanity today exalts teachers that make them "feel" good,
casting aside the Doctrine of God's Word, and those who militantly hold
to God's Word are castigated; you notice Jesus ranks them differently.
Those who uphold God's Word faithfully, are considered "great" in the
kingdom of heaven.
And finally, who gets to heaven? Jesus was rather bold in proclaiming
that the scribes and Pharisees would "by no means" enter heaven. Wait
just a second! Aren't You being rather judgmental there?! They are our
"pastors" and "teachers!" They are up in the pulpits every Sunday. They
have hundreds and thousands of people coming forward to their "altars"
for "commitment." They are published authors, see this book (by one of
them) I've been reading lately. It's sooo good. See the wonderful
ministries they have for God! Jesus said, "unless your righteousness
exceeds" theirs, you'll never get there. "...by no means..."
Why is this? What is righteousness? Having skirt hemlines a certain
length? Having a certain kind of haircut? Faithfully adhering to
"Sabbath restrictions?" (This is what the Pharisees did...) They
pretended to follow the law, but their hearts were not right. God had
originally desired, "Oh that they had such a heart.."(Deu5:29) However,
"They always [went] astray IN THEIR HEART, And they have not known
[His] ways." (Heb3:10)
So, now we have a little background for the next section where Jesus
analyzes the "law" that they were keeping.
Related Topic: "Relaxing a Commandment"
Q/A -Break vs Relax
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Sermon on the Mount:
but I say to you -
(Mat 5:21-48)
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not
murder..' but I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother
without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment."(vs21-22)
Is Jesus "creating" a new law here when He says "But I say to you"?
Let's take a look at this. Cain and Abel brought sacrifices to the
Lord.(Gen4:3~) Abel followed God's commandment, and his sacrifice was
accepted. Cain did something of his own choosing, trying a different
"path" to God, and his sacrifice was not accepted...by God. Rather than
"mend his ways" with God, he became angry with Abel. (Sound familiar to
what happens today?)
God speaks to Cain, "Why are you angry?"(vs6) Basically tells him that
if he was doing well, he would be accepted. Since he was not accepted,
it meant he had sin in his heart. That sin was wanting to take over.
That he should resist.(vs7)(Jas4:7,1Pt5:9) However, Cain gives in to
sin and kills Abel.(vs8)
Jesus is getting to the root core of "what" murder is, and where it
originates. "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders..."
(Mt15:19)
By the same token, a person coming before God in worship cannot expect
to be "accepted" if he harbors hatred in his heart, can he. Go take
care of the sin first, and then come back to God's "presence."(vs24)
For the Corinthians, partaking of the Lord's Supper with improper
heart preparation and cleansing resulted in physical death.(1Cor11:30)
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery. But I
say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already
committed adultery with her in his heart."(vs27-28)
So, this means that women should maintain "drab" get-up. That beauty is
sinful. That attractiveness is worldly. Right? After all, doesn't Peter
say to not fix up the hair, wear jewelry, or nice clothes?(1Pt3:3)
No. Not quite. God made women to be "beautiful" to men. Are we going to
condemn what God called "very good"?(Gen1:31) The Egyptians noticed
that Abraham's wife was "beautiful."(Gen12:14) Rachel was "beautiful of
form and appearance."(Gen29:17) What Peter is saying is, don't let the
outward things be what characterizes you. But rather let the beauty "be
the hidden person of the heart..gentle and quiet spirit."(1Pt3:4)
Abraham's servant brought out much jewelry for Rebecca.(Gen24:22) And
nothing was given in the law that said they should not wear jewelry.
Oh, and by the way, from my experience with my "ex..unequal-yoke" who
was beautiful; it didn't matter how she was dressed (scuzzy or nice),
she still got the "looks" from people. So, men, don't blame the woman.
(And then, for balance, let's not forget the matter of "stumbling
blocks." But that's another study for another time.)
So, if "it's OK" for a woman to be beautiful, what is Jesus saying? As
God said to Cain, "control yourselves, men." "..that each of you should
know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,"
(1Th4:4) Once you notice the beautiful woman, what do you do with what
you just saw? Do you merely admire, or do you "take her home with you"
in your thoughts? If you did, you might as well have done the physical
deed...as far as your own heart is concerned. "But each one is tempted
when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when
desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is
full-grown, brings forth death. (Jas1:14-15)
To what lengths should we go to keep from sinning? Whatever it takes!
Are you just NOT ABLE to control yourself? It would be better to be
without sight, than for your lusts to take what you see, and bring it
forth to sin.(vs29) It would be better to be minus a limb, than to go
fully-functional into destruction.(vs30) While we tend to "catagorize"
sins as being more or less "bad" and thus, feel we could just "sneak a
peak" without getting caught...it's "not so bad." Jesus says, sin is
sin. It is ALL "bad."
"Furthermore it has been said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give
her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that whoever divorces
his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit
adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits
adultery."(vs31-32)
"The two shall become one flesh."(Gen2:24) What makes a marriage? The
wedding ceremony? The license from the courthouse? No. It is when the
two come together. Thus, we have a society full of adultery. In God's
eyes, the first person you were with, is the one you "married."
(Gen49:31b) If you are with anyone else, it is adultery. The only
exceptions are death, and an unequal yoke. (Rom7:2-3,1Cor7:15)
Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not
swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.' But I say to
you, do not swear at all...but let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No',
'No.' For whatever is more than these is from evil."(vs33-37)
With all sorts of testimony and evidence against her, Harry Smith
(2/17/98) asks Tanya Harding words to the effect, "Can you look me in
the eye and tell me you had nothing to do with the attack on Nancy
Kerrigan?" Tanya looks him in the eye with words to the effect, "On
everything holy and sacred...I did not do it." (She had some
expressions I had not heard before, so don't remember it verbatim.) As
she was, obviously, "lying through her teeth"..!! Her words, "from evil."(vs37)
How can a person make a "solemn promise" based on some holy object?
Does a person have control over that object? Only God does. Can a
person swear by their own existence? God has control over that, too,
and can say, "Fool! This night your soul will be required of
you.."(Lk12:20) ...and what are you going to do about it then?
Just be straightforward and honest. "Yes..Yes" "No..No." Anything else
is sin.
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a
tooth.' But I tell you not to resist an evil person.(vs38-39)
In the law, if a person injured another such that they lost a body
part, the one who perpetrated the crime was to receive to his own
person in like manner as he had done.(Ex21:24) This was a "judicial"
ruling. Is Jesus saying that criminals are no longer to be held
accountable for their crimes, as is presently the case in the US? No.
He is speaking of "vengeance." God says, "Vengeance is Mine, and
recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their
calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.' "For the
LORD will judge His people And have compassion on His servants, When He
sees that their power is gone, And there is no one remaining, bond or
free. (Deu32:35-36)
In other words, be willing to suffer wrong.(1Cor6:7) While we are given
the right to use the legal system to receive restitution (1Cor7:21,
Acts22:25,25:10-11), we are not to take matters into our own hands. To
"make them pay." If things don't turn out the way you know they
"should" just remember that "their foot shall slip in due time." They
will get what's coming to them.
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and
hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who
curse you...that you may be sons of your Father in heaven."(~vs43-45)
How would we be "sons of [our] Father?" Peter expresses it with Jesus'
own example, "who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when
He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who
judges righteously.."(1Pt2:23) If we are nice only to those who are
nice to us, we are no different than the world. But to be
"perfect"(vs48) is to love them anyway; remembering God's love for us
"when we were still without strength"(Rom5:6)(or goodness or merit)
"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son."(Jn3:16)
No. No "new" commandments. Just, the "real intent" of the Law as was
already given. "Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old
commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment
is the word which you heard from the beginning. (1Jn2:7)
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[Library]
Sermon on the Mount:
to be seen by men? -
(Mat 6:1 & 16)
"Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be
seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in
heaven."(vs1)
Charitable deeds ("alms"). Not a specific commandment given through
Moses. But, something, nonetheless which Jesus is commenting on. In the
O.T. God made many passing comments about treating widows, orphans and
the poor with compassion. To "not afflict" widows and orphans.(Ex22:22)
That God sees their cause.(Deu10:18) To treat foreigners well.
(Deu10:19) And furthermore, that "gleanings" should be left for the
poor and the foreigners. (Lev19:9-10)
In more urban societies it would seem that people simply gave money to
the poor. e.g. When Jesus instructed Judas that it was "time" (to go
betray Him) the other disciples thought he was perhaps supposed to go
give to the poor.(Jn13:29) Zacchaeus promised to give "half" his goods
to the poor.(Lk19:8) And in the early church they made efforts to
"remember the poor."(Gal2:10) But you will notice, it is not a specific
command. Nor is a method of giving, nor an amount or percentage
dictated. This was something people would do out of the goodness of
their hearts.
But, as today, so it was then. Those who gave, received notoriety and
recognition for their beneficence. Today we have the "????
Foundation/s" where "????" is somebody's "name." Just recently the
"overnight millionaires" from MicroSoft were featured on CBS News for
their philanthropy. So, now we know "who" they are, and "the fact that"
they are learning how to give.
In Jesus day, apparently, they were even more brazen...sounding
trumpets before themselves. Thus the expression about "tooting one's
own horn." Jesus said, "they have their reward."(vs2)
But, what is the "purpose" in doing "charity?" To gain a name because
of one's own philanthropy? Or is it to benefit the objects of that
charity? Jesus said, "you have the poor with you always."(Mt26:11) As
long as the world is in sin, there are always going to be the
"have-nots." While welfare needs to be reformed to encourage the
dead-beats to get back to work and stop being free-loaders, there is
truly a need for welfare. There will always be people in need. Whether
they receive aid from the government ('not going to get into political
discussion here) or from private charities, it is necessary to care for
the truly destitute. That is a Godly principle.
Is it wrong to have wealth? (Some give to charities out of guilt for
their own wealth) No. Peter said to Ananias, "While it remained, was it
not your own? After it [the property] was sold, was it not in your own
control?"(Acts5:4) Furthermore, is it wrong to spend for "quality" for
special occasions? No. Before His crucifixion a woman anointed Jesus
with expensive perfume/oil. And the disciples became indignant over
this "waste" when it could have been sold and given to the poor.
(Mt26:7-13) And Jesus said that she had done a "good work" for Jesus,
in preparation for His "burial." After all, remember that Jesus is
Deity. The very Son of God. Is He not "worth" the very best we can
give!
If giving to charity is for the benefit of the needy, there is no need
for recognition of the donor. The purpose is to help those in need.
"Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."(vs3) Do
it in "secret."(vs4) Rather than appearing on TV, how about leaving
several bags of groceries on their doorstep from time to time
"anonymously." If you know they can't afford new tires for their old
car, pre-pay for a set, and swear the dealer to "secrecy" as to "where"
it came from. Your Father in heaven knows your heart, and will reward
you appropriately.
"Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad
countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men
to be fasting."(vs16)
As we considered in a recent commentary, "fasting" is not something God
specifically commanded. He said that during certain times Israel should
"afflict" their souls.(Lv16:29) It would seem apparent that Israel
adopted "fasting" as there are subsequently many O.T. references to
"fasting" in connection with humility and repentance before God.
So, you notice, Jesus does not say, "I command you to fast." But
rather, "WHEN you fast." In other words, when you are in a mode of
humility and contrition before God, don't announce it to the world. If
you are truly humbling yourself before God, what does anybody else
matter? As Jesus was gently, pointedly, bringing Peter back from his
denial of Christ, Peter pipes up with, "what about this man?"(Jn21:21)
And Jesus replies, "If I will that he remains till I come, what is that
to you? You follow Me."(vs22) Don't worry about your "fellow servant."
(Rom14:4) He is individually answerable to God, just as you are. You
follow [Me] and don't worry about "him."
When you fast, do so "in secret" (vs18) before your Father. To the
world, go about your life "as normal." If you were scheduled for a
lunch appointment; keep the appointment and "eat" at it. Your spiritual
relationship is "personal" with your Father. And He will be sure that
the necessary people know what they need to know.
Related Study
Q/A on this topic
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[Library]
Sermon on the Mount:
praying hypocrites? -
(Mat 6:5-8)
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love
to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets,
that they may be seen by men."(vs5)
Oh, the "spirituality" ...to be able, at a "moment's notice" to be
called upon by the leader on the platform to stand from within the
congregation to "pray." Oh, the flowery words and better yet, if the
person can pray in "King James-ese." Such a person surely "must" be a
terrificly wonderful "Christian." Or when a group is eating in a
restaurant, the "spiritual one" will raise his voice ten times the
normal conversation level...as a "testimony" to the unregenerate, you
understand...and "pray" for 10 minutes to "bless" the food.
Or, during "prayer meeting" the person didn't get a chance to
"show-n-tell" so, "Lord, thank you for letting [me] have the
opportunity to do these wonderful things for You." Like the pharisee,
"God I thank you [that I'm so wonderful]..."(Lk18:11) Or, if there has
been a heated discussion with great animosity, the parties decide to
"pray about it" and their "prayer" becomes a "santification" of each's
position before the other, making it "right" ...because they are
"praying" about it "before God." ...or so they assume.
Jesus calls such rubbish "hypocrisy!" Such people who boost themselves
up "have their reward."(vs5b) But not from God!
Prayer is a "secret" thing with our Father. As we "abide" in Christ
(Jn15) and are "one" with the Father and Jesus (Jn17) we are a
"family." Families typically don't go broadcasting their personal
matters to the world. When a married couple are intimate, they do not
advertise and describe their relationship with everyone else. The
relationship of the Christian with Jesus Christ is like the marriage
relationship(Eph5:32) where "two..become one"(vs31) as we are "one"
with God.(Jn17:21) The Believer goes "into the room and [shuts] the
door" and communes with God "in secret."(vs6)
Yes, there are times when a leader will forumlate a "corporate prayer."
Solomon did so in dedicating the temple.(2Chr6:13) Jesus did so in
breaking the bread.(Mt15:36) In raising Lazarus.(Jn11:41) Paul before
the unregenerate in the storm.(Acts27:35) Many of these "public"
prayers were as much for "testimony" to the observers as they were true
"communion" between the ones praying and God; and were more an outward
manifestation of the communion that already existed...as Jesus prayed,
"And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are
standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."
(Jn11:42)
Furthermore, "when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen.
For they think that they will be heard for their many words.(vs7)
"Now I lay me down to sleep..." or "God is gracious, God is good, now
we thank Him for this food." These are the ones people teach their
children. There are some cults called "christian" that use the heathen
practices of "prayer beads." Each bead another "prayer." As though,
somehow we must multiply words before God for Him to hear us. The
reason people are not heard by God is "sin." "..your iniquities have
separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from
you, so that He WILL NOT HEAR."(Is59:2) Understand this clearly. There
are many "prayers" that God "refuses to" hear. And no amount of
multiplying of words, repeating mantras, raising the voice...will
avail anything.
Many "prayers" are with wrong motives(Jas4:3) and are not answered. The
other day I was riding along with a friend and this music tape was
playing...the "ol' favorite"; "Sweet hour of prayer...make all [my]
WANTS and WISHES known." To most people this is what prayer is. "God,
get me out of this mess I got myself into. I'll promise to do ANYTHING
You ask, if you'll just get me out of this bind!" Do you think God
"makes deals?!" This prayer is not originating from a desire for
fellowship with God, and is not from a pure heart! Or, "I really need
that new car, Lord."
What prayers does God answer? Those that are "according to His will."
(1Jn5:14) But how do we know what His will is? We need to be in
fellowship; abiding. Our heart attitudes must be of submission to Him,
as Jesus prayed, "not My will, but yours be done."(Lk22:42) Rather than
my "wants and wishes" it is "what will you have me to do?"(Acts9:6)
And as for our "needs" ...it isn't really necessary to ask, because
"your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him."(vs8)
So, don't be like the hypocrites.(vs8a)
Q/A on this topic
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Sermon on the Mount:
how to pray -
Mat 6:9-15)
"In this manner, therefore, pray:"(vs9)
Jesus was in the habit of praying a lot. 'Would sometimes spend all
night in prayer.(Lk6:12) And on one occasion the disciples asked Him
"Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.."(Lk11:1)
His reply there was essentially the same as here, on the Sermon on the
Mount.
"Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name..."
When Isaiah saw the Lord "high and lifted up"(Is6:1) the seraphim
continually cried to one another "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of
hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!"(vs3) When we are "in
secret" with God, we do not approach Him as if He was our "buddy." The
"man upstairs." We come before Him in awe and fear (Ps89:7) as Isaiah
wailed "Woe is me..I am undone!"(Is6:5)
Also, let us be sure we pray to our Father "in heaven." Some modern
perversions of Scripture, in some parallel passages will delete "in
heaven." For the unregenerate there is [another] "father." As Jesus
said, "you are of your father the devil.."(Jn8:44) And as he imitates
God as an "angel of light"(2Cor11:14) his "spirit-filled" children pray
to [their] father. But he is not of "heaven!" He is of the "pit"
(Rev20:3) and the "lake of fire."(vs10) The Most High is "in heaven."
"Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in
heaven..."(vs10)
Once we have recognized and praised God's holiness, we also acknowledge
His authority and rulership. The word "kingdom" does not only refer to
a "place" but also the "royal power and dominion" of our Father in
heaven; the "Most High."(Is14:14,Dan4:17) His "right" to rulership. If
we do this, coming from the foundation of knowing His holiness, we will
not be running around pretending to be "little christs" and mouthing
off to the "dignitaries."(Jude8,2Pt2:10) We will realize that such
belongs to God.
And naturally, then, we will not try to conform God to our wills;
misapplying Jesus promise, "If you ask anything in My name, I will do
it. (Jn14:14) As though to "force God" into doing things at our beck
and call. Our desire is that God's "will be done." We are, but,
"ambassadors"(2Cor5:20) and represent [God's] kingdom.
"Give us this day our daily bread..."(vs11)
This part almost seems redundant and "unnecessary" somehow, doesn't it;
since Jesus had said, "your Father knows the things you need before you
ask."(vs8) And yet in this simple sentence we find the "only item" we
request on behalf of ourselves. "Daily bread." The simple "necessities"
of life. That which is necessary to sustain us. In this sentence is not
included all our "wants and wishes." It is not our purpose to acquire
in abundance, "For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to
himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to
the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
(Rom14:7-8)
And the necessities are for "each day." He says, "give us THIS DAY.."
As God led Israel through the wilderness, the manna fell "each"
non-sabbath day. And it says there was nothing over; nothing lacking.
"Every man had gathered according to each one's need."(Ex16:18) It was
always "just right."
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors..."(vs12)
What is a "debt?" Something owed. A payment due, a recompense unmet.
What is the debt we owe God? Death. We are sinners and the "wages of
sin is death."(Rom6:23) Now, if we are Believers and we sin, we
"confess" our sins and receive forgiveness. (1Jn1:9)
If someone has wronged us, we are to forgive them. If we refuse to do
so, God will not forgive us, either.(vs14-15) Why not? Let's think
about this a minute. If we come to God in TRUE "repentance" it
indicates abject humility. "God be merciful to me the sinner."(Lk18:13)
We understand our total inability to "cover" the debt.(Mt18:25) We
understand God's "grace."(Rom5:20) We understand that forgiveness has
nothing to do with us acquiring it on our own behalf.(Rom5:6,8)
So, if we have been "forgiven much" we also "love much."(Lk7:47) If we
have been forgiven, and understand God's grace, we can do nothing BUT
to forgive one another. To not do so is to not truly understand God's
forgiveness of us. And thus, it is not given to us. We know our own
frailties. We must also realize the frailties of one another.
Do we begin to understand Jesus' ability to cover our sin? It says,
"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
(Heb4:15) For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is
able to aid those who are tempted. (Heb2:18) The "full depth" of Jesus'
atonment for us was not only that He was righteous, and died for us
substitutionally. But He also was fully "man" (Heb2:14) and as such, He
could UNDERSTAND "as a man" the frailties which lead us to sin. He was
not "just" God "up there" Who didn't know "how we have it down here."
He "truly knows" experientially why we sin and fail; even though He did
not succumb, Himself. And so, His "forgiveness" of us becomes even more
"personal" and precious! Since He "humbled Himself" to do so.(Phil2:8)
If we refuse to forgive another, knowing our own frailties and the
mercy we desire from God, He does not forgive us. We have not truly
humbled ourself. We are holding ourself "above" the other, judging
them.(Rom14:4)
"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil..."(vs13)
Let us remember that God does not bring evil upon us. He only gives
"good" things.(Jas1:17) But He allows Satan to buffet us as an
"adversary." He "opposes" Christ.(Zec3:1) Seeks to "devour" whomever he
can.(1Pt5:8) Jesus promised that "tribulation" would come (Jn16:33) and
also that He has "overcome." We have "victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ."(1Cor15:57)
Many people will say that the evil that befell us was something that God brought upon
us. But the "person" of the "evil one" is also very real. He is the
"deceiver."(2Jn1:7) The "father" of lies.(Jn8:44)
Again...when we know God and His character, this part of the prayer is
almost redundant, as well. But when we understand that "prayer" is a
situation of "abiding" in Christ, then we realize that these things we
"pray about" are part of the fellowship and assurance of knowing what
is already there. While satan comes against us, we have the assurance
and security in Christ. "You've got this taken care of, too, Father,
don't You. I rest in You."(Ps37:7) To "rest" is to be "silent."
"Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord,
Who is with you..."(2Chr20:17)
You will notice there is nothing here about "me", "power of prayer" or
"prayer warfare." Nor is this a "prayer" to be repeated as a fetish or
mantra to generate an atmosphere during "worship." Knowing that all
power, authority and glory belong to God...forever.(vs13b)
Amen.
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Sermon on the Mount:
about survival -
(Mat 6:19-34)
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth...but lay up for
yourselves treasures in heaven..."(vs19-20)
"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your
whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole
body will be full of darkness." and "...how great is that darkness!"
(vs22-23)
"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love
the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon."(vs24)
These three thoughts, while possibly seeming to be separate, are really
one and the same. Talking about the HEART, "for where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also."(vs21)
People bustle about; working, scavenging, stealing...to acquire wealth.
Whether they acquire little or much, whatever they have is never "quite
enough." God originally put man on this earth to care for it.(Gen1:28)
As the "preacher" goes about to evaluate life he concludes that
"nothing is better for [men] than to rejoice, and to do good in their
lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good
of all his labor--it is the gift of God."(Ecc3:12-13) And yet for all
Solomon's wisdom, Jesus says about the flowers which God cares for,
"even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."(vs29)
As this lesson is being prepared, spring is attempting to arrive, and
outside my door the sparrows are making a fuss over some little nooks
and crannies of this building, in anticipation of building nests. Who
gives them their "wisdom" in what they do? God does. So "will he not
much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"(vs30)
The crux of the matter gets down to our focus. Our hearts. Whom do we
trust? Whom do we follow? Of what does our life consist? Are we merely
"earthly-minded?" Or do we live to follow God? If we are seeking
earthly advancement, our focus diverts away from God. The things of
this earth will be "burned up."(2Pt3:10) And then what will we bring
before God to show for ourselves?(1Cor3:10-15)
The KJV renders vs22 better. If your eye is "single" the whole body
will be full of light. James says the "double-minded man [is] unstable
in all his ways."(Jas1:8) If a gun were being aimed at a target, having
two siting mechanisms, each calibrated differently, and the person was
trying to site down both, he's going to miss the target. Paul was
"single-minded" as he was "forgetting those things which are behind and
reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the
goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
(Phil3:13-14)
As Jesus said, "no one can serve two masters."(vs24) It simply cannot
be done. A person can ride the fence for a time, but ultimately a
decision must be made. Not like the perverts that appear on the "Jerry
Springer" show "...I love you, but I want to go on seeing this other
person, too."
This is one of the greatest delusions of the devil. Sure, go ahead and
say you love God. But also, why not include all these other beliefs,
too. After all, in the end, how do you know "which" one is right? This
way, if you have them all..."one of them" is bound to be right and will
get you there, right? Like; another person who has been corresponding
to VW recently...believing in "post-trib" but hoping and wishing for
"pre-trib" rapture. But "hedging the bets" just in case the one was
wrong. This is NOT true Faith!
If a person claims to love God, but also "trusts" in the world, his
"love" of God is a lie. Many claim to believe the Lord is coming for
the Church...but they also are stock-piling food and stores, "just in
case" it is REALLY a "post-trib" scenario, and they go through the
Tribulation.
"After all these things the [unregenerate] seek. For your heavenly
Father knows that you need these things. But seek first the kingdom of
God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to
you."(vs32-33)
The ministry of VW is a testimony to this. As many of you know, I am
self-employed, running a sign business. It is a life of faith, being
dependant upon customers coming with orders, to survive. The ministry
of VW is carried on "in addition to" this career. However, VW has grown
to an extent that the time spent with it is beginning to approach
"full-time" with regards to writing, correspondence, and website
maintenance. So, I now use a Zip-Disk to carry VW stuff back and forth
between home and work. And most of these studies are prepared at
"work." As VW has been busier, the store has become "slower." As the
need is there to write or correspond, the phones are slower. But as
bills need to be paid, the Lord brings in the work orders to meet those
needs. To an outsider it would probably appear that the business was
"failing." But the Lord has given me a "Job" to do...not necessarily
making money. But He knows the "needs" to sustain me. He knows my
single-mindedness to serve Him as my first (and only) desire is the
"kingdom of God." So, He sees to the rest.
And so, to those who worry about things; the times of "Jacob's Trouble"
that are about to come upon the unregenerate, Jesus says, "do not worry
about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things."(vs34) If
you are "left behind" when the Rapture occurs, and you then "call upon
the name of the Lord" (Joel2:32) do not worry how to survive. You will
most likely glorify the Lord by being martyred, anyway.(Rev12:17,13:15)
Do not worry about what to say when that time comes, "whatever is given
you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy
Spirit."(Mk13:11)
Don't try to pre-plan for "tomorrow" .."for tomorrow will worry about
its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."(vs34)
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[Library]
Sermon on the Mount:
don't judge -
(Mat 7:1-5)
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge,
you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured
back to you.(vs1-2)
This word "judge" means to "pass judgment, condemn." There was a person
who used to condemn just about everyone in sight. A sibling who had
divorced a wife with children in order to be with another was condemned
as not being "fit", even, to read Scripture or pray publicly in a
family gathering. Many were the sermons against immorality. If young
people even looked at each other, it was automatically assumed that
friendliness represented impure thoughts. Dating by anybody less that
college age was forbidden.(ed. possibly not a bad idea, actually) This
condemnation carried with it the "airs" that this person was "above"
all that. That his own life was pure, and such thoughts or deeds would
never ever enter his mind. That these "other" people thus defiled were
required to "bow" at his feet in confession and repentance. They were
answerable "to him."
Many years later, as this person's life was proven to be futile, the
truth became known. He had had an affair earlier in his life. When
confronted with the facts, refusal to acknowledge, and an angry
frustration that such should even be mentioned publicly.
"Indeed you...rest in the law, and make your boast in God...are
confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those
who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish...you, therefore, who
teach another, do you not teach yourself? ...you who say, 'Do not
commit adultery,' do you commit adultery?"(~Rom2:17-23) The "judge"
pretending to be righteous, was actually hiding the big "railroad tie"
in his own eye, as he was busy poking around in other peoples' lives,
making public display of their "tooth picks."(vs4) As Paul continued,
"For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles [unbelievers]
because of you"(2:24) this person's life of "ministry" was ineffectual.
Peter had been at grievous fault. He had bragged how he would "never"
deny the Lord, and then had done so, just as Jesus predicted he would.
Jesus is "now" confronting Peter, "Peter, do you love Me?"(Jn21) And
through a whole conversation, Jesus pokes around inside Peter's heart,
and brings him along the path to restoration. But pride is still in the
way, as he is doubtless feeling very humbled before the rest of the
disciples, since he had so openly bragged how strong he would be, and
Jesus is now "openly" confronting him as to how it had all "gone down."
And so he points to the disciple who actually had not denied Jesus in
the same circumstances he had been in (Jn18:16), and asks, "what about
him?"(21:21) And Jesus rather retorts back with, you never mind him;
"you follow Me."(vs22)
People who set themselves up as judges, do so with the attitude that
they, themselves, are "untouchable." That nobody DARES to even suggest
that they might not be pristine. But Jesus says, "Therefore whatever
you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you
have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the
housetops. (Lk12:3)
And while we are to exhort one another daily (Heb3:13), be a
well-functioning body (Eph4:16) and restoring one "overtaken in a
tresspass" with "gentleness"(Gal6:1); that word "gentleness" is
obviously at odds with "condemnation" as the person is admonished with
"considering yourself.." Paul asks, "who are you to judge another's
servant?" (Rom14:4) Anyone who is a Believer is a servant of Christ. We
are ultimately answerable to Him. It is "the Boss" who hires and fires,
gives promotions or reprimands.
Do we think we see "something" about somebody? But it is not obvious to
ferret out; nor are there "two or three witnesses?" (Mt18:16, 2Cor13:1,
1Tm5:19) Or is there an "attitude against" somebody? Against such Paul
responded, "..it is a very small thing that I should be judged by
you..in fact, I do not even judge myself..He who judges me is the Lord.
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will
both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the
counsels of the hearts."(1Cor4:3-5) It is Christ Who "is a discerner of
the thoughts and intents of the heart" before Whom "we must give
account"(Heb4:12-13) Therefore, "why do you judge your brother? Or why
do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before
the judgment seat of Christ." (Rom14:10)
Recently I was "judged" by someone as though I was a "biker" (hoodlum)
because of his assumption that "motorcycles are associated with drugs
and gangs." Jesus said, "Do not judge according to appearance, but
judge with righteous judgment." (Jn7:24) This person did not even judge
by "appearance" but by mere word-association.
But this leads us to a common "abuse" and misinterpretation of this
passage. What about the Christian "look-alikes." The
"pretend-christians?" The false prophets who gad about as "wolves in
sheeps clothing?" Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, who come to
you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.(Mt7:15)
When a Christian is "[testing] the spirits, whether they are of God"
(1Jn4:1) the wolves immediately retort back with "judge not that you be
not judged." Or, the wishy washy Christians who are trying to straddle
the fence will wring their hands in dismay and whine, "Well, we're not
s'pposs' to ju-u-udge..." Representatives of the wolves will complain
against exposes (Eph5:11) about their false doctrines and wickedness
with, "you are not following 'protocol' of Mt18:15-17 as you are
judging your brother." Trouble is, that passage is talking about
Believers in the "Church" ...of which they are not a part. They are not
"brothers."
Jesus is saying to not condemn what you don't know about; and be sure
of yourself first. Whereas, testing/discerning wolves from sheep is an
investigative process to determine the truth or falsehood of the matter
or doctrine in question. We cannot know if something is good or bad,
unless we investigate, and make a "determination." Or... "judge" it.
If we find a thing to be of the evil one, there is no cause to
compromise by convening a "council" to discuss "what shall we do?" We
must say, "Away with you, satan!"(Mt3:10) He and his emissaries will
keep coming back, hoping your answer will "soften" a bit, so they can
gain entrance, but we must "put away" the evil.(1Cor5:13, Ec11:10,
Deu13:5) "Put away" means to "get rid of it, alienate, burn it up."
Totally eliminate it.
But to judge (condemn) a fellow-Believer is like self-righteous Susie,
who notices Jimmy's eyes are open during prayer. After the "Amen"
piously proclaims, "Jimmy's eyes were open during prayer!" Well, Susie,
if "you" were obediently closing your eyes, how would you even know
that Jimmy's eyes were open? With the "judgment" you hoped Jimmy would
get "it will be measured back to you."(vs2)
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord... Do not speak evil of one
another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his
brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge
the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one
Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy..." (~Jas4:10-12)
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Sermon on the Mount:
pearls before swine? -
(Mat 7:6)
Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before
swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you
in pieces.(vs6)
There is an Old Testament principle that holy things of the temple were
to be handled and eaten only by priests and those who were purified.
(Lev6:18,26-27) An "unclean" person could not come into the temple
without purification.(Nu19:13) Even the Passover, no "foreigner" was
allowed to partake(Ex12:43) unless he was circumcised.(12:48)
Furthermore, to the Jew a Gentile was considered a "dog" and "unclean."
(Mt15:26-27) Nehemiah was quite forceful about Sabbath observance as it
related to Gentile merchants at the gates.(Neh13:19-22) There was to be
a "distinction" between Israel and non-believers, because they were a
"holy nation."(Ex19:6) While Israel was set in the center of the
nations as a "light to the Gentiles"(Is60:3) through God's law, and the
coming of Messiah; and will be when Jesus comes to reign from
Jerusalem; they were to be different from the nations. They were not to
mingle and learn the ways of the heathen around them; but were, rather,
to be "teachers" of the surrounding nations.(Jer12:16) They were warned
that interest in foreign gods would be a "snare" to them.(Ex23:33)
So, what do we have today? A "church" with decades of the unregenerate
"ministering" within its ranks. As a former church choir director I can
attest to the whining arguments; "the choir is so small, we need more
singers, and here, John and his wife, Jackie are good singers. Let's
get them into the choir." If it was mentioned that they were not
"Believers" "...well, what better way to BRING THEM TO THE LORD?" Get
them "involved." Get them under the hearing of the Gospel. Youth
ministries are run the same way; get the unregenerate "involved" to
hold their interest...keep them coming. Or music albums recorded with
unregenerate studio musicians. And the list could go on...
The unregenerate will no more be drawn to the Lord through "ministry"
than any food would become "holy" because the "holy meat" touched
it.(Hag2:12) And furthermore, if a "holy" Church is intermingled by the
defilement of the world--the unsaved "ministering" in church, it will
make the church "unclean."(Hag2:13) That which was "holy" was the
sacrifices, which the purified would eat. It was done in worship
before God. Such cannot be participated in by the unregenerate. Keep
ministry and worship only amongst Believers. This means preaching,
teaching, choir, special music, ushering, serving communion,
janitorial work, etc. ...everything.
So then, "pearls before swine." The "gems" of God's Word. The precious
"nuggets" of Truth. Given to the "unclean."
What happens when a Believer gets into a debate with the unregenerate?
Can the Believer impart "deep truths" or "intricate doctrines" to the
unsaved? What happens, for instance, when you try to share Scriptural
principles with the scoffers of the world on your favorite "religion
forum?" At CompuServe (where I had experience in the past) you will be
censored off the board; as the perverted have free reign, and blaspheme
the holy name of Christ. You cannot discuss the subtleties of "free
will vs. sovereignty" because they don't know the Lord. These things
are "foolishness to them; neither can he know them because they are
spiritually discerned."(1Cor2:14) They would like nothing better than
to drag you down into their "wallowing in the mire."(2Pt2:22) And
typically, if you try to force-feed them, they will often be more
scholarly educated, and will "rip you to shreds" totally ignoring or
discrediting any Scripture you might have given them. Paul exhorted
Timothy, "..avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions
of what is falsely called knowledge."(1Tm6:20)
In other words, there are some with whom we should not waste our time.
When the girl called out, "these men are servants of the Most High who
proclaim to us the way of salvation"(Acts16:17) Paul did not thank her
for "helping further the Gospel" but rather got rather annoyed and cast
the demon out of her.(vs18)
So, as you are having that "exchange" with someone, and it finally
comes to a certain point where you know you are "banging your head"
against the wall, the Holy Spirit will direct you to severe
communication with that person. Yes, they will become hostile, and lash
out at you. And will, no matter what you do, get the "last word" in. In
such a case, just let them go. You have faithfully given them God's
Word. They have rejected. "Shake the dust off your feet"(Mt10:14) and
trust God's Word to do its job, remembering, "So shall My word be that
goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall
accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I
sent it. (Isa 55:11) ...whether they eventually repent, or stand before
God without excuse... (Rom1:20)
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Sermon on the Mount:
good gifts -
(Mat 7:7-11)
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and
it will be opened to you.(vs7)
Unlike the person in responding to Jesus' knocking (Rev3:20), who makes
a choice as to whether to let Jesus in or not; Jesus promises the
supplicant with a response. Even when one has gone astray God promises,
"Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to
you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all
your heart. and I will be found by you..."(Jer29:12-14) You notice the
qualification; "with all your heart."
The psalmist responds to God, "When You said, "Seek My face," My heart
said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek." (Ps27:8) This is how we
"ask according to His will."(1Jn5:14) ..because we are "seeking [His]
face."
We cannot go about asking God to satisfy all our cravings for selfish
purposes. He won't reply favorably.(Jas4:3) If we harbor sin in our
lives which we jealously hang on to, He refuses to hear.(Is59:2) But
even if we have sinned, and confess (1Jn1:9) and seek Him, He will [let
us find Him.](Jer29:14) Because our desire is to seek Him, and His
holiness and His will.
What does He promise as a response? His response is just like a "daddy"
doting over his children. "As far as the east is from the west, So far
has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his
children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our
frame; He remembers that we are dust." (Ps103:23-14)
Once we have been cleansed, His gifts upon us are only "good" things.
(vs11) If He had to chasten us, He does so with greater wisdom than
earthly fathers know.(Heb12:10) As He sees to our daily sustenance, He
knows our "frame" and our needs (Mt6:32) as "every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of
lights.."(Jas1:17)
There are some who suppose that God brings calamity upon us. Well, no.
We bring calamity upon ourselves. Please pardon a "personal" example.
When my unequal yoke left, those who were counseling/comforting me
suggested that God "caused" the divorce and all the hurt I was
experiencing, because of Rom8:28 in order to bring about good. Well,
no. "I caused" the divorce by having been disobedient to God in
marrying her in the first place. I was merely "reaping what I had
sown."(Gal6:7) As God says, "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the
mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the
fruit of his doings. (Jer17:10)
But...now...since I was/am a child of His, when I had "hit bottom" as
she left, THEN Rom8:28 came into play. As I was "now" humbled, and
cleansed due to confession (1Jn1:9) I was "seeking His face." He
answered with His love like I had never known. The "Comforter"(Jn16)
picked me up, got me back on track where my desires had always
been...to serve Him...but now, without the impediment, I was useable.
And it was only after that, that VW could start. I had failed Him and
brought upon myself the consequences; but everything that came about,
He worked for His glory. And what God works out, when we get out of the
way and allow Him free reign in our lives, is nothing but "good."
"Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from [wood and clay -- dishonor],
he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master,
prepared for every good work." (2Tm2:21)
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Sermon on the Mount:
as you would be treated -
(Mat 7:12)
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for
this is the Law and the Prophets. (vs12)
The "great law" was recited by Jesus when asked, "You shall love the
LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all
your mind.' (Mt22:37) This, quoted from Deu6:5, was the basis for all
the Law given to Israel. If they "had such a heart in them that they
would fear Me and always keep all My commandments."(5:29)
As we have learned in our studies from 1Jn4:20, If someone says, "I
love God" and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love
his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not
seen?" So Jesus continues, "And the second is like it: 'You shall love
your neighbor as yourself.'"(Mt22:39)
If we look at the passage that comes from, we find ourselves coming
full circle to the beginning of "this" chapter in Matthew 7 about "not
judging" (condemning). "You shall not hate your brother in your heart.
You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.
You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children
of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the
LORD." (Lv19:17-18)
You notice here the difference between "love", "hate" and "justice." We
have a society plagued by "love without justice." Because people
suppose themselves to be "loving" they refuse to bring just retribution
to perpetrators of crime. Scriptures are quite clear that there should
not be "partiality" in favor of the wicked, nor to falsely accuse the
righteous (Pr18:5) That those who do so "are an abomination to the
LORD."(Pr17:15) And "Because the sentence against an evil work is not
executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set
in them to do evil. (Ec8:11) It is the blight of our society which
allows criminals on death row to gobble up millions of tax dollars for
their sustenance for MANY YEARS, and then, sometimes, due to politics
and appeals, they never are executed. And that others (who should be
executed) are released, unrepentant, to re-commit their crimes.
The expression "eye for an eye, tooth for tooth" had nothing to do with
vengeance. It had to do with "justice." As a person had perpetrated, so
it was to be done to him.(Ex21) And the judgment was to be carried out
"immediately." If the condemnation required a "beating" it says, "the
judge will cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence,
according to his guilt, with a certain number of blows."(De25:2)
Quite a deterrent to crime, wouldn't you say... If a person knows, as
he contemplates commiting a crime, "if I get caught, what I'm about to
do will be done to me" ..he's likely to think twice before doing
whatever he's planning.
And then, on the more "positive" side of this matter... If a person
wants to be treated fairly, he should treat others fairly, as well.
Considering that it will be "measured back" in "same measure."(vs2)
Does a person want "good things" ...then give out good things. To be
treated with respect? ...treat others likewise. If a person wants
friends, "A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is
a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Pr18:24) And in this we
have our Ultimate Example, as Jesus says, "For I have given you an
example, that you should do as I have done to you...if you know these
things, happy are you if you do them."(Jn13:15,17)
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Sermon on the Mount:
narrow way -
(Mat 7:13-14)
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way
that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.(vs13)
We see "two choices" here. Jesus says there is a "narrow" way and a
"broad" one. The world would have us believe that there is a
multiplicity of paths to "enlightenment." It doesn't matter what you
believe. Just, that we are all united in our differences. They call it
"unity in diversity."
Jesus gives different labels. The one He calls "life" and the other
"destruction." Whether a person chooses to believe other passages in
Scripture or not that talk about "lake of fire"(Rev20:15) or
"hell"(Lk12:5) or "outer darkness" and "weeping and gnashing of
teeth"(Mt25:30) or the unquenchable fire where the "worm does not
die"(Is66:24); this word "destruction" is an "utter destruction,
perishing, ruin with misery." And the word "perish" ominously includes
the idea of "being destroyed in a violent untimely manner." Much as
Sodom and Gomorrah were "suddenly" destroyed with fire and brimstone.
(Gen19:24) Or as He brought upon Egypt the plagues which devastated it,
in order to redeem Israel out of bondage.
Notice that the way to destruction is "broad." Wide and spacious. It is
the "easy" way. No apparent obstacles. And it garners the "approval" of
the masses, because "many" go that way.
"Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to
life, and there are few who find it."(vs14)
This narrow gate only allows "one-at-a-time" to enter. While the
throngs followed Jesus, it was the same throngs that cried out "Hosanna
to the Son of David"(Mt21:9); scarcely four days later were
blood-curdling with "crucify Him! crucify Him!"(Lk23:21) One would have
thought they were all "Christians" the way they were "praising Jesus"
on "Palm Sunday." But that was not their true heart. Anybody Jesus
"converted" He called on, on an "individual" basis. Nicodemus (Jn3),
woman of Samaria (Jn4), Zacchaeus (Lk19:5), Peter (Jn21), Saul/Paul
(Acts9).
More and more, this reality makes me seriously question the masses of
people who "go forward" at large crusades. And the so-called "great
revivals" of past decades and centuries. If those people were truly
coming to Christ in the numbers claimed, why is the world not "turned
upside down" as it was in Acts?(Acts17:6) Why does sin remain on the
rampage? Why is there no better understanding of God's Truth than there
is? It is because the reality of things is that there is a "remnant"
only.(Rom9:27) While that was said of Israel, to Elijah God said that
there were, "..seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed
to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (1Ki19:18) We see
the same regarding the "Church." While there is a large collection of
people who label themselves as "Christian", just as there were how-many
"million" in Israel's population; just as Israel's history is recorded
as an "example" to us(1Cor10:6); sadly the same is true of the Church.
There are "millions" who belong to "church clubs" and even gather for
great rallys. But the "True Believer" who has not "bowed to Baal" are a
mere "remnant."
This is because the way is "difficult." "Difficult" meaning,
"constricted, hard pressed upon, compressed, full of affliction and
distress, confined."
When "great multitudes" were following Jesus it says that He turned to
them and said, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and
mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life
also, he cannot be My disciple. "And whoever does not bear his cross
and come after Me cannot be My disciple. "For which of you, intending
to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether
he has enough to finish it; (Lk14:26-28) Such talk does not "go over"
very well with a society that believes in "fa-a-amily" and traditional
"family values."
And furthermore, Jesus said there is only "one way" to eternal life. He
said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through Me."(Jn14:6) And the disciples, when on trial, echoed
this, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name
under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts4:12)
"...and there are few who find it."(vs14b)
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Sermon on the Mt:
wolves in sheep's clothing -
(Mat 7:15-20)
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (vs15)
This is a warning. "Beware" means to "pay attention to, take heed, be
on guard against, take great caution" along with the idea of being
"very diligent" in the matter.
"You will know them by their fruits."(vs16) If your garden had
potatoes; and thistles came up, too... In the fall of the year, the
thistles will be all brittle, and when you dig under them, there are
"no" potatoes, and they can be rather "stickery." If you are unfamiliar
with trees and vines, when the fruit starts appearing, you are sure of
"what" the plant is. If a wolf went about with a sheep pelt covering
its body, and it gave birth to offspring, the little one is not going
to "bleat" ...it's going to whine, growl, howl... like a wolf.
Christian...this is why "they" attack you for your beliefs and firm
stance upon God's Word. They "growl" at you, because they are "wolves."
(1Jn3:13,4:5-6)
The "broad way"(vs13) is filled with wolves and pups. They are on their
way to "destruction." It is not possible for them to yield "sheep." We
have a generation that is tending its "garden" ("churches"). These
beautiful lush-looking plants are growing. They carefully water them,
and weed around them...thinking they are going to get a fine crop of
potatoes. "My, how BOUNTIFUL the crop will be this year!" But at the
end of the harvest, the Lord (Rev14:16) gathers the good produce into
His "barns"(Mt3:12) and the thistles are "cut down and thrown into the
fire."(7:19)
Notice something else He says, which we have spoken of OFTEN in the
past. "..nor can a bad tree bear good fruit."(vs18) If a "thistle" is
preaching from the podium, his "converts" are NOT "Christian." Take
good heed to this statement!! Neither the unregenerate, nor the ways of
the world, will yield "Christian converts."(2Cor10:4) Mark this well!!
And, notice something He does NOT say to do. He does not give the
Believers the responsibility to go about "weeding" in His "garden." He
says, "No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat
with them. (Mat13:29) We are not to engage in "prayer warfare" in
order to "tear down strongholds."
We are to "beware." If one finds himself confronted by a mad dog, he
cannot attack it, lest he be torn into shreds.(Acts19:16) We are not to
turn tail and run, either. "..having done all, to stand"(Eph6:13) But
be "beware." We see "who/what" they are, and "let the sleeping dog lie"
...slip on by, and warn others, that "that sheep is actually a wolf."
We don't "have fellowship" but rather "expose" them."(Eph5:11)
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about
like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast
in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your
brotherhood in the world."(1Pt5:8-9)
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Sermon on the Mount:
I never knew you -
(Mat 7:21-23)
Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of
heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.(vs21)
Not all preachers and evangelists will be in heaven. Not all
"christians" will get to heaven. Being of a certain denomination or
church affiliation will not guarantee a "spot" beyond the pearly gates.
Doing wonderful deeds will not get you there. Performing miracles and
engaging in deliverance ministries is no assurance. Being
"spirit-filled" will certainly not be effective. Nor will being a
"prayer warrior."
There are many who claim that doing or saying something "in Jesus'
name" will guarantee the desired results. After all, didn't Jesus,
Himself, say, "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.(Jn14:14)?
So they vehemently cry out "In Jeeeezzzzus' Name...I COMMAND...!!!"
Oh, the UTTER HORROR!! Those who thought they "had it made -- in Jesus'
name" ...to hear from His lips "in that Day"(vs22) -- "I NEVER KNEW
YOU; DEPART FROM ME!"(vs23)
What is the judgment? "..you who practice lawlessness!"(vs23)
Lawlessness is "iniquity." A condition of being without God's Law.
God's Word. Jesus IS the "Word."(Jn1:1) They are without Christ. What
is God's Law? His command? To "believe in Him Whom He has
sent."(Jn6:29) While they bandy about the "name" Jesus, they do not
know Him. They have something which LOOKS wonderful on the outside, but
"inside [they] are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness."
(Mt23:27)
This condition of lawlessness includes being in that state both, out of
ignorance and also knowingly. Either way, all their "good works" Jesus
labels as "lawlessness." But again, "many" will be in this camp(vs22)
going down the "broad way...to destruction."(vs13)
But the "few who find" the way to the kingdom of heaven are those who
"[do] the will of My Father in heaven."(vs21) To "believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and you will be saved."(Acts16:31) Ones who have been
made "the righteousness of God in [Christ]."(2Cor5:21) To those so
possessed Jesus promises, "He who overcomes shall be clothed in white
garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life...
"...but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
(Rev3:5)
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Sermon on the Mount:
doing His teachings -
(Mat 7:24-29)
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will
liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: (vs24)
Jesus is the "Word."(Jn1:1) So, as He spoke and taught, He was teaching
of Himself. James exhorts, "be doers of the word and not hearers only,
deceiving yourselves."(Jas1:22) As, the "doing" of what one claimed he
possessed was "proof" of that faith he claims to have.(Jas2:14~)
If we are built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ (1Cor3:11), this
"Rock" upon which Christ's "Church" is built (Mt16:18); then when the
storms assail us from the enemy the "house" will stand firm. The Rock
will not budge.
However, if a person is building on some other "surface" he may build
something quite beautiful and spectacular. People may be quite
impressed and flock to be under its shadow. He may build something
which even "looks like" a "church" called "christian." But without
Jesus as the core, when the storm hits, that building will fall flat.
As the world will lament, "Babylon is fallen" and mourn "alas, alas,
that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple...and adorned
with gold and precious stones.."(Rev18:2,16)
But you notice "who" rejoices when the pretend-church has fallen.
"Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for
God has avenged you on her!"(Rev18:20) The false prophets castigate
you, True Believer, and ridicule you for not being like their
"splendor" and presumed "holiness" and "spirituality." But they will
fall. Where they claimed to have the "real thing" ...they will be made
to "come and worship before your feet, and to know that [Christ] loves
you"(Rev3:9) as He "confesses" you before the whole universe.
As we might expect today, were Jesus personally teaching this set of
lessons, so it was then; "the people were astonished at His
teaching."(vs28) As it was then, so it is today. This is not what the
preachers are preaching.(vs29) But it is God's Word. It is not popular
amongst those with other man-made agendas. But it is Truth. Because
Jesus said, "I AM the way...the TRUTH.."(Jn14:6)
Jesus spoke these things by the "authority" given Him. He came speaking
those things which "pleased" the Father. "For I have not spoken on My
own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I
should say and what I should speak. (Jn12:49)
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