Bible Study - Follow Jesus - Your Decision - Matthew 7:13-29 - September 30, 2012

Bible Study – Follow Jesus – Your Decision – September 30, 2012

This is lesson five (5) and the final lesson in our series of study entitled “What It Means to Follow Jesus.”

Our scripture is Matthew 7:13-29.

JESUS was bringing HIS training session to a close. HE had taught about GOD’S expectations for the disciples that follow JESUS. What HE required applied to those who call themselves followers/disciples of CHRIST. Later they were known as The Way. Followers of CHRIST were first called Christians in Antioch, which has stuck until this day.

Being the ideal disciple is impossible through human effort. The indwelling Holy Spirit is the only One Who can provide the power, teaching, enlightenment and guidance to Christians to live as GOD desires for HIS children to live and to obediently serve HIM.

The world’s message to people is that a loving GOD would never allow anyone to go to Hell. The world tells us that we were made to enjoy life and the pleasures of life. HE did make us to enjoy life but not to the exclusion of HIM through CHRIST. The Bible tells us in John 10:10 - A thief comes only to stealh Eph 4:28 and to kill and to destroy.i Jn 6:27 I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. The world will tell you that it offers more gusto but that is Satan’s lie. Satan’s desire is for every human to be destroyed. We need to keep in mind that the world is ruled by Satan. GOD’S desire is for everyone to choose eternal life through CHRIST. GOD gives every person a choice – eternal life, through CHRIST or eternal destruction by rejecting CHRIST.

Lets/ read Matthew 7:13-14:

Entering the Kingdom (GOD’S Kingdom is generally considered here upon earth. Humans enter HIS Kingdom here on earth, through CHRIST, to obediently serve HIM as directed by the Holy Spirit. CHRIST is the narrow gate and obediently following HIM is the narrow road.)

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. 14 How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.

JESUS confronts HIS audience with a decision, which gate and path do they choose? HE had been teaching about GOD’S expectations of HIS disciples. Making the right choice was not easy, in fact, the right gate was a very narrow, tight, constricted gate compared to the more enticing gate and road which are very broad and easy. People like easy and generally choose easy.

JESUS told HIS audience then, which applies to people today, to be very careful when they choose because their choice is eternal and has an element of finality to it. JESUS told them, which extends to people today, that the narrow gate is the right choice because it leads to LIFE. The wide gate leads to a broad road which looks attractive but it leads to destruction.

How do you choose, the narrow gate and road which JESUS stated that leads to life or the wide gate and broad road that leads to destruction? You make a decision. We all choose one or the other. What is your choice? As this lesson unfolds, hopefully your choice will be made clear, if you have not already made that choice.

More and more in the world today, we see that being a Christian is not high on some social ladders. It is not easy to be a Christian because it is a narrow gate and road and many do not want to find it or consider it because of the social stigma.

But consider this death is 100% for every human and then judgment by GOD. Do you want to escape judgment? JESUS tells us in John 5:24 –

“I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.”

Choose CHRIST as your Savior now if you have not already done so. Ask HIM to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life now. You might think, “Gee, I can’t hold out being a Christian.” That is exactly correct, you cannot hold out in your own strength. But GOD, through the Holy Spirit, will abide in you, if you will allow HIM.

I fought this battle for many years before finally giving up and asking the LORD to take me like I was the good and the bad, and for HIM to give me the strength to live the Christian life. HE did. Have I lived it perfectly? NO!!! That is why HE gives Christians 1 John 1:9-10 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive s Ps 103:3; Jr 31:34; Mt 9:6; 26:28; Col 1:14; Jms 5:15 us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His wordt Lk 8:21; Heb 4:12 is not in us.u   

Consider this, once you are born into the family of GOD, you can never be unborn. Your citizenship is in heaven and you are GOD’S Son or Daughter for eternity.

How do we know that is true? Those who take that step of faith receive the Holy Spirit as their security deposit or down payment in their lives. The Holy Spirit confirms that you are a child of GOD in Romans 8:16-17 – 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs of God and coheirs with Christ – seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. You do not receive this confirmation and assurance until you take that step of faith to receive CHRIST as your Savior. I always wanted to have the confirmation before I took my step of faith but it just does not work that way. We must take the step of faith first and then the confirmation comes.

Being a Christian may appear to be a dull, restricted life. However, when you receive CHRIST as your Savior, it frees you to live the abundant life in CHRIST. Once you settle your eternal destination you are truly free to live the abundant life, which is CHRIST in you.

Let’s read Matthew 7:15-23: (This is so true today. I heard the Rev. Jesse Jackson speaking a few days ago equating allah to GOD. He knows better but to be politically correct he did not speak truth. When those who know the truth compromise, we are in a world of hurt in the world. GOD and allah are NOT the same. GOD tells us to love our enemies but allah tells his followers to kill their enemies. Something is very wrong with trying to say they are the same.)

15 “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!’

Satan has his followers in the world and they are false prophets/preachers/pastors/healers and the list goes on. They are counterfeiters who appear to be genuine but delight in putting a false twist on truth. They pump out their poison to those eager to receive a feel good religion the world wants to hear. They promote religion but you must keep in mind that Christianity is not a religion. There are those who want to make Christianity a religion by following church ritual but CHRIST in you makes you a Christian. Following church ritual will NOT get you to heaven. There is only one way – through CHRIST. 

How do you get CHRIST in you? You ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life. When you ask CHRIST into your life a miracle takes place. You are born in your spirit, which is your second birth (born-again) and you become a child of GOD through CHRIST. Being born into GOD’S family is only possible because CHRIST gave HIS life to pay, in full, the sin debt. Once the sin debt had been paid, the way to GOD was open. But every person must come through the narrow gate, which is CHRIST.

As a born-again Christian you will receive eternal life and all the promises of GOD. Your citizenship is in heaven and you will dwell with JESUS and GOD for eternity in heaven.

JESUS told those listening to HIS sermon that they can recognize false teachers by their fruit. Look at their lives and evaluate what they saw. Do you see JESUS being manifested in their lives? JESUS spoke of fruit bearing trees. An apple tree produces apples. A cherry tree produces cherries and so it goes for each tree and its fruit. I know we can graft trees.  

The quality of the fruit produced by a certain tree depends upon the health of the tree. To separate truth from error, Christians must know the Bible. Teachers, pastors, preachers of GOD’S Word can teach truth mixed with error. The result is false teaching. This leads Christians to false assumptions about GOD and CHRIST, which in turn leads to disappointment when trials come into their lives. They become discouraged and disappointed in CHRIST and GOD. Know the truth by studying GOD’S Word and don’t sit under false teachers.  

JESUS made it clear that there will be those who will tell HIM all the spiritual things they did in HIS name. These false teachers will hear the sad words of, ‘I never knew you! Depart from ME, you lawbreakers!’ These false teachers and prophets have deceived themselves to believe that they are doing GOD’S work because they see results. They forget that GOD’S Word when read or spoken has power and will not return void. Those who speak or read GOD’S Word can be convicted of their sins but refuse to ask CHRIST to forgive them, thus they remain in their fallen state.

Notice in verse 21that JESUS referred to GOD as “MY Father.” JESUS made the connection for HIS audience that GOD was HIS Father. Since GOD was and is HIS Father, then JESUS was GOD’S SON. This connection is important when we come to the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount and see the response of JESUS’ audience in verse 29.

JESUS used the title of LORD in referring to Himself. JESUS had not completed HIS mission and therefore had not received the title of LORD as Christians refer to HIM after HIS passion and resurrection. It is likely HIS followers, at this time in HIS ministry, thought that HIS title of Lord resulted from HIS disciples calling HIM Lord to show HIM honor and respect as their rabbi or master teacher. As their teacher, they would be expected to obey HIM.

Not everyone who says LORD, LORD will enter into heaven. Do not be deceived. Simply calling CHRIST LORD or saying religious words or doing good deeds alone does not certify that a person is a true disciple. A true disciple does the will of GOD through a personal relationship with HIM through CHRIST. A true disciple knows both CHRIST and GOD through their relationship with Them. Such a relationship does not come from head knowledge but heart knowledge resulting from experience as the Christian obediently serves as directed by the Holy Spirit.

CHRIST is the only way to GOD. Sin was a barrier between GOD and humans to have a personal relationship with GOD until CHRIST gave HIS life to pay, in full, the penalty for sin. Keeping of the law and animal sacrifices were place holders before CHRIST gave HIS life to pay, in full, the debt for sin. After CHRIST'S passion those secured by the shed blood of animal sacrifice received salvation through CHRIST'S shed blood. CHRIST broke the barrier between GOD and person-kind, which opened the way to GOD through CHRIST. CHRIST was the perfect sacrifice for sin, which GOD accepted as atonement for sin. How do we know that? It is because of the resurrection of JESUS by GOD. The penalty for sin is death. GOD raised JESUS from the dead to show unequivocally that JESUS paid the price for sin in full. The resurrection is the proof that JESUS conquered sin because HE conquered death.

Second Corinthians 5:21 – He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

JESUS took the sin of all who will believe in HIM upon Himself, so that Christians can receive JESUS’ righteousness. When a person accepts CHRIST as his/her Savior the miracle of rebirth takes place in his/her spirit. He/she is born into GOD’S family and receives all the rights and privileges of being GOD’S Son or Daughter for eternity. That will never change regardless. Just as every human was conceived when the sperm of his/her earthly father united with the egg of his/her mother resulted in him/her. You will never change that fact that your parents will always be your parents regardless of what you do.

Obediently serving GOD through the leadership and guidance of the Holy Spirit will result in rewards that will be given by GOD. When Christians refuse to obediently serve GOD, they never lose their salvation but they lose rewards of gold, silver and precious stones as the Apostle Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.   

Each person is accountable to GOD and has a choice to make. Have you made this choice? Do you see good healthy fruit coming from your life? DO you see good healthy fruit coming from the lives of the teacher’s/pastor’s/preacher’s you are listening to or sitting under to reveal truth? If not, pray and ask GOD to lead you to those who teach truth.

As we approach the end times, false teachers will become more prolific. The Christian jargon can be learned. The Bible tells us that in the end days, even the elect can be fooled by false teachers. Even those who cast out demons and prophesy are deceived into believing they have a personal relationship with CHRIST because of what they are able to do.

Satan can counterfeit the power of GOD and deceive. That is why true Christians must know the truth by studying GOD’S Word, the Bible, and yielding to the teaching and enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. I believe that those who are not true believers in CHRIST know it because GOD reveals truth in the “eyes of our hearts.” These false teachers are too proud to admit that they have never been born-again through the shed blood of CHRIST.

If this applies to you, please do not let pride prevent you from having an intimate loving relationship with CHRIST. Confess your sins now and ask CHRIST to forgive you and to come into your life. Build your Spiritual life upon the solid rock of JESUS CHRIST and HIS righteousness which JESUS tells us about in our next scripture.

The Two Foundations 

Let’s read Matthew 7:24-29:

24 “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!” 28 When Jesus had finished this sermon, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, 29 because He was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their •scribes

JESUS made it clear that HIS audience had a choice to make. Those who make the correct choice will be like the man that built his house on a rock. When destructive forces come along they will be able to weather the storms of life. Those who reject what HE had told them will be like the foolish man that built his house on the sand. When destructive forces come along, what he had built will be destroyed.

Again, we all have a choice to make. Do we build our lives on the foundation of JESUS, the solid rock or upon the sands the world offers?

As I studied this scripture, I can hear our dear friend Bede Jeffords telling the story about the lady in India. Bede is a Medical Educator with a MS postgraduate degree in Human Anatomy and Physiology from the Medical University of South Carolina. She taught medical students, graduate students, and nurses. Bede’s husband, Dr. Vernon Jeffords, is a surgeon. During the first twenty years of their Short Term Volunteer Medical Mission Service, they both taught nurses, medical staff and worked in Baptist Mission Hospitals in India, Gaza, Yemen, Indonesia, and Africa. Many times Bede's review courses helped the national nurses pass their government exams.

 

Bede taught a group of village women in the Baptist Health Center at the Bangalore India Baptist Hospital in 1978. She read this scripture to the ladies in her Bible study class. The ladies began to laugh and pointed to a lady in their Bible study group. The lady had built her house on a dry creek bed. When the rains came her house was washed away.

JESUS made it clear, each person has a choice. Do we choose HIM, the solid rock, and eternal life or reject HIM, build our lives upon sand, and choose eternal death? There will be a major destructive force that will come to every human upon earth called physical death. Do you choose eternal life through CHRIST or eternal death by rejecting HIM?

It was decision time for in HIS audience. WHO would they choose?

Notice HIS audience had never heard such teaching before. JESUS taught as ONE with authority. The Holy Spirit was at work in the hearts of those who had listened to JESUS but the critical question was, “Who would respond and become a true disciple?” Just acknowledging CHRIST as a great teacher does not cut it as far as Salvation is concerned.

Do you accept JESUS as your Savior? That is step one. The next question is, “Will you make HIM the LORD of your life?” Some people take both steps at one time and for others it is a process. For me it was a process. It was hard for me to release control of my life to HIM because I wanted to run my own life. I can tell you, you will never find the full joy and build a dynamic relationship with CHRIST if you hold back. Trust HIM to lead and guide you through the indwelling Holy Spirit and experience the abundant Christian life. Blessings!

 

Bible Study - Follow Jesus - Right Relationships - Matthew 7:1-12 - September 23, 2012

Bible Study – Follow Jesus – Right Relationships – September 23, 2012

This is lesson four in our series entitled “What It Means to Follow Jesus.”

Our scripture is Matthew 7:1-12.

In last week’s lesson, we touched on forgiveness – “Forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors” – something like quid pro quo. This week, we consider judging. These two lessons reflect GOD’S expectations for Christians. When JESUS tells us not to judge, it does not mean to park our common sense or our brain. People have to make decisions throughout the day. If something does not seem to be right, then don’t do it. This applies to relationships, seeking a job, career, purchasing something and the list goes on. Christians are to use discernment. Discernment is a form of judgment but different.

Many people are quick to judge the behavior of others. Those who have experienced the forgiveness of GOD, because of their many short comings, realize that they must forgive others. Forgiving is not condoning what they do. JESUS gave an example in Matthew 18:21-35:

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 “I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus said to him, “but 70 times seven. 23 For this reason, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his •slaves. 24 When he began to settle accounts, one who owed 10,000 talents was brought before him. 25 Since he had no way to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. 26 “At this, the slave fell facedown before him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything!’ 27 Then the master of that slave had compassion, released him, and forgave him the loan. 28 “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him 100 •denarii. He grabbed him, started choking him, and said, ‘Pay what you owe!’ 29 “At this, his fellow slave fell down and began begging him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he wasn’t willing. On the contrary, he went and threw him into prison until he could pay what was owed. 31 When the other slaves saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then, after he had summoned him, his master said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And his master got angry and handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he could pay everything that was owed. 35 So My heavenly Father will also do to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from his heart.”

A forgiving heart is not a heart that is passive. It does not mean that the Christian has to take repeated abuse. Forgiveness is therapeutic.  Unforgiveness can cause a person more harm when he/she harbors the things that are done to them. Often, Christians get upset with GOD because HE does not seem to come to your rescue. One question we must ask ourselves, “Did we cause whatever has happened to us?” When we forgive it releases the matter from controlling us into the hands of GOD to take action.

Christians are to forgive while maintaining common sense. When you touch a hot stove and you get burned, then don’t touch it again. There are situations where people can take advantage of your forgiveness and you become an enabler. Often, this can be the case of those dealing with those addicted. If a person has truly repented and changed that is good but stay alert. As the old saying goes, “Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.”

Christians live in a world with both Christians and non-Christians. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is discernment. Discernment is a form of judgment. Discernment is keenly selective judgment based upon the facts. The judgment to which JESUS was referring was critical judgment based upon the whims of the person making the judgment. Let’s explore.

Let’s read Matthew 7:1-5: (Don’t Be Hypocritical.)

 Do Not Judge

1 “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. (a) 2 For with the judgment you use, (b) you will be judged, and with the measure you use, (c) it will be measured to you. (d) 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? (e) 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

JESUS cautions Christians about judging others because the measure we use to judge others, GOD will use to measure us. Can we stand up to our own standards? Many Christians expect more from others than they do from themselves. We consider the things we fall short of as normal, “After all, no one’s perfect.” But when it comes to someone else, “Ouch”, we use a different measuring stick. They are to be perfect.

GOD expects Christians to exercise discernment. Discernment is keenly selective judgment based upon the ability to have the insight to understand the difference between people, their personal character and their intensions. Judgment, in general, is based upon a person’s opinions and preferences. 

The scripture tells us in Psalm 139:23-24:

23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.b Jb 31:6; Ps 26:2
24 See if there is any offensivec Or idolatrous way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.d

Do you want to know how you measure up  to GOD’S measuring stick of righteousness, then ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart to reveal the things in your heart that need to be dealt with.

JESUS is a master teacher and gets to the heart of the problem. Christians sometimes have far bigger problems than the person or persons they are trying to help. HE used the example of the beam in our eyes versus the tiny speck in someone else’s eye. Christians need to focus on their problems before trying to help others with their problems. When Christians know how to take care of and control their own problems, then they are better equipped to help someone else.

Paul addresses this in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:

3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Why do people go through life changing circumstances? They are designed for us to seek GOD’S help and comfort, so that in turn we can help others when they go through the same or similar circumstances.

As stated in the introduction, Christians are to be discerning. JESUS focused upon Christians who are being critical. When Christians realize how far short they fall from being GOD’S ideal Christian, the result is to be less judgmental and more understanding. But again, it is not condoning bad behavior. It is not holding others to a higher standard than we are able to achieve. You may not have a problem with drugs or alcohol but what about food, gossip, road rage and the list goes on.   

Let’s read Matthew 7:6: (Discern Rightly)

6 Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, (f) or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.

JESUS used the word “holy.” Things are not holy because people say they are holy but because they are associated with GOD. GOD is pure and holy. Dogs in JESUS day were not the pets we have today. They were scavengers that fed from garbage. They would attack a person and tear them to pieces. They were vicious and often ran in packs.

Swine/hogs were unclean animals and symbolized the wicked who are unclean due to sin. JESUS used parallelism to make HIS point e.g. dogs and swine refers to those who have no regard for the sacred – holy and pearls refer to the things of GOD that deserve respect and honor.

Pearls represent the teachings of JESUS. The dogs or swine cannot comprehend or appreciate the message of JESUS. The dogs and swine refer to those who have had the opportunity to hear the gospel message but made the decision to reject it.

Thus JESUS taught HIS disciples to treat the message of salvation with respect and not to make light of it. Spiritual matters are serious because they are eternal.

Non-Christian people cannot understand or comprehend Spiritual matters from the Christian perspective. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. The indwelling Holy Spirit reveals truth, clarity and understanding. Therefore, Christians can talk until they are blue-in-the-face without changing the minds of the un-Godly. Only GOD can get behind a hard heart to bring them to a saving knowledge of CHRIST. Yes, Christians are to speak to non-Christians as GOD leads them but GOD brings them to the point of acceptance or rejection of CHRIST as their Savior. Christians are not to give up on those who are obstinate. Christians can pray for them and ask the Holy Spirit to penetrate their hard hearts and to respond as the Holy Spirit leads them to witness to them. 

The Bible tells us in Psalm 53:1 - The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.” They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good.c

Even when a person denies GOD, GOD still loves him/her and HIS Spirit strives with that person to receive CHRIST as his/her Savior.

Let’s read Matthew 7:7-12: (Receive and Show Grace)

Keep Asking, Searching, Knocking

7 “Keep asking, (g)(h) and it will be given to you. (i) Keep searching, (j) and you will find. Keep knocking, (k) and the door (l) will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, (m) and to the one who knocks, the door (n) will be opened. 9 What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, (o) know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets. (p)(q)

This scripture may seem to conflict with the scripture we had two weeks ago dealing with the prayer of the pagans and using many words. They used many words and babbled to their gods to get them to do something. It seems that JESUS was implying that we need to beg GOD. This teaching may seem to support that idea but this is a “How much more” scripture. If fellow humans will respond to a need of another human, how much more will GOD respond to the needs of HIS children?

Notice the progression of imperatives – ask, seek, knock. These are all actions that lead a person to a conclusion. The idea behind each action is to “Keep asking,” “Keep searching.” “Keep knocking.” This represents our relationship with GOD, our Father. Christians come to their Father because they acknowledge and recognize HIM as the One to give them wisdom and to help them in the time of their need, therefore they ask.

This is not a passive asking but an active asking because we seek as we ask. As we ask and seek, we also knock to discover the right direction or solution to our petition. GOD is actively in the process as we look to HIM for guidance as we put feet to our prayers. GOD expects Christians to put feet to their prayers.

It is like the story most of us have heard. There was a flood and a man was stranded on top of his house. He prayed and asked GOD to save him. A helicopter came to rescue him but he refused to get onboard. He said, no that GOD would rescue him. Then as the flood waters continued to rise, a boat came by and tried to get into the boat. He refused because he said GOD would rescue him. The man drowned. He met GOD and asked HIM why did YOU let me drown when I asked YOU to rescue me? GOD said but I sent you a helicopter and a boat, why didn’t you get in? Often, Christians overlook how GOD works through others to get HIS will accomplished for others.

As a result, when we ask, HE will give direction and we will find. Once we have found the correct course of action, we knock and it will open up to us. It is all about the attitude of our hearts and our relationships with GOD. Do we trust HIM to lead and guide us to what is best for us? Some doors may not open. But trust that is a door that GOD has decided is not the right direction for us. Keep on knocking until the right door opens. Our problem as Christians is that we get impatient and refuse to wait. That has been my problem and when I do not wait, I get into trouble and then blame it on GOD. When I look back, I see that it was not GOD, it was me. Ouch!!!

JESUS continued to reinforce this with the “How much more statement.” HE compared the love, care and guidance of earthly fathers to the heavenly Father of all Christians.

Bread is necessary to sustain human life. We saw in the model prayer that JESUS told us to ask the Father to “Give us our daily bread.” This means more than a onetime feeding but looking to GOD to provide for our needs on a daily basis. What human father would deny his son or daughter a real need in his/her life? The answer is NO ONE and neither will GOD. The point being, how much more GOD does for HIS children than earthly fathers.

JESUS then referred to fish. Fish was a staple food to sustain life. Again, no earthly father would give a serpent to his son or daughter if they asked for a fish and neither would GOD. Again the point was how much more will GOD do for HIS children than earthly fathers.  

JESUS brings this to a conclusion. Our human nature is evil, therefore since our nature is evil yet we do good things for our children, HOW MUCH MORE will a Christian’s heavenly Father, Who is in heaven, do good things for HIS children, who ask? Again, these are things that are important in life and not our wants and desires. It is not a blank check for us to fill in based upon whims.

Verse 12, is known as the Golden Rule. JESUS stated it positively. It is not what we don’t do but what we do that is important. Christians are to reach out to fellow humans in a manner in which they would want to be treated. The standard by which we would want to be treated is the same standard we use to treat others. Christians are to be positive representatives for GOD. HE allowed HIS only Son to come to earth to give HIS life to pay, in full, the debt for sin so that all who believe in JESUS will be saved and become HIS children through the miracle of rebirth.

JESUS’ teaching was being directed to true believers in GOD. Only those who have experienced GOD’S grace know how to extend grace to others. The very reason JESUS came to earth was to fulfill the law and the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures. Having this attitude toward others comes from a heart that is free of hidden selfish motives. It is the result created by having the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

Once JESUS gave HIS life to pay in full the penalty for sin, the focus of all who seek salvation, comes through faith in CHRIST. What about those before CHRIST gave HIS life to pay the sin debt? They were looking to the coming of the promised Messiah who would pay in full the debt for sin. That faith secured their salvation.

Since the passion of CHRIST and HIS resurrection from the dead, people have the full story of salvation. HIS resurrection is proof that HE conquered sin because HE conquered death, the result of sin. Christians have the indwelling Holy Spirit Who gives assurance of salvation, teaches, empowers, enlightens, and so much more. The Holy Spirit is the security deposit or down payment to every Christian that CHRIST is real and that all who believe in HIM are GOD’S children. Are you GOD’S child through the miracle of rebirth? If not, ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and to come into your heart right now. HE will and at this instant, you will become GOD’S child and receive eternal life and all that GOD promises HIS children. You will receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Follow Jesus - Right Motives - Matthew 6 - September 16, 2012

Bible Study – Follow Jesus – Right Motives – September 16, 2012

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “What It Means to Follow Jesus.”

Our scripture is Matthew 6:1-13, 16-18.

JESUS was prompting HIS disciples and all who were listening to dig deeper internally to consider their motives when they do something spiritual that others can observe. Were they play-acting or were they truly honoring GOD through their actions? Their motives define which is true.

JESUS cites some examples. Let’s explore.

Let’s read Matthew 6:1-4:

How to Give

1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousnessa Other mss read charitable giving in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2 So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the •synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. •I assure you: They’ve got their reward!b Mt 23:5; Lk 6:24
3 But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.c Other mss read will Himself reward you openlyd Jr 17:10; Lk 14:14; Col 3:23-24; Heb 4:13

 

Giving is a sensitive subject in most churches. Many of us have heard, “Every time I go to that church all I hear is that they need money.” In many churches that may be true because churches depend upon donations from those involved in that church.

JESUS addressed the issue of giving in HIS Sermon on the Mount and HE used the word “righteousness.” HE said, “Don’t practice your righteousness in front of people.” Righteousness embodied the subjects in today’s lesson – giving, praying and fasting. They are some of the overt ways to express your relationship with GOD. Righteousness means “to be in right standing with GOD.” Giving, praying and fasting are some of the ways Christians reflect their relationship with GOD. This can be genuine or manufactured depending on their motive.

 

JESUS said when you give do not draw attention to yourself. I know in some churches when they have a special offering for certain projects or programs, they ask the congregation to come to the front of the church to place their contribution in the offering plate or on the altar. What is the motive of the church leaders when they ask people to do this? Some look at it as a special moment for them to give to this special program. However, when 80-90 % of the congregation goes forward to place their offering at the designated location those left standing or sitting in the pew stand out. This places a lot of pressure on those not going forward even though they may have already quietly given to the fund raising effort.

 

Some people want others to know that they have means to give and enjoy boasting about it. Others are very quiet and you never know they have given unless you happen to stumble across it.

 

In JESUS day there were those who enjoyed the fanfare of giving to the poor. I am sure the poor did not care what the giver did as long as they received whatever the boisterous giver was offering to them. JESUS was concerned about the heart of the giver. Motives reveal the heart of the person. Motives can be honorable or self-serving, only we know the truth behind what we do.

 

I understand in JESUS day there was a trumpet like device located in the temple where worshippers could place their contributions. The giver could make a sound come from it as they gave depending on what and how much they placed into it. When they made such a noise what was their motive, to draw attention to themselves or to honor GOD?

 

GOD knows our hearts and HE knows our motives. When we want others to see what we are doing by bringing attention to ourselves rather than honoring GOD, that is our reward. People may recognize and applaud those who have given with the right motive and tried to keep it quite but someone let the cat-out-of-the-bag. People are curious and want to know who gave this or provided this? Even if the giver is discovered and revealed, I believe GOD honors what that person or persons did because HE knows the givers’ hearts.

 

Giving goes far beyond monetary giving. JESUS said in Matthew 10:42 – 42 And whoever givesn Mt 25:40; Mk 9:41; Heb 6:10 just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a discipleo Lit little ones in the name of a disciplep Mt 28:19; Lk 14:26; Jn 8:31; 13:35; 15:8; Ac 6:1—I assure you: He will never lose his reward!” The key to all giving is the attitude of our hearts.

Let’s read Matthew 6:5-13:

How to Pray

5 “Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward!e Mt 6:16; Mk 11:25; Lk 6:24; 18:11
6 But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.f Other mss add openlyg 2Kg 4:33; Isa 26:20; Mt 6:18
7 When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters,h Or Gentiles, or nations, or heathen, or pagans since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words.i 1Kg 18:26; Ecc 5:2
8 Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him.j Mt 9:12; Mk 2:17; Lk 5:31; 9:11; 10:42; Ac 2:45

The Model Prayer

9 “Therefore, you should pray like this:k Lk 11:1-13
Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy.l Lk 11:2; 1Co 7:14
10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.m Ps 103:20; Mt 3:2; 4:17; 26:42; Lk 22:42; Ac 21:14
11 Give us today our daily bread.n Or our necessary bread, or our bread for tomorrow
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.o Pr 30:8; Rm 4:4; Gl 5:3
13 And do not bring us intop Or do not cause us to come into temptation,q Mt 26:41; 1Co 10:13; 2Pt 2:9but deliver us from the evil one.r Or from evils  Mt 5:37; Jn 17:15; 2Th 3:3; 2Tm 4:18[For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. •Amen.]t   Other mss omit bracketed text

14 “For if you forgive people their wrongdoing,u Or trespasses your heavenly Father will forgive you as well.v Mk 11:25; Eph 4:32; Col 3:13
15 But if you don’t forgive people,w Other mss add their wrongdoing your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.x Or trespasses

JESUS addressed prayer. Prayer is talking to GOD and HE is ready to listen to us 24/7. JESUS was not putting down public prayer. Again, HE was addressing the motive and the attitude of the heart regarding prayer.

JESUS began by using the word “hypocrite.” A hypocrite was a play actor. They were playing a role that had nothing to do with the attitude of their hearts. They wanted to be applauded for their wonderful speech and the elegance of their words which reflected a special devotion and relationship with GOD. But their hearts were empty of any true relationship with GOD, they were just pretending.

Christian jargon can be learned and used to lure other Christians into believing these phonies are genuine Christians. GOD gives Christians the gift of discernment. As a Christian, when you feel something is not right pay attention. Look at what a person says and what he/she does. Look at the fruit from a person, is it good or bad. 

Those who worshipped pagan gods believed that many words uttered to their pagan gods would bring a response from them. So they babbled and wanted to be seen by their fellow worshippers for being so pious and verbose.

When we pray, JESUS said when we pray to GOD, our FATHER, to pray to HIM in secret. GOD already knows our needs and provides for them even before we ask. If that is the case, why pray? It is for our good. Prayer or talking with GOD is a special time of communicating with HIM to remove the burden from us and give it to HIM to take care of. It is a time when HIS children can come before HIM with praise, adoration, thanksgiving, to seek HIS help, comfort, assurance, confirmation and wisdom.

Then JESUS gave the “Model Prayer” commonly referred to as the “Lord’s Prayer.”

The Model Prayer is in two sections. The first section is related to GOD – GOD’S name, location and will. The second section focuses on human need – daily need, forgiveness and deliverance from temptation.

JESUS addressed the prayer to “our Father.” HE did not say MY Father or your Father, HE said “our Father.” Those who are born-again in their spirit are conceived by the Spirit of GOD, thus all Christians have the same Spiritual Father, Who is also JESUS’ Father. Thus, Christians are brothers and sisters in the family of GOD, which makes JESUS their brother.

To prevent confusion about which father JESUS was referring, HE said, “our Father Who is located in heaven.” Because HE was referring to the true GOD, HIS Father and the Father of all Christians, the creator of all things, including every human, HIS name is to be honored.

JESUS knew the importance of GOD’S Kingdom being established in the hearts and lives of every person who believes in HIM. All who believe in HIM through faith in CHRIST are to obediently serve HIM out of love, honor and respect for HIM. Obedient service comes from the human will being relinquished to GOD to allow HIM to lead and guide their lives through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Since we are humans and the human body requires food, JESUS stated that we need to look to GOD to provide for our daily needs. HE provides needs sufficient for the day. Providing daily needs also embraces the idea that GOD prepares today what is sufficient to provide for the needs for the coming day.

JESUS addressed debts or sins next. As Christians, we all commit sins of commission and omission. We know in 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgives Ps 103:3; Jr 31:34; Mt 9:6; 26:28; Col 1:14; Jms 5:15 us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His wordt Lk 8:21; Heb 4:12 is not in us.u

When we petition GOD to forgive us, the measure for our forgiveness is based upon how well we forgive others. Forgiveness is a two-way street. Those who seek forgiveness from GOD need to be willing to forgive others to reflect GOD’S love through them.

We know that GOD does not tempt anyone but we are led into temptation by our own desires. James 1:13-15:

13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

JESUS understood human nature and HE reminds us to not let our desires lead us into compromising our relationship with GOD. When our relationship with GOD is compromised we are vulnerable to attack by Satan and only GOD can deliver us from his attack.

The early manuscripts do not contain the bracketed words. The words are a doxology to the model prayer. It brings our attention to focus upon the eternal nature of the kingdom of GOD, HIS power, HIS glory.

Let’s read Matthew 6:16-18:

How to Fast

16 “Whenever you fast, don’t be sad-faced like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractivey Or unrecognizable, or disfiguredz Isa 58:5; Mt 18:35; Jms 2:13 so their fasting is obvious to people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward!
17 But when you fast, put oil on your head, and wash your face,a Ru 3:3; 2Sa 12:20; Dn 10:3
18 so that you don’t show your fasting to people but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.b  

 

JESUS referred to “hypocrites” who were play actors. The people knew that some people tried to be more religious than they were. They wanted to appear to be fasting, so they dressed for the occasion.

In JESUS’ day, fasting was common for the religious leaders. Fasting was doing without food once or twice a week. Those fasting could have some water. JESUS made it clear that when you fast to not let those you come into contact with know it. Let their fasting be between them and GOD. But there were those who wanted everyone to know that they were fasting by making themselves look sad.

The key is that GOD knows our hearts and we cannot fool HIM but we can fool others. When we fool others, we are only fooling ourselves.

GOD’S desire is for HIS children to be honest with HIM and HE knows our hearts.

Christians need to ask GOD through the Holy Spirit to search their hearts and to reveal their true motives to us. May our walk and talk match the motive of our hearts. Blessings!!!