Bible Study WELCOME TO AN IN DEPTH STUDY OF MATTHEW'S GOSPEL.
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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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Day 63 Monday 11/17/14 Matthew 6:25-34 Provisions By Faith.
I'd like to start our study with a discovery of the origin of faith that I have practiced since I discovered it. I hope this helps others that think they lack faith for one reason or another. Now , I hardly ever make this statement, probably because others make this statement and evidence proves that they were lying. I was studying Galatians 2:20 and because the word "faith" was in it, I started to think deeply about that word. I believe that the Holy Spirit took control of my mind and taught me what I believe is the truth about my faith because I try and not be a liar when it comes to the holy Word of God. So lets look at that word faith.
Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
I believe that the Holy Spirit wanted me to really notice the the words "Christ liveth in me" so I pictured Jesus inside me. Then I focused on the words "I live by the faith of the Son of God" I believe that the Holy Spirit caused me to think that the word "by" in, by the faith. was wrong for my understanding. The word by should be "in" so it should be "in" the faith of the Son. I came out from that experience realizing that the only faith that I have is the faith that Jesus gives me. Faith for Salvation, and everything else. My confidence level in Jesus' care for me has always been very high since that day, I praise Him for that!
Opps, a bunny trail again?
2 Now for our study.
Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek
for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
I suppose that we could say that this portion of Scripture could have two objects in mind. First, our Country, and second God's children. 2nd Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." As of today, many people, including myself, are very concerned about the direction that our Country is heading. Mainly because our Country's leaders do not lead us in the Christian way. If our leaders would fall on their knees and seek the Lord, repent and become children of God thru Christ Jesus, and follow 2nd Chron. 7:14 then what we are studying would be valid for America and it's people.
As you know, the word "therefore" means because of the previous. God does not want us anxious about our basic needs. V.25 pictures the entire portion of this text like life, food, drink, & clothes. Simply put, for those who's trust and faith are on our Heavenly Father providing these necessary provisions, God's children don't have to fret over these things.
God says in V.32 there are two classes of people, the unsaved who are anxious about obtaining these life necessities and the saved who should not give it another thought beyond God supplying them. Vs. 32 & V8 say the same thing, that our Heavenly Father knows what we need and will supply them.
Our Father gives us the answer to obtaining these necessary provisions in V.33. We must seek His interests above ours every day and He promises to supply our needs while working for Him. Much like some jobs that I have had, my employer supplied the hard hats and gloves for my work. The only thing that will retard His promise is not enough faith or "little" faith. A little worry creates a little faith.
I'd like to start our study with a discovery of the origin of faith that I have practiced since I discovered it. I hope this helps others that think they lack faith for one reason or another. Now , I hardly ever make this statement, probably because others make this statement and evidence proves that they were lying. I was studying Galatians 2:20 and because the word "faith" was in it, I started to think deeply about that word. I believe that the Holy Spirit took control of my mind and taught me what I believe is the truth about my faith because I try and not be a liar when it comes to the holy Word of God. So lets look at that word faith.
Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
I believe that the Holy Spirit wanted me to really notice the the words "Christ liveth in me" so I pictured Jesus inside me. Then I focused on the words "I live by the faith of the Son of God" I believe that the Holy Spirit caused me to think that the word "by" in, by the faith. was wrong for my understanding. The word by should be "in" so it should be "in" the faith of the Son. I came out from that experience realizing that the only faith that I have is the faith that Jesus gives me. Faith for Salvation, and everything else. My confidence level in Jesus' care for me has always been very high since that day, I praise Him for that!
Opps, a bunny trail again?
2 Now for our study.Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
6:29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek
for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
I suppose that we could say that this portion of Scripture could have two objects in mind. First, our Country, and second God's children. 2nd Chronicles 7:14 says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." As of today, many people, including myself, are very concerned about the direction that our Country is heading. Mainly because our Country's leaders do not lead us in the Christian way. If our leaders would fall on their knees and seek the Lord, repent and become children of God thru Christ Jesus, and follow 2nd Chron. 7:14 then what we are studying would be valid for America and it's people.
As you know, the word "therefore" means because of the previous. God does not want us anxious about our basic needs. V.25 pictures the entire portion of this text like life, food, drink, & clothes. Simply put, for those who's trust and faith are on our Heavenly Father providing these necessary provisions, God's children don't have to fret over these things.
God says in V.32 there are two classes of people, the unsaved who are anxious about obtaining these life necessities and the saved who should not give it another thought beyond God supplying them. Vs. 32 & V8 say the same thing, that our Heavenly Father knows what we need and will supply them.
Our Father gives us the answer to obtaining these necessary provisions in V.33. We must seek His interests above ours every day and He promises to supply our needs while working for Him. Much like some jobs that I have had, my employer supplied the hard hats and gloves for my work. The only thing that will retard His promise is not enough faith or "little" faith. A little worry creates a little faith.
Hey Chopper,
Me too, Father showed me a very important lesson about "in" faith and faith "in" when I received my French nationality, I have dual citizenship, ...my friends here told my I was now French, said I should start eating escargot and foi gra (no thanks), but I didn't feel French, and having been away from the States for eight years I didn't feel very American either, frankly, I felt like I didn't belong to either country, then the Holy Spirit revealed how Abraham considered himself, ...seeking a City whose foundation is made by God, ...I'm a citizen of Heaven and an ambassador for that country here, ...waiting to be called home before the war breaks out.
Me too, Father showed me a very important lesson about "in" faith and faith "in" when I received my French nationality, I have dual citizenship, ...my friends here told my I was now French, said I should start eating escargot and foi gra (no thanks), but I didn't feel French, and having been away from the States for eight years I didn't feel very American either, frankly, I felt like I didn't belong to either country, then the Holy Spirit revealed how Abraham considered himself, ...seeking a City whose foundation is made by God, ...I'm a citizen of Heaven and an ambassador for that country here, ...waiting to be called home before the war breaks out.
Well Karl, who ever you are, French or American, I think you're a good friend on your way to glory land, think I'll just tag along.
Day 64 Tuesday 11/18/14 Matthew 7:1-5 Here Comes The Judge.
Matthew 7:1 "Judge not, that ye be not judged."
This portion is rather simple to understand and strait forward in it's presentation. Today, I'll comment on each verse in the hope of digging out nuggets of Truth. This verse Judge not, that you be not judged. The word judge, according to "Strongs" means:
κρίνω
krinō
kree'-no
Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish: - avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
Normally we think of being careful in judging people because at some time in the future, we shall be judged after the resurrection....I see another view of this verse. Judge not so others won't judge me. I have noticed, over the years, in every church, there seems to be someone who thinks that their calling in life is to point out the faults in others. As a result, this fault finder becomes him/her self being the target of others finding fault in them. Usually, those who find faults in others are very prideful people. They view themselves better spiritually than others.
Matthew 7:2 "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
I guess, we all know that there are at least two sides to judging people. One kind of judging, or discernment, is to identify a problem in someone else with the motive to help that person. James 5:19,20 says, "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." The other kind is not to help a person but to elevate him/her self by pointing out weaknesses in other people. He thinks, "I don't have that problem, he/she does." Oh my friends, pride, pride pride! So the real true Judge, Jesus, is saying, "if you judge wrongly, I will judge you, If you are harsh with your judgment, I will be just as harsh with you."
Matthew 7:3 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
This is a great question that Jesus is asking here. This is a big "why". Apparently Jesus is aware that this sin of unfair judging was rampant, because He asks why. Jesus looks on the hearts of mankind, and the issues of life come out of the heart. God is extremely concerned that our hearts are free of sinful interests. A heart that continually looks on other's actions has a very big need of a holy transfusion.:yes I have noticed that there are people who are completely opposite of the fault finders. They are so concerned about Jesus condemning them about judging others that they refrain from fault finding all together. My Mother was like that, her often statement to me, my Sister and Brother was "if you can't think of something nice to say about a person, don't say anything at all." So, why do I see a fault in someone else? To help that person according to James 5:19,20. Otherwise, I have my own sin issues to work on and if I'm going to enter into helping someone else, I want the Holy Spirit to dispatch me.
Matthew 7:4 "Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?"
Obviously, If I have issues in my own life that either I have not dealt with or I'm in the process of working on them, I have no cause to be looking for faults in others.
Matthew 7:5 "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
It is interesting to me that Jesus the carpenter's Son used carpentry language here, I like that. "Keep the cookie jar down where the kids can get the cookies." Again Jesus uses the term "hypocrite". Those who are acting out a false image. If I have worked out my own known issues, I am able spiritually to help someone else by seeing clearly what someone else's issues are. There is nothing worse than pointing out a fault in someone else and that person is innocent of that charge. I have often realized that what I see in others, is what is wrong with me. What I see in others, many times is simply a mirror of myself.
Matthew 7:1 "Judge not, that ye be not judged."
This portion is rather simple to understand and strait forward in it's presentation. Today, I'll comment on each verse in the hope of digging out nuggets of Truth. This verse Judge not, that you be not judged. The word judge, according to "Strongs" means:
κρίνω
krinō
kree'-no
Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially); by implication to try, condemn, punish: - avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
Normally we think of being careful in judging people because at some time in the future, we shall be judged after the resurrection....I see another view of this verse. Judge not so others won't judge me. I have noticed, over the years, in every church, there seems to be someone who thinks that their calling in life is to point out the faults in others. As a result, this fault finder becomes him/her self being the target of others finding fault in them. Usually, those who find faults in others are very prideful people. They view themselves better spiritually than others.
Matthew 7:2 "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
I guess, we all know that there are at least two sides to judging people. One kind of judging, or discernment, is to identify a problem in someone else with the motive to help that person. James 5:19,20 says, "Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." The other kind is not to help a person but to elevate him/her self by pointing out weaknesses in other people. He thinks, "I don't have that problem, he/she does." Oh my friends, pride, pride pride! So the real true Judge, Jesus, is saying, "if you judge wrongly, I will judge you, If you are harsh with your judgment, I will be just as harsh with you."
Matthew 7:3 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
This is a great question that Jesus is asking here. This is a big "why". Apparently Jesus is aware that this sin of unfair judging was rampant, because He asks why. Jesus looks on the hearts of mankind, and the issues of life come out of the heart. God is extremely concerned that our hearts are free of sinful interests. A heart that continually looks on other's actions has a very big need of a holy transfusion.:yes I have noticed that there are people who are completely opposite of the fault finders. They are so concerned about Jesus condemning them about judging others that they refrain from fault finding all together. My Mother was like that, her often statement to me, my Sister and Brother was "if you can't think of something nice to say about a person, don't say anything at all." So, why do I see a fault in someone else? To help that person according to James 5:19,20. Otherwise, I have my own sin issues to work on and if I'm going to enter into helping someone else, I want the Holy Spirit to dispatch me.
Matthew 7:4 "Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?"
Obviously, If I have issues in my own life that either I have not dealt with or I'm in the process of working on them, I have no cause to be looking for faults in others.
Matthew 7:5 "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
It is interesting to me that Jesus the carpenter's Son used carpentry language here, I like that. "Keep the cookie jar down where the kids can get the cookies." Again Jesus uses the term "hypocrite". Those who are acting out a false image. If I have worked out my own known issues, I am able spiritually to help someone else by seeing clearly what someone else's issues are. There is nothing worse than pointing out a fault in someone else and that person is innocent of that charge. I have often realized that what I see in others, is what is wrong with me. What I see in others, many times is simply a mirror of myself.
Me three, ...the splinter and the beam are both wood, like you said, that means the only reason I can see the fault in another person is because I have the same fault in myself, however, it can be turned around for good if I'm not a hypocrite, if we follow the example of Jesus and wash others feet, notice it says He took of His clothes and put on a towel, then He took off the towel to dry their feet, that means He was naked, so to help a brother we must become naked too, ...brother, I had the same fault, let me explain to you how the Lord worked in my life, we expose or fault first, then we gain their trust and confidence to help them.
An interesting take on that occasion. Very good comparison, thank you very much for your comment Karl.
Day 65 Wednesday 11/19/14 Matthew 7:6 Dogs & pigs.
As an introduction to our Text for today, I thought it would be wise to look at Proverbs 9:7-9.- 9:7 "Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. 9:8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning."
In O.T. times, dogs lived in the streets and scavenged those streets for food and therefore according to Jewish Law was unclean. Pigs are scavenging animals that trample their food under foot and therefore are considered unclean as well....Pearls, on the other hand are of great value and many times in Scripture refer to the Kingdom of Heaven or the Gospel in N.T. times. Those who continually reject the plans of God resemble dogs and pigs.
Matthew 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you."
This verse is rather very basic to the lives of the Jewish folk, and for ours today. Some of the older writers warned of speaking about holy things in front of unholy people. I have noticed the scowls of the unsaved when this is done. Back a few years ago, I along with about twelve other "bikers" were headed for "Rolling Thunder" on our motorcycles. Before we left Greenfield, MA. we started out from Dunkin Donuts. There were about seven unsaved bikers among us. I said, "Lets hold hands and pray for traveling mercies. Those unbelievers look at each other in disgust but did as I said. In New York, on our way, a young girl in a car cut in front of my bike and struck my front wheel sending my bike into a bucking bronco, violent up & down motion. I sensed an invisibly hand touch my front wheel stopping the bucking motion. I did not go down which these unsaved bikers were astounded over. Later when we stopped, two of those bikers said, "now we know why you had us pray. That incident at about 70mph made a huge impression on them. So what started out as a crude feeling against the things of God, He reversed them, Praise His Name.
Generally speaking, it is unwise to have holy talk amongst unholy people. This Scripture is warning against it because some unbelievers so hate God and Jesus that they will strongly reject and will abuse the folk who are speaking about the wonders of God....This is when these people are referred to as dogs. Dogs will attack anyone that they dislike. Then there are the pigs. In the same scenario, pigs will just trample under their feet holy talk because that's their nature to do so. What can we learn from this? We have to have wisdom from God to know the difference from folk who will receive the "Good News" as something that will benefit them or people who are disgusted with holy talk and just trample and attack those who present the Gospel.
As an introduction to our Text for today, I thought it would be wise to look at Proverbs 9:7-9.- 9:7 "Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. 9:8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning."
In O.T. times, dogs lived in the streets and scavenged those streets for food and therefore according to Jewish Law was unclean. Pigs are scavenging animals that trample their food under foot and therefore are considered unclean as well....Pearls, on the other hand are of great value and many times in Scripture refer to the Kingdom of Heaven or the Gospel in N.T. times. Those who continually reject the plans of God resemble dogs and pigs.
Matthew 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you."
This verse is rather very basic to the lives of the Jewish folk, and for ours today. Some of the older writers warned of speaking about holy things in front of unholy people. I have noticed the scowls of the unsaved when this is done. Back a few years ago, I along with about twelve other "bikers" were headed for "Rolling Thunder" on our motorcycles. Before we left Greenfield, MA. we started out from Dunkin Donuts. There were about seven unsaved bikers among us. I said, "Lets hold hands and pray for traveling mercies. Those unbelievers look at each other in disgust but did as I said. In New York, on our way, a young girl in a car cut in front of my bike and struck my front wheel sending my bike into a bucking bronco, violent up & down motion. I sensed an invisibly hand touch my front wheel stopping the bucking motion. I did not go down which these unsaved bikers were astounded over. Later when we stopped, two of those bikers said, "now we know why you had us pray. That incident at about 70mph made a huge impression on them. So what started out as a crude feeling against the things of God, He reversed them, Praise His Name.
Generally speaking, it is unwise to have holy talk amongst unholy people. This Scripture is warning against it because some unbelievers so hate God and Jesus that they will strongly reject and will abuse the folk who are speaking about the wonders of God....This is when these people are referred to as dogs. Dogs will attack anyone that they dislike. Then there are the pigs. In the same scenario, pigs will just trample under their feet holy talk because that's their nature to do so. What can we learn from this? We have to have wisdom from God to know the difference from folk who will receive the "Good News" as something that will benefit them or people who are disgusted with holy talk and just trample and attack those who present the Gospel.
Had you thought of those unsaved bikers as pigs and dogs .... and so kept your mouth shut.. a beautiful opportunity would have been lost... and good grief we may not even have you
You are so right. My Wife was behind me in our van with some other women, she would probably have run over me if the Lord hadn't kept that old Harley up on it's wheels. I came close to the end of my chapter in life but God knew about the future. It was a great testimony to everyone that day that He protects His own. I love Him so much but wouldn't have minded going Home.
It is a fine line between dogs & pigs, and those who just put on an act.
The Gospel is for the whole world. The apostles preached to everyone. The Jews called all gentiles dogs. Jesus ate with the very ones that the Jews wouldn't have anything to do with. So we just speak the message, planting and watering and the Lord does the harvesting. We trust Him to protect us and His Gospel.
Witnessing can be a very exciting adventure when the Lord is in charge.
Witnessing can be a very exciting adventure when the Lord is in charge.
I think, "Holy Talk", is only Holy talk because we sometimes go out of our way to make it so, and thus turn off people from a myriad of lifestyles, because we don't speak in their language.
I'm presently reading a book by the pastor of The Gateway Church in Austin, TX, John Burke.. The title gives it away... No Perfect People Allowed.
I'm presently reading a book by the pastor of The Gateway Church in Austin, TX, John Burke.. The title gives it away... No Perfect People Allowed.
What you say is true Deb. For the most part we have never entered into a situation like what Scripture is warning us about. If there was not an ugly side of witnessing or just "holy talk" amongst what God describes as dogs and pigs, He would not have included this prohibition in His Word to us.