I am not suggesting a sinless heart, but the more we read and the more it feeds our spirit, sin becomes less desirable. We won't be sinless until we reach our heavenly home, BUT, we can strive, in our prayers and life to sin-less.
Bible Study WELCOME TO AN IN DEPTH STUDY OF MATTHEW'S GOSPEL.
- Thread starter Chopper
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Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
Join For His Glory for a discussion on how
https://christianforums.net/threads/a-vessel-of-honor.110278/
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Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need
https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/
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I am not suggesting a sinless heart, but the more we read and the more it feeds our spirit, sin becomes less desirable. We won't be sinless until we reach our heavenly home, BUT, we can strive, in our prayers and life to sin-less.
Divorce between Christians .... divorce between the unsaved
Divorce between Christians should not happen. Christians should not cheat and yet both sides will ..
Pre 1970 ...Looking for a way out of my marriage the scriptures were searched and researched... Speaking of only myself... I found i could leave, he being unsaved, but i also found i could not remarry .. As the Christian half , so to speak, it is my responsibility to be the best wife i can be... some days are better then others...
There are blessings in what i see as obedience to God.
Divorce between Christians should not happen. Christians should not cheat and yet both sides will ..
Pre 1970 ...Looking for a way out of my marriage the scriptures were searched and researched... Speaking of only myself... I found i could leave, he being unsaved, but i also found i could not remarry .. As the Christian half , so to speak, it is my responsibility to be the best wife i can be... some days are better then others...
There are blessings in what i see as obedience to God.
Oh my Reba, I was not aware of your struggle. I'm very proud of you because of the obedience stand you are taking before the Lord. I'd like to pray for his Salvation. I have seen marriages go 30+ years and then a husband would get saved because of the prayers of a godly wife.
We all have struggles Chopper.... I knew the day i married him i shouldn't .... I pushed down the voice of God... At 17 we know more then God right?
Thank you chopper for your explanation, I'm in total agreement with you, it seems even though I'm growing in the Lord, the temptations are still just as strong as when I was younger, but the more I read and learn the more clearer I see the cross.
Reba,
I'm never happy to learn of ladies that must struggle but like Chopper, I'll pray for him.
I'm never happy to learn of ladies that must struggle but like Chopper, I'll pray for him.
Thanks guys.. been married 50 years 7 months and about 2 weeks... I will finish the race... 
it is not all bad
I guess i should not have been so open ....
2
Marriage is extremely important in the eyes of God...
I believe the divorces and marriages' presalvation ' are forgiven and the slate is clean... the sins of multiple marriages are like the sins of gluttony we carry the unwanted pounds for a long time... fatherless children ... financial headaches .. where do the kids spend this holiday? Which grandmother? We can be forgiven by God but the consequences are there. .
I believe there are times to make yourself safe... one does not need to stay and be beaten. safe and divorced are not the same thing..
it is not all bad I guess i should not have been so open ....
2Marriage is extremely important in the eyes of God...
I believe the divorces and marriages' presalvation ' are forgiven and the slate is clean... the sins of multiple marriages are like the sins of gluttony we carry the unwanted pounds for a long time... fatherless children ... financial headaches .. where do the kids spend this holiday? Which grandmother? We can be forgiven by God but the consequences are there. .
I believe there are times to make yourself safe... one does not need to stay and be beaten. safe and divorced are not the same thing..
Having married three times before God took me by the hand, I get it. I've been put in the trash three times and never for anything I did. Life, without God, can be tough.Thanks guys.. been married 50 years 7 months and about 2 weeks... I will finish the race...
I guess i should not have been so open ....
Marriage is extremely important in the eyes of God...
I believe the divorces and marriages' presalvation ' are forgiven and the slate is clean... the sins of multiple marriages are like the sins of gluttony we carry the unwanted pounds for a long time... fatherless children ... financial headaches .. where do the kids spend this holiday? Which grandmother? We can be forgiven by God but the consequences are there. .
I believe there are times to make yourself safe... one does not need to stay and be beaten. safe and divorced are not the same thing..
Would it make a difference if that same unbelieving abuser committed adultery, which he did, I forgave him for that but when your children's lives are in danger both physically and emotionally you protect them, or at least I do. Because I know what that kind of young life produces in their adult life, if they even make to adult life and don't do something like commit suicide first.Thanks guys.. been married 50 years 7 months and about 2 weeks... I will finish the race...
I guess i should not have been so open ....
Marriage is extremely important in the eyes of God...
I believe the divorces and marriages' presalvation ' are forgiven and the slate is clean... the sins of multiple marriages are like the sins of gluttony we carry the unwanted pounds for a long time... fatherless children ... financial headaches .. where do the kids spend this holiday? Which grandmother? We can be forgiven by God but the consequences are there. .
I believe there are times to make yourself safe... one does not need to stay and be beaten. safe and divorced are not the same thing..
It's amazing to me that our loving Redeemer, will forgive all the most heinous of crimes someone has done before they meet Him at the cross. But once they become His child there are just things He can no longer give grace or mercy for.
I'm afraid you're right Reba. I'm so sorry. He's lucky to have you. I will be praying for a happier outcome. When I get back from Maine I'll PM you about this and we can set in motion a plan for him to come into contact with the Holy Spirit.
Day 48 Thursday 10/30/14 Matthew 5:33-37 Oaths.
Matthew 5:33 "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.'
Matthew 5:34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,
Matthew 5:35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Matthew 5:36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.
Matthew 5:37 Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil."
Here we have another controversial issue with a lot of Christians. I don't know if all or you know this, but every pastor of every church has to know the correct answer to these questions. In Bible College, they don't teach you what the answer is, you have to make up your own mind. They say, "we train you so that you will be equipped to make those decisions."
What Jesus is forbidding here is the flippant, profane, or careless use of oaths in everyday speech, like "I swear by the Bible, or I swear by my mothers grave, and other just as foolish statements. Dr. MacArthur says, "In that culture, such oaths were often employed for deceptive purposes. To make the person being victimized believe the truth was being told, the Jews would swear by "heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or their own heads", not by God, hoping to avoid divine judgment for their lie. Jesus suggested that all speech should be as if we were under oath to tell the truth.
Matthew Henry gives a rather lengthy statement on these verses, but quite good.
"We have here an exposition of the third commandment, which we are the more concerned right to understand, because it is particularly said, that God will not hold him guiltless, however he may hold himself, who breaks this commandment, by taking the name of the Lord in vain. Now as to this command,
I. It is agreed on all hands that it forbids perjury, forswearing, and the violation of oaths and vows, Mat_5:33. This was said to them of old time, and is the true intent and meaning of the third commandment. Thou shalt not use, or take up, the name of God (as we do by an oath) in vain, or unto vanity, or a lie. He hath not lift up his soul unto vanity, is expounded in the next words, nor sworn deceitfully, Psa_24:4. Perjury is a sin condemned by the light of nature, as a complication of impiety toward God and injustice toward man, and as rendering a man highly obnoxious to the divine wrath, which was always judged to follow so infallibly upon that sin, that the forms of swearing were commonly turned into execrations or imprecations; as that, God do so to me, and more also; and with us, So help me God; wishing I may never have any help from God, if I swear falsely. Thus, by the consent of nations, have men cursed themselves, not doubting but that God would curse them, if they lied against the truth then, when they solemnly called God to witness to it.
It is added, from some other scriptures, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths (Num_30:2); which may be meant, either, 1. Of those promises to which God is a party, vows made to God; these must be punctually paid (Ecc_5:4, Ecc_5:5): or, 2. Of those promises made to our brethren, to which God was a Witness, he being appealed to concerning our sincerity; these must be performed to the Lord, with an eye to him, and for his sake: for to him, by ratifying the promises with an oath, we have made ourselves debtors; and if we break a promise so ratified, we have not lied unto men only, but unto God.
II. It is here added, that the commandment does not only forbid false swearing, but all rash, unnecessary swearing: Swear not at all, Mat_5:34; Compare Jam_5:12. Not that all swearing is sinful; so far from that, if rightly done, it is a part of religious worship, and we in it give unto God the glory due to his name. See Deu_6:13; Deu_10:20; Isa_45:23; Jer_4:2. We find Paul confirming what he said by such solemnities (2Co_1:23), when there was a necessity for it. In swearing, we pawn the truth of something known, to confirm the truth of something doubtful or unknown; we appeal to a greater knowledge, to a higher court, and imprecate the vengeance of a righteous Judge, if we swear deceitfully.
Now the mind of Christ in this matter is,
1. That we must not swear at all, but when we are duly called to it, and justice or charity to our brother, or respect to the commonwealth, make it necessary for the end of strife (Heb_6:16), of which necessity the civil magistrate is ordinarily to be the judge. We may be sworn, but we must now swear; we may be adjured, and so obliged to it, but we must not thrust ourselves upon it for our own worldly advantage.
2. That we must not swear lightly and irreverently, in common discourse: it is a very great sin to make a ludicrous appeal to the glorious Majesty of heaven, which, being a sacred thing, ought always to be very serious: it is a gross profanation of God's holy name, and of one of the holy things which the children of Israel sanctify to the Lord: it is a sin that has no cloak, no excuse for it, and therefore a sign of a graceless heart, in which enmity to God reigns: Thine enemies take thy name in vain.
3. That we must in a special manner avoid promissory oaths, of which Christ more particularly speaks here, for they are oaths that are to be performed. The influence of an affirmative oath immediately ceases, when we have faithfully discovered the truth, and the whole truth; but a promissory oath binds so long, and may be so many ways broken, by the surprise as well as strength of a temptation, that it is not to be used but upon great necessity: the frequent requiring and using of oaths, is a reflection upon Christians, who should be of such acknowledged fidelity, as that their sober words should be as sacred as their solemn oaths.
4. That we must not swear by any other creature. It should seem there were some, who, in civility (as they thought) to the name of God, would not make use of that in swearing, but would swear by heaven or earth, etc. This Christ forbids here (Mat_5:34) and shows that there is nothing we can swear by, but it is some way or other related to God, who is the Fountain of all beings, and therefore that it is as dangerous to swear by them, as it is to swear by God himself: it is the verity of the creature that is laid at stake; now that cannot be an instrument of testimony, but as it has regard to God, who is the summum verum - the chief Truth. As for instance,
Continued, next post.
Matthew 5:33 "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.'
Matthew 5:34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,
Matthew 5:35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Matthew 5:36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.
Matthew 5:37 Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil."
Here we have another controversial issue with a lot of Christians. I don't know if all or you know this, but every pastor of every church has to know the correct answer to these questions. In Bible College, they don't teach you what the answer is, you have to make up your own mind. They say, "we train you so that you will be equipped to make those decisions."
What Jesus is forbidding here is the flippant, profane, or careless use of oaths in everyday speech, like "I swear by the Bible, or I swear by my mothers grave, and other just as foolish statements. Dr. MacArthur says, "In that culture, such oaths were often employed for deceptive purposes. To make the person being victimized believe the truth was being told, the Jews would swear by "heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or their own heads", not by God, hoping to avoid divine judgment for their lie. Jesus suggested that all speech should be as if we were under oath to tell the truth.
Matthew Henry gives a rather lengthy statement on these verses, but quite good.
"We have here an exposition of the third commandment, which we are the more concerned right to understand, because it is particularly said, that God will not hold him guiltless, however he may hold himself, who breaks this commandment, by taking the name of the Lord in vain. Now as to this command,
I. It is agreed on all hands that it forbids perjury, forswearing, and the violation of oaths and vows, Mat_5:33. This was said to them of old time, and is the true intent and meaning of the third commandment. Thou shalt not use, or take up, the name of God (as we do by an oath) in vain, or unto vanity, or a lie. He hath not lift up his soul unto vanity, is expounded in the next words, nor sworn deceitfully, Psa_24:4. Perjury is a sin condemned by the light of nature, as a complication of impiety toward God and injustice toward man, and as rendering a man highly obnoxious to the divine wrath, which was always judged to follow so infallibly upon that sin, that the forms of swearing were commonly turned into execrations or imprecations; as that, God do so to me, and more also; and with us, So help me God; wishing I may never have any help from God, if I swear falsely. Thus, by the consent of nations, have men cursed themselves, not doubting but that God would curse them, if they lied against the truth then, when they solemnly called God to witness to it.
It is added, from some other scriptures, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths (Num_30:2); which may be meant, either, 1. Of those promises to which God is a party, vows made to God; these must be punctually paid (Ecc_5:4, Ecc_5:5): or, 2. Of those promises made to our brethren, to which God was a Witness, he being appealed to concerning our sincerity; these must be performed to the Lord, with an eye to him, and for his sake: for to him, by ratifying the promises with an oath, we have made ourselves debtors; and if we break a promise so ratified, we have not lied unto men only, but unto God.
II. It is here added, that the commandment does not only forbid false swearing, but all rash, unnecessary swearing: Swear not at all, Mat_5:34; Compare Jam_5:12. Not that all swearing is sinful; so far from that, if rightly done, it is a part of religious worship, and we in it give unto God the glory due to his name. See Deu_6:13; Deu_10:20; Isa_45:23; Jer_4:2. We find Paul confirming what he said by such solemnities (2Co_1:23), when there was a necessity for it. In swearing, we pawn the truth of something known, to confirm the truth of something doubtful or unknown; we appeal to a greater knowledge, to a higher court, and imprecate the vengeance of a righteous Judge, if we swear deceitfully.
Now the mind of Christ in this matter is,
1. That we must not swear at all, but when we are duly called to it, and justice or charity to our brother, or respect to the commonwealth, make it necessary for the end of strife (Heb_6:16), of which necessity the civil magistrate is ordinarily to be the judge. We may be sworn, but we must now swear; we may be adjured, and so obliged to it, but we must not thrust ourselves upon it for our own worldly advantage.
2. That we must not swear lightly and irreverently, in common discourse: it is a very great sin to make a ludicrous appeal to the glorious Majesty of heaven, which, being a sacred thing, ought always to be very serious: it is a gross profanation of God's holy name, and of one of the holy things which the children of Israel sanctify to the Lord: it is a sin that has no cloak, no excuse for it, and therefore a sign of a graceless heart, in which enmity to God reigns: Thine enemies take thy name in vain.
3. That we must in a special manner avoid promissory oaths, of which Christ more particularly speaks here, for they are oaths that are to be performed. The influence of an affirmative oath immediately ceases, when we have faithfully discovered the truth, and the whole truth; but a promissory oath binds so long, and may be so many ways broken, by the surprise as well as strength of a temptation, that it is not to be used but upon great necessity: the frequent requiring and using of oaths, is a reflection upon Christians, who should be of such acknowledged fidelity, as that their sober words should be as sacred as their solemn oaths.
4. That we must not swear by any other creature. It should seem there were some, who, in civility (as they thought) to the name of God, would not make use of that in swearing, but would swear by heaven or earth, etc. This Christ forbids here (Mat_5:34) and shows that there is nothing we can swear by, but it is some way or other related to God, who is the Fountain of all beings, and therefore that it is as dangerous to swear by them, as it is to swear by God himself: it is the verity of the creature that is laid at stake; now that cannot be an instrument of testimony, but as it has regard to God, who is the summum verum - the chief Truth. As for instance,
Continued, next post.
(1.) Swear not by the heaven; “As sure as there is a heaven, this is true;” for it is God's throne, where he resides, and in a particular manner manifests his glory, as a Prince upon his throne: this being the inseparable dignity of the upper world, you cannot swear by heaven, but you swear by God himself.
(2.) Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool. He governs the motions of this lower world; as he rules in heaven, so he rules over the earth; and though under his feet, yet it is also under his eye and care, and stands in relation to him as his, Psa_24:1. The earth is the Lord's; so that in swearing by it, you swear by its Owner.
(3.) Neither by Jerusalem, a place for which the Jews had such a veneration, that they could not speak of any thing more sacred to swear by; but beside the common reference Jerusalem has to God, as part of the earth, it is in special relation to him, for it is the city of the great King (Psa_48:2), the city of God (Psa_46:4), he is therefore interested in it, and in every oath taken by it.
(4.) “Neither shalt thou swear by the head; though it be near thee, and an essential part of thee, yet it is more God's than thine; for he made it, and formed all the springs and powers of it; whereas thou thyself canst not, from any natural intrinsic influence, change the colour of one hair, so as to make it white or black; so that thou canst not swear by thy head, but thou swearest by him who is the Life of thy head, and the Lifter up of it.” Psa_3:3.
5. That therefore in all our communications we must content ourselves with, Yea, yea, and nay, nay, Mat_5:37. In ordinary discourse, if we affirm a thing, let us only say, Yea, it is so; and, if need be, to evidence our assurance of a thing, we may double it, and say, Yea, yea, indeed it is so: Verily, verily, was our Saviour's yea, yea. So if we deny a thing, let is suffice to say, No; or if it be requisite, to repeat the denial, and say, No, no; and if our fidelity be known, that will suffice to gain us credit; and if it be questioned, to back what we say with swearing and cursing, is but to render it more suspicious. They who can swallow a profane oath, will not strain at a lie. It is a pity that this, which Christ puts in the mouths of all his disciples, should be fastened, as a name of reproach, upon a sect faulty enough other ways, when (as Dr. Hammond says) we are not forbidden any more than yea and nay, but are in a manner directed to the use of that.
The reason is observable; For whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil, though it do not amount to the iniquity of an oath. It comes ek tou Diabolou; so an ancient copy has it: it comes from the Devil, the evil one; it comes from the corruption of men's nature, from passion and vehemence; from a reigning vanity in the mind, and a contempt of sacred things: it comes from that deceitfulness which is in men, All men are liars; therefore men use these protestations, because they are distrustful one of another, and think they cannot be believed without them. Note, Christians should, for the credit of their religion, avoid not only that which is in itself evil, but that which cometh of evil, and has the appearance of it. That may be suspected as a bad thing, which comes from a bad cause. An oath is physic, which supposes a disease."
NOTE: I will continue posting our study on Monday morning. God bless you all.
(2.) Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool. He governs the motions of this lower world; as he rules in heaven, so he rules over the earth; and though under his feet, yet it is also under his eye and care, and stands in relation to him as his, Psa_24:1. The earth is the Lord's; so that in swearing by it, you swear by its Owner.
(3.) Neither by Jerusalem, a place for which the Jews had such a veneration, that they could not speak of any thing more sacred to swear by; but beside the common reference Jerusalem has to God, as part of the earth, it is in special relation to him, for it is the city of the great King (Psa_48:2), the city of God (Psa_46:4), he is therefore interested in it, and in every oath taken by it.
(4.) “Neither shalt thou swear by the head; though it be near thee, and an essential part of thee, yet it is more God's than thine; for he made it, and formed all the springs and powers of it; whereas thou thyself canst not, from any natural intrinsic influence, change the colour of one hair, so as to make it white or black; so that thou canst not swear by thy head, but thou swearest by him who is the Life of thy head, and the Lifter up of it.” Psa_3:3.
5. That therefore in all our communications we must content ourselves with, Yea, yea, and nay, nay, Mat_5:37. In ordinary discourse, if we affirm a thing, let us only say, Yea, it is so; and, if need be, to evidence our assurance of a thing, we may double it, and say, Yea, yea, indeed it is so: Verily, verily, was our Saviour's yea, yea. So if we deny a thing, let is suffice to say, No; or if it be requisite, to repeat the denial, and say, No, no; and if our fidelity be known, that will suffice to gain us credit; and if it be questioned, to back what we say with swearing and cursing, is but to render it more suspicious. They who can swallow a profane oath, will not strain at a lie. It is a pity that this, which Christ puts in the mouths of all his disciples, should be fastened, as a name of reproach, upon a sect faulty enough other ways, when (as Dr. Hammond says) we are not forbidden any more than yea and nay, but are in a manner directed to the use of that.
The reason is observable; For whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil, though it do not amount to the iniquity of an oath. It comes ek tou Diabolou; so an ancient copy has it: it comes from the Devil, the evil one; it comes from the corruption of men's nature, from passion and vehemence; from a reigning vanity in the mind, and a contempt of sacred things: it comes from that deceitfulness which is in men, All men are liars; therefore men use these protestations, because they are distrustful one of another, and think they cannot be believed without them. Note, Christians should, for the credit of their religion, avoid not only that which is in itself evil, but that which cometh of evil, and has the appearance of it. That may be suspected as a bad thing, which comes from a bad cause. An oath is physic, which supposes a disease."
NOTE: I will continue posting our study on Monday morning. God bless you all.
Thanks guys.. been married 50 years 7 months and about 2 weeks... I will finish the race...
I guess i should not have been so open ....
Marriage is extremely important in the eyes of God...
I believe the divorces and marriages' presalvation ' are forgiven and the slate is clean... the sins of multiple marriages are like the sins of gluttony we carry the unwanted pounds for a long time... fatherless children ... financial headaches .. where do the kids spend this holiday? Which grandmother? We can be forgiven by God but the consequences are there. .
I believe there are times to make yourself safe... one does not need to stay and be beaten. safe and divorced are not the same thing..
Reba, you have just given a true doctrine of marriage as spelled out by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 7. And the results of divorce and re-marriage are just what you said & more. May God bless your home with a husband that becomes Born Again.
Would it make a difference if that same unbelieving abuser committed adultery, which he did, I forgave him for that but when your children's lives are in danger both physically and emotionally you protect them, or at least I do. Because I know what that kind of young life produces in their adult life, if they even make to adult life and don't do something like commit suicide first.
It's amazing to me that our loving Redeemer, will forgive all the most heinous of crimes someone has done before they meet Him at the cross. But once they become His child there are just things He can no longer give grace or mercy for.
I don't know of anything, including divorce and re-marriage, that God does not forgive. In 1 Corinthians 7:15 "But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace." For many reasons, God wants peace in every family.
Of a truth you have said. And temptation never looses its power. But, the Word of God never looses its power either. At he end of Romans 7, Paul throws up his hands and exclaims, "Oh wretch that I am, who will save me from this body of death?" The answer he said was Jesus Christ, and I believe that John 15:1-8 is the practice ground. The Holy Spirit is the Agent sent from the godhead to lead us with His power that has no match to lead us to a path of life that conquers sin that so easily besets us. To grow to a point where sin cannot find anything in us to respond to it, is the work of God thru His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
As we study and meditate on God's Word, there enters into our mind, into our heart, and somehow destroys the desire to fall for the temptations of life that does not please God. God's wonderful work goes on and on, even when we don't think anything is happening. Then down the road we discover that what used to trip us up does not any more. Praise our lord for His marvelous grace.
With the site as slow as it was , Chopper off visiting ... .....Verses for Nov 1
Mat 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Mat 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Mat 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
Mat 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Mat 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Mat 5:38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Mat 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Mat 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
Mat 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Mat 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Here is Chopper on Matt 5:39...Day 38 Monday 10/20/14 Matthew 5:10 - 12 Persecuted.
Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
To start off this study today, I'd like to share a teaching on Matthew 5:39. "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
So many times, we have heard this "turn the other cheek" phrase repeated. I have found, over the years, that few people really understand the teaching here. The following is my opinion because I've not read it any where else.
There is a little known fact about being a left handed Jew in the Hebrew Scriptures (O.T.). Remember Ehud, the left handed judge? It was so rare back then for a Jew to be left handed, that Ehud easily killed his opponent with a knife in his left hand. It seems that since God always used His "right hand" so did the Jews.
Ok, now we come to a scene being played out here. We have two fellows. Bill Taylor (good Christian) and Joe Schmukface, (worldly bully). Joe is tired of Bill's Christian ways. He calls Bill a "goody two shoes" in elementary school, In High school, he calls Bill a weirdo Bible thumper. Now, they work together, and Joe has had it with Bill Taylor and slaps Bill on his "right" cheek. So, in order for right handed Joe, to smite Bill on his "right cheek", he must have "back handed" Bill. So if you picture Bill facing Joe, Bills right cheek would be on Joe's left side as he faces Bill. In order for Joe, who is right handed to smite Bill hard on his right cheek, he can't do it, all he can do is slap Bill "back handed" with his right hand.
The word "smite" according to Strongs definition is;
ῥαπίζω
rhapizō
hrap-id'-zo
From a derivative of ῥέπω rhepō, a primary word, (to let fall, “rap”); to slap (with the palm of the hand): - smite (with the palm of the hand).
Ok, now for "the rest of the story." Lets look at 1 Peter 4:14. "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." You see, we are not talking about someone who has smashed down your door in a "house invasion" with the intent to kill and abuse physically, we are simply talking about an insult of some kind because you are a "Christ one" and this criminal hates you.
Luke 6:22 & 23 sum up this topic, "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake."
23. "Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets."
"For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." As Reba once said, "Again we have this in the Kingdom..." This, IMO, is either in the beginnings of the Kingdom which is where Jesus is presently ministering, or the future, completed Kingdom. We are reminded in Vs. 11 & 12, that If the Prophets of old were treated in this fashion, so will we.The Kingdom of God will be all those who for the advance of the Kingdom of God have been involved! Life here on this earth and time, is not for our pleasure. Although there is nothing wrong with us having a good time as God brings those events into our lives. Pleasure in this world cannot be the main focus of the dedicated Christian who desires for the Kingdom to be completed and the Bridegroom to come for His Bride....even so Lord, come!
Matthew 5:10 "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
To start off this study today, I'd like to share a teaching on Matthew 5:39. "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."
So many times, we have heard this "turn the other cheek" phrase repeated. I have found, over the years, that few people really understand the teaching here. The following is my opinion because I've not read it any where else.
There is a little known fact about being a left handed Jew in the Hebrew Scriptures (O.T.). Remember Ehud, the left handed judge? It was so rare back then for a Jew to be left handed, that Ehud easily killed his opponent with a knife in his left hand. It seems that since God always used His "right hand" so did the Jews.
Ok, now we come to a scene being played out here. We have two fellows. Bill Taylor (good Christian) and Joe Schmukface, (worldly bully). Joe is tired of Bill's Christian ways. He calls Bill a "goody two shoes" in elementary school, In High school, he calls Bill a weirdo Bible thumper. Now, they work together, and Joe has had it with Bill Taylor and slaps Bill on his "right" cheek. So, in order for right handed Joe, to smite Bill on his "right cheek", he must have "back handed" Bill. So if you picture Bill facing Joe, Bills right cheek would be on Joe's left side as he faces Bill. In order for Joe, who is right handed to smite Bill hard on his right cheek, he can't do it, all he can do is slap Bill "back handed" with his right hand.
The word "smite" according to Strongs definition is;
ῥαπίζω
rhapizō
hrap-id'-zo
From a derivative of ῥέπω rhepō, a primary word, (to let fall, “rap”); to slap (with the palm of the hand): - smite (with the palm of the hand).
Ok, now for "the rest of the story." Lets look at 1 Peter 4:14. "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." You see, we are not talking about someone who has smashed down your door in a "house invasion" with the intent to kill and abuse physically, we are simply talking about an insult of some kind because you are a "Christ one" and this criminal hates you.
Luke 6:22 & 23 sum up this topic, "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake."
23. "Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets."
"For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." As Reba once said, "Again we have this in the Kingdom..." This, IMO, is either in the beginnings of the Kingdom which is where Jesus is presently ministering, or the future, completed Kingdom. We are reminded in Vs. 11 & 12, that If the Prophets of old were treated in this fashion, so will we.The Kingdom of God will be all those who for the advance of the Kingdom of God have been involved! Life here on this earth and time, is not for our pleasure. Although there is nothing wrong with us having a good time as God brings those events into our lives. Pleasure in this world cannot be the main focus of the dedicated Christian who desires for the Kingdom to be completed and the Bridegroom to come for His Bride....even so Lord, come!