INTRO: The biblical writing known as Hebrews stands alone, being different than all other Bible writings. The main message focuses on a person, not a thing or an achievement.
Aside from the above statement, the Bible writer often repeats himself over and over. This is undoubtedly for the sake of emphasis. In a nutshell, Jesus Christ is declared to be superior to all other beings of all time!
Because of the above-mentioned truth- that Jesus Christ had no equals- it stands to reason that the writer would make Jesus the theme of this book from beginning to end!
Let us notice an example of this.
A good place to introduce this truth is found in Hebrews 3:1 which reminds us, “…therefore, holy brothers,who share in the heavenly calling, fix your eyes on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.”
Having noted the above, turn back to Hebrews 1:1-4
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, to the extent that He has inherited a more excellent name than they.”
May I suggest two important things:
A scholar of renown described in an elevated, incomparable way, the true nature and value of the Christian religion. He penned “For the author of this epistle, Christianity is the better and the best of all possible religions. Besides, it there is none other. Jesus Christ is in an elevated incomparable way, the true value of the Christian religion” “Dr.NeilLightfoot,
This writer of this article believes that two of the most fascinating lines in all of the letter of Hebrews are found in chapter 8:6 and 1O:19-25. Please read these and meditate on their meaning.
Some refer to this information as “the better covenant.” Please refresh your familiarity with this “better covenant” by reading the material above. But, there is more. In the midst of all this “better”material we find a more powerful phrase. Allow me to suggest that you also read Hebrews chapter 8:7-13 for a more precise eye-opening experience. This causes us to thank God for this information and our transformation!
While it may not be a new thing to you, this letter called Hebrews finds no equal in the rest of the Bible’s writings! There are other exciting verses containing fascinating material, but no tas far-reaching as are defined in one of these ways: “Strong trust” or “Confidence in someone or something.”
This much we know: Hebrews 11:6 clearly states “without faith it is impossible to please God!” The Penman of this work pinpoints the obvious for the sake of the utter importance of faith in Jesus; that he was born, lived, died as our sacrifice, resides in heaven, and is making our faith valuable to us!
It is important to insert here that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Faith, by definition, is “trusting to the point of commitment.” We might use the word to describe the faith we have in our leaders, or could it be as simple as this????
Faith is a word we use in different ways. Here we use it to say that not all things are tangible, but that Hebrews contains some of the best of the most exciting information we have access to. If we claim to possess faith, we are telling or showing others that we believe the Bible to be true and dependable.
The extension of this definition, simply put, is “God the Father has provided for us a way to live on planet earth and to pass on to the heavely realm when this life is over.
Let us retreat just a little and bear-down on a small part of a telling passage. Please read chapter 8:7-13. You will notice that the event spoken of beginning in verse nine, took place many years earlier when God “took them(Israelites) by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. “As we read this we become aware of God’s desires for His beloved people, and when we study and meditate upon the actual happenings, we are aware of our failures, many times over!
Still, God’s promise to them was a NEW COVENANT between them (or their offspring) and the God of heaven and earth! Psalm 105:8 reminds us that God keeps His word for as long as it takes!
Brothers and sisters, this is our God too!
Thessalonica was founded in 315 BC by Cassander, a former general of Alexander the Great. The Romans captured Thessalonica in 167 BC. In 42 BC Mark Antony and Octavian rewarded Thessalonica for its assistance in the Roman civil wars by making it a “free city.”
Two geographical factors resulted in Thessalonica quickly becoming the most populous, wealthy and important city in Macedonia. The city possessed a natural harbour that was the best in the area. The city was located on the Via Egnatia, the major east-west trade route linking Rome to the eastern regions of its empire and beyond to the Far East.
Second Thessalonians fulfills three main purposes:
1) Paul commends the church for enduring persecution. 2) These Christians needed to know the truth about “the day of the Lord.” 3) Those living idle lives needed to learn the discipline of working for their livings.
2 Thessalonians Chapter 1
Paul, Silvanus and Timothy write to “the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace from God is offered as a blessing to the souls addressed.
Paul reminds these Christians of his constant prayers for them and mentions their greatly enlarged faith. These saints were a sense of pride from the senders, Paul, Silvanus and Timothy especially for their perseverance in hard times. Paul reminds them that God will repay those who had caused them discomfort. The “payment” was significant. In verses 4–9 we see the retribution that God will deal out is eternal destruction. In the midst of all of this, “the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified.”
2 Thessalonians Chapter 2
After reading a few lines in this chapter we feel the need to brace ourselves and regroup. Notice this sentence: “with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together with Him that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed…to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.” (2:1–2) (Is there a reason to be shaken?) Verse 3 contains the word “apostasy” which points to a falling away from the faith. Further, this is seen as an event that will happen but only in the order laid out in these verses.
What is clear to see is that the Day of the Lord will not come until after a great falling away (v. 3). This period includes the revealing of “the man of lawlessness” or “son of destruction,” who is bad from birth, to the point of sitting in the temple of God as God where he ought not to be!
It is clear that trying to identify these people with first and last names is outside of this writer’s realm. One thing we are sure of is that this entity is not on our side! See this in Chapter 2:4. The verses that follow “second the motion on this truth!”
This “lawless one” will be revealed and will be slain by the Lord, because his “coming is in accord with the activity of Satan”(v. 9).
Verse 10 shows us the person’s dark side and hence verses 11 and 12 make good sense to us. “They took pleasure in wickedness.”
This we can understand. Read 2:13–17. As Christians we have been called to a new life through the gospel, the good news of Jesus. We are therefore to “stand firm and hold to the traditions we have been taught.”
2 Thessalonians 3
These Thessalonian Christians were given a blessed task: to pray for Paul and his companions. Their prayer was to include: 1) The spreading the gospel. 2) That the evangelists will be kept safe from “evil men who do not all have faith.”
A second admonition comes in the form of the company NOT to keep and the example to FOLLOW. See 3:6–13 in detail.
There are several references to reading and obeying the teachings and way of life put forth by Paul. It seems clear he believed these fine saints would do this very thing to the glory of God and the salvation of many souls.
1 Thessalonians 2:13–20
Welcome to this study of 1 Thessalonians 2:13–20. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these verses.
“Did you know that First Thessalonians is possibly the oldest piece of literature in the New Testament, written about twenty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus? The Gospels, describing the life of Jesus, were written a decade or more later, to preserve the stories the disciples had told” (How to Get Into The Bible by Stephen M. Miller).
Probably all of us know that Jesus died on a cruel cross to make spiritual salvation possible. Salvation from sin, a gift given to sinners, is surely the greatest present we can imagine. Paul confirms this and many other eternal truths as he wrote to the Thessalonians and by extension, to all of us today.
Consider the following:
1) Paul was constantly thankful to God for each of these brethren – who had heard the Gospel from him and “accepted it, not as the word of men, but …the word of God” (2:13). This is the inherent claim of all scripture, which Paul will explain in another place is “given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). It is full, final and complete…nothing more is needed.
2) Paul informs the church at Thessalonica that their endurance in the face of persecution had been preceded by the saints in Judea (2:14a). They were imitating the Judean churches. Those who imitate godly behaviour are applauded in scripture (I Thess 1:6–10) Christian living can be imitated, and when it is, it is pleasing to God. Even though Jesus paid the full price for our sins, we may be called upon to share in his suffering through persecution.
The guidance that we receive from God’s word is often all that keeps us from condemnation in this life and certainly in the life to come. As John Bradford concluded (in the mid 16th century), while observing a group of prisoners being led to execution… that “there but for the grace of God go I”
When we hear or meet a person who is lost in sin, it behooves all of us to reach out to help. That is what Jesus did and wishes to do again through us.
3) The decision to follow Jesus as had the church in Judea had caused the brothers and sisters from Thessalonica to suffer in a similar fashion Jesus (2:14b). We are reminded that this present world often punishes good and rewards evil. And while this is far from ideal, it is the cost of following the Galilean carpenter – a cost that all believers are encouraged to count in advance.
The decision to follow Jesus is a decision to accept persecution. Knowing this in advance strengthens us for ‘hard times’ when they come.
4) It was persecution that cut Paul’s first visit to Thessalonica short. He was forced to minister to them through his mission team and the written word. While he was with them , he set an example of personal industry and sacrificial living. He reminded them of this when he wrote: “For you recall brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God” (I Thessalonians 2:9).
Paul was willing to pay any price necessary in order to share the gospel (2:9). As he would later remind the Ephesian elders, he did not fail to proclaim the ‘full counsel of God’. (Acts 20:19-20). He did not neglect to share anything that they needed to know about God’s plan of salvation, acceptable worship and daily Christian living. Elements of these may be gleaned from I Cor 15:1-6
On a personal note, I was recently asked to talk to a young lady regarding the topic of water baptism. While she thought I would discuss water and immersion, etc., it seemed wise to me to delay a discussion of those steps, explaining first of all what Jesus did for us; what He requires of us; what baptism includes and how these all fit together. This person followed these spiritual guidelines of the Bible and the rest is history.
Conclusion
Paul called upon the church at Thessalonica to remember both his way of life and the message of salvation. They served as witnesses along with God Himself, of his blameless conduct and faithful ministry. (2:10) This allowed Paul to exhort and implore like a father, to follow his good example. (2:11). In so doing, they would know how to walk in manner worthy of God (2:12).
For This Reason
“We”, meaning Paul or Paul and his companions, always thanked God for the opportunity to preach the word to them. This gospel message was and is not difficult to learn and repeat. We need to commit it to memory and to live by it. The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, FOR OUR SINS.” is the heart of the gospel. It is that simple! Read 1 Corinthians 15:1–6.
Truly “Jesus paid a debt He did not owe, and we all owed a debt we could not pay, so we needed someone to wash our sins away.” They received the Word, “Not as the word of men but for what it really is, the word of God!”
What Jesus did, he did for the benefit of the whole world. When God’s word is allowed to do it’s work, it brings men and women to salvation. It is up to us, to trust and obey, for there is no other way. Jesus Himself is “the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me!” (John 14:6).
Beamsville, Ontario
A Study for the Here and Now
Abraham plays an important role in God’s great eternal plan. He is one of the most important figures in the Bible. It is through his lineage that Jesus the Saviour of the world came (Matthew 1; Luke 3). No one can understand the Old and New Testaments without understanding Abraham, for he is a very important person in the history of God’s work of redemption.
The Importance of Abraham to Us Today
Abraham plays an important role in Christianity. His name and life patterns are found in the Bible as an ancestor of Jesus. It is through his lineage that the Saviour of the world came (Matthew 1; Luke 3). The story of Abraham contains the first specific mention in the Bible of God’s righteousness assigned to a man by faith and justification by his works which are both important parts of God’s total means of salvation (Genesis 15:5–6 and James 2:20–24). It was Abraham whom God chose to be the father of many nations, simply because it was His will. God knew that Abraham would struggle with the call set before him but He also knew that his struggle would produce great faith, growth and maturity.
Are you ready to learn more about Abraham and how his life is an example for us in our walk with Jesus? Here are seven things from the Bible you may not know about Abraham:
1) God’s righteousness is assigned to Abraham because of His faith before the law and the gospel (Genesis 15:5–6).
2) Abram (later Abraham) was 75 years old when God called him to leave his home.
3) Abraham grew up in Mesopotamia, which scholars identify as one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
4) Abraham was raised by idol-worshipping parents.
5) Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister (she was his half-sister).
6) Abraham was the tenth-generation descendant of Noah.
7) Abraham helped usher in a promised nation.
Abraham’s name was originally “Abram,” which means “the father is exalted.” His name was changed to “Abraham,” which means “father of a multitude,” when God initiated His covenant with him (Genesis 17). God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many people. However, he and his wife Sarah were past the normal age of having children, therefore it would clearly be a miracle of God were they to have any. Nevertheless, Abraham trusted God and believed God could accomplish what He had promised.
From the Old Testament we find out lots of details about this good and valuable man. One of the most difficult requests by God to Abraham was that he take his son Isaac and offer him on the altar as a burnt sacrifice! Imagine this???
You may wish to read this account in Genesis 22. It is scary, thrilling and it demonstrates the will of God and the will power of His servant!
When God told Sarah and Abraham that they would have a child in their old age, they both laughed. Their laughter at God’s plan showed their disbelief that He could do what He said He would do. The Bible tells us, “Then the LORD said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is there anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.’ Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, ‘I did not laugh.’ But he said, ‘Yes, you did laugh.’”(Genesis 18: 13–15).
We would like to think Abraham believed God at once without any doubt, but this is not the case. He finds God’s word nearly impossible to believe. After all, Sarah is well past the age of childbearing. However, his response to the Lord does not to display total disbelief in the covenant promise. He falls on his face, symbolic of submission, trust and worship. Abraham shows us that real confidence in God doesn’t rule out times when His incredible promises are hard for us to see.
When Abraham was called by God to leave Haran, he obediently did so. In Genesis 12, we read of Abraham (then called Abram) leaving Haran, where his father Terah had settled. This account gives Abraham’s age at this time as 75. Scripture also tells us that he was 86 when his first son Ishmael was born through Hagar, 99 when he was circumcised and 100 when his son Isaac was born through Sarah.
Abraham Became Impatient with God
God promised Abraham children (Genesis 15:5; 22:17). But when this didn’t take place as quickly as Abraham thought it should, he became impatient with God and took matters into his own control (Genesis 16:1–6ff). Sarah was still childless, so she told Abraham to have relations with her handmaid, so that they might get a child from the union. A son was born from this union; his name was Ishmael. However, this was not God’s plan. God’s promise was for the offspring of Abraham and Sarah’s union (Genesis 15:3–4). Isaac was the name of the son that came from the union of Abraham and Sarah. It would be through Isaac that the nations would be blessed.
When His Faith Was Tested He Proved His Faith with Obedience
Abraham and Sarah were very happy with their new son Isaac, however, God had a test for Abraham. God told him, “‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love and go to the land of Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you’” (Genesis 22:2). This would have been a tremendous shock to any parent; to be blessed by a long- awaited child, only to have God tell you to sacrifice that child. The Bible does not say that Abraham hesitated for a moment. In fact, Genesis 22:8 indicates Abraham’s strong faith that God might not take his son at all. Abraham believed that God would raise Isaac back to life if the sacrifice actually did take place (Hebrews 11:19).
Whether for God’s sake or that of Abraham or Isaac or for our sake as an example, Abraham took his son up to a mountain, laid him down and prepared to kill him in obedience to God’s command. However, God intervened by stopping Abraham from killing his son and by providing a sacrifice in the form of a ram caught in the nearby brush. While Abraham’s faith had been tested, he proved his faith by his obedience to God.
Incredibly, about 2,000 years later God did offer his only Son for our sins in the shadow of Mount Moriah over which the Temple was built.
We Know through Abraham that God Always Keeps His Promises
Abraham had a long and challenging journey. Throughout this journey, he worked hard and experienced grief and blessings. Most of the time, he wasn’t able to see the path ahead, but he held strongly to the promise in his heart. God would continue to fulfill that promise over approximately two thousand years after Abraham’s death with its completion in His Son Jesus Christ. Abraham shows us that real confidence in God doesn’t rule out times when His incredible promises are hard for us to see.
Abraham’s Importance in the New Testament
There is another whole batch of great information about Abraham which sends us to the New Testament! That’s right, the New Testament. As Bible believers we pay special attention to Abraham in the New Testament as well as the Old.
Many years after Abraham died his genealogy shows up in Matthew 1:1, 2 and 17. Faithful Jews and new believers were called sons and daughters of Abraham (Luke 13:16; 19:9; Galatians 3:7). We also see the promise that he will be there to meet them when they depart from this life (Luke 16:22–23; Acts 7 and Hebrews 11). James 2:20–24 gives us a powerful summary statement of the two important acts of Abraham: believing God for righteousness and offering up Isaac as an obedient work resulting in justification.
Abraham’s faith was important to Paul as well. He writes of “the faith of Abraham” (Galatians 3:6–9), which leads us to the conclusion that this Old Testament man of God truly was an example of faith to all. Finally, read Galatians 3:10–14 and James 2:20–24 noting that God wants us to follow Abraham’s example “in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith” and God’s justification by putting our faith into action through obedient service.
Beamsville, Ontario
Sermon on the Mount- Conclusion (Matthew 7:1-29)
The multitudes who gathered to hear Jesus were impressed both by the authority with which he spoke and the compassion with which he ministered. He was as patient with his audience as he was honest about God’s truth. Each part of this sermon revealed something vitally true about God along with a practical application for everyday living. We now turn our attention to Matthew chapter 7.
Judging is Completely Out of Our Realm. (Vs 1-6)
When Jesus said “Judge not that you be not judged”, it seems likely that he was speaking of the sort of judgment that pertains to the salvation of another. God reserves absolute rights over the final disposition of human souls. The verdict is his to determine and to pronounce. All people exercise spiritual discernment as those who will themselves be judged by the one who is fully informed and empowered to do so. It is not our place to exercise this kind of judgment. We are only ever partially informed and often guilty of the very thing that we condemn in others.
We ought not however conclude that discernment is not called for in our Christian lives. We must use sound reasoning and judgment to determine what God wants and then set out to obey. When we or others do something that God’s word condemns, we are not ‘judging’ when we recognize sin for what it is. And while the final verdict is God’s to pronounce, He has already taken the guesswork out of it by telling us what he will condemn and what he will reward.
The New Testament teaches that while we are not to pronounce final judgment, we are nevertheless our ‘brother’s keeper’.
The Lord’s brother wrote:
My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you strays from the truth and someone turns him back, let him know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. (Jas 5:19-20)
Writing to the Galatian churches, the apostle Paul said
Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. (Gal 6:1)
These two passages maintain a balance between our responsibilities toward our brothers and sisters and the prohibition put in place by Jesus against presumptive condemnation. Those who step beyond these boundaries stand in danger of having their own standard of judgment turned back upon themselves.
Prayerand the Golden Rule– Vs 7-12
The amazing thing about prayer is that the one who made the world out of nothing is waiting to hear from all of us who need help! And that is all of us! In this passage, the Savior introduced what we might call – the “ask, seek and knock” rule. The thread running through these verses is that God does give – to those who ask, who seek and who knock! In this respect, prayer is always an act of faith.
To illustrate, Jesus reasoned from the lesser to the greater. If parents with limited resources and sinful hearts nevertheless do their best to bestow ‘good gifts’ upon their children, how could anyone think that our Heavenly Father will fail to go far beyond that? God is good and only gives that which is good and in the very best way.
Jesus came next to what have come to call “the golden rule.” He went on record saying, “in everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want to be treated, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Mt. 7:12) Luke’s account of the rule puts it this way: Treat others the same way you want them to treat you” (Lk. 6:31). This is one of those universal principles that Jesus intended for us to apply in every place and at all times. Simply put, it is always the right thing to do!
The balance of chapter 7 offers a series of choices. A choice between two ways, two trees, two foundations laid by two builders.
Two Gates and Two Ways (Vs.13,14)
When Jesus spoke of two gates leading to two ways, he identified that entry upon each way was begun at some specific point in time. Each gate represented an alternative choice which in turn determined the path entered upon.
One path was entered through a narrow gate. We might think of a strait – a narrow entry point into a body of water. Passage is often difficult, requiring extreme care. From what Jesus said, the path entered through this ‘gate’ is difficult, calling for discipline, self-denial and even sacrifice. Not surprisingly, it is the minority choice – for most avoid difficulty and even despise the standard to which it calls. Yet, at the end of the road, there is eternal life.
The other gate is rarely a conscious choice. It is that to which we all default by insisting upon our own way. It takes no spiritual effort to pass through the gate and nothing but sin to stay the course. By comparison, “There are many who enter through this gate unto destruction.” In spiritual matters, the majority always has been and always will be – wrong. There are few who find the narrow gate and even fewer who choose to pass through it.
Our Lord is saying very clearly “Be careful, don’t believe everything you hear. Don’t just automatically choose what is easier than other ways…” And, oh yes,” says Jesus, “remember I told you few find this path!” This carefully chosen advice from Jesus is to be learned and then lived. He, Jesus Himself, tells us it is the only way! We seem to grasp the essence of it when we say, “His wife keeps him on the straight and narrow,” which is borrowed from Jesus but helps us understand the significance. The singularity and exclusivity of the Gospel plan of salvation along with life ‘in Christ’ is hard to miss. There really is only one saviour, only one way to be saved and only one way of living the ‘saved life’.
False prophets, bad trees and wolves in sheep’s clothing: (7:15-20)
Since there are two and only two ways – one narrow and the other wide – there are also advocates for each. Those who listen to and follow the example of false prophets not only enter through the wide gate, but are convinced that it is actually the right gate. False prophecy turns bad into good and good into bad. It exchanges God’s truth for a lie, paying off in the here and now instead of in the hereafter. But Jesus assures us that the hereafter is well worth living for and waiting for. So while the fruit of righteousness is life eternal, the fruit of unrighteousness is eternal death.
The imagery of ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ warns us that false prophets usually arise from within the flock. This ensures that their influence is most keenly felt and often effective. God’s people are therefore warned to be especially alert to false doctrine and ungodly standards when presented by those closest to us. We must always go back to God’s word to determine what it is that He approves and promises to reward.
Two Declarations- 7:22-23
Declaration one is from Jesus: “Many will say to me in that day ‘Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name cast out demons?” Jesus appears to be talking about the Judgment Day at the end of time! On that day, many will claim to have served Jesus – in his name and by his power.
But Jesus will deny their claims. Perhaps they only resorted to these words, to escape the outcome! What we do know for certain is that Jesus said, “I will declare to them,” ‘I never knew you, depart from me you who practice lawlessness!’ (7:23)
On the Day of Judgment, words alone will not be enough. We must be careful to understand that we can’t fool Jesus, so we shouldn’t try!
Two Builders and Two Foundations: 7:24-27
We have come to the “therefore” portion of this admonition to do things God’s way! As this sermon drew to a close, the crowds had a choice to make. They could pay heed – they could take the Lord’s message to heart and apply it to their lives. Or they could go home and forget all about what they had heard.
Those who accepted and obeyed the words of Jesus were like a wise builder who dug down deep, to set the foundation of his house on solid rock. With the right foundation, nothing in life would be able to destroy that which had been built upon Christ. But those who rejected the master’s words had no such protection. Their lives were not only unprotected but guaranteed to fail – both in time and at the end of time. It is worth noting that the ‘storms of life’ were the same for both, but not the outcomes. The foundation was what made the difference.
The word of God – spoken through His Son – is the word of life. Those who reject it do not enter into life and set themselves up for a great fall. (Matt. 7:27) This fall is great, both because it is completely unnecessary and is eternally final. Once God has pronounced his verdict, there will be no remedy at all. So the time to take heed is now.
In my opinion the verses that we have covered in this brief study – are some of the most clearly understood in the New Testament. They were forcefully made and delivered by our Lord as ‘God in the flesh!’
We are not alone in that appraisal, for the chapter ends with the observation, that: “When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes!”- Matthew 7:28,29
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Author’s Note: Let me encourage all who read this article to undertake the following:
1) Read Matthew chapters 5 through 7
2) Make notes of the surprising things Jesus said
3) Make suitable application to self where we see it as fitting
4) Above all, note that Jesus alone has the credentials and authority to say and demand these things.
Since our first article on this passage included introductory matters, we decided to give ourselves some extra space to more fully develop a discussion of the contents. We began by noting that this “Sermon” is the longest and most detailed one recorded in the Gospels.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus preached this profound sermon showing how people converted and committed to the cause of Christ were to live. The lessons contained in it seem endless and apply as much today as they did when first spoken.
It was John R.W. Stott who said, “The Sermon on the Mount is probably the best known part of the teachings of Jesus, though arguably it is the least understood and certainly it is the least obeyed. With obedience in mind, let us consider some of the important sayings of Jesus that call for decisions and action.
How a Christ-follower should arrange his or her priorities: (chapter 6)
Jesus was Mr. Real! He was genuine and forthright as a human being, yet also God in the flesh, speaking the words of his Heavenly Father as he was guided and indwelt by the Holy Spirit!
His teaching in verses 1-8, include constructive criticism directed toward those known for bias and bigotry.
Jesus warned against “practising one’s righteousness” for the purpose of being seen by ‘men’. He ‘calling out’ a common practice among religious leaders, who did not so much want to do the right thing as to be seen doing it. Jesus pointed out that in seeking the rewards of societal approval they were forfeiting the one that God really wanted to give.
It does not seem possible that anyone would ever criticize charitable giving since the benefits extended to those who received it were undeniably good. God actually intended for the benefits of giving to be experienced at both ends of the transaction. But giving for the purpose of being ‘seen’ substituted the rewards of human approval for the eternal benefits of divine approval. Once again, a tragic trade-off.
In verses 3,4 Jesus corrected the practice that he had just criticized. Giving ought to be done in private, in a way known only to oneself and to God. Therefore “Let your giving be in secret and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” (verse 4). Forfeiting the praise of men allows us to be richly rewarded by our Heavenly Father.
Jesus then applied this same principle to prayer, saying: “When you pray, go into your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father who is in secret and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you!(Verse 5)
When our children were young we used to read to them from Bible story books. One, fresh in my mind, showed a man praying in the company of many, with one eye open! With that eye he scanned the crowd looking for admirers. Jesus said “do not do that!”. Leading a congregation in prayer is not the same thing as praying for the purpose of gaining the admiration and approval of others. Prayer seeks an audience with God. Public prayer on behalf of a congregation brings the whole church into the presence of God. It is His approval that we seek – therefore we pray to be heard by God.
In verses 9-13, Jesus offered a model prayer for his disciples. We often refer to this as “The Lord’s Prayer.” It begins with praise to God and honour to his name followed by an appeal for the arrival of his kingdom on earth to the end that His will might be done on earth as it is in heaven. Then and only then does it turn and address the needs of the moment in the context of all that God is doing and planning to do. He wraps up with an appeal for forgiveness and conditions this upon our own willingness to forgive.
There is no question that Jesus underscored the importance of prayer and the value that God places upon it when it is offered in a way that is pleasing to Him. (Verses 14,15)
In verses 16-18, the subject changes from Prayer to Fasting. The only day upon which God had commanded his people to fast, was the Day of Atonement. Jewish tradition demanded much more, leaving the impression that fasting for its own sake was pleasing to God. Those who fasted were going ‘above and beyond’, and those who were seen to be fasting, set the standard for others. Jesus taught that we should keep all such things to ourselves – things done for the purpose of serving or honouring the Lord. They are between us and God, and not display items to put in the front window – or to post on the internet.
In verses 19-24 Jesus turns to some ‘nitty-gritty’ issues whose principles have universal application. Treasure in heaven has some obvious advantages. It is safe and secure, guarded by God. The benefits are spread over eternity – like an annuity that will never fail. And those who choose it will not fail to have what they need in this life. Those who live to accumulate treasure on earth may lose it in life and will certainly leave it behind when they die. But the greater danger is that treasure on earth may steal our heart away from heaven, so that we never take hold of the treasure that endures. God knows what we need and is not disappointed when we handle His money responsibly. But should it get in the way or begin to control our lives, let us heed this warning.
The temptation to secure our lives with money is strengthened by worry. God knows that we need food, clothing and somewhere to live. He provides these through his providence and more directly through the benevolence of His church. Those who seek first God’s kingdom and the righteousness that is found through union with Jesus find that God also ministers to their physical needs through the loving care of their brothers and sisters. When concerns for our physical needs are made to stand in line behind our spiritual ones, both are supplied by our Heavenly Father.
The last of this invaluable counsel is found in Matthew chapter 7. We will deal with six separate sections in our next article on chapter 7
Matthew 5-7 is a portion of God’s Word that we should know well. In this one place alone do we find this material all together. May we study this, absorb it, live by it and teach it as we have opportunity!
Introduction
In his lead article for this tremendous series on WISDOM, the author takes us rather quickly to a verse of definition. It reads, “(Jesus) came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?’” – Matthew 13:54.
This article attempts to grasp, from the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, some of the high, holy and helpful words that we need on a daily basis.
Our Bibles, containing the Word of God, become our text for drinking in the beautiful phrases and promises of Jesus. The task at hand in this writing is to see the wisdom found in Matthew 5 through 7 and then become stronger in our faith in the Father through His Son!
It was Augustine who gave the name “Sermon on the Mount” to this section. This title has stuck. John Stott reckons that “this sermon is the best-known part of the teaching of Jesus, but arguably, the least understood – and certainly, the least obeyed. It is the nearest thing to a manifesto that he ever uttered, for it is his own description of what he wanted his followers to be and to do.”
What Jesus taught in His day, we are expected to keep and obey in our day!
Please do yourself a favour and read Matthew chapters 5 through 7 as we will have to leave some parts untouched for this article.
THE BEATITUDES – Matthew 5:1-12
“Seeing the multitudes, Jesus went up on the mountain and sat down; then His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying….”
There very well may be an unknown factor here in this: “Jesus saw the crowds,” then “he went up on the mountain… and his disciples came to Him.” If we are thinking of those initial twelve men chosen by Jesus, then this could get confusing. A disciple is simply “a follower” as were those first called to follow Jesus and later were told to “go into all the world….” making them apostles or “those sent.”
Perhaps the answer is simply that the crowd watched while the twelve went to hear Jesus and gradually were drawn by his magnetism and became “the crowd.”
There is a profound connection between Matthew noting that Jesus “opened His mouth and began to teach them” with Jesus’ first answer from Deuteronomy 8:3 to Satan’s temptation in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” Jesus, the incarnate Word, opens His mouth to speak the very word’s of God’s wisdom eternal (recall Proverbs 2:6 in our introductory article).
Since this section of Scripture takes in all of chapters 5 through 7, we can read in chapter seven, “When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching”– Matt.7:28. At least by the time that Jesus finished, many people were there, to drink in these life changing words.
“Beatitude“ comes from a word that can mean “blessing.” Jesus taught people not only that there was a way that they could be blessed by their Heavenly Father, but he also set out the details of ‘that way’. It was contingent upon their response to His Son Jesus! Things formerly seen as burdens become privileges in Christ and result in blessings!
Nine different topics are given one after the other, all of which are designed to make his original hearers and now us, much better people. Please read these from your Bible in Matthew 5:1–11.
Jesus then adds “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (5:12).
Isn’t this why we live like we do? Don’t we “count our blessings, naming them one by one,” and live faithfully in the presence of both Deity and dust, looking for the time when each one will be in the presence of our Good God?
These sayings of Jesus are a “one-time for all-time for all-people foundation.” The beauty is observed in the second part of each addition. He promises that the material in the second part of each sentence is better than the first. For example: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
This brief glance at each of these “beatitudes” allows us to read the text and observe two parts: the first is material in mind, the second is the blessing to receive. These are not written in the same way we might frame them, but from the lips of our Lord, blessings are promised for the faithful. Let’s be “faithful unto death” in order to “receive a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
This Bible material is broken down into sections. Matthew 5:13 opens a new emphasis. The question for all of us is “How should we live on planet earth?” The answers comes swift and true. We should think of ourselves as “salt of the earth.” This phrase is defined as “good and honest people trying to make the earth a better place.” Christians should be first in line!
Likewise Jesus teaches us to be “lights that shine before men,” and for which God receives the glory!” (5:14–16). Does this describe your daily endeavours?
As knowledgeable and active as the Jewish Pharisees were, our mandate is not to imitate them but to surpass them both in actions and emphasis (5:20). Please read this carefully as our eternal destination hangs in the balance. We must go beyond their legalistic attitude and actions, or “we will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (5:20). God has spoken!
12 WISDOM PRINCIPLES FROM MATTHEW 5:21–7:23
1. Try to always be at peace with people. Never hold a grudge against anyone. If someone has something against you try to be reconciled with that person (5: 21–26).
2. Be pure in your thoughts as well as in your actions. A man who looks lustfully at a woman is no less a sinner that a man who physically commits adultery (5: 27–32).
3. In your speech, be careful what you say and always speak the truth in love. Never think that you have to make someone believe you by swearing by the temple or “cross my heart and hope to die” (5:33–37).
4. Do not fight back or take revenge against one who hurts you or uses you. Let God be the avenger (5:38–42).
5. Love everyone, even your enemies, as God does. You are a child of God and should act that way (5:43–48).
6. Don’t broadcast your deeds or your prayers to the world. Do your good deeds and pray in secret before the Father only. And pray as Jesus taught us: first for His will, and then for our own needs (6:1–18).
7. Seek God’s will first before your own desires. Don’t worry about what you need in this life. If we are doing His will He will take care of us (6:19–34).
8. Don’t be critical of others and judge them unfairly. Always evaluate the situation and get your own house in order before you instruct someone else. And instruct only those who are worthy—willing to learn (7:1–6).
9. Be dependent on God for everything, and be assured that for any good thing you ask for He will give it to you according to His will (7:7–11).
10. Do for others in love what you want them to do for you. This is the golden rule. Don’t look to others to do something for you. Instead do for them the very thing you want them to do for you (7:12).
11. As for the decisions you make in life, always do the right thing, not the popular thing. Don’t follow the crowd (traveling on the wide road), but follow God instead along with all other true believers (who are traveling on a very narrow path). If you go the wrong way (the popular way, on the wide road) there is danger ahead and you will fall into certain destruction (Galatians 6:7–8; Matthew 7:13–14).
12. Be on your guard against false teachers who will take you down the wrong path. Know that not everyone who says that they are a Christian is a Christian (7:15–23).
The wisdom of this “Sermon on the Mount” is driven by the statements Jesus made in His Beatitudes.
In the next issue of the Gospel Herald we will see application to the “Jesus Way” in more depth and in statements that will challenge the best of us to see and live our lives like that of the Galilean Carpenter.
Beamsville, Ontario
Habakkuk 1
In preparation for each of this month’s articles, we encourage you to read the chapter in Habakkuk from which each is drawn.
The relevance of this book is underscored by that fact that several New Testament letters quote Habakkuk 2:4 where the prophet declared that, “The righteous shall live by faith” – (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38).
In the Bible book bearing his name we find this information for our guidance in chapter 1,
Chapter 1:1-4 are the words of the prophet
Chapter 1:5-11 are the words of God
Chapter 1:12-17 finds God speaking again
We will resort to this outline in our discussion of chapter one.
In Habakkuk 1:1–4 the prophet voices his displeasure at what he believes is happening; an evil, worldly and powerful nation is coming to strip the land and remove all of God’s people. How could God allow that??? Is God closing his ears, eyes and mind to the situation? Habakkuk cries out “I call for help, and you do not hear!” “I cry out Violence! And You do not save.” When this is read carefully we can nearly hear the hurt and feel the pain of 1:3.
Habakkuk was a righteous man, living in a society that had gone mad. He questioned how God could know of these sins and abominations, and not do anything about them. Looking at society today, I wonder why God has not thundered in judgment against us as well.
Habakkuk 1:4, “Therefore the law is ignored, and justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore justice comes out perverted!” (Perverted justice?) Yes!
This good man observed thatnot only were wicked people failing to keep God’s law, but they were attacking the righteous who were. They opposed those who had taken a stand for God. Justice was not equal for those claiming to live under God’s law. Habakkuk was disappointed that justice was no longer served in his society. Welcome to planet earth 2021! How could anything reasonably good could come out of what he was witnessing? Then God added that something worse was yet to come. It is no surprise then that in verses 3 and 4, Habakkuk feels God has deserted him!
But then, how many of us in our limited understanding have not questioned the wisdom and actions of God? How could God ‘allow’ the Holocaust, world wars, and our current slate of poorly chosen leaders to be responsible for national and world affairs?
Philip Yancey wonders Where is God when it Hurts? Harold Kushner has penned an excellent book entitled When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Works like these admit that there are limits to what we understand about God’s management of His world.
In uncertain times, we can yet be certain of our God who said to Israel: “Be strong and courageous. … Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” – Deuteronomy 31:6
Here is a little tale of what might have been happening to Habakkuk and can happen to us. I once heard of an agnostic farmer who wrote to the editor of his local newspaper, who was known to be a faithful Christian. The farmer said, “In defiance of your God I plowed my fields this year on Sunday, I disced and fertilized them on Sunday, I planted them on Sunday, I cultivated them on Sunday, and reaped them on Sunday. This October I had the biggest and best crops I have ever had. Mr. Churchman, how do you explain that?”
The editor replied, “Perhaps you don’t know what I know. God does not always settle His accounts in October!”
For Habakkuk and for us, this is a lesson not too late for the learning! God does not answer to us…we answer to Him.
Since “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,” – II Corinthians 5:17; we must attempt to see things through God’s eyes.
Habakkuk criticized God for bringing the Chaldeans to discipline the Jews . He must have wondered: “God, we are Your chosen ones; What’s up here?” This comes out in his second speech – in 1:12-17. God replied that Habakkuk must learn to trust Him to do right in His own time. At a time of God’s choosing He would punish the Chaldeans, but in the meantime Israel must learn to trust Him.
When Alexander the Great,was on his way to conquer India in 326 BC., he was heard boasting “I am not a man I am God. I was not born of woman, I was born of fire!” This man who thought he was a god died 3 years later. By contrast, God commands us to keep our place before him – to “be faithful unto death and you will receive a crown of life.”– Revelation 2:10. The crown of life is his to give and not ours to take. God is in control.
LISTEN TO GOD! vs 5–11
God responded to his servant the prophet saying “Observe!” “Be astonished.” “Wonder!”
Why? “Because I am doing something in your days that you wouldn’t believe if you were told. I am raising up the Chaldeans.” He then describes them as “fierce and impetuous people, those who march throughout the earth…. Are dreaded and feared.”
These wicked people are those who invent their own authority, have horses as swift as leopards… who fly like eagles swooping down to devour…they mock kings and laugh at rulers…
“But they will be held guilty! –verse 11! End of story. Now we know God is not obligated to settle his accounts in October to maintain His holy integrity.
When the remaining chapters of the book are read a more complete picture emerges
For now, we see the following:
1) God allows us to see iniquity in our selves..
· To keep us humble.
· To help us become and remain submissive to him in hours of trouble.
· To make us value salvation all the more.
2) Why God allows us to see iniquity in others:
· To show us what we might have been ourselves.
· To make us see the wickedness of sin, that we might pass by it and hate it, and not indulge in it.
· To make us admire the grace of God when He saves sinners.
· To set us more earnestly to work that God might use us to save others and extend God’s kingdom.
“Ah, my brethren, we need to know more of the evil of men, to make us more earnest in seeking their salvation; for if there be anything in which the Church is lacking more than in any other matter, it is in the matter of earnestness” (Charles Spurgeon).
“The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” – I Corinthians 1:25
St. Catharines ON
If you lived during the fifties and if you happened to be hooked on country music, in all probability you became familiar with an old country doctor who lived and practised in a small town in the western U.S.A. Not only did Doc Brown make a significant contribution to society through his medical profession, but, as he worked among the people he loved, his services were rendered at a pitifully small fee, making plain his real “reason for living”.
The problem was, that even at this nominal charge, there were many who could not pay. He simply wrote I.O.U. on all such accounts and hoped for a brighter day. That day of improvement did not arrive. In it’s place came the time when he would have to move from his office on Main Street and take up his practice in a tiny Rook over the livery stable. One kind town person cared enough to remove Doc’s sign, modify it and nail it to the door of the livery stable. It now read: “Doc Brown has moved upstairs”.
Nobody lives forever; not even this gentle man who had given so much of his life in service for others with small remuneration. Doc Brown died. The wagon loads of mourners moving along behind the casket must have stretched down the road a quarter of a mile. As the preacher completed his kind and true words at the grave side, not a dry eye was to be seen.
It seems that as death was approaching, the doctor, knowing that these folks would never be able to pay their debts, wrote across each I.O.U., “Paid in full”. As expected, money for an elaborate headstone with an appropriate epitaph was not available, so the towns people did what they thought fitting. They placed the old doctors sign at the head of his grave. Passersby would now know for certain, that “Doc Brown has moved upstairs!”
The inference that this wonderful man went to heaven is not to be questioned by anyone. The suggestion as to the reason behind his “going to glory,” bears some scrutiny.
If Doc Brown “Moved Upstairs” then —
He must have had the opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus.
It alone is the “power of God for salvation.” (Rom. 1:16). It tells of a man “who knew no sin,” yet, because we are sinners, God “made him to be sin on our behalf, that we might be the righteousness of God in him.” (II Cor. 5:21).
Doc Brown must have lived long enough to accept by faith the grace of God.
The gospel tells of a gracious plan by a great God who gives grace to all who ask, seek and knock. This must be received by faith (see John 3:16 and Eph. 2:8). Faith is the natural response of a humble seeker for truth.
This kind, country physician obeyed the gospel.
If he is now with God then this is a fact, since Jesus is the “source of eternal salvation to all those who obey him.” (Heb. 5:9). Obedience to the good news includes doing all that the Giver of that good news requires in His Word. To be remiss in this area spells destruction (see 1 Pet. 4:17 and 1 Thess. 1:18).
Old Doc Brown was baptized in water.
Jesus only promised salvation from sin (thereby making one a subject for heaven) to those who both believe the gospel and are baptized into Him. (see Mark 16:15,16). The Ethiopian nobleman, after having this life giving message revealed to him, asked, “Here is water, why can’t I be baptized?” (ACTS 8:36). The element needed for this baptism was, as he said, “water”. (see also ACTS 10:47).
Since Doc Brown “moved upstairs,”
The same medicine prescribed for Doc Brown by our Great Physician is available today.
Would you consider these important facts?
LETS PLAN FOR THE BIG MOVE
Grimsby ON
Hearing Paul in 2 Timothy 4
“Once upon a time” often alerts us to the unreal. I recall my grandmother reading to me from books of fiction that seemed very real at the time. I was on the side of the “The Three Little Pigs” or “Goldie Locks.” The life and times of the apostle Paul, might seem to some like fiction, but this is not so!
We first meet this man when he was known as Saul of Tarsus. For a refresher let me suggest reading Acts chapter 7: 51–8:3. This is the last part of Stephen’s defence which ended with his death by stoning! These verses also introduce us to a new person. His name is Saul and he appears to be supervising this merciless killing. Note “(the killers) laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.”
Continue to read Acts 8:1–3, then see the descriptive account in Acts 9:1–9.
Saul persecuted Christians, both men and women, to the death. Yet even this strong-willed and evil man was changed from hater to lover; from killer to saver; from Jew by faith to Christian by faith! Amazing!
As an apostle of the Lord Jesus, Paul would go on and write thirteen letters of our New Testament. He traveled more miles, went to more places and found himself in many more kinds of dangers that all the other fine followers of Jesus Christ.
The last letter that the Apostle Paul would write is our focus in this series of articles. This article is all about II Tim chapter 4. To establish the setting, let us briefly consider a few excepts from the first three chapters.
Paul, the godly old solider that he was, wrote his last letter to Timothy who had worked with him in missions and was still relatively young. The letter includes a summary of Paul’s work, along with his hardships and victories (II Tim 1:15-18). He reminds Timothy of “the sincere faith” of his grandmother and mother and then expresses confidence that such faith lives on in Timothy as well.” – II Timothy 1: 5.
So, this letter is about living by faith in God. It urges Timothy us not ever to be ashamed of the testimony of His son Jesus, or even of Paul in his imprisonment but to join him “in suffering for the gospel according the power of God.”– II Timothy 1:8.
Chapters 2 and 3 warn of apostasy and set out a clear contrast between ‘evil men’ and those like Timothy who serve the lord faithfully. Please read II Timothy 3:14–17.
Chapter 4 returns to Timothy’s mandate as a preacher – with the encouragement to “preach the word” at all times and in every circumstance. Timothy had a lot to learn from Paul and we are reminded of his imprisonment in verse 6. He does this not to complaining or cultivate sympathy. Nor does he question the fairness of God. Instead, he understands his place in the spread of the gospel in a sacrificial sense.
He says, “I am already be poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure has come” 4:6
The drink-offering refers to the Old Testament practice of pouring a libation either upon or beside the altar as an acceptable part of sacrificial worship (Numbers 15:1–10; 28:1–8). It was not to practiced until after the people of Israel entered Canaan and God had given them rest. Unlike the sacrifices of Lev 1-7 which set out how Israel was to approach God, the drink offering represented the joy of God at the completion of a work that he had set out to do. Thus, once Israel was given rest in the land of promise, the drink offering began to be offered. God celebrated the blessings that he was able to bestow upon his people in the land of promise – which is what the drink offering represented.
This is how Paul saw his life and ministry. The work that the Lord Jesus Christ had been accomplishing through the apostle Paul was almost complete. Certain that his death was immanent and confident that he had finished his course and kept the faith, Paul knew that there was joy in heaven. A life of sacrificial service to our Lord Jesus Christ completes the joy of our God in a way that was only ever hinted at in the drink offering.
It takes faith to believe what Paul believed and to serve as he did. It is fair then to ask, are we able and willing to do the same? God has made us able, the real question is, are we willing?
The eighth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans 8 really picks me up and puts me back on track. It is a great parallel reading to II Tim 4.
At the end of his life, Paul was able to write: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” – II Timothy 4:7. Paul had fought well and God had given him victory in Christ Jesus (II Corinthians 11:23–33).
Paul was more than ready to go and be with the Lord. We should not pity him but seek to be like him. One day we will all see Jesus “face to face!” and I am certain that Paul will still be saying: “I’ve been Saved by grace!”
For this reason, Paul could say with confidence:
“…in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…” – II Timothy 4:8.
While saved by Grace, Paul still knew the value of remaining faithful until the end. He lived to preach the good news of Jesus Christ until it was time for his Lord to take him home.
What about us?
Am I and are you a person of faith? Are we able to see the things that are visible only to those who live by faith? That would include the reward that Paul spoke of which is offered to us all – for Paul wrote:
“and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” – 2 Timothy 4:8.
God may not call us home the way that he did the apostle Paul. But he will receive us all the same if as Paul did we remain faithful unto death. There is no higher calling than this , than having died with Christ in baptism to then walk with our Lord in newness of life, until we are found here no more.
Beamsville, ON
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
The 23rd Psalm is one of about 10 such writings called “Psalms of Trust.” This psalm is attributed to David. These are psalms that point out human trust and confidence in the Lord God’s shepherding care, His faithfulness and unfailing love. This often quoted 23rd Psalm is justifiably the most important psalm of trust. Few would disagree that the 23rd Psalm is the most widely known and loved of all the chapters in the Bible.
From the New Living Translation Study Notes, we quote: “This psalm of trust and confidence in the Lord has been a favorite of God’s people for generations. It expresses the assurance of God’s presence in the midst of adversity. It evokes images of the Good Shepherd (23:1-3 and Ezekiel 34:12; John 10:11).”
It is not surprising to find that this psalm is the most popular, most quoted by all ages and has become the message found inside so many cards intended to give hope to the hurting. It deals with real people, grass and trees, while focusing on an image of an individual who lives, sleeps, and spends every moment, awake or asleep, caring for a flock of sheep in the wild wilderness. And, these sheep belong to another!
One scholar offered this: “The Christian cannot read or sing this psalm without thinking of Jesus Christ, who dared to reapply this metaphor from Jehovah to Himself! It is He who is to us ‘the good shepherd, the chief shepherd and the great shepherd of the sheep’”(John 10:11; I Peter 5:4 and Hebrews 13:20; John R W Stott, Favorite Psalms, page 32).
Be aware that the one speaking is the sheep not the shepherd. Surely we have the additional right to note that David was recognizing that he too had a shepherd!
When God is a person’s shepherd and that person is a God-follower, he or she can claim “I shall not be in want.” The shepherd/sheep scene finds the shepherd 100% responsible for every single sheep. He will lead them to the best pastures, He will guide them in the right watering spots, free from hidden danger.
The awful responsibilities of a Shepherd in Bible times are learned and appreciated by what the Bible says, and some outside writings, regarding the kinds of things that are a danger to a flock of sheep with a single shepherd.
One helpful book isA Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller. A reading of John chapter 10 will give us all a greater appreciation both of a shepherd in primitive times and Jesus who is our “Good Shepherd” today:
1) The shepherd of the sheep enters by the door to the sheep pen (John 10:2). There is no need for sneaky, crafty tactics.
2) The sheep know the voice of the shepherd and they will follow him (John 10:4, 5, 16, 27). Not so with a person operating from ulterior motives.
3) Jesus himself is the door of the sheep (John 10:7). Those sheep entering through Him will be saved (John 10:9).
4) While the thief comes only to steal and kill, Jesus said, “I came that they have life and have it abundantly”(John 10:10b).
5) When a wolf comes to kill the sheep the false shepherd will think of himself and flee (John 10:12).
Be remindful of what a day in the life of an early eastern shepherd as seen in Bible times might entail:
1) Usually, he cared for the sheep of another as well as his own.
2) His job was to look out for and protect the sheep at all times and at any cost. Wild animals might make a night’s sleep impossible, but it was his job.
3) When reading John 10:9 we find that the real shepherd is the door, that is he sleeps in the opening. No sheep can leave and no attacking animal can enter without going over body of the shepherd – dead or live!
This Psalm truly is THE PSALM OF PSALMS “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son….” (John 3:16).When we see this in this beautiful Psalm it is beautiful and calming, but when we hear the words of Jesus Christ in the New Testament we find new faith, hope and love for God.
Blessings to you.
Beamsville, Ontario
“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, my brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints” – Philemon 4–7.
Let’s consider some of the key terms in this passage.
Prayer comes more easily at some times than at others. We struggle to pray when it seems impossible that God may say yes. Yet when something positive encourages us, its easy to thank God. The apostle Paul begins then with thanksgiving to God for all of the good things that he had heard about Philemon. In fact, he says: “I thank God for you all the time.” Though Paul is about to address a difficult subject, he begins with the good that he sees in his friend Philemon.
Paul Prays Because of What He Has Heard
Philemon was a man of faith. He believed that God’s Son as the Saviour of all who have faith. Paul and Philemon were united in their faith. Both believed that Jesus was indeed God in the flesh, and not an imposter – Matthew 1:21–24. Like Philemon and Paul, Each of us must have faith in Jesus or we do not belong to Him.
Paul Loved All the Saints
Saints are those who have been set apart by God. Saints are ‘holy ones’. Holiness calls for a new and godly way of living. And while it is not sinless, Christian conduct seeks to be holy by striving to be like Jesus in word, thought and action. Christians do their best to follow Jesus. This is what we see in I Corinthians 1:2 and again in I Corinthians 6:9-11.
Love in our text is from the Greek word agape. Agape seeks what is best for others and reminds us of what Jesus said about the greatest commandments – Matthew 22:34. Christians are called to believe in Jesus and to love our fellow Christians.
Philemon’s love for the saints was a source of joy and encouragement to the apostle Paul. Which raises the question: do you and I live in such a way as to bring joy and encouragement to others?
Philemon’s love for the saints had “refreshed” their hearts. In the Old Testament, refreshment often had to do with food, water and shelter. But it also describes spiritual and emotional refreshment as it does here. Now it’s interesting that the apostle Paul does not use the word ‘kardia’ for ‘heart’, but the word ‘splanchna’. This word literally means bowels. Therefore, the KJV has “because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.” Philemon’s love had moved people at the very ‘seat of their emotions’. Therefore Paul began with this heartfelt compliment and highlighted the fact that the brethren were looking to the example that Philemon had already set. This was likely to continue.
Let me share a more current story of love and encouragement.
The former televangelist, Jim Bakker, in his autobiography “I Was Wrong,” tells the story of his descent into ignominy, impoverishment and imprisonment. He lost his freedom, his sanity, his dignity, his confidence in his faith, and eventually even his wife. Inmate 07407-058, a one-time confidant to presidents, had hit rock bottom.
At his very lowest point, a prison official came to him and said, ‘Billy Graham is here to see you!’ He thought, ‘Billy Graham has come here … to this place … to see me?’ When he walked into the room Billy Graham turned towards him and opened his arms wide.
He said at that moment he felt total acceptance and love. ‘I will never forget that the man who had just been voted one of the most influential men in the world and who has ministered to millions of people took time out of his busy schedule to come minister to one prisoner.’ He describes how in the midst of his depression, flu, filth and hopelessness, Billy Graham’s visit refreshed his heart and boosted his spirit. ‘I felt as though Jesus Himself had come to visit me.’
Paul tells Philemon that he had ‘refreshed the hearts of the saints’ (Philemon 7). Later on in the letter, Paul asks him to ‘refresh my heart in Christ’ (v.20) In other words, keep doing what you have been doing. Refreshing the ‘hearts of the saints’ is not a one time thing.
The book of Philemon reminds us that knowing the right thing to do ought to lead us to doing that very thing. We grow by doing what is right and by sharing our faith. Sharing our faith keeps us anchored in God’s word as we seek to ‘speak the truth in love’.
TIME TO FISH
Now, my dad once told me the story about a fisherman from Minnesota. You see, this fisherman was very well prepared. He knew how to fish. He had everything that he needed. He had poles, nets, bait, and a really nice boat. The problem was, that for all his preparation he never caught anything. He had not ever caught anything because he had never gone fishing! He knew how to fish and was fully equipped. But his boat never left the dock and his fishing lines never got wet.
Suppose for a moment that we shift the conversation to it’s spiritual parallel. Jesus said that his disciples would one day “fish for people”. Most of us have some preparation to do just that. We have studied the Bible, sometimes in it’s original languages. We understand God’s message and his desire to save the world. The problem is…that we have just never gone “fishing”. The solution is all very simple. Let’s go to where the people are and love them enough to share God’s truth with them. This is what will save the souls of men and women.
Grimsby, Ontario
