Matthew

Where Your Treasured Treasure Is

/ Tim A. / 3 Comments

Where Your Treasure Is

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24 (KJV).

“The principle is simple and sobering: the way we look at and use our money is a sure barometer of our spiritual condition” John MacArthur from Vol. 1, p. 414 of Matthew Commentary.

One verse of this seems to be the key to the rest, and that is verse twenty one. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” That begs the question: What is your treasure?

If our hearts are right with the Father through Jesus Christ we will have the right attitude toward wealth, or even the lack of wealth.

Jesus warned us about living for the things of this world as being sin. To live for the gain of wealth is covetousness. Covetousness is idloatry – “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” Colossians 3:5 (KJV). Anything you use to try to fill the emptiness of your life, which only God is meant to fill, is idolatry.

When we are not guarding our hearts we can become enslaved to covetousness. Slavery to things means certain loss of our heart and mind (vv. 22-23). If our aim in life is wealth there will only be darkness within. We cannot serve two masters, there is only one worthy of our service and that is the Master, Jesus.

Fast With Joy

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Matthew 6:1-34 continuing…

“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:16-18 (KJV).

This third characteristic of the kingdom heart and life should be when you are fasting FAST WITH JOY. It seems that the religious leaders very much wanted to be noticed for their fasting, and would have very somber and sad faces, so everyone would know when they were going without food. Let me say that there are several forms of fasting. One can fast from food to find God’s will in a certain need; one can fast for the purpose of seeking God for personal and national revival and renewing; but these must be done with the right heart and motive.

Fasting is right and good with the right motive. Jesus fasted. We have the most notable account of Jesus fasting in Matthew four where He fasted for forty days and nights (4:3). Members of the early church fasted – “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them” Acts 13:2 (KJV).

Fasting is a means of disciplining the appetites of the body. It helps us keep our spiritual priorities straight. We focus more on God, His Word, and His will for our lives and living for Him, than on when the next meal is due. One of the most useful fast that I have found is when you are so involved in your study of God’s Word and prayer, that you do not even think of eating, the time passes, and you are into the Word so deeply, that it does not matter.

Fasting is more than depriving ourselves of food. It is time for the worshipping of God. A time for devotion to Him and giving all to Him.

True fasting is not for the purpose of drawing attention to one’s self, as did the hypocrites. To do so fits us into that category. Hypocrisy robs us of reality in Christian living. It substitutes reputation for character; it substitutes mere words for true prayer; it substitutes money for devotion of heart. Hypocrisy also robs us of spiritual rewards. Instead of God’s eternal approval we receive the temporary approval of men; We pray and receive no answers; We fast, but the inner man does not improve; We miss the blessing of God; and we lose God’s rewards when Jesus comes again. The first steps in overcoming hypocrisy: 1) Be honest with God in your secret life; 2) Fast seeking God with all your heart; 3) Pray from the heart; 4) Please God alone.

We will remain in hypocrisy if we tend to offer God pretty, lace and flower prayers, and fast to be seen and recognized by men. We will remain in hypocrisy if we pray only from a form or liturgical prayer that has been offered by someone else. We will remain in hypocrisy when we fast and pray to please others and do not care whether God is praised, honored and glorified or not. The purpose of fasting and prayer is to glorify the Lord, and then it matters not whether you get what you asked for yourself.

Pray Wisely

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Matthew 6:1-33 continues…

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:5-15

The second character we should have is concerning prayer. We ought always to PRAY WISELY. Jesus knew the heart of every one. He therefore, probably knew that the only time the hypocrites, He spoke of, prayed was when they were in public, and to call attention to their “Great wisdom and lofty words of speech”. I would imagine most of the people saw it too. We need to spend most praying in private. Each and every Christian should have a time of day when they meet with God, in His Word, in prayer seeking His counsel, His wisdom, and guidance for the day ahead.

Before praying in public you should have much time praying in private. Our Lord prayed privately (Mark 1:35). Elisha the prophet prayed privately (2 Kings 4:32-33). Daniel the prophet was also a man of prayer who spent time in prayer privately. There are some who will not pray in public and will say that the Bible tells them we are not to pray publicly. If that is how they really believe, and not just an act of self-righteousness, then, they better stick to it. There is nothing wrong with public prayer. It is public prayer that has had no private prayers backing it up from this individual’s heart and life.

We ought to pray genuinely and sincerely (vv. 7-8). God will not answer prayers which are not sincere, and yet He might not give you your answer, but if it is from a sincere and devoted heart He will answer. The “Vain repititions” are those using formed, liturgical, always repeating the same things over and over, as though the repeating of them has some magical formula to them. Jesus assures us that the Father knows our needs even before we asks them.

We ought to pray according to God’s will (vv. 9-13). Warren Wiersbe has stated, “Prayer prepares us for the proper use of the answer”. BE COMMENTARY p. 26. Jesus teaches His followers how we ought to pray. Here is something most marvelous and wonderful in all of scripture. The Lord teaching us how we ought to pray. These words are often referred to as THE LORD’S PRAYER, however, it seems to be more proper to entitle it THE MODEL PRAYER, because it is quite clear that He is teaching, and not praying. To see the Lord’s Prayer read John 17. There Jesus is praying. It is most marvelous too.

Here is how Jesus taught us to pray: 1)Praise and glorify the Father; 2) Ask for the things of His heart (you must know His heart in order to ask these things); 3) Ask for your daily needs, and I take this to mean shelter, food, clothing, health, peace, wisdom, grace, mercy; 4) Ask for forgiveness of sin debts that you owe, that would be against your fellow man and God; 5) Ask for the power of the Word of God to work in your life to keep you from falling, and keep you from the evil one; and finally, but not least, once again ascribe praise, honor and glory to God your Father and your Savior.

When we pray we ought to pray with forgiveness toward those who have wronged and even those we feel have wronged us. They should not be a hindrance to our prayer, but forgiven (vv. 14-15). Having experienced God’s forgiveness equips us, and gives us the ready mind to forgive. The lack of forgiveness shows a definite lacking of fellowship with God. That cannot be restored until all is forgiven. If God forgives you all your wickedness, depravity, and hatred, then, surely you can forgive any wrong done you.

Only because of Grace.

Give With Caution

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Matthew 6:1-34 continuing…

Chapter six of the Sermon On The Mount deals with our true worship toward God. It involves our character. All practices of worship are to be focused upon the Heavenly Father and God of all creation.

Anything, short of God, which we seek for fulfillment, peace, joy, and/or justification, is idolatry and covetousness.

“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:1-4 (KJV).

This may come across as sounding somewhat out of the norm, but we ought to GIVE WITH CAUTION. On one occasion as Jesus teaching in the temple and his disciples with him we are told,

“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Mark 12:42-44 (KJV).

Now, the reason Jesus tells us to “Take heed” to our giving and charitable deeds is because the Pharisees, and the wealthy made special note of your “Much giving”, thus being awarded the praise of man. God finds no pleasure in our boastful acts.

It is far better to give and no one know the amount of giving or even that you give, and glorify God, because He will know and He will be the one to bless you; than it is to give with pride, openly that all may see how much you give, and receive all the accolades of men, and miss the blessing of God. For the religious hypocrite giving is a means of gaining favor with God and their fellow man. In fact God frowns on the motive of self-exaltation (Acts 5:1-11). The praise and rewards of man hinders the blessing of God.

Give without calling attention to your act –

“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” James 1:26-27

When we give with the sole purpose of giving back to God, recognizing His blessings to us, without calling attention to ourselves we grow spiritually; God is glorified, and others are helped by the generosity which came from our hearts. I would much rather have a blessing from the Lord, as to have a temporal recognition from God. Usually those who lavish recognition because of their giving, or works are doing what they are doing with the wrong heart and motive

Becoming Like the Father

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Matthew 5:21-48 conclusion…

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 (KJV).

Perfection. That is quite the challenge. It is a challenge which I cannot meet. It is a challenge which only God in His grace can give. Let me give you the MIRRIAM/WEBSTER Dictionary definition of the word “Perfect” – “Being without fault or defect 2 :exact, precise 3 :complete…” and there is more. Like I said, “I fall far short of that. Now, if the word means “Complete” in this context, then, that might be a possibility considering that God is the One who completes us.

Here is Strong’s on the word “Perfect” –

“G5046

τέλειος

teleios

tel’-i-os

From G5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with G3588) completeness: – of full age, man, perfect.” From E-sword.

Considering that the Greek means “Complete” what would this mean? Strongs has in the above “…Mental and moral character”. If we are to be perfect/complete in God that surely must have to do with the character of the individual which causes her/him to fall on their face before their Lord and Savior when sin has been committed, and seek forgiveness immediately following the realization of the sin. It has absolutely nothing to do with “Sinless perfection”. In truth; the closer we get to the One who is holy, the more clearly we see ourselves as being unholy. The man or woman who believes they have reached a state of sinlessness or “Sinless perfection” is farther away from God than they have ever been.

The Word tells us, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you”. When we sin we should seek God’s forgiveness as quickly as possible. “Keep your accounts short”, and that would be especially so with our Lord. That would be the life of “Perfection” or being complete. Of course, it should be the goal of the child to become like the Father; and He is perfect in every way.

We are only complete when we are in the Father through Jesus Christ His Son and walking in the Spirit, walking by faith, walking with God. I just wanted to stress the point. Walk with the Lord.

A Response of Courage

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Matthew 5:21-48 continued…

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?” Matthew 5:38-47 (KJV).

Could you get from these verses this thought? “Absence of giving equals no love”. The correct and always right attitude for the follower of Jesus Christ is the attitude which Jesus had. We are quick to strike back. We are slow to love when we are struck. In our society this would seem like the attitude of naivety, or cowardice. It is actually the response of courage.

The Old Testament Law does tell us, “An eye for an eye…” (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21), and Jesus is not denying these laws but showing a better way of respecting one another. “I am no one’s doormat”. Have you ever heard anyone say that. Would you be a “Doormat” if it meant that person coming to faith in Jesus? Does that put another spin on it? Another view? It should. I am not trying to say I can do that, but that ought to be the heart of the Christian. Be willing to lose an eye without retaliation. Go the second mile without payment. Give to any who asks of us. Love those who may despise us.

What reward is there in loving someone who loves me? It is much more rewarding for ourselves and the other person who may despise us when we show them an unconditional love – the love that Jesus has shown us.

This SERMON ON THE MOUNT is really tough. Again, anyone who tells me that they are living by the SERMON ON THE MOUNT better have a very impressive testimony for Christ, and living by these words of Jesus very faithfully, or I will be sure to call him/her a liar; or they are at the least very deceived. Let’s endeavor by our faith in Jesus and the power of His Spirit within live by His words. We have already failed. Let’s trust Him and His grace.

Problem With Mixed Marriages

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Genesis 6:1-22 continuing…

In chapter four we had the story of the genealogy of Cain, and that was following his murdering his brother Abel. Cain’s record is a record of the ungodly. “Cain went out from the presence of the LORD…” (4:16). The New Testament speaks of Cain as being one who hated God; Jude 11 mentions “the way of Cain” that would be not to seek the Lord, and attempt his own way of worship. First John chapter three and verse twelve tells us, “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.”

In chapter five we have the story of the genealogy of Seth, “The Appointed”, and within it the story of redemption and the glory of God. Its story runs from Seth through Noah, and includes his three sons; Shem, Ham and Japheth.

It is my conclusion that since we have the genealogies of Cain and Seth here – back to back so to speak – that chapter six is referring to the Cainites as producing the “Daughters of men”, and the “Sons of God” are reference to the lineage of Seth. That does not give us a real bright picture of Seth’s sons, but that is how I will be presenting this.

“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” Genesis 6:1-2 (KJV).

In looking at this we have to take it back to even before the lineage of Cain is given. It was then that people were beginning to populate the earth. We must remember that Adam and Eve had other children other than what is written in the pages in the early chapters of Genesis. With Cain and Seth we are given the truth of God that there are generally two types of people on the earth. Those who love God, because they have themselves received God’s love for them; and then, there are those like Cain who had no heart for God. This is the story that must be seen if we are to believe that men/women are accounted for their actions.

The women or “daughters of men” must have been very alluring, attractive, and seductive. Sometimes even the best of men will fall for something of beauty. These daughters of men, being from the lineage of Cain would, most likely, had no problem deceiving, luring, and lying to the sons of God, in order to achieve what they desired, thus luring many of them away from God. Those men who are named in the godly line of Seth were probably the ones who maintained somewhat of a fellowship with God, the LORD. It this is all there were, then, wickedness would surely have had a strangle hold on their society.

There are some who believe that the “sons of God” are fallen angels, as those mentioned in Jude 6, “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day”, and also they refer to Job 1:6 and 2:1 where it says, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.”, and 2:1 stating, “Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.” My question concerning this idea is, What would an angel, even a fallen angel, see in the “daughters of men”? There is no problem with seeing these “sons of God” as being from the lineage of Seth. As a matter of fact it solves a whole passel of problems. I am not going to deal with the matter of the angels here, because I do not see them as being involved in this text.

You could call the joining of the godly line with the ungodly line a case of “Mixed Marriages”. That is forbidden by God in the Scriptures today, though, there would have been no law concerning the matter in the early parts of the Beginning. Surely some sense of decency and thoughts of right and wrong would have been there, but maybe not. God now definitely forbids the Christian from marrying a non Christian. There are far too many “Mixed Marriages” in our society and it could be a death knell to the family. We are told in the New Testament,

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 (KJV).

Now there are many people who have heard this taught and preached again and again. Young ladies who know better, professing to be Christian; marry a man who is the dream of her life, but he is not a Christian, and she finds out later that life with this man is a nightmare, they cannot agree on much, if anything, and he gets more and more rebellious toward the things of God as life goes along. In some rare cases the man comes to faith in Christ, and things can get better. God does not approve of Mixed Marriages concerning faith.

Speak the Truth

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Matthew 5:21-48 continued…

“Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” Matthew 5:33-37 (KJV).

As we look at these words of Jesus it seems like everything concerning morality and righteousness is essential, yet Jesus had great grace and mercy toward all. Jesus intended that when we spoke a word; in private, before a group of people, or in a courtroom that we speak with the highest degree of integrity, honesty and valor which is possible. It starts with keeping our word; our oaths; with the LORD. It grieves His heart when we do not do so. It is better not to give your word at all than to give it, and then you swallow and devour everything which you said.

Is it wrong to “Swear on a Bible in a court room”? I personally do not believe it is. You are giving your word that you are going to tell the truth. If you won’t tell the truth without using the Bible you probably won’t using it. The whole issue of this matter has to do with a man’s or woman’s honesty, integrity, and character. If you are in the habit of lying then, you will probably lie no matter what.

Even if it hurts be honest. Tell the truth concerning things you testify of. Jesus says, “Let your communication be, ‘Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

A Writing of Divorce

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Matthew 5:21-48 continuing…

“It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” Matthew 5:31-32 (KJV).

We live in a day when divorce is running rampant. The Christian family is as infected as is the people outside the Christian faith. The percentage runs about 50 percent. Half of all marriages end in divorce according to statistics. For me to say that Christians are getting divorces as much as those who are not Christians really grieves my heart.

I cannot believe that anyone who has been divorced entered the marriage thinking, “I am going to get married for a few years, and then, get a divorce”. I may be wrong, but I cannot imagine that. I do believe there are some who give their vows to one another thinking, “If this does not work out we can always get a divorce”. I think that is why many get a divorce. There is no bonding. No commitment to the relationship.

It seems that Jesus is referring to a passage of scripture in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 having to do with the process of divorce. The religious leaders of the day had been teaching that a man could divorce his wife for burning the toast. The divorce laws today just as well not exist. They are so lenient that there is no reason needed to get one. NO FAULT divorce.

It might help us to understand this law better to realize that women in the time of Moses had no rights in marriage. The woman was at the mercy of her husband, and in almost every situation if not every situation, she had to marry whom her parents – her father – decided. The only legitimate divorce was if there was proof that she was not a virgin when she and her husband were married. When a husband brought such charges, and if they were false, the parents had the wedding night bedding, and could produce evidence of her virginity. If they had no proof of her virginity, then he could give her a writing of divorce, and she could go and be another man’s wife (See Deuteronomy 22:13-21). Women had no legitimate means of support, except a husband. In many situations their only other alternative was harlotry/prostitution. For a man to give a writing of divorce for another reason other than that mentioned caused her to commit adultery by marrying another man, and the man committed adultery as well. If a man became jealous suspecting his wife of unfaithfulness they had a means of caring for this also (See Numbers 5:11-31).

Jesus’s words on divorce are quite strong. It causes many of us to question what He meant. It is clear. The only reason for a man to divorce his wife was for “the cause of fornication”, ie., sexual sin, sexual impurity. If a man divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and she marries another she commits adultery, and the man who marries her commits adultery. This can also be reversed for the woman and the man concerning our day. In Jesus’s day the woman was not allowed to seek a divorce. Women today can seek a divorce, so that is why I say the thing can be reversed with the woman seeking a divorce.

Divorce, as it is practiced in our society of 2007, does not make sense. It is almost always a losing proposition. The man loses, the woman loses, and if there are children they are the biggest losers, but not of their own doing.

Just a Thought

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Matthew 5:21-48 continued…

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:27-30 (KJV).

Wouldn’t it be really great to have “Thought Police”. Of course, it would have to be someone who could read your mind and thoughts. They would also need to know the intent of your heart in order to make a righteous judgment. Now, Jesus is saying what the law has told us, “Thou shalt not commit adultery”. Is that not clear enough, then, He says, “But I say unto you…” Who is this? It is Jesus. You could be right in even saying, “He knows your every thought and the intent of your heart”. This One says, “…That whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” On the outward appearance there are a lot of men who would be okay with just the law, since many have not committed physical adultery against their wives. Looking on the thoughts and hearts in the matter guilt would cover the world like a flood. Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!

This indictment against us is strong. I am guilty of having looked at some women with lust. May God give me a purer thought life, and a better heart for Him, and forgiveness for my sin.

Is it sinful for a man to look at a woman, and see her beauty, and form? Only if that leads to lust. Lust is the desire; lingering, longing desire, that is felt as a thirsty tongue for water in a dry and barren land. There is nothing wrong with admiring the beauty God has created. It becomes lust if you feel you must have it for yourself.

Is Jesus serious about plucking out the eye that offends, cutting off the hand that offends? He is showing how seriously He takes sin. How seriously did Jesus take sin? So serious He voluntarily went to the cross, laid down His life, and died. The plucking out of the eye and the cutting off of the hand, and casting it from us; shows us how seriously we should take sin. If our eye looks upon a woman with lust, it will not really do us any good to pluck out the eye; there will still be lust in the heart. It is a heart issue, not an eye issue. Change of heart will lead to a change of view. Some women may be reading this and think that this does not apply to them. Oh yes it does. Women can have a problem with lust as well.

Indifference Toward Anger

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Matthew 5:21-48 continuing…

The word “Apathy” is defined as, “Lack of emotion 2. lack of interest: indifference.” MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY. We become indifferent when we start accepting only outward appearance as what is acceptable to the holiness of God. Men, the male gender, if we are Christian men others will be watching the way we treat our wives, and the way we LOOK at other women. Whether we like it or not sometimes what is truly in the heart and mind comes out for all to see.

The actual deed is no less, or no more condemning than a harbored thought. The act of the deed begins with the thought. “Sow a thought, you reap a deed. Sow a deed, you reap a habit. Sow a habit, you reap a character. Sow a character, you reap a destiny.” UNKNOWN. When we become spiritually apathetic we will fall to our uncontrolled thoughts.

“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.” Matthew 5:21-26 (KJV).

The Law says, “Thou shalt not kill”, and there is no question about that. That is talking of premeditated murder – planning the killing sometimes far in advance of the time of the actual killing. Who ever murdered another was to be put to death. The family members of the murdered victim were the one’s responsible for putting them to death. It seems to be a needed item today, yes even in our “Civilized culture”. Maybe it would become a little more civilized.

Jesus deals with “Anger” in verse 22. The “Anger” which Jesus refers to is an emotional anger which continues adding fuel, and it continues growing hotter and hotter until it finally explodes in vengeance, that is basically revenge. Getting even. Settling the score. Jesus does not address the issue here, but let me say that there is a place for anger. I remember hearing someone say, “You can pretty well judge a person’s character by what makes them angry”. Paul wrote, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” Ephesians 4:26 (KJV). So there is a place for the right anger. Be angry when children are molested. Be angry when a man beats his wife. Be angry when a drunken driver kills a car load of teenagers. Be angry when you get loaded down with sin. Be angry when you see a brother or sister in Christ loaded down with sin. Be angry and act on it rightly. Put it to rest by the end of the day.

The anger for which Jesus addresses is the anger which leads to the act of murder. Murder is already in the individual’s heart. He is guilty of murder, even though the deed has not been done. In his/her heart it is as good as done. Someone might say, “Well! If I am guilty of murder due to the thought, then, I just as well go ahead and kill the dude.” Not so. With the thought you are destroying yourself, and condemning yourself. With the deed you destroy yourself, and the other individual, thus guilty of the thought and the deed.

If you are in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ there is no place to harbor this sort of anger. This anger leads to hatred which leads to murder. Hear what John the apostle says, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.” 1 John 3:15 (KJV). If there is anger or hatred toward any individual in your life put that matter to rest today. Take it to the Lord, and receive peace. He forgave you for your treacherous act of sin. Surely you can forgive the one who has offended you. If not you have not been forgiven.

Spiritual Allegiance

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GIVING SPIRITUAL ALLEGIANCE

Matthew 5:17-20

Looking at these verses it seems to become quite clear that the life of grace is one of a changed life. When one meets Christ Jesus by grace, is saved and delivered from sins judgment, death, and bondage it is not; I say again, “IS NOT” a license to sin. It is a call to live unto Christ. To live like Jesus.

Jesus is God’s measure of righteousness. He is the only one who has measured up to the requirements of the law and prophets of God. There was no sin found in Him. He did always those things that pleased His Father. He always knew the Father’s will and walked in it. God’s measure of Righteousness is far, far greater than our own.

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:17-20 (KJV).

There is one thing that is abundantly clear in reading the seventeenth verse. That is, that Jesus had A DEFINITE SPIRITUAL ALLEGIANCE to the Word of God, ie., “…the law, or the prophets” (v. 17). The allegiance of King Jesus was to the Father. That is shown in His desire to fulfill the law. Nothing Jesus said or did robbed the “Law or the prophets” of their power. He came to fulfill what Adam should have done, and that was to glorify the Father. The Father was glorified in the Son’s death on the cross. Dying there He fulfilled the demands of the Law. The law said, “You must die”. Jesus was our Substitute for sins death.

Jesus’s allegiance to the law is given to the One who spoke it into being. The Word of God will not fail, nor will Jesus fail to uphold and fulfill it glorifying the Father. It is set to be fulfilled. It cannot fail to be fulfilled. Even, the tiniest of details of the word will not fail. The word “Jot” used by Jesus here in the text is speaking of the smallest Hebrew letter, called the Yodh, and even if you do not know Hebrew and have a Bible you can find an illustration of this letter in the 119th Psalm. It is the tenth letter, and it is the tenth division of eight verses in 73 – 80 of Psalm 119. This letter looks very similar to our apostrophe which we use in English for stating possession of something. In Hebrew it is a letter, and an important one. Even this little letter will not “Pass from the law”. The other tiny thing Jesus mentions is the “tittle”, which is the tiny extension on the end of a Hebrew letter. It would be similar to the tail of the ‘y’ hanging on the word ‘tiny’. Not even the tiniest thing will fail to be fulfilled. All the prophecies which have not yet been fulfilled; will be fulfilled. Any of the most minute things left to fulfill will be brought to pass.

Why would we dare teach others to break the law of God? Is there an element of popularity in it? I find it awkward to try and say that because Jesus fulfilled the law, that we are no longer required to obey the law. The fact that Jesus fulfilled it, and we being in Him means, that, we now are enabled to obey it. We desire to obey Jesus our Savior. We desire to do that which is pleasing to Him and will honor and glorify Him.

Allegiance is shown in keeping and teaching them as Jesus gave them, and not in explaining them away. The commandments concerning the special Sabbaths and days which were pictures, shadows, types of the One who has come, are no longer necessary, because Jesus has come, and there is no more need of the type when you have the real thing (SEE Colossians 2:15-17). It is heresy to add binding, and constrictive amendments to the law that we have. The “Law and the Prophets” [Scriptures] are given as a means of showing us who we are in the economy of God and who God is as well; and especially so. By the “Law and the Prophets” we learn about salvation; we also learn about our need for dependence upon God and not self-righteousness.

The teachings of the Sermon on the Mount are more descriptive of the Ten Commandments. The Commandments; at least on outward appearance; seem to deal with the outward appearance. The Sermon deals with the whole message of the Commandments even to the very thoughts of the heart. If someone tells you, “I live by the Sermon on the Mount” they probably do not realize what they are saying. The Sermon, by Jesus, has more qualifying factors than does the Ten Commandments. The Sermon calls for a change of heart – the inner man; leading to a righteousness that far exceeds that of the Scribes and Pharisees, and moves from the inner man to the outer man; thus, changing the whole.

The scribes and Pharisees were men who prided themselves in their piety; which was only outward. Look at what Jesus said to them; “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepuchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” Matthew 23:27.

Light of the World

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Matthew 5:13-16 concluded…

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV).

Now we turn to the action of Light. In particular the Light of Jesus Christ. Let’s think first of all what the action of light is. Light dispels darkness. It casts shadows. It shows the way in the dark. Darkness cannot overcome light. We can also see by the above verses that light can be hid. It might even be put out or grow dim, due to lack of being tended. Look at these things from a spiritual perspective.

Light and darkness cannot co-exist; they cannot be together in the same place – light always overcomes the darkness. Jesus is the Light and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). In the Gospel of John it is written, “The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not” – “Comprehend” means overcome or conquered, thus the light shining. Darkness is merely the absence of light. It is basically nothing. Jesus cast out the nothingness of our lives by the shining of His light into our hearts. In our hearts before Jesus came is the absence of light – His Light. Shadows are the result of light not passing through an object which stands in its way. Is there anything in our lives which cast a solid shadow of obstinance, disobedience, which will be where those who watch us will be standing. Because of this shadow they will not see the Light. Light shows us the way in the dark.

There is an amazing thing about light. You can see light from miles and miles away, and still be in the dark. Light will do you no good until you get into its illuminating power; within its area of lighting. If you are out at night and the only light you have is a flashlight you can use that to find your way. With that flashlight there is no darkness where you walk. Every obstacle in your path, every hole before each step can be seen with that light. With the light that is far away you may; by tripping and stumbling; make your way toward it while you are in the dark. You will stumble, even fall at times, and if you keep walking toward that light – if you do not fall into a hole, over a cliff, or something else happens – you might eventually get to the luminance of that light. When you get into the graces of that light you will most likely find scratches, bruises, tears in your clothing, and your eyes will take a little time to adjust to the glow, but now you can see. If you have been walking the hills out in the country of the Ozarks that would be especially true. You will probably even find burrs, and ticks on you. When you get into this light you will see what you look like. When we get into the Light of Jesus we will see what we are, and what we look like. We will see that we need some cleaning up, and He can do that.

When we are the light of Christ we will work the same way that Jesus works. We do not cover the Light in order to be unthreatening to the people in darkness. We let that Light shine, letting them see clearly who we are, and most of all who Jesus is. We can hide the light, and it can go out or grow dim due to our being ashamed of it, or due to allowing sin to dominate our lives.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”. It just seems to me that we hide that light when we put ourselves on the level of the bars, bunny mansions, and rock shows. It looks to me like we hide the Light when we have it covered with the garb and gear that is worn by the world. Let your light shine. Let the world see Jesus in you.

Our Saltiness

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Matthew 5:13-16 —

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” Matthew 5:13 (KJV).

Let’s see if we can learn a little more about the salt and its action. One of the main purposes of salt is flavor and seasoning for foods. If you do not add salt to even hot cereal it comes off the stove tasting a little flat; or as my Dad has always said, “Slick”. It just taste better with a dash of salt. These days you can purchase salts with different flavors, such as garlic salt for putting on bread when you have spaghetti or any Italian dish. There is also seasoning salt for putting on meat when you cook it. Foods taste better with some salt. People with high blood pressure are told to cut back on their salt, or cut it all together. Some foods just are not the same without it though. When it comes to Christians being salt to our society we can add a lot of flavor to life by pointing people to Jesus Christ letting others see and know what He has done for us. Life just comes around a lot better when the salt is strong, and doing its task in life.

Salt can also be used as a Preservative. Years ago, and still in some places, there was/is a special salt for preserving meat. I can remember it being used after butchering a hog, and the half side of the pork laying in our cellar covered with this preserving salt. Any time Mom needed bacon or ham or porkchop; she would take a knife and go cut off a piece. Then, she would put it in the old cast iron skillet, and we had a mighty fine meal. That side of pork was down in that cellar most of the Winter. There is a judgment hanging over this world of ours. Many people will not admit to that; little lone what I am about to say here; but the only reason God has not destroyed this nation is because of those who are in Christ Jesus. I call that a preserving action. It is because of His mercy and grace toward all of us.

Someone once said, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink”. That may be true, but you can give him salt and make him thirsty. That is another work of salt. If we Christians were the salt in our world that we ought to be; there might just be a lot of thirsty people looking for the Well from which our Water of Life comes.

Have you ever put salt into an open sore or wound? It stings like the dickens. Salt works like a cleansing and healing agent. Just imagine what would happen if every one who names Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior started living like they knew Jesus. The very life we live would work like salt in an open wound, stinging, burning, and aggitating some people. For some reason many who profess Christ have come to the conclusion that fitting into the world is the way to bring them to Christ. I beg to differ from that. Living for Jesus as a holy, sold out vessel of Jesus will not win friends and influence people, but it will cause others to come under conviction, because they see Jesus in you. They may not like you, or the way you live, but they will be convicted of their sin, and by the power of the Spirit of God, and God’s drawing them, they will be saved. That is the healing the world needs. The salt needs to work in us for healing before we can expect it to work in the world.

The final thing I want us to consider about salt is that it melts ice. Think of the flavoring, seasoning, preserving, thirst causing, healing affect of salt, then add to that;  it melts the cold frozen ice of hardened hearts.

Let’s be the salt which Jesus Himself has ordained that we be. Let’s not become the unsavory salt that becomes trampled under foot of men becoming of no use, but that of a path to walk on. That is not the best use of salt. Make the best use of your salt.

Will be continued…

Salt of the Earth?????

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Matthew 5:13-16 continuing…

So far in looking at the Sermon On the Mount we have looked only at the “Beatitudes”, and concerning our attitudes. Happiness in Christ is possible as we yield our all and all to Him. I have called these “Beatitudes” “A DISTINCTIVE SPIRITUAL ATTITUDE”, because attitudes are important. “Attitude” meaning ‘the position of something in relation to something else’, and in the case of the Beatitudes would be the position of our attitude in relation to “poverty”; in relation to “mourning”; in relation to “meekness”; etc… Our attitude should be that that will bring glory to our Savior and His Father.

These distinctive spiritual attitudes will then lead us to “A DECISIVE SPIRITUAL ACTION”. What is the work of the Christian? How are we to live? We just learned in the previous studies that we are to be HAPPY, ie. fulfilled in Christ Jesus. Will our attitude determine our action, or at least have an impact on our actions? I certainly believe so.

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” Matthew 5:13 (KJV).

Does one’s attitude have any affect on their actions or behavior? I would think that there are many lives that bear witness to the truth of the statement, “Yes one’s attitude has an affect on their actions and/or behavior”. I know of myself, if I have a bad attitude about something my actions or/and behavior is usually bad. Several years ago I was going to our Associational Children’s Camp at Baptist Hill. I was going so that I could help in the kitchen. That is what I was told they needed me for, and that is what I went for. I had a good attitude about that. However, when we arrived at the Hill, they were short of Counselors; and the counselors had to sleep with the children, play with the children, teach the children, keep the children under control. They then told me they had plenty of kitchen help, “Would you mind being a counselor?” I was there. I was handy. I was sure disappointed.

Please do not misunderstand me. I had purposely gone at other times to be a counselor for children, for a total of about 10 years, and I thoroughly enjoyed it and one year had the privelege of leading about five boys in my room to faith in Jesus. When they asked, I said, “Okay. I will”, but I said it with a whole lot of reservations. None named; only in my attitude. I want you to know, that, I had a long miserable week; and I probably made the boys lives miserable too.

That attitude affected my being salt to those boys. It affected my bright and shining, smiling personality :). I am dreadfully afraid that my salt that week was trampled under foot and some of those boys went home, never to return to any camp again.

Along toward the end of the week I did realize how I had been. I asked God’s forgiveness and I began to have the right attitude, but I still fear that those first two days were torture to some at camp.

A few years later, I volunteered to go back to camp as a counselor. I had the right attitude. I had the love for those boys that I should have had. I enjoyed telling them about Jesus. The week went by so swiftly, it was as though I had never left home. I learned a lot about attitude and behavior or actions that one long week. I am still learning, however.

Their’s Is the Kingdom

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Matthew 5:1-12 conclusion…

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 (KJV).

These two have the tendency and practicality of standing together, so I will include them together. What is your position in relation to persecution? If you are a normal, red blooded American, then you probably don’t like it, won’t tolerate it, and would despise wherever it came from. Nobody likes persecution, and most people would seek means of staying away from it. There are however, reasons to stand your ground, and face the trials of persecution. The best reason of all is for the person of Jesus Christ. When you are living by faith in Christ you will suffer persecution; “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV).

Anyone who has heard of “The Voice of the Martyrs” knows that there are many cases of persecution going on in the world today. There are many instances of Christians suffering because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Many of them have turned from Islam to face angry parents, employers, city leaders, and supposed defenders of peace and placed on trial, rejected by their families, fired from their jobs, and treated ruthlessly by the police. Let me be clear that it is not only Islam which persecutes those who turn to Christ. It is also Hindus, and various other religions of men. Stand firm in the faith; stand firm.

The “Blessed(s)” in these two statements are not just toward anyone who stands firm in what they believe. The object of their belief is of utmost importance. If one is to receive these “Blessed”, then it will be because of their stand for “Righteousness” and that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Righteousness – simply put; means being right with God. No one – man, woman, boy or girl; and no matter what the color of their skin – is right with God except through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

If you are being persecuted because of your faith in Jesus, then, be assured that there will be a day of reward in Heaven. You are in good company. They also persecuted the prophets. Jeremiah was thrown into a pit; he was beaten and mocked by his own people. It is said by tradition that it was Isaiah the prophet who is mentioned in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews as being “Sawn asunder”, and some say it was while he was stuffed into a hollowed out tree. When it comes to Jesus Christ; in Him alone you have reason to “Rejoice and be exceeding glad”, but also in knowing that you are in a great company of others who suffered for righteousness sake through Jesus.

After looking at these “Beatitudes” can you see that this is not a thing attainable by human desire? There is deffinitely fulfillment in the lives of those who live the life of the “Beatitudes”, but it is only possible by grace through faith in Jesus.

Children of God

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“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” Matthew 5:9 (KJV).

Many use this Beatitude to lavish praises on those who work for world peace, or peace from a certain war going on at that given time. Let’s think again of ‘Attitude’ – ‘the position of something in relation to something else’.

John MacArthur writes concerning this verse in THE MACARTHUR NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY on Matthew Vol. I, pg. 211; “The essential fact to comprehend is that the peace about which Jesus speaks is more than the absence of conflict and strife; it is the presence of righteousness”. It seems that a very deffinite verse of Scripture could be Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”.

Peace in the world would be a wonderful thing. Peace with God is an even greater thing. As long as men are at war with God; not believing Him or in Him; not believing His Word; not trusting in His truths; there will never be peace with God. No peace with God. No peace with men; and to complete a phrase I have seen; Know peace with God. Know peace with men. “Men can stop fighting without righteousness, but they cannot live peaceably without righteousness” IBID. Having peace with God makes one righteous. Some where, some time in days to come there will be peace on earth. That will be when Jesus Christ the King of all kings sets up His kingdom on earth.

How do we help people have peace with God? By taking the Word of truth to them. Preaching God’s love through the cross of Jesus Christ. Letting the Holy Spirit take the Word and convict of sin and convince them that Jesus is the Christ; the Son of God who died for our sins, was buried and He rose again, and ever lives to intercede for us.

Though it is the Spirit of God who uses us to lead a soul to peace with God we have this verse in Proverbs 11:30; “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise”. Those are the “Peacemakers” who shall be called ‘the children of God’. When your position with God is right; you will have peace with God, and you too will be a “Peacemaker”.

They Shall See God

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The Be-Attitudes continuing…

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” Matthew 5:8 (KJV).

Purity is such a sweet word. When we think of purity we might think of fresh fallen snow; without any yellow spots, of course. We might even think of a new born baby boy or girl. When it comes to Christianity we should think especially of Jesus Christ, for He is the essence of purity. The word “Pure” according to the MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY ‘Unmixed with any other matter: free from taint’ also, ‘Free from moral fault: innocent’. There was/is nothing about Jesus that is tainted. He is fully God and fully man, and free of any mix, and free of any taint; His life is free of any moral fault; He is innocent. He was innocent as He was condemned by men to die. As an innocent man He died for guilty men, that we might be made pure through His own blood.

The only way any other person can be pure of heart, ie., ‘holy’ is by the very holiness of Christ Himself. No one can see God without a pure heart [holiness], “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 KJV). None can appear before God without a pure [holy] heart – “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” Psalm 24:3-4 (KJV).

There is a pure heart only by looking to Jesus. As you look to Jesus you see God.

They Shall Obtain Mercy

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The Be-Attitudes continuing…

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy” Matthew 5:7 (KJV).

When you are in the right position with “Mercy” it is most likely because you have obtained mercy. (See Matthew 6:14-15; and Luke 7:41-42). We live in a very competitive world. Many believe it is okay to exact revenge on someone who has bettered you. You could call that “Get-Even-Ism”.

That is not the way of mercy. That is not the way of God. In the Luke reference given it tells us, “There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?” (Luke 7:41-42). The answer given to this question was, “The one who was forgiven the most”. Mercy is what all of us have received, but very few practice it toward others.

To define Mercy, it has been defined this way. It is not receiving what we justly deserve – that is judgment. We have all received mercy from God, because He withholds the judgment in order that many might, at least have opportunity, to be saved.

The next time you are about to release a verbage of criticism on someone over something that has offended you; take a look at yourself. Someone has been merciful to you in the past, and probably over this same thing that has set you off. The prophet Habakkuk prayed to the LORD, “…In wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2 KJV). It is the merciful who will obtain mercy. His kingdom way is mercy. What is the position of your attitude concerning mercy?

They Shall Be Filled

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The Be-Attitudes continuing…

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” Matthew 5:6 (KJV).

Remember the definition of “Attitude” is ‘the position of something in relation to something else’. In this case the subject is righteousness. Righteousness most easily defined is; ‘being right with God’. That would involve many things including worship, our deportment, both with God and with others.

The kingdom child is hungry for God and His ways. Righteousness is the way of God, and it is the way of the child of God to hunger for it. His/Her desire is for Jesus Christ and nothing else.

The individual who is righteous, because of grace through faith in Jesus Christ, will have a specific hunger and thirst. That hunger will be to devour the truth of God through His Word, and His Word affecting the direction our lives take for serving the Lord. It seems that it would be accurate to say that when Jesus was being tempted by the devil in the wilderness He had righteousness on His mind. He was physically hungry and thirsty, but when He was tested to turn stones to bread; he was more attuned to being right with His Father rather than disobedience.

The “Blessed” ones who hunger and thirst for/after righteousness, are those who labor in diligent, earnest hearing of the Word of God and prayer. They feed daily at the table of the BREAD OF LIFE. They drink deeply of the One who is the Water of Life.

O, that we as the people of God grew in that hunger; never completely filled; but satisfied with Jesus, wanting more of Him, and His righteousness. The thirst never completely quenched; with longing to drink from the well of the Water from Heaven. Drink from the ‘river of water’ that flows from out of the throne of God Himself (Revelation 22:1).

This hunger and thirst comes only into the hearts of those who have joyously received the free gift of God’s grace. Ones who have seen Jesus as the divine Son of God. The Ones who have seen Jesus dying for the sins of mankind upon the cruel cross so many years ago. The ones who have witnessed the resurrection power of Jesus per a changed life. You have been clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. You will never be filled without that hunger and thirst, and finding satisfaction through Him alone.

They Shall Inherit the Earth

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 The Be-Attitudes continuing…

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth” Matthew 5:5 (KJV).

Someone has defined ‘Meekness’ as “Strength/Power under control”. If there was ever a picture of meekness in men it came from Jesus Christ Himself. It is also said of Moses. ” (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)” Numbers 12:3 (KJV). Meekness can also be called ‘gentleness’. Meekness comes when we realize the greatness of God.

The meek are those who know and realize who they are in Christ, but do not seek to exploit their position, power or person above others. The meek are not quick to defend themselves, but will be quick in defending others, and standing for the righteousness, holiness, and justice of God.

The meek are those who will not complain about the rough spots in their lives, but are grateful, thankful, and trusting that they are in the care of God, and that all things are under His control. This attitude would be the position of the meek in relation to their world. The meek would see the positon of themselves as apposed to the thinking of the world.

The inheritance of the ‘Meek’ is the earth. This is mentioned in the Psalms; “For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” Psalm 37:9-11 (KJV). Those who are always out for themselves; never defend the holy; never defend the helpless, but are always stepping on others to get their way – they will be “Cut off”; but the “Meek shall inherit the earth”. Notice that it says that of “…Those that wait upon the LORD..” as well.

They Shall Be Comforted

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The Beatitudes continuing…

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (KJV).

Remembering that the MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY definition for ‘attitude’ is ‘the position of something in relation to something else’ we can see this Beatitude as the attitude of sorrow for something that is not correct. Seeing ourselves in ‘the position of sin and against God’ should bring us to tears and sorrow. Seeing others in sin should cause us to mourn for them.

Because we sin, and when we realize our sinfulness, that should bring us to our knees. People of our day love laughter. They will pay really good money to go hear a comedian make them laugh. They will sit for hours watching situation comedies on television for the laughing. People will set around telling funny, though sometimes vulgar stories just for a laugh. Am I against laughter? Not at all. Are we supposed to spend all the time of our lives in mourning? I do not believe so. There is a time for everything, for everything a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). As a matter of fact the Bible even mentions laughter. Isaac; the son of Abraham and Sarah was named laughter – that is the meaning of the name Isaac. The writer of Proverbs said, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” Proverbs 17:22 (KJV).

For the most part; considering the condition of the hearts of people, and even professing Christians, we should be mourning the situation of our hearts and lives before God. Our lives and the lives of friends and loved ones. Laughter helps us feel better now, but still people are perishing, our lives grow colder, and more distant from God, and we laugh. While we mourn we pray for the perishing; we pray for our growth in grace; we pray for our friends and family. There is comfort for those who mourn.

There will be comfort when we see that lost loved one come to faith. There will be comfort when we can see our lives growing in grace. There will be comfort as we see family and friends blessed. There is an ultimate comfort for those who mourn. It will be when we are forever in the Kingdom of our King. O, such laughter and joy there will be. We can have it now as we see the lost redeemed; as we see brothers and sisters growing in Christ.

Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

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The Be-Attitudes continuing…“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (v. 3)

These are characteristics and attitudes we should possess as disciples or followers of Jesus Christ the King. The first one is being “Poor in spirit”. This is opposite of being haughty, arrogant, and proud. Especially when we are considering the things of God. There is no room for pride before the throne of God. The one who is “Poor in spirit” realizes they are bankrupt before the God of all creation. We could not stand in His presence, except that He provides us a way.

Arrogance and pride before men is one thing, but to be arrogant and prideful before God is an eternal matter which will cause you to be cast into everlasting fire. When one is humble before God that will show in our dealings before men as well.

The definition of “Attitude” – ‘the position of something in relation to something else’ MIRRIAM/WEBSTER DICTIONARY. In the case of these Beatitudes it seems this is the best of the definitions given. The position of your thinking in relation to God is of extreme importance. The way you think of yourself in position to God. If you do not see yourself as God does there will be no way you can walk along side of Him. When you do; you will inherit ‘the kingdom of heaven’.

Looking At The Beatitudes

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Matthew 5:1-12 continuing…

We will be looking at each of the Beatitudes individually through the next few posts.

LOOKING AT THE BE-ATTITUDES

Matthew 5:1-12

When we begin looking at the Sermon on the Mount we see how Jesus expects His dedicated followers to live. There are far too many professing Christians that are saying and believing, “We are not required to obey the law any longer”, thus we have a bunch of reprobate professors of Christianity. There could not be anything further from the truth.

Where the law only told us the way, but did not provide aid in the way; Jesus came fulfilling the law and because of His Spirit living within also enables us to live the law in our lives. The law which once was only written in cold hard stones, and could not reach stone cold hearts, is now written in hearts of flesh.

Anyone professing today that they live by the Sermon On The Mount had better read it before they make such a bold announcement. It is far more binding, and has much more it requires than does the Ten Commandments. We will look at some of those things when we get to those areas.

In this lesson of the ‘BE-ATTITUDES’, using a little play on words; we find the attitudes the individuals who are in the Kingdom of Christ Jesus the King, are to have.

There are nine “Blessed(s)” given. The meaning of the word “Blessed” is ‘happy’. That is a “Beatitude”. Each “Blessed” is a reference to more than happiness – it has most certainly to do with spiritual joy. Happiness (as often defined or thought of) is determined by circumstances; events which take place in one’s life which can either add great excitement and temporary happiness, or great distress and sorrow. If it is an event which brings temporary happiness and excitement, it is only fleeting. Spiritual joy is an attitude attainable only by faith in Jesus – having a close personal relationship with Him. The happiness of which these Bible Blessings speak of is an enduring happiness, an inner joy, which is everlasting, and cannot be taken away.

Matthews Gospel tells us that it was the disciples whom Jesus taught. After having multitudes following Him He probably felt a need to get away. If not only for His disciples sake. This is the first major teaching of Jesus in this Gospel. It covers chapters five through seven. It could be called PRINCIPLES FOR KINGDOM LIVING. This was the King’s way of setting up His kingdom, and preparing the hearts of His people for what was to come. It was a different kingdom, than what the religious rulers had heard and taught. For some reason they missed the part of the “Suffering Servant” (Isaiah 52-53), dying by the hand of God, and taking away our transgressions. We see by these that there is happiness, fulfillment, and joy in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior.

The Light’s Preaching, Teaching and Power

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“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan” Matthew 4:23-25 (KJV).

THE LIGHT OF JESUS SHINES AS EVIDENCE OF HIS PREACHING, TEACHING, AND POWER. These are the credentials of the Divine King – the Son of God. In His teaching He taught as one having a superior authority (7:29). He taught by speaking words and living by them. In His preaching; He announced the kingdom of heaven. In His healing; this was certainly divine verification of the truth of who He was and is. It continued through His earthly life as verification and until the end of the apostolic era.

The greatest healing Jesus came to do was in the giving of Light to the darkness of human hearts. Someone has said, “The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart”. The heart of all mankind is darkness until the light of Jesus shines in and the darkness flees, and then there is healing from sins condemnation, sicknesses and disease. The only real reason for sickness and disease and problems in the world is sin. Jesus came to pay the debt of sin. That debt is paid, and one day the King of all Kings will reign, and there will be no more sin, no more sickness, no more disease, and no more problems. Jesus is the LIGHT.

These multitudes followed Him because of the mighty deeds which He did. They would later deny Him. Some of them would even be the ones in the crowd crying, “Crucify Him; crucify Him”. Are you following Him because of what He can do, or just because of who He is? It does make a difference.