Todays scripture...

[WillyCamaro]

Israel’s Failure Undone

Matthew 4:5–7 “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test’” (v. 7).

Luke’s account of Jesus’ temptation (4:1–13) differs a bit from Matthew 4:1–11. Today’s passage in Matthew describes Jesus’ second test, but it is placed third in Luke’s gospel. Yet this should not trouble us. The Gospels are accurate histories, but they are not strict, chronological biographies like the ones we are accustomed to reading. At some points, material is rearranged to make a particular point. John Calvin comments that the Evangelists did not intend “to preserve, on all occasions, the exact order of time, but to draw up an abridged narrative of the events, so as to present, as in a mirror or picture, those things which are most necessary to be known concerning Christ.”

After passing the first test, Jesus is taken to the “holy city” (Jerusalem) where the Devil challenges Him to throw Himself off the temple (Matt. 4:5–6). Jesus has shown His unwillingness to abandon His vocation of suffering and His commitment to living by Scripture, trusting His Father that His work will not be in vain (vv. 1–4; see Isa. 53:10–11). Now Satan wants Jesus to prove that the Creator is trustworthy. Basically he says, “So, Jesus, if you are going to live by God’s Word, why don’t you see if He will keep His pledge to protect you?”

However, Jesus embraces the principle Scriptura sui interpres, Latin for “Scripture is its own interpreter.” Proper interpretation of God’s Word always takes into account the entire canon of Scripture. True, the passage the Devil quotes (Ps. 91:11–12) does promise God’s people protection, but it does not allow us to risk our lives needlessly. As Jesus says, quoting from Deuteronomy 6:16, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matt. 4:7).

Deuteronomy 6:16 refers originally to Israel’s testing of Yahweh at Massah (Ex. 17:1–7) when the nation in the wilderness demanded water immediately on their own terms. Their impatience showed that they did not trust His promise to meet their needs according to His timing. In the wilderness, Jesus believes His Father will keep His word and does not test God’s promise of protection. Thus, our Savior is shown to be God’s faithful Son, who, as the last Adam, undoes Israel’s failure and brings life to His people (1 Cor. 15:22).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Dr. R.C. Sproul has said that God does not speak with a forked tongue — He cannot lie or contradict Himself. Jesus refuses to accept an interpretation of one passage that contradicts another. As we study the Bible we should be looking for ways to harmonize its teaching on various subjects. Make sure to let the clear parts of Scripture determine the interpretation of those parts that are less clear so that you will not create contradictions where none exist.

For further study: Numbers 20:2–13

[Meridian_Mike]

Thanks Willy!
Those short studies are very encouraging!

[WillyCamaro]

Yesir brother, that they sure are.

[WillyCamaro]

Ministry in Galilee

Matthew 4:12–17 “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (v. 17).

Upon hearing of John the Baptist’s arrest, Jesus returns to minister in Galilee (Matt. 4:12). It is important to note that this is a “new phase” of ministry, for our Savior does not enter Galilee immediately after His baptism. According to John’s gospel, Jesus has already spent time ministering in Jerusalem and Judea after His baptism (1:29–42). In fact, the ministry of our Lord and His forerunner actually overlap (3:22–24), if only for a brief period.

When Jesus comes to Galilee, He settles in a small village on the northwest edge of the Sea of Galilee named Capernaum (Matt. 4:13). Matthew tells us this fulfills biblical prophecy, specifically the words of Isaiah 9:1–2, which the evangelist paraphrases in Matthew 4:15–16. The original setting of Isaiah’s text helps us understand how Christ fulfills this passage. Isaiah predicted that God would use the Assyrian empire as His rod to judge the northern kingdom of Israel (chap. 7–8), and as was foretold, Israel fell and the people were exiled over a period of many decades culminating in 722 b.c. (2 Kings 15:29; 17:7–23).

However, our Father also said this sad state of His people would not last forever. He said that He would raise up a Son of David who would restore the glory of the nation, beginning first with a restoration of joy in the north (Isa. 9:1–7). In some sense this began when the exiles returned to their land in 538 b.c., but the full restoration had to wait for the coming of the Christ. John Calvin comments, “The commencement of this light, and, as we might say, the dawn, was the return of the people from Babylon. At length, Christ, ‘the Sun of Righteousness’ (Mal. 4:2), arose in full splendor, and, by his coming, utterly ‘abolished’ (2 Tim. 1:10) the darkness of death.” Since Jesus is ministering in the north and bringing God’s light to a dark land, He must be the long-awaited Messiah who comes to restore His people. This is Matthew’s point in 4:12–17.

Scripture often uses light to refer to the knowledge of God and obedience to Him (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 4:18). As the light of the world (John 8:12), Jesus gives us true knowledge of our Creator (12:44–50) and frees us from sin’s oppression (Rom. 6:17–18), which makes us unable in and of ourselves to serve the Lord.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Today’s passage is a powerful example of God’s grace. Those who sit in darkness get to see the light, not those who think they are in the light already. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance, not the righteous (Luke 5:32). This does not mean that there are some who are righteous in themselves. It means that He saves only those who confess their darkness and admit their need of His light. Do you understand your desperate situation apart from God’s grace?

For further study: Micah 7:8

[WillyCamaro]

Jesus Overcomes Satan

Matthew 4:8–11 “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve’” (v. 10).

Fame, power, and authority are so enticing that many people embrace wickedness in their drive to be known and followed. Men lie and cheat in order to climb the corporate ladder. Starlets try to outdo one another’s outrageous behavior in order to keep their names in the spotlight. Politicians lie and stab others in the back in their pursuit of the highest offices in the land. Matthew Henry is right to say that “the glory of the world is the most charming temptation to the unthinking and unwary and that by which men are most deceived. The pride of life is the most dangerous snare.”

In today’s passage, Satan presents Jesus with a prize — authority over all the kingdoms of this world (Matt. 4:8–9). This rule is not sinful in itself since the Messiah is promised reign over the nations (Ps. 2:8). The problem is the means the Devil offers. Worship of a false god, the evil one himself, can bring the Son of David immediately to a position of authority in the world (Matt. 4:9). Satan is tempting Jesus to take a shortcut and bypass the cross to receive the name by which every tongue on heaven and earth will bow (Phil. 2:5–11). John Calvin says this temptation is that “Christ should seek, in another manner than from God, the inheritance that he has promised to his children.”

Adam failed this test. Instead of submitting to the Creator, he embraced godless autonomy. He ate the forbidden fruit so that he could be a law unto himself instead of looking to the Almighty to define right and wrong (Gen. 3). God’s son Israel (Hos. 11:1) disobeyed as well by going after other gods (Ex. 32). However, Jesus will not make the same mistake. On a mountain He will declare that He has received authority, but it will not be on the mount of temptation. No, it will be on a mountain after He is faithful to His Father’s will (Matt. 28:16–20). Jesus will not avoid the cross in His drive to regain the righteous dominion given to man (Gen. 1:26–27). He will not become an idolater (Matt. 4:10).

Thus, Jesus triumphs over Satan (v. 11). This is good news for us indeed. In staring down temptation, Jesus experienced suffering, and thus He is able to help us when we are tempted (Heb. 2:18).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Matthew Henry comments that “the best of saints may be tempted to the worst of sins.” Though Jesus never sinned, Satan left the worst temptation of all for last — blatant idolatry. If our Lord faced such a test, we too cannot be surprised if we are tempted to do the worst. But take heart, for Jesus can strengthen us to defeat the enemy. When tempted, run to Him in prayer and study His Word so that you can resist the Devil.

For further study: Genesis 39:6b–12

[WillyCamaro]

No Questions Asked

Matthew 4:18–22 “Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him” (v. 22).

Jesus’ ministry begins a new phase when He settles in Capernaum (Matt. 4:13) in Galilee, because it is there that the people begin to take notice of Him. In His day, Galilee is a bustling commercial area bordered by Syria and Phoenicia, offering ample opportunities for Jesus to interact with Jews and Gentiles alike. Travelers on trade routes can spread news of His ministry outside of Galilee. Moreover, the leaders in Jerusalem, as we shall see, strongly oppose Jesus, but in Galilee He can minister more freely and not have to be constantly looking out for those who might kill Him before the appointed time.

When Christ begins His ministry He delivers virtually the same message as John the Baptist — “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (v. 17) — because both the old covenant and the new speak of the same kingdom. John, the final prophet of the old covenant, preached repentance (3:1). Jesus, the first and greatest new covenant prophet, delivers the same message. Of course, the new covenant is better than the old (Heb. , giving a fuller knowledge of God and a greater outpouring of the Spirit. Nevertheless, repentance is foundational to both covenants. Only contrite hearts can receive divine revelation (Isa. 66:2).

Among the very first to heed our Lord’s command are Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, as recorded in today’s passage. Walking beside the Sea of Galilee, Jesus tells these men to follow Him and become “fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19). This is not the first time Andrew and Peter meet the Christ; John’s gospel tells us they followed Him during His earlier ministry in Judea (1:35–42). Apparently, they went back to their work as fishermen for a time, but with the advent of the Lord’s concentrated mission in Galilee, the time has come for them to leave their nets once more.

In Jesus’ day, disciples normally choose their rabbi, but the Messiah reverses this custom and chooses His followers Himself. Most importantly, Christ does not “issue an invitation,” as if these men have the option to say yes or no. Instead, He commands them to become His followers since obedience to Him is the only proper response to His call (John 3:16–18; 1 John 3:23–24).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

The disciples do not hesitate when Jesus calls them. Immediately, they leave all behind to follow Him. John Chrysostom comments, “Christ seeks this kind of obedience from us, such that we delay not even for a moment, though something absolutely most necessary should press in on us” (Homilies on the Gospel of Saint Matthew, 14.2). Where have you been refusing to obey the Lord’s commands? Follow Him today without any questions.

For further study: 1 Samuel 15:22

[Meridian_Mike]

Thanks Willy!

[WillyCamaro]

[WillyCamaro]

Great Crowds Follow Jesus

Matthew 4:23–25 “Great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan” (v. 25).

In today’s passage, Matthew summarizes Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee, an area encompassing 2,800 square miles. Covering this region is no small under-taking, says one commentator, because Jesus, if He moves rapidly and visits two cities a day, will need more than three months to visit every town and village!

Jesus is met with much acclaim during the time He spends preaching and teaching in Galilee. Matthew tells us that “great crowds” from the Decapolis and from beyond the Jordan follow the Christ, along with many citizens from Jerusalem and Judea (4:24–25). The Decapolis is a group of about ten cities included within the Roman province of Syria in Jesus’ day. These are predominantly Gentile cities, and so again we see how the nations, in addition to the Israelites, come to Jesus from the very start of His ministry (2:1–12).

Today’s passage sets the stage for the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 4:23–25 is an overview of Jesus’ ministry, implying that the sermon is only a sample of His Galilean teaching, not an exhaustive account. An itinerant preacher, our Savior repeats the same basic content in different settings, adapting and applying His same message to various audiences. Thus, it is not surprising that Jesus’ teaching varies some from one gospel to another. His central message is “the gospel of the kingdom” (v. 23) — the decisive intrusion of God’s saving presence into this world through the Messiah’s life, death, and resurrection.

Along with teaching, Jesus heals all kinds of diseases and afflictions (v. 24). Note that these healings are not simply healings for healings’ sake. Rather, they validate the message of Jesus and vindicate Him as the Father’s emissary. As Dr. R.C. Sproul teaches, miracles “prove or attest [God’s] agents of divine revelation (Heb. 2:3–4)” (Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, p. 66). John Calvin says in his commentary on Matthew that “when Christ miraculously healed them, he proved his divinity.” This is especially true of Jesus’ exorcisms. In casting out demons, Jesus shows Himself as the usurper of Satan’s authority and reveals Himself as the rightful representative of the sovereign Creator who has come to rule over His people.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

If the preaching of the Gospel was central to the ministry of Jesus, we dare not suffer under the delusion that we are being faithful to His example if we fail to preach the Gospel today. As Christians, we are called to preach the good news, if not as part of a formal call to ministry then as a part of our everyday interactions with friends and family. It is also important to encourage those pastors who labor in the faithful exposition of God’s Word.

For further study: Proverbs 8

[Meridian_Mike]

Thanks for posting these lessons Willy.

I really enjoy reading these!

[WillyCamaro]

Same here brother, same here.

[WillyCamaro]

How to Study the Bible

2 Timothy 3:14–17 “Continue in what you have learned… the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (vv. 14–15).

Beginning next week we will examine the Sermon on the Mount, which gives us some of the most important teaching on Christian discipleship in all of Scripture. As a preface to this study of the Christian life we will now spend five days looking at a few of the ways God has given us to help us fulfill His mandate so that we “go on to maturity” (Heb. 6:1). Dr. R.C. Sproul’s teaching series Five Things Every Christian Should Know will guide our study.

The five topics we will cover — Bible study, prayer, worship, service, and stewardship — are what some theologians have called “means of grace,” or those things God has given to help us grow spiritually. In the Reformed tradition, the sacraments and preaching have been considered the primary means of grace.

Growing into Christian maturity requires us to know and imitate the character of our Father (Eph. 5:1), which is revealed in Scripture. It is imperative that we read the Bible rightly, and today’s passage points us to the foundational principle for our reading of God’s Word. Paul tells Timothy that the Scriptures are able to make him “wise for salvation” (2 Tim. 3:14–15). Our first step in studying the Bible is to recognize that we sit under Scripture as the source of all wisdom. We have taken the first step down the road to unbelief if we try to judge the Bible instead of seeking to have it judge us. Sitting under Scripture requires the fear of the Lord, without which we cannot find wisdom (Prov. 1:7).

Therefore, we open the text with reverence, expecting the Spirit to illumine its meaning for us. But reverence is not passivity. We must study to present ourselves to God as those approved to handle His revelation (2 Tim. 2:15). This requires diligent work and relying on the wisdom of those Christians who have come before us. Reading commentaries by men like John Calvin and Matthew Henry is an excellent way to learn from those godly scholars whose work still greatly benefits the church centuries after they lived. Of course, the teaching ministry of the local church is indispensable to our personal study of Scripture. Studying the Bible in a community that affirms historic, biblical Christianity will help us avoid common mistakes in the interpretation of God’s Word.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Many people find the study of Scripture to be an intimidating, if not impossible, endeavor. But God encourages us to put His Word on our hearts (Deut. 6:6), and He will open His Word to us if we are faithful to study it with diligence and humility. Consider joining a Bible study or class offered by your church so that you may learn from other Christians. Be sure to make some time each week for the study and contemplation of God’s Word.

For further study: Ezra 7:10

[WillyCamaro]

How to Pray

James 5:16 “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (v. 16).

After explaining justification by faith alone (Rom. 1–4), Paul lists the benefits of being counted righteous in God’s sight. The second blessing he describes is that we have “obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand” (5:2). As members of the new covenant, we are privileged to be able to enter into the most holy place and commune with the Lord because of Jesus (Heb. 6:19–20).

Prayer has been given to us so that we may enter into this holy place to commune with our Father in heaven. As the bride of Christ, we know that He wants us to approach Him with our needs and with our petitions for the sake of the kingdom. After all, if a good marriage on earth depends on communication with one’s spouse, how much more does a blessed relationship with our Lord depend on speaking with Him on a regular basis?

Unfortunately, many of us do not often take advantage of the awesome privilege of prayer. True, we mean well. We establish certain times of the day to approach God, but we find that our minds wander or that all we do is read off a laundry list of our own needs. God is, of course, concerned about these needs (Matt. 6:30), but we sense that we are too self-centered in our prayer lives when all we do is tell God what we need or what we want.

Not knowing how to pray is probably the main reason why we encounter these problems. Thankfully, we have a model in Scripture from our Savior Himself on the things we should pray for. The Lord’s Prayer is not simply something that we should recite in church and at home; it is a guide Jesus gives us for structuring our communication with God (Luke 11:1–13). Fundamentally, this prayer tells us to ask that God’s name be hallowed so that His kingdom may come and His will be done.

In A Simple Way to Pray, Martin Luther suggests that Christians pray through the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer, using each line as a springboard for adoring God, confessing sin, expressing gratitude and pouring forth supplications. Using such tools helps keep our minds focused on those things our Father is most concerned about.

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

As an illustration of Luther’s advice, take some time today to pray through the Ten Commandments. Take each stipulation and confess how you have violated that particular law. Worship Him for the perfection of His character revealed in each commandment. Thank Him for enabling you by the Spirit to be faithful to His Law and ask for His kingdom to come so that all may love and obey Him. Make it your aim to pray to our heavenly Father without ceasing.

For further study: Psalm 54

[Meridian_Mike]

VERY good lesson concerning how to pray.

Thanks for posting Willy!

[WillyCamaro]

Psalm 100

A Psalm of praise.

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness:
come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord he is God:
it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting;
and his truth endureth to all generations.

[Meridian_Mike]

Amen!

[WillyCamaro]

How to Worship

John 4:1–45 “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (v. 24).

Worship is perhaps the most comprehensive of all the means of grace our Father has given to us. When we come together to praise our sovereign Lord, we have the privilege of engaging in Bible study by hearing the preached Word of God, praying as a corporate body, exercising stewardship as we give our tithes and offerings, and meeting with Christ as we partake in the sacraments.

Regrettably, too many churches today have forgotten the awesome privilege and sacred duty of worship, preferring to create “seeker-friendly” services that often cater more to our culture and its love of entertainment than to the adoration of our Creator. In the “seeker-sensitive” model, worship has become a means to attract the unchurched through the means of marketing with little regard as to whether such a model is proper for worshiping God. Yet Scripture is clear that the Lord does not view worship as something indifferent or subject to the fanciful whims of sinful men. God is the one who determines proper worship (Lev. 10:1–3). Our fallenness makes us all prone to idolatry (Rom. 1:18–32), and none of us is above disobeying His commands against worshiping other gods and crafting false images of Him (Ex. 20:3–6). Most of us do not construct deities of wood and stone; our idolatry is much more sophisticated. We tend to make increasing the size of the congregation our chief priority. We like to proclaim to the world how “hip” and “with it” we Christians really are. We love to deny those attributes of God that make us uncomfortable.

Today’s passage tells us that our Father desires those who will worship Him “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Worship in truth means worship that is structured according to His Word. We must praise the Lord revealed in Scripture, who is the embodiment of holiness and justice as well as love and mercy. The whole counsel of God must guide our worship of Him.

Worshiping the Lord in spirit means that we praise God with our whole being, taking delight in the opportunity to praise His name. Spending time preparing ourselves before we come to church will help us “enter his gates with thanksgiving” in our hearts and into “his courts with praise” (Ps. 100:4).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Do you find Sunday morning worship to be a delight or dull and dreary? Do you spend the service thinking about all the things you could be doing if you were not at church? Take time today to repent for those times you have not devoted proper attention to the Lord in worship. Remember that He is truly present among us when we gather together (Matt. 18:20) and let that be a compelling motivation to delight in Him in the presence of His people.

For further study: Exodus 32

[WillyCamaro]

How to Serve

Joshua 24:14–15 “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (v. 15).

Unlike the topics we have discussed thus far — Bible study, prayer, and worship — some Christians do not recognize that service is a means of santification. This is unfortunate because service is vital for maturity in Christ.

Our call to be servants of the Lord is a theme woven throughout the Old and New Testaments. God sent Moses to the pharaoh thousands of years ago so that the king might release His people to serve Him (Ex. 8:1). Paul in Galatians 1:10 and many other passages refers to himself as a “servant” or “slave” (from the Greek doulos) of Christ. Few would argue with our Father’s command to serve Him; however, we often forget that the major way in which we serve our Creator is through service to His people. As Jesus tells us in Matthew 20:26, greatness in the kingdom of God belongs to those who serve its citizens.

Whether we are compensated for our service or simply volunteer, we all have gifts that are to be used for the building up of Christ’s body (1 Cor. 12:1–11). And we fulfill our roles only when we put our gifts to use. Certain tasks may seem less “glamorous” to us than others, but that is a function of our celebrity culture, which prizes those gifts that are most visible in the congregation. Yet God does not view some gifts as inherently better than others (vv. 12–31). The apostles appointed deacons to serve tables and meet the needs of the widows and orphans not because it was beneath their dignity to attend to these tasks. Instead, they gave this job to others because their primary gift and calling was to pray and teach (Acts 6:1–7). Those with more “prominent” roles in the local church are not greater in the Lord’s eyes than those who work behind the scenes; they just have different gifts.

If your gift is to teach, then you must teach. If you are gifted to work with children, then you must volunteer to work in some aspect of family ministry. Whatever your gift, Jesus commands you to exercise it so that you will become skilled in its use and better help His church grow up into maturity (Eph. 4:11–14). May we work as He has gifted us, and may we never be called lazy and unfaithful servants (Luke 19:11–27).

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Any one who leads Christian ministry in the church will tell you that his most challenging task is recruiting volunteers. Most churches depend on the same faithful people for everything while the rest of the congregation is content to just show up and watch. Which kind of Christian are you? Are you a faithful servant, or do you let others do the work? Call your pastor or elder today and ask him where you can serve in the ministry of the church.

For further study: 2 Chron. 2:11–16; 4:11

[Meridian_Mike]

Amen!

[WillyCamaro]

The Poor in Spirit

Matthew 5:1–3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (v. 3).

Throughout history, the church has treasured Matthew’s gospel as a primary teaching tool, mainly due to his incorporation of large blocks of Jesus’ instruction including the Sermon on the Mount. Today begins our study of this famous sermon.

Some preachers try to separate the Sermon on the Mount from the person who preached it. They then try to apply it to all men — non-believers as much as believers. But it is not a treatise on social ethics. Certainly, the sermon has bearing on our relationship to society, but it cannot be divorced from allegiance to Christ (Matt. 5:11). Above all, the sermon describes life in God’s kingdom, that place where God’s people embrace His rule. It is given to Jesus’ disciples (v. 1), making it a guide for life in the believing community — the church. John Calvin alludes to this truth, commenting that the Sermon on the Mount collects “the leading points of the doctrine of Christ” relating “to a devout and holy life.”

Jesus does not present the material in this sermon only on this one occasion, for as an itinerant preacher He repeats the same basic content in many different situations. Christ may also take several days to deliver this instruction, since He sometimes teaches a crowd over a long span of time (15:32). In any case, He preaches at least part of the Sermon on the Mount from a seated position (5:1), following the custom of the rabbis in His day.

The sermon opens with the Beatitudes, the first of which tells us “the poor in spirit” are blessed, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (5:3). In this context, Jesus is basically saying that only those who do not rely on their own goodness will be granted entrance into God’s kingdom. It is not an appeal to deny our worth as human beings, but to recognize our sin and desperate need for salvation. Matthew Henry comments that “to be poor in spirit, is to have humble thoughts of ourselves, of what we are, and have, and do. …[It is] to shun all confidence in our own righteousness and strength, that we may depend only on the merit of Christ and the spirit and grace of Christ. …The kingdom of grace is composed of such, the kingdom of glory is prepared for them.”

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Elsewhere, Jesus speaks these same words to the poor (Luke 6:20), because those who have nothing are often able to see their need for salvation most clearly. Still, one does not need to lack possessions to see the kingdom of God. John Calvin writes that “he only who is reduced to nothing in himself, and relies on the mercy of God, is poor in spirit.” Rich or poor, if we fail to see our need for salvation, we will fail to enter the kingdom.

For further study: Psalms 34; 68:20

[Meridian_Mike]

Thanks Willy....

I like the explanation of "poor in spirit".

[WillyCamaro]

Meekness and Mourning

Matthew 5:4–5 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (vv. 4–5).

Some translators render the Greek term for blessing (makarios) as “happy,” but this is not entirely accurate. Of course, happiness is often linked to blessing, but God’s favor brings far more than mere happiness. To be blessed by our Creator is to find His approval. God claims us as His child when He blesses us.

Jesus has said our Father approves of the poor in spirit — those who know their need for divine forgiveness (Matt. 5:3). This makes sense, for we are God’s people only if we come to the end of ourselves and turn to Him alone for salvation (Isa. 66:1–2; Luke 18:9–14; 1 John 1:8–9). In today’s passage, our Savior declares “blessed” those who mourn and those who are meek (Matt. 5:4–5).

Many think verse 4 refers to any mourner, but the context renders this view impossible. As the note in The Reformation Study Bible indicates, the second beatitude develops the first. Jesus describes here mourning over sin and its effect on the world. Believers feel sorrow for the ways they have offended God (Ps. 51:4) and for the ruin that mankind’s evil has brought to this earth (Dan. 9:1–19). Even Jesus weeps for Jerusalem because of what her sin brings upon her (Luke 19:41–44). Mourning is not constant despair or low self-esteem; these manifest a preoccupation with the self. True mourning over sin is focused Godward and finds comfort there, since the holiness of the Lord that reveals our desperation is joined with His grace, which offers forgiveness in the Gospel.

Christ also tells us God’s blessing, or approval, comes to the meek (Matt. 5:5). John Calvin offers the best description of meek people in his commentary. They are “persons of mild and gentle dispositions, who are not easily provoked by injuries, who are not ready to take offense, but are prepared to endure anything rather than do the like actions to wicked men.” Meek people do not lack assertiveness, nor are they wishy-washy. Moses was meek (Num. 12:3), but he was not weak or cowardly. Being meek means being aware of our limitations, enabling us to be gentle and good to others (James 3:13–18). When we are meek we understand that we are just as guilty before God as the next person, and we therefore find it difficult to hold grudges against those who offend us.
Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Meekness rejects any thought of self-sufficiency. It is antithetical to our aggressive, dog-eat-dog world that teaches people never to be satisfied with what they have and therefore to pursue more and more “stuff,” even if it means they lack the time to enjoy it. The meek inherit the earth because they have not seized their inheritance; they are content with God’s provision. What does your attitude towards your “stuff” say about your meekness?

For further study: Psalm 37

[Meridian_Mike]

Thanks Willy!

These studies are very eye opening and full of truth!

[TPK]

[WillyCamaro]

Righteousness and Mercy

Matthew 5:6–7 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (vv. 6–7).

The first three beatitudes in many ways express those qualities that are the prerequisites for salvation. To be poor in spirit, to mourn, and to be meek (Matt. 5:1–5) are all related to the idea of recognizing ourselves for who we really are in the sight of God apart from Christ — desperate sinners who cannot save ourselves. As Jesus continues outlining the marks of His disciple in today’s passage, we will see Him focus on qualities that are produced in those who recognize their spiritual poverty and have turned to Him.

Our Creator’s blessing (approval) is on “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6). Typically, we hunger and thirst for food and drink, without which life is impossible. In using this analogy, Jesus wants us to see that righteousness is our most basic need. Christ is not here speaking primarily of His perfect righteousness, which is imputed to us by faith alone and is the sole basis upon which God accepts us (2 Cor. 5:21). Instead, He is emphasizing the personal righteousness that all believers must cultivate (James 2:14–26). Simply put, we cannot have Jesus as Savior if we will not have Him as Lord. We must always endeavor to please our Father and do the right thing according to His Word. If this is our aim, Jesus tells us, we will find ourselves conforming more and more to God’s law. We will always be reaching for this righteousness in this life, because there is always room for improvement until we are glorified.

Our Redeemer also says that the merciful are blessed (Matt. 5:7). In fact, if we want to receive mercy we must be merciful to others. This is not to say that the Lord waits for sinners to show mercy before He is merciful to them, for we know unregenerate men are incapable of showing true mercy to others. He is just listing mercy as an inevitable fruit of authentic conversion. If we truly love the Savior, we will extend the hand of compassion to those who are in need and forgive those who have offended us (Col. 3:12–13). John Calvin comments: “Christ says that those are happy, who are not only prepared to endure their own afflictions, but to take a share in the afflictions of others — who assist the wretched ­— who willingly take part with those who are in distress.”

Coram deo: Living before the face of God

Our passion for righteousness and mercy is one way we can measure our fervor for the Lord. There are innumerable ways we can pursue both of these actions. Thus, we are unable to complain to God that there have been no opportunities today or any other day to follow Christ and show mercy. Find one way you can show mercy today, perhaps by extending forgiveness to someone who has wronged you or by giving time or resources to the poor.

For further study: 2 Samuel 22:26–29