Matthew chapter 7
Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
The Narrow Way
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because[a] narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
You Will Know Them by Their Fruits
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
I Never Knew You
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Build on the Rock
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Thoughts:
So we have come to the end of this sermon on the mount. Jesus spoke about many things. He really wanted to look into our hearts, minds, body, souls. He is interested in every part of us. He spoke about living a life that is completely focused on Jesus. These scriptures begin with a reminder to seek after him. Jesus said that even an earthly father knows how to give good gifts to his children. Our heavenly Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills, he is the creator of the entire universe. How much more can he do for us. Here Jesus is speaking about the goodness of the heavenly Father. He is calling on his creation, people to seek after God. He explains that there is a way that is prepared. It is a way many will not choose. But it is the only way to the Father. He, himself, is the door. Only through him, can we enter the ultimate relationship He has planned.
We are to build a firm, spiritual foundation that is based on the rock Jesus. A firm foundation placed in the word of God, in the faith and hope of given by Jesus will sustain us, keep us and hold us up through all circumstances. An incomplete foundation will not allow a building to stand. The same goes for our spirit. A foundation not completed, or wavering with every wind of doctrine, or every slight wind of trouble, will only lead to our spiritual fall. Isaiah 28:6 Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.
Jesus is the firm foundation. 1Corinthians 3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
I also want to note that these teachings from Jesus were astonishing to those listening. He taught is a way no one else had. He had authority. We are reading those same words they heard. I want to respond with astonishment to the word of the Lord. I think when we read the word of God, our response should be one of astonishment. Our spirit should react, respond, ignite, change, etc. We should recognize the authority of the word of the Lord so much that we are changed, challenged, and recognize our mighty Savior and what we need to do in response to that Authority.
Questions:
Do I still feel a need to seek, knock and ask?
What have I placed as my foundation?
Is Jesus my only foundation or do I sway when storms come?
Do I still feel the astonishment when I hear the words of Jesus spoken?
Monday, May 25, 2015
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Week 4: Sermon on the Mount, May 17-May 23
Jesus continued to speak to us about things going on in our mind:
Matthew 6
Do Not Worry
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 7
Do Not Judge
7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
My thoughts:
Jesus talked about matters of the mind here. Worry and a judgmental attitude come from our mind. We are naturally flesh and see things from a flesh perspective. We are all born in sin and we all see the world through these fleshly eyes we have. We see and know that may not have enough. We see and know that we struggle and have to work hard for all we have. We see and know with our mind.
We need to mind of Christ to see with our spiritual eyes and know the things of God.
When Jesus sent out his disciples in Matthew chapter 10 he told them, "9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food." They took nothing but his assurance that all the natural needs would be met. They had provisions from God alone. They went out and preached, healed and ministered to those in need with nothing of their own. God prepared and provided the way.
Do we try to provide all we need and want without God's help? I often think maybe I have it wrong when I always try to find a way to meet my own financial concerns without even realizing that I have so much more than most people in the world. I am not rich by American standards, but when compared to most of the world, I am wealthy indeed. I really have need of nothing. I am so grateful and thankful, but I think I often pray more about things I want mistaking them for needs. Help me Lord, to recognize my needs versus my wants and really know that I have nothing without you. Please help not be like the rich ruler who was unwilling to sell all he had to follow you.
The second part of this is about looking at others before examining ourselves. I think many people get so caught up in the concerning themselves with what others are doing, we forget we are to be conscious of our own hearts, lives and relationship with Christ first and foremost. Philippians 2:12 says Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
We need to concern ourselves with our own salvation, our own walk, our own relationship before deciding how others are doing.
I have, unfortunately, come across many people who refuse to go to church, blast or defame christians and the body of Christ and are accusatory of those who call themselves christians. This is sad to me. I look at the words they use, the accusations they make of there being too many hypocrites in church, etc and recognize that many of the things that they say come from a heart that has been hurt by someone who failed them or disappointed them in some way. Unfortunately, I think many of these folks do not recognize that christians are just human beings trying to live right and seek after God, but still make mistakes. To judge and write off someone because of their mistakes without recognizing that we are all saved by the blood of Jesus is not pleasing to God. I find many of these folks hold onto the bitterness and hurt and do not recognize this fact in their own heart and mind. It is always someone else to blame. If someone did wrong to us, we still must find a way to apply forgiveness and move on. Bitterness and hurt only chain us down from living the life God intends for us. Hebrews 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Lets examine our own thinking, our own hearts through the mirror of His word so we can be clean and pure before Christ.
Romans 8:5-6 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Let's set our minds on the things of God and not be focused on the concerns of this life or what everyone else is doing. Let's focus solely on Jesus. Just as Peter could walk on water when he set his eyes on Jesus, we can walk with Christ when our mind is focused on Him. We only sink when we get our minds off of Him.
Questions:
Do I spend more time worrying that trusting?
Do I worry about what others are doing and thinking rather than Jesus?
What changes do I need to make in my thoughts today?
God bless and please add any comments or help for me and others. There is a lot in the bible about these topics so add what you find.
Matthew 6
Do Not Worry
25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 7
Do Not Judge
7 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.
My thoughts:
Jesus talked about matters of the mind here. Worry and a judgmental attitude come from our mind. We are naturally flesh and see things from a flesh perspective. We are all born in sin and we all see the world through these fleshly eyes we have. We see and know that may not have enough. We see and know that we struggle and have to work hard for all we have. We see and know with our mind.
We need to mind of Christ to see with our spiritual eyes and know the things of God.
When Jesus sent out his disciples in Matthew chapter 10 he told them, "9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food." They took nothing but his assurance that all the natural needs would be met. They had provisions from God alone. They went out and preached, healed and ministered to those in need with nothing of their own. God prepared and provided the way.
Do we try to provide all we need and want without God's help? I often think maybe I have it wrong when I always try to find a way to meet my own financial concerns without even realizing that I have so much more than most people in the world. I am not rich by American standards, but when compared to most of the world, I am wealthy indeed. I really have need of nothing. I am so grateful and thankful, but I think I often pray more about things I want mistaking them for needs. Help me Lord, to recognize my needs versus my wants and really know that I have nothing without you. Please help not be like the rich ruler who was unwilling to sell all he had to follow you.
The second part of this is about looking at others before examining ourselves. I think many people get so caught up in the concerning themselves with what others are doing, we forget we are to be conscious of our own hearts, lives and relationship with Christ first and foremost. Philippians 2:12 says Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
We need to concern ourselves with our own salvation, our own walk, our own relationship before deciding how others are doing.
I have, unfortunately, come across many people who refuse to go to church, blast or defame christians and the body of Christ and are accusatory of those who call themselves christians. This is sad to me. I look at the words they use, the accusations they make of there being too many hypocrites in church, etc and recognize that many of the things that they say come from a heart that has been hurt by someone who failed them or disappointed them in some way. Unfortunately, I think many of these folks do not recognize that christians are just human beings trying to live right and seek after God, but still make mistakes. To judge and write off someone because of their mistakes without recognizing that we are all saved by the blood of Jesus is not pleasing to God. I find many of these folks hold onto the bitterness and hurt and do not recognize this fact in their own heart and mind. It is always someone else to blame. If someone did wrong to us, we still must find a way to apply forgiveness and move on. Bitterness and hurt only chain us down from living the life God intends for us. Hebrews 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Lets examine our own thinking, our own hearts through the mirror of His word so we can be clean and pure before Christ.
Romans 8:5-6 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Let's set our minds on the things of God and not be focused on the concerns of this life or what everyone else is doing. Let's focus solely on Jesus. Just as Peter could walk on water when he set his eyes on Jesus, we can walk with Christ when our mind is focused on Him. We only sink when we get our minds off of Him.
Questions:
Do I spend more time worrying that trusting?
Do I worry about what others are doing and thinking rather than Jesus?
What changes do I need to make in my thoughts today?
God bless and please add any comments or help for me and others. There is a lot in the bible about these topics so add what you find.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Week 3: Sermon on the Mount 5/10-5/16/15
Matthew 6
The Model Prayer
5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.[b] 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.[c]
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Fasting to Be Seen Only by God
16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.[d]
Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The Lamp of the Body
22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
You Cannot Serve God and Riches
24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
This next section of the Sermon Jesus spoke begins to deal with our spiritual connections to God. he wants us to connect to him through prayer and fasting. He taught how to pray and how to fast. It was not about getting recognition from others, but to find that secret place where we connect with our Savior. He wants to have a deeper relationship with us that is based solely on His love for us and our love for him.
1 John 1:19 We love Him because He first loved us.
I Thessalonians 5:17 says Pray without ceasing.
This is a call to ever be in communication with God. We need to be ready to talk to him and hear Him. Prayer is a conduit of communication with God. It is a way of speaking praises to him, petitioning him, worshipping him and perhaps more importantly, listening to what he wants to say to us.
When Jesus speaks of the prayer closet, he is speaking of those moments we are alone and intimate with our precious Savior.
Matthew 17:21
However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Prayer and fasting gives us access to the power of God, to the ability to fight the battles that come our way and to gain strength in the spirit. This is a relationship in which God's power is available when we access it with prayer and fasting.
I think of examples in the bible, like Daniel, who was dedicated and prayed three times a day. This created faith that allowed him to survive the lion's den. And Paul and Silas praying and worshiping in prison brought about a supernatural intervention.
I also think of Godly people I have known that had prayer lives that amaze me. They loved that precious time with God, the time spent with their Savior, speaking and listening to Him. I know that when they prayed, miracles happened and things changed. God answers prayers. I think Jesus wasn't just giving an example, but a reason to pray. Our spiritual relationship with him has its foundation in the communication of prayer and fasting.
Questions:
How important is my prayer life?
Do I take time daily to build my spiritual relationship with God?
Do I need to make any changes to my prayer and fasting?
The Model Prayer
5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.[b] 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.[c]
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Fasting to Be Seen Only by God
16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.[d]
Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The Lamp of the Body
22 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
You Cannot Serve God and Riches
24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
This next section of the Sermon Jesus spoke begins to deal with our spiritual connections to God. he wants us to connect to him through prayer and fasting. He taught how to pray and how to fast. It was not about getting recognition from others, but to find that secret place where we connect with our Savior. He wants to have a deeper relationship with us that is based solely on His love for us and our love for him.
1 John 1:19 We love Him because He first loved us.
I Thessalonians 5:17 says Pray without ceasing.
This is a call to ever be in communication with God. We need to be ready to talk to him and hear Him. Prayer is a conduit of communication with God. It is a way of speaking praises to him, petitioning him, worshipping him and perhaps more importantly, listening to what he wants to say to us.
When Jesus speaks of the prayer closet, he is speaking of those moments we are alone and intimate with our precious Savior.
Matthew 17:21
However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Prayer and fasting gives us access to the power of God, to the ability to fight the battles that come our way and to gain strength in the spirit. This is a relationship in which God's power is available when we access it with prayer and fasting.
I think of examples in the bible, like Daniel, who was dedicated and prayed three times a day. This created faith that allowed him to survive the lion's den. And Paul and Silas praying and worshiping in prison brought about a supernatural intervention.
I also think of Godly people I have known that had prayer lives that amaze me. They loved that precious time with God, the time spent with their Savior, speaking and listening to Him. I know that when they prayed, miracles happened and things changed. God answers prayers. I think Jesus wasn't just giving an example, but a reason to pray. Our spiritual relationship with him has its foundation in the communication of prayer and fasting.
Questions:
How important is my prayer life?
Do I take time daily to build my spiritual relationship with God?
Do I need to make any changes to my prayer and fasting?
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Week 2: Sermon on the Mount-May 2-May 9
The next part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount:
Matthew 5:17-48
Christ Fulfills the Law
17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Murder Begins in the Heart
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.
Adultery in the Heart
27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
Marriage Is Sacred and Binding
31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.
Jesus Forbids Oaths
33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
Go the Second Mile
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Love Your Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor[g] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
These passages really target the heart of a person. Jesus talked about what was in our heart and how it affects our actions. I know that there are many verses in the bible that support this so I found a few.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart[a] brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Matthew 12:34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
I find that Jesus is very interested in what is going on inside our hearts. He is not a God of show, but a God of intent and purpose. He is not calling us to do a bunch of actions, just because he said so. He is interested in our motivation behind the actions. He wants our heart to be full of His love toward others. He wants our heart to think on His word and on His goodness. He knows the things of our heart will be our motivating factor. He understands human beings better than anyone. He did create us. He knows we all have motivations for our actions. Some of us are motivated by becoming liked. Some are motivated to do things so it will look good to others.
His plan is that we are motivated just for the purpose of loving others and pleasing God. In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says that man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. He sees what is in our hearts and why we are choosing our actions.
Matthew 6:1-4
Do Good to Please God
6 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
There are many areas Jesus addressed in this section of his sermon: murder, marriage, swearing of oaths, enemies, and why we are to do good deeds. Most importantly, he wants to address the heart.
All these things come from our heart. What our heart dwells on, will be manifest in our actions.
1. On what do I meditate?
2. Is it harmful or of God?
3. Do I need to allow God's love to infiltrate my heart more?
4. Pray for more of His love in my heart, so it will be what motivates me to action.
I do hope this challenges many of us to really consider our heart. I know as I read this and studied the scriptures, I really feel like I spend too much time thinking about hurts, disappointments, and wondering about why others don't do what I think they should do. In reality, I really should be thinking about God's love to others, finding opportunity to love people and stay aware that my only motivation should be loving others. It says in John 13:35 that by this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another. Our pastor has been preaching on love for several weeks. I hope he keeps it up, until we really get it. Love is God's motivation. It should be ours.
God bless. Please leave comments. Suggestions, etc. Love you all.
Matthew 5:17-48
Christ Fulfills the Law
17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Murder Begins in the Heart
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.
Adultery in the Heart
27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
Marriage Is Sacred and Binding
31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.
Jesus Forbids Oaths
33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
Go the Second Mile
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Love Your Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor[g] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
These passages really target the heart of a person. Jesus talked about what was in our heart and how it affects our actions. I know that there are many verses in the bible that support this so I found a few.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart[a] brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Matthew 12:34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Thoughts:
His plan is that we are motivated just for the purpose of loving others and pleasing God. In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says that man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart. He sees what is in our hearts and why we are choosing our actions.
Matthew 6:1-4
Do Good to Please God
6 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
There are many areas Jesus addressed in this section of his sermon: murder, marriage, swearing of oaths, enemies, and why we are to do good deeds. Most importantly, he wants to address the heart.
All these things come from our heart. What our heart dwells on, will be manifest in our actions.
Questions I have:
1. On what do I meditate?
2. Is it harmful or of God?
3. Do I need to allow God's love to infiltrate my heart more?
4. Pray for more of His love in my heart, so it will be what motivates me to action.
I do hope this challenges many of us to really consider our heart. I know as I read this and studied the scriptures, I really feel like I spend too much time thinking about hurts, disappointments, and wondering about why others don't do what I think they should do. In reality, I really should be thinking about God's love to others, finding opportunity to love people and stay aware that my only motivation should be loving others. It says in John 13:35 that by this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love one for another. Our pastor has been preaching on love for several weeks. I hope he keeps it up, until we really get it. Love is God's motivation. It should be ours.
God bless. Please leave comments. Suggestions, etc. Love you all.
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