Monday, October 13, 2014
Eye For Eye
Opening Prayer
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Mat 5:38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'
An eye for an eye ... - This command is found in Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20, and Deuteronomy 19:21. In these places it was given as a rule to regulate the decisions of judges. They were to take eye for eye, and tooth for tooth, and to inflict burning for burning. As a judicial rule it is not unjust. Christ finds no fault with the rule as applied to magistrates, and does not take it upon himself to repeal it.
Q.1 Why was Jesus speaking of such things?
These matters had gotten to the point where not only the magistrates & judges used the rule as part of the administration of justice, but the people began to act out their own justice and apply the same rule to their domestic issues. Taking the law into their own hands. Amos 5:7 You, Israel, turn justice into poison and throw righteousness on the ground.
Q.2Do we take justice into our own hands in our world today?
Q.3 How do today's laws differ from “Eye for eye” justice?
Equal justice through our court system today is rendered by judges and juries. And it was so in Jesus day as well, Amos 5:24 But let justice flow like a river and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Q.4 Does our present system of justice always let justice flow like a river and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream?
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Q.5 Can you think of other issues where this eye for eye concept is still practiced today? Maybe on a less intensive scale, It carries over in our doing for others. The favors should be equal. If we do for others , they should do for us. (you owe me one)
Q.6 What in the Kingdom of Heaven is different, and negates the need for judicial system?
Mat 5:39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
The general principle which Jesus laid down was, that we are not to resist evil, nor to set ourselves against an evil person who is injuring us. The law of nature, will justify self-defense when life is in danger.
In those days, a slap on the right cheek was the ultimate insult. Jesus is saying that rather than contend and fight, we should turn the other cheek, encouraging peace instead of retaliation. Retaliation brings us down to the level of the miscreant who slapped us.
Q.1 What is it then that Jesus is teaching?
Violence is to be avoided by the righteous, and if by turning the other cheek, one can show love and compassion for the offending person, that is what one is to do. Often a soft answer turneth away wrath,
Q.2 Do you find it that way in our world today?
Q.3 Does this prevent our insisting that justice should be done us, if civil recourse is available.
Q. 4 Are there laws today that conflict with Jesus’ statement?
There are laws of justice whereby if one is accosted, or assaulted one may file charges against the offending person and have them brought into court and charged with a crime.
Q.5 Does this (law suits)seem more prevalent today than in Jesus’ time?
Q.6 Why is it necessary to have gang laws. and curfews that have just recently been enacted?
Q.7 What are our feelings today, if we are subjected to the treatment Jesus mentions?
Q.8 When does “Turn the other cheek” apply”
Q.9 What is there in the Kingdom of Heaven that causes us to believe that this type of conduct will not happen there?
Mat 5:40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
Jesus is speaking of someone who is litigious and determined to sue us, Our Savior directs us, rather than to imitate him rather than to contend with a revengeful spirit in courts of justice, go ahead and take a trifling injury, and yield to him. This is merely a question about property, and not about conscience and life. Jesus is speaking about every day incidents which occur to all of us from time to time.
Q.1 Can you recall a time when this has happened to you or someone you know?
There are those in society today that seek settlements for injury, although there is no injury such as frivolous lawsuits over incidents where no harm has been done them, but they sue anyway.
Q.2 Where a settlement is offered, to us in a case, is Jesus saying we should take the settlement?
Most of the settlements offered in such lawsuits are very minimal, as if the guilty party were trying to get by as cheaply as possible.
Q.3Do you agree with the concept of justifiable enrichment in certain cases?
Q.4 Can you imagine a time when this might be an issue in God’s Kingdom?
Mat 5:41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.
Whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile - The word translated "shall compel" is of Persian origin. Post-offices were then unknown. In order that the royal commands might be delivered with safety and dispatch in different parts of the empire, Cyrus stationed horsemen at proper intervals on all the great public highways. One of those delivered the message to another, and intelligence was thus rapidly and safely communicated. These heralds were permitted to compel any person, or to press any horse, boat, ship, or other vehicle that they might need for the quick transmission of the king's commandments. It was to this custom that our Savior refers. Rather, says he, than resist a public authority requiring your attendance and aid for a certain distance, go peaceably twice the distance.
Q.1 Do you feel that Jesus was speaking about such matters, or on a more personal level?
There are times when one may be forced to give up one’s car or home for the good of society, or in the case of an Ebola quarantine one may lose his home or an animal. Jesus did not explain his comments in any detail.
Q.2 Why might this matter have become controversial?
Q.3 What did Jesus mean by mentioning “force” ?
A matter of force simply cannot be brought against a citizen in our free country, except in rare cases.
Q.4 What are some of these rare cases?
Q.5 How would Jesus words apply today if someone is asking for your help?
Mat 5:42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
A loan is often more beneficial than an absolute gift: first, because it flatters less the vanity of him who lends; secondly, it spares more the shame of him who is in real want; and, thirdly, it gives less encouragement to the idleness of him who may not be very honest. However, no advantage should be taken of the necessities of the borrower: he who does so lacks a conscience The lending which our Lord is speaking of is that which requires no more than the restoration of the principal in a convenient time: otherwise to live upon trust is the sure way to pay double.
Q.1 What does this type of conduct lead us into?
In most matters where this occurs, it is between friends, or relatives. And of course there are times where money is loaned. Do you use a credit card?
And of course there is the fact of our gifting sums of money or expensive items to others.
Q.2 What do you feel is the usual outcome of such matters?
Q.3 Why is Jesus speaking about the act of lending and giving?
In the society of those days, beggars and borrowers were plentiful, and usually very needy and downtrodden, with no one to help them. There was no social welfare, and no charitable rescue missions. There is always that aspect of society, and we as fortunate citizens should always have a heart for charitable giving.
Q.4 This is probably one of the most sensitive issues in society today. So many people take unjust advantage of such situations in our world today. There is the issue of welfare, pensions, rehab programs, Charitable hospitals, and many private programs we know little about.
And such issues as college tuition, high school tuition, and scholarships, etc. can you think of more?
Q.5 should we give to every cause, and loan to everyone who needs it?
Q.6 Do you feel that Jesus is telling us we should not harden our hearts to the notion of giving and lending.
Q.7 Are there deeper meanings to this aspect of charity and giving?
Meditation
An Eye for an eye
Christ is not here pitting Himself against the Mosaic Law, nor is He suggesting a superior spirituality. Instead He continues the same course as He had followed in the context, which is to define that which righteousness demanded of His followers, which was more excellent than the one taught and practiced by the scribes and Pharisees;
Yet the Jewish leaders sought to ingratiate themselves with the people rather than to please God, they pandered to this evil both civil and religious, so to temper things to the depraved inclinations and popular opinions of the people, It was such that true righteousness was overthrown.
This Divinely prescribed rule was a just one: "If a man cause a blemish in his neighbor: as he hath done, so shall it be done to him. Surely it is a most elementary and unchanging principle of sound jurisprudence that the punishment should be made to fit the crime-neither more nor less.
And concerning the rights of "slaves." If their masters, out of brutality maimed them, then the magistrates were required to see to it that they in turn should be compelled to take a dose of their own medicine. And this statute also curbed any judge who in righteous indignation at the cruel injury of a slave was inclined to punish his master too severely: he was not allowed to demand a life for an eye, or a limb for a tooth! Judgment then should remain Just and equal under the law.
Resist not Evil
The statute pertaining to magistrates only had been given a general application, so that the people were allowed to take the law into their own hands, It was in view of this wicked perversion of the Divine Law that our Savior said "Resist not evil." More literally it is "Resist not the evil one," that is, the evil individual who has injured you. Resist not: think not of taking the law into your own hands, Do not seek to do evil to him in revenge, but be actuated by more noble principles and more spiritual considerations.
"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" Christ was not here repealing an important Mosaic statute and substituting a milder approach, but was refuting an error of the scribes and Pharisees regarding the law and the evil practice of the Pharisees. They had given a promiscuous application to the law which placed strict bounds upon the punishment to be meted out unto those guilty of wronging others or injuring their slaves and servants. Jesus is making an appeal to those who having been injured, to be careful not to take the law into their own hands, thus becoming as evil as those who committed the offense in the first place.
The idea of an unqualified non-resistance to evil is contrary to the example of Christ. He resisted evil, attacked wrong-doers, and when smitten did not turn the other cheek. When He went up to Jerusalem and found His Father's house turned into a house of merchandise and a den of thieves, He made a scourge of small cords and cast out of the temple both sheep and oxen. He scattered the money of the desecrators and overthrew their tables (John 2:13-17). And In the judgment-hall of Caiaphas one of the officers struck the Savior with his hand, but instead of turning the other cheek Christ challenged the smiter (John 18:22, 23). He did not answer force with force and return blow for blow, but He exposed and rebuked the wrong.
We are not to tolerate misconduct against ourselves, But as Christ resisted Satan in the wilderness, we are to rebuke evil words and evil deeds. This command of our Lord, illustrated by the examples He brings forward, plainly does not forbid us to defend ourselves when we are in danger. To do so is one of the strongest instincts of our nature, the law of God written on our hearts. But with regard to personal injuries, when there is no hazard of life, as in the case specified, it is our duty to repress resentment and to abstain from violence. When the injury received is a personal and private one it is the Christian's duty to bear it in the spirit of meekness, so long as by so doing he is not encouraging evil-doers and thereby rendering them a menace to others.
And if any man will sue thee
"And if any man will sue thee at the law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also" The first example cited by Christ concerned personal harm and insults. This example sets forth another characteristic of evil men, namely to prey upon others possessions, either privately or under cover of the law. But we should be aware that all who trade upon the innocence of their fellows by means of "shady" tricks, all who are successful in the courts as the result of employing crafty lawyers, no matter what be their reputation for shrewdness in the world, in the sight of God are evil men; and the Christian should have no dealings with such persons. The ruling of our own spirit is far more important than the clothes which we wear. The preservation of inward tranquility is of greater price than a coat or a cloak. Here our Lord teaches us to set lightly by our temporal goods, that our time and strength may be devoted to the concerns of eternity.
"And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile,
"And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain" The Roman troops had power to requisition able-bodied men. They could compel men to act as porters or guides within a certain area or limit: Such service was not popular: often the demand was inconvenient as well as laborious, and was apt to be rendered in a reluctant and complaining spirit. Christ's command is that even when service is constrained and unreasonable, it should never be performed in a sullen and slavish spirit; but cheerfully and in excess of the demand. In society today there remain few occasions when we are compelled into such service, (The draft is no longer) But in every life there are circumstances of unwelcome tasks; every man has duties which are undertaken not of choice but of necessity; they should be performed readily and cheerfully.
"Give to him that asketh thee
"Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away" This supplies a further illustration of which the righteousness of Christ's kingdom requires of its subjects. That righteousness will not only deter them from standing on every point of individual rights, but it will incline them to do good unto others. Interpreting this precept in the light of its setting, it sets forth the positive side of our duty. Not only does Christ forbid men to requite evil for evil, but He commands them to return good for evil. It is better to give unto those who have no claims upon us and to lend unto those who would impose upon kindness, than to cause strife by a selfish or surly refusal. Our possessions are to be held in stewardship for God and at the disposal of the real need of our followers.
And the real possessions of our life which really matter will be ours in Heaven.
Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, We are so thankful that you Sent Your Son Jesus to be our guide and teacher. We praise you for your Son Jesus who is the redeemer of all who confess, and repent, and take him as their salvation. Be with those of our group__________ who need your healing touch and bring strength and comfort to them. Help us in the living out of our days that we might be willing and able disciples learning and doing according to your word. Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for truth and peace in our daily walk with thee. Be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
On Speaking Truth
Speaking the truth
Opening prayer Pg.1
God of our salvation, Just as we come into your presence in great humility, we also come in the joy of being in your service, of spending time in Your word, learning in fellowship among like followers of Your Son Jesus. We are thankful for your word in our study of Jesus’ teachings as given to us in this study of speaking the truth. We pray that our fellowship today will bless each one here and give each of us joy and purpose that we may be useful vessels in your service. Be with those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
About oaths
An oath is a solemn promise about your behavior or your actions. Often, when you take an oath, the promise invokes a divine being. For example, you might swear to God that something is true or swear on the Bible that something is true. Oaths are taken all the time, both a professional capacity and in a personal capacity. In some cases, you can get into serious trouble for taking an oath and then going back on your word or not living up to your promise. For example, if you testify in court and you take an oath to tell the truth and you then lie on the stand, you can be tried for, and convicted of, perjury. If you take an oath of loyalty to your country and you lie, then you can be tried for treason.
Jesus Teaches
Mat 5:33 "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.'
Mat 5:34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne;
Mat 5:35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
Mat 5:36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.
Mat 5:37 All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Jesus is teaching here to point out the example of the law wherein one swears to tell the truth with an oath, but lies at the same time. To say we have taken care of a certain matter when we have only reflected on what to do with it is what is commonly called lying. To answer in the affirmative and swear an oath for emphasis is simply making a gesture at appeasing the listener, and that too is lying. An attempt to secure a certain state of well being or comfort for oneself or a friend is an admirable action, but to make the effort successful by having to state a non existent condition is manufacturing a lie. We lie to avoid stress, to avoid inconvenience, to relieve ourselves of certain responsibilities, and as well, we lie for the convenience of the moment. Sometimes we lie so as to embellish the truth, so that we may be framed in a better light. What is it about the human condition that convinces us that we have to lie? Lies are hurtful, inconvenient, and lead to more unsavory conduct. When one lies skillfully enough for a longer period, the life one lives in itself then becomes a lie. All Lying is wrong and should be avoided at all costs. Life is much simpler when one never lies. One then does not have to keep up with the lies so as to seem truthful. Our lies will find us out. Jesus very simply emphasizes telling the truth in the simplest form. Yes, or No.
Jesus Teaches Pg.2
a). That we must not swear at all, but when we are duly called to it, we must not take advantage of it for ourselves, or to our own worldly advantage.
Q.1When are we duly called to swear?
Q.2Why are we duly called to swear?
b). That we must not swear lightly and irreverently, in common discourse: it is a very great sin to make a ludicrous appeal to the glorious Majesty of heaven. It is a sin that has no cloak, no excuse for it, and therefore a sign of a graceless heart, in which enmity to God reigns:
Q.3 To what is this referring?
c). That we must avoid promissory oaths: The frequent requiring and using of oaths, is a reflection upon Christians, who should be of such fidelity, that their sober words should be as sacred as their solemn oaths. An oath is licit, and an act of virtue, under certain conditions. It is, in effect, an act of homage rendered by the creature to the wisdom and omnipotence of the Creator—it is therefore an act of; the virtue of religion. Christ meant, as the Fathers and ecclesiastical writers explain, to be so truthful that men could believe them without need of oath to confirm what they say. He did not forbid the use of oaths under proper conditions, when necessary to satisfy others of our truthfulness.
Q.4 Why does our justice system require one to swear an oath to God?
Q.5 Does the use of An oath to God offend you or anyone you know?
d). That we must not swear by any other creature, place or thing
(a.) Swear not by the heaven; “As sure as there is a heaven, this is true;” for it is God's throne, where he resides, and in a particular manner manifests his glory, as a Prince upon his throne: One cannot swear by heaven, but also to swear by God himself.
(b.) Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool. He governs the motions of this lower world; as he rules in heaven, so he rules over the earth; The earth is the Lord's; so that in swearing by it, you swear by its Owner.
(c.) Neither by Jerusalem, a place for which the Jews had such a veneration, that they could not speak of any thing more sacred to swear by; the city of God (Psa_46:4), he is therefore interested in it, and in every oath taken by it.
(d.) “Neither shalt thou swear by the head; though it be near thee, and an essential part of thee, yet it is more God's than thine;
Q.6 To what, and in what context are these statements (a) to (d) referring?
e). That therefore in all our communications we must content ourselves with, Yea, yea, and nay, nay, The reason is observable; For whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. It comes from the Devil, the evil one; it comes from the corruption of men's nature, from passion and vehemence; from a reigning vanity in the mind, and a contempt of sacred things: it comes from that deceitfulness which is in men. Men use these protestations, because they are distrustful one of another, and think they cannot be believed without them.
Q.6 Why do we sometimes feel the need to add emphasis (an oath)to our words even though we speak the truth?
Pg.3
God gave the law to prevent chaos and for our own benefit. To bear false witness is to lie. So often we lie to ourselves, to others, and to God. This leads to distrust, so that man has to swear to affirm that he is telling the truth. God said we shouldn't take the name of the Lord in vain This made an oath binding, and one had to abide by what he had said. "ye shall not swear by my name falsely." This doesn't mean that we cannot take an oath. God wants us to be trustworthy.
These verses need to be taken in context. If they seem unreasonable, then the interpretation is wrong.
Needing to prove your honesty in one situation, only proves your dishonesty in other situations. The Scribes and Pharisees were famous for swearing oaths even though they were lying, the oath simply made the lies more believable.
Q.1 Why does proving honesty need an oath?
Q.2 What is there about swearing an oath makes one seem honest?
Q.3 Why was Jesus teaching against the use of oaths?
Never will all of the world’s words be true. The world will always need oaths. An oath (in the eyes of some)adds emphasis to the point being made, and seems to enforce the truth of the matter.
Q.4 Why do we use oaths in our world today?
Q.5 has oath taking affected your life in any way?
Q.6 What in your opinion does oath taking do to reinforce your believability?
If your words are always true, then you will never need oaths. Building a reputation of always telling the truth is a difficult thing in today's world. There is so much skepticism. The oath (if one uses) just seems to add to the doubt that one has when hearing someone swear an oath
Q.7 Why in our world today do we feel that almost everyone is lying to us?
Q.8 Have you ever presumed that people might think you are lying some of the
time?
Q.9 In the world of story telling (and or lying) do you have a favorite?
Q.10 Describe an occasion that you recall when you were less than forthright?
Q.11 Are you a naturally suspicious person when it comes to accepting someone’s
telling you the truth?
Q.12 Can you describe an occasion when one feels the need to swear to a statement ?
Pg.4
Meditation: What would you give to know all truth!
Truth, is not something we create nor is it our discovery. It is the gift of God who is the possessor and the giver of all truth. Jesus tells his disciples that it is the role of the Holy Spirit to reveal what is true. How can this be? Skeptics of truth don't want to believe in an absolute Truth. If truth is objective then it must be submitted to as authoritative. Some fear the truth because they think it will inhibit their freedom. Jesus told his disciples that the truth will set you free (John 8:32).The truth liberates us from doubts, illusions, and fears. Since God is the source of all truth, then the closer we draw to him and listen to his word, the more we grow in the knowledge of him and of his great love and wisdom for us. Jesus told his disciples that he would send them the Spirit of truth who will announce to you the things to come. Through the Holy Spirit, we proclaim our ancient faith in the saving death and resurrection of Christ until he comes again. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit as our divine Teacher and Helper that we may grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God. Do you seek the wisdom that comes from above and do you willingly obey God's wor
Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, We are so thankful that you Sent Your Son Jesus to be our guide and the light of our lives. We praise you for your Son Jesus who has made himself the redeemer of all who confess, and repent, and take him as their salvation. Be with those of our group who need your touch and bring healing to them………… Help us in the living out of our days that we might be a bright light of truth to those who need our help. Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for truth and peace in our daily walk with thee. Be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Opening prayer Pg.1
God of our salvation, Just as we come into your presence in great humility, we also come in the joy of being in your service, of spending time in Your word, learning in fellowship among like followers of Your Son Jesus. We are thankful for your word in our study of Jesus’ teachings as given to us in this study of speaking the truth. We pray that our fellowship today will bless each one here and give each of us joy and purpose that we may be useful vessels in your service. Be with those of our group who cannot be here today, we pray you will share our blessing with them. Be with those of us who are suffering illness and those who care for them. Restore their health and bring them back into our midst. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen
About oaths
An oath is a solemn promise about your behavior or your actions. Often, when you take an oath, the promise invokes a divine being. For example, you might swear to God that something is true or swear on the Bible that something is true. Oaths are taken all the time, both a professional capacity and in a personal capacity. In some cases, you can get into serious trouble for taking an oath and then going back on your word or not living up to your promise. For example, if you testify in court and you take an oath to tell the truth and you then lie on the stand, you can be tried for, and convicted of, perjury. If you take an oath of loyalty to your country and you lie, then you can be tried for treason.
Jesus Teaches
Mat 5:33 "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.'
Mat 5:34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne;
Mat 5:35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.
Mat 5:36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.
Mat 5:37 All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Jesus is teaching here to point out the example of the law wherein one swears to tell the truth with an oath, but lies at the same time. To say we have taken care of a certain matter when we have only reflected on what to do with it is what is commonly called lying. To answer in the affirmative and swear an oath for emphasis is simply making a gesture at appeasing the listener, and that too is lying. An attempt to secure a certain state of well being or comfort for oneself or a friend is an admirable action, but to make the effort successful by having to state a non existent condition is manufacturing a lie. We lie to avoid stress, to avoid inconvenience, to relieve ourselves of certain responsibilities, and as well, we lie for the convenience of the moment. Sometimes we lie so as to embellish the truth, so that we may be framed in a better light. What is it about the human condition that convinces us that we have to lie? Lies are hurtful, inconvenient, and lead to more unsavory conduct. When one lies skillfully enough for a longer period, the life one lives in itself then becomes a lie. All Lying is wrong and should be avoided at all costs. Life is much simpler when one never lies. One then does not have to keep up with the lies so as to seem truthful. Our lies will find us out. Jesus very simply emphasizes telling the truth in the simplest form. Yes, or No.
Jesus Teaches Pg.2
a). That we must not swear at all, but when we are duly called to it, we must not take advantage of it for ourselves, or to our own worldly advantage.
Q.1When are we duly called to swear?
Q.2Why are we duly called to swear?
b). That we must not swear lightly and irreverently, in common discourse: it is a very great sin to make a ludicrous appeal to the glorious Majesty of heaven. It is a sin that has no cloak, no excuse for it, and therefore a sign of a graceless heart, in which enmity to God reigns:
Q.3 To what is this referring?
c). That we must avoid promissory oaths: The frequent requiring and using of oaths, is a reflection upon Christians, who should be of such fidelity, that their sober words should be as sacred as their solemn oaths. An oath is licit, and an act of virtue, under certain conditions. It is, in effect, an act of homage rendered by the creature to the wisdom and omnipotence of the Creator—it is therefore an act of; the virtue of religion. Christ meant, as the Fathers and ecclesiastical writers explain, to be so truthful that men could believe them without need of oath to confirm what they say. He did not forbid the use of oaths under proper conditions, when necessary to satisfy others of our truthfulness.
Q.4 Why does our justice system require one to swear an oath to God?
Q.5 Does the use of An oath to God offend you or anyone you know?
d). That we must not swear by any other creature, place or thing
(a.) Swear not by the heaven; “As sure as there is a heaven, this is true;” for it is God's throne, where he resides, and in a particular manner manifests his glory, as a Prince upon his throne: One cannot swear by heaven, but also to swear by God himself.
(b.) Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool. He governs the motions of this lower world; as he rules in heaven, so he rules over the earth; The earth is the Lord's; so that in swearing by it, you swear by its Owner.
(c.) Neither by Jerusalem, a place for which the Jews had such a veneration, that they could not speak of any thing more sacred to swear by; the city of God (Psa_46:4), he is therefore interested in it, and in every oath taken by it.
(d.) “Neither shalt thou swear by the head; though it be near thee, and an essential part of thee, yet it is more God's than thine;
Q.6 To what, and in what context are these statements (a) to (d) referring?
e). That therefore in all our communications we must content ourselves with, Yea, yea, and nay, nay, The reason is observable; For whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. It comes from the Devil, the evil one; it comes from the corruption of men's nature, from passion and vehemence; from a reigning vanity in the mind, and a contempt of sacred things: it comes from that deceitfulness which is in men. Men use these protestations, because they are distrustful one of another, and think they cannot be believed without them.
Q.6 Why do we sometimes feel the need to add emphasis (an oath)to our words even though we speak the truth?
Pg.3
God gave the law to prevent chaos and for our own benefit. To bear false witness is to lie. So often we lie to ourselves, to others, and to God. This leads to distrust, so that man has to swear to affirm that he is telling the truth. God said we shouldn't take the name of the Lord in vain This made an oath binding, and one had to abide by what he had said. "ye shall not swear by my name falsely." This doesn't mean that we cannot take an oath. God wants us to be trustworthy.
These verses need to be taken in context. If they seem unreasonable, then the interpretation is wrong.
Needing to prove your honesty in one situation, only proves your dishonesty in other situations. The Scribes and Pharisees were famous for swearing oaths even though they were lying, the oath simply made the lies more believable.
Q.1 Why does proving honesty need an oath?
Q.2 What is there about swearing an oath makes one seem honest?
Q.3 Why was Jesus teaching against the use of oaths?
Never will all of the world’s words be true. The world will always need oaths. An oath (in the eyes of some)adds emphasis to the point being made, and seems to enforce the truth of the matter.
Q.4 Why do we use oaths in our world today?
Q.5 has oath taking affected your life in any way?
Q.6 What in your opinion does oath taking do to reinforce your believability?
If your words are always true, then you will never need oaths. Building a reputation of always telling the truth is a difficult thing in today's world. There is so much skepticism. The oath (if one uses) just seems to add to the doubt that one has when hearing someone swear an oath
Q.7 Why in our world today do we feel that almost everyone is lying to us?
Q.8 Have you ever presumed that people might think you are lying some of the
time?
Q.9 In the world of story telling (and or lying) do you have a favorite?
Q.10 Describe an occasion that you recall when you were less than forthright?
Q.11 Are you a naturally suspicious person when it comes to accepting someone’s
telling you the truth?
Q.12 Can you describe an occasion when one feels the need to swear to a statement ?
Pg.4
Meditation: What would you give to know all truth!
Truth, is not something we create nor is it our discovery. It is the gift of God who is the possessor and the giver of all truth. Jesus tells his disciples that it is the role of the Holy Spirit to reveal what is true. How can this be? Skeptics of truth don't want to believe in an absolute Truth. If truth is objective then it must be submitted to as authoritative. Some fear the truth because they think it will inhibit their freedom. Jesus told his disciples that the truth will set you free (John 8:32).The truth liberates us from doubts, illusions, and fears. Since God is the source of all truth, then the closer we draw to him and listen to his word, the more we grow in the knowledge of him and of his great love and wisdom for us. Jesus told his disciples that he would send them the Spirit of truth who will announce to you the things to come. Through the Holy Spirit, we proclaim our ancient faith in the saving death and resurrection of Christ until he comes again. The Lord gives us his Holy Spirit as our divine Teacher and Helper that we may grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God. Do you seek the wisdom that comes from above and do you willingly obey God's wor
Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, We are so thankful that you Sent Your Son Jesus to be our guide and the light of our lives. We praise you for your Son Jesus who has made himself the redeemer of all who confess, and repent, and take him as their salvation. Be with those of our group who need your touch and bring healing to them………… Help us in the living out of our days that we might be a bright light of truth to those who need our help. Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for truth and peace in our daily walk with thee. Be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
On Divorce, No Condemnation
Pg.1 Opening Prayer
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Help us to realize that we are the vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. Our prayer is that we learn from this study, what is the true desire of our heart. That we are to serve God and glorify him in all that we do. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Because the hearts of the people had become hardened to God's ideal plan for marriage, God wanted to establish this law to finalize divorce. There were two schools of thought in regards to the law.
(1) This major belief was held by most scribes and Pharisees. They interpreted "uncleanness" as meaning anything that was not pleasing to the man. This deprived the woman of her rights as the man could not be divorced against his will.
(2) The other belief was that this law referred to moral "uncleanness." Jesus is claiming that there should only be one cause for divorce. God's intention for marriage is that they be no longer two, but one flesh (Matthew 19:5-6; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20). The sin of adultery is pardonable (Matthew 12:31; John 3:17-18, 8:7). This doesn't mean that we can use the grace of God to cover our own sinfulness (1 Peter 2:16;Romans 6:1). 1 Corinthians 7:10-16, 29:31; Acts 5:29.
(1) This study does not answer the matter of divorce, but a careful consideration of the individual rights and privileges of married couples will inevitably lead us to conclude that there are times when a marriage should be dissolved. Unfaithfulness is not an unforgivable offense but may lead to the dissolution of a marriage. In fact, in the days of Jesus, unfaithfulness is the only instance whereby a divorce would happen. Although a marriage is sacred in the eyes of God, to the average man and woman under the present laws in effect in our world today it is no more than a non binding contract, and has no enforced religious significance whatsoever except in some religious faiths. The only serious considerations of marriage today are when there is a prenuptial agreement which protects one against the other in the marriage. Times have changed. God has not changed. There are many marriages made today for convenience, privilege, inheritance, and for perpetuity.
(2) Also, part of the answers to questions on divorce must include grace. God is not a Law Master who wants to bring His people forcefully into broken submission. God is very forgiving and loving. He wants His people to experience joy and fulfillment in their lives, and this can only be done in the grace of forgiveness. Jesus bore all your sins--even the sins of divorce. They have been paid for. He will not bring them up again on the Day of Judgment. You are free in Christ. God’s laws about marriage are not interchangeable. But Just as man is not to sin, either by adultery, or by lying, or by stealing, or any other sinful act. God is not vengeful.
Jesus Christ now stands for us in the Judgment of God for all who turn to him for their Salvation. Human beings are not perfect, and as marriages go, they are between two imperfect humans and thus can and often do fail. Jesus Christ is our Righteousness. God will honor His Promises.
Pg.2
Bible study: Mortal sin
Mat 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.'
Mat 5:28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Thou shall not commit adultery; which includes a prohibition of all other acts of uncleanness, and the desire of them: but the Pharisees, in their expositions of this command, made it to extend no further than the act of adultery, thus if the iniquity was only regarded in the heart, and went no further, God could not hear it, would not regard it and therefore they thought it enough to be able to say that they were no adulterers, Yet there is the thought.
Q.1 If the sin is not committed, how can one be charged?
Q,2 Why are there matters of the heart best not acted upon?
Q.3 What was the penalty for a woman committing adultery?
Q.4 Why had adultery become such a controversial conduct?
Q.5 Why do you think Jesus brought attention to this conduct?
Q.6 Why do these verses seem to be directed towards men?
Q.7 What three conclusions are we to draw from these verses?
Mat 5:29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Mat 5:30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
It is a severe operation here prescribed for the preventing of mortal sins. If thy right eye offends thee, by lusting after what one sees. If thy right hand offends thee, or causes one to offend, beyond our own control, and if there be no other way to restrain them (which, blessed be God, through his grace, there is), it is better for us to pluck out the eye, and cut off the hand. Though the right eye, and right hand, are fully capable and actually do make for the good of ourselves, and others from time to time.
Q.1 Why does Jesus place such a severe example before us?
Q,2 Can you explain the results forthcoming, should everyone heed these words?
Q.3 When is there a time when we are presented with these temptations?
Q.4 What are the sins that can be committed with the eyes and the hands?
Q.5 Why do you think Jesus brought attention to this conduct?
Q.6 Do you feel that in today's world, there is more temptation to commit sin than in Jesus day?
Pg.3
Mat 5:31 "It has been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.'
Mat 5:32 But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
A man's divorcing of his wife upon dislike, or for any other cause except adultery, however tolerated and practiced among the Jews, was a violation of the seventh commandment, as it opened a door to adultery, How this matter was rectified and amended by our Savior. He reduced the ordinance of marriage to its primitive institution: They two shall be one flesh, not to be easily separated, and therefore divorce is not to be allowed, except in case of adultery, which breaks the marriage covenant; but he that puts away his wife upon any other pretence, causes her to commit adultery, and him also that shall marry her when she is thus divorced. Note, Those who lead others into temptation to sin, or leave them in it, or expose them to it, make themselves guilty of their sin, and will be accountable for it. This is one way of being a partaker with adulterers Psalm 50:14-23
Q.1 What are some other reasons for divorce these days?
Q.2 If divorce were not allowed how would that ever work in our society?
Q.3 What hope have we in our world today, to avoid this condemnation?
Q.4 What legal recourse against men did women of Jesus day have?
Q.5 Describe the differences in opportunity for sexual misconduct compared to Jesus’ day
Q.6 What in this context do you feel that Jesus would preach against in our world today?
Pg.4
No Condemnation The Lord will rescue his servants
Rom 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Rom 8:2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
There is one signal privilege of true Christians, and Paul describes the character of those to whom it belongs: There is therefore now no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus, This is his triumph after that melancholy complaint and conflict in the foregoing sermon verses - sin remaining, disturbing, vexing, but, blessed be God, not ruining. The complaint Jesus takes to himself, but humbly transfers the comfort with himself to all true believers. It is the unspeakable privilege and comfort of all those that are in Christ Jesus that there is therefore now no condemnation to them. He does not say, “There is no accusation against them,” for this there is; but the accusation is thrown out, and the indictment quashed. God has forgotten our sin, and Jesus has made our restitution as promised.
Q.1 What of these two verses is of interest to a Christian?
Q.2 What is the difference between the two laws mentioned?
Q.3 Hebrews 10:17 Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."
What of this verse is there that is so central to the Christian?
Q.4 Of what importance are other (so called) religions which ignore the laws of sin and death
Q.5 How is it that Jesus frees us from sin and death?
Q.6 Just as the rich man was not pardoned, in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, and we
know what happened to him. God was judge Jury and Executioner.
Q.7 What of his plight did Jesus come to change?
Q.8 And what does not change if we do not repent and accept the salvation that Jesus life death
and resurrection offers?
Rom 8:3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,
Rom 8:4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Rom 8:8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
Q.1 What was the law powerless to do?
Q.2 How did sending Jesus to be a sin offering help?
Q.3 How did Jesus condemn sin in the flesh?
Q.4 What is meant by living according to the flesh?
Q.5 What is meant by living according to the spirit?
Q.6 What would appeal to anyone so that they would become hostile to God?
Q.7 How does one have the Spirit of God living in them?
Pg.5
Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way. Be with those of our group who need your healing touch. And be with those, who are suffering persecution for the sake of their faith in You and your Son Jesus our savior. We praise you for your Son Jesus who has made himself the redeemer of all who confess, and repent, and take him as their salvation. We pray that you would bring peace into our troubled world and hold harmless those innocent souls being put to death for their belief in a Supreme God and his Son Jesus, our resurrected savior. Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for peace in our daily walk with thee. Help us in our struggle to be useful vessels to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that you will teach us to be examples in our daily lives that lead others to You through Jesus.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Whose Righteousness Is It?
Opening Prayer
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Help us to realize that we are the vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. Our prayer is that we learn from this study, what is the true desire of our heart. That we are to serve God and glorify him in all that we do. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Before we begin this our third study we will finish page 4 of our last study. This study tonight brings to us the seriousness of righteous conduct and reconciliation to God. While Jesus is approaching these matters differently than the Scribes and the teachers of the law, he also is adding Righteousness and morality and love for our fellow man into the equation.
Pg.4
Mat 5:
Our Lord Jesus here tells his disciples, 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. that the religion he came to establish, did not only exclude the badness, but surpass the goodness, of the scribes and Pharisees. We must do more than they, and better than they, or we shall come short of heaven. They were partial in the law, and laid most stress upon the ritual part of it; but we must be universal, and not think it enough to give the priest his tithe, but must give God our hearts. They minded only the outside, but we must be ever mindful of inside godliness. They aimed at the praise and applause of men, but we must aim at acceptance with God: they were proud of what they did in religion, and trusted to it as a righteousness; but we, when we have done all, must deny ourselves, and say, We are unprofitable servants, and trust only to the righteousness of Christ; and thus we may go beyond the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.
1. Whose brand of righteousness does Jesus insult?
2. What matters of the law did they overlook in their quest for righteousness?
3. What “loophole” did they come up with regarding their parents in Matthew 15?
4. What were Jesus’ feelings about the Pharisees tithing according to the Law?
5. What does Jesus mean when he tells his followers to be the salt of the earth?
6. What does it mean to be the light of the world?
7. How were the Pharisees failing in these ways?
•Christians should reflect the light of Christ in the world about them and illuminate sin that it might be eclipsed by repentance and grace. •They must add savor to a world that is oblivious to it’s ultimate fate
8. Many thought that Jesus had come to change the Law of Moses. What is your opinion?
9. How can one exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?
10. What are the fruits of the Spirit?
11. What is the basis Jesus uses to condemn the Pharisees and scribes effort at being holy?
Begin Study # Three for 9/24 Pg.1
Luke 18:9-14 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked
Mat 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'
Mat 5:22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
The laws of God are not novel, upstart laws, but were conceived at the moment of creation for the protection of life, that life which God has created; The exposition of this command with which the Jewish teachers contended was that Whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgment. Now this interpretation of theirs upon this commandment was faulty, for it intimated that the law of the sixth commandment was only external, and forbade no more than the act of murder. There was not intimated any restraint upon the inward thoughts that men can conjure against each other. The divine law prohibited only the sinful act, not the sinful thought; they were disposed in the letter of the law, and they never enquired into the spiritual meaning of it. The care of God concerning his law extends itself even to those things that can be imagined as well as committed.
Q.1 What does our culture think of the message Jesus is conveying to us about the act of murder? Q.2 Even our thoughts are subject to the ultimate judgment of God. What does that tell us? Q.3 What consequences are posed if we are thinking bad or derisive thoughts about someone? Q.4 What are your feelings about “murder” and “being angry with your brother? Q.5 “Raca” means Worthless or good for nothing. How did Jesus rate that phrase?
Q.6 What are those things that provoke us to the level of “name calling”? Q.7 There are 66 “fool” references in the Bible, what are some you might remember?
Mat 5:23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
Mat 5:24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
We should carefully preserve Christian love and peace with our brothers and sisters, and that if at any time a breach happens, we should quickly seek a reconciliation, by confessing our fault, humbling ourselves to our brother, begging his pardon, and making restitution, or offering satisfaction for wrong done in word or deed. We should do this quickly for two reasons:
(1) Because, untill this be done, we are utterly unfit for communion with God in holy ordinances. One may not retain a sin nature and commune with God. One may ask forgivness, but one must also be willing to forgive.
(2) Because, untill this be done, we lie exposed to much danger, Mat_5:25, Mat_5:26. It is at our peril if we do not seek an agreement, and that quickly. One’s health and welfare are both subjected to the sin of anger and guile. Q.1 What is meant by Jesus’ reference to “offering your gift at the altar” ? Q.2 According to Jesus’ teaching, How are we to handle such matters ? Q.3 What about the sins of pride, envy, jealousy and covetousness that estrange us from God? Q.4 What on earth could anyone have against me? Q.5 Are there people in our world today that seem to want to avoid reconciliation? Q.6 Do we have problems today that involve conflict between the church and the state even between churches of the same denominations, that defy reconciliation?
Pg.2
Mat 5:25 "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
Mat 5:26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Jesus reference here is in terms we can surely understand. This is very applicable to the serious business of our reconciliation to God through Christ; The great God is an Adversary to all sinners, he has a controversy with them, an action against them. It is our concern to agree with him, to acquaint ourselves with him, that we may be at peace, It is our wisdom to do this quickly, while we are alive, after death, it will be too late. They who continue in a state of enmity to God, are continually exposed to the arrests of his justice, and the most dreadful instances of his wrath. Christ is the Judge, to whom impenitent sinners will be delivered; for all judgment is committed to the Son; he that was rejected as a Savior, cannot be escaped as a Judge. It is a fearful thing to be thus turned over to the Lord Jesus, when the Lamb shall become the Lion.
With the advent of the Internet and instant world communication, not to mention our ability to blow up the entire planet with our nuclear armaments, we are living in unique and unprecedented times in which the potential for good or evil has been exponentially multiplied.
On top of all this is the fact that we all have only one life to live, and then we step into eternity.
For me, this means increased sobriety, increased commitment and increased faith. Nothing else makes sense.
Q.1 Why would Jesus bring such a topic into his discourse, isn’t that up to the law?
Q.2 When Jesus speaks of, a settlement with our adversary, To what does he refer?
Q.3 How should we as Christians interpret these verses today?
Q.4 When considering these matters what must be foremost in our mind and in our heart
Q.5 What are the implications should we forego the advice of Jesus teaching?
Q.6 Are these considerations Jesus advises, also to be considered on a national basis?
Q.7 What relative significance do these verses have for us today?
As individuals?………………………As a Nation under God?
Q.8 You will not get out until you have paid the last penny. How do you think this statement
applies to individuals today?……………………….. Or Nations of the world today?
Meditation Pg.3
There are times when one feels closer to God. Mostly it is when we go through some sort of crisis which threatens our life or our lifestyle, our health or our well being. Or it could be something which threatens those whom we love. Those times we realize are more dramatic than most of our life, which in most cases is lived out in relative ease. But suffice it to say, we have experienced serious drama in life either with friends or acquaintances or even with total strangers. Most of the time our faith will bear us up and we can respond with Christian words acts or deeds. These serious moments belie our true feelings toward one another when we are in adversarial stressful situations. That is because we are called out to take responsibility for something we have said or done to someone else or because we are driven out of our comfort level. Our response is often very negative. We do not hesitate to call our adversaries by derogatory names, wishing the worst of circumstances upon them. This is simply our coping mechanism doing its job. We are born with the fight or flight response as a built in safeguard when we feel threatened. Some of us respond in kind, but the Christian is advised just as Jesus advised his disciples, to settle matters amicably before the situation is taken out of our hands and our consequent decision is made by someone else and the results are not to our liking.
If you recall the matter of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, their actions actually created an adversarial relationship with God. Then while they realized their guilt and went into hiding, God simply responded by making restitution for them by killing an animal, taking it’s skin as a covering for their sin. and banning them from paradise. God was the Judge and jury. What would have happened had they sought God and confessed their sin and pleaded their case against the Devil. We do not know, but we do know that they put the blame for their actions on the Snake being in the Garden.
I suspect that Eve had some choice words for that snake. After all, she and Adam were just doing what anyone else would have done. It was a matter which had much more serious consequences than anyone could imagine. Shouldn’t what God did in response to their sin have been a startling lesson for humanity? Apparently not, so here’s Jesus telling us what we should do to make it into Paradise. Good advice, from one who knows.
Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way. Be with those of our group who need your healing touch. And be with those, who are suffering persecution for the sake of their faith in You and your Son Jesus our savior. We ask that you would bring peace into our troubled world and hold harmless those innocent souls being put to death for their belief in a Supreme God and his Son Jesus, our resurrected savior. Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for peace in our daily walk with thee. Help us in our struggle to be useful vessels to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that you will teach us to be examples in our daily lives that lead others to You through Jesus.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Help us to realize that we are the vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. Our prayer is that we learn from this study, what is the true desire of our heart. That we are to serve God and glorify him in all that we do. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Before we begin this our third study we will finish page 4 of our last study. This study tonight brings to us the seriousness of righteous conduct and reconciliation to God. While Jesus is approaching these matters differently than the Scribes and the teachers of the law, he also is adding Righteousness and morality and love for our fellow man into the equation.
Pg.4
Mat 5:
Our Lord Jesus here tells his disciples, 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. that the religion he came to establish, did not only exclude the badness, but surpass the goodness, of the scribes and Pharisees. We must do more than they, and better than they, or we shall come short of heaven. They were partial in the law, and laid most stress upon the ritual part of it; but we must be universal, and not think it enough to give the priest his tithe, but must give God our hearts. They minded only the outside, but we must be ever mindful of inside godliness. They aimed at the praise and applause of men, but we must aim at acceptance with God: they were proud of what they did in religion, and trusted to it as a righteousness; but we, when we have done all, must deny ourselves, and say, We are unprofitable servants, and trust only to the righteousness of Christ; and thus we may go beyond the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.
1. Whose brand of righteousness does Jesus insult?
2. What matters of the law did they overlook in their quest for righteousness?
3. What “loophole” did they come up with regarding their parents in Matthew 15?
4. What were Jesus’ feelings about the Pharisees tithing according to the Law?
5. What does Jesus mean when he tells his followers to be the salt of the earth?
6. What does it mean to be the light of the world?
7. How were the Pharisees failing in these ways?
•Christians should reflect the light of Christ in the world about them and illuminate sin that it might be eclipsed by repentance and grace. •They must add savor to a world that is oblivious to it’s ultimate fate
8. Many thought that Jesus had come to change the Law of Moses. What is your opinion?
9. How can one exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?
10. What are the fruits of the Spirit?
11. What is the basis Jesus uses to condemn the Pharisees and scribes effort at being holy?
Begin Study # Three for 9/24 Pg.1
Luke 18:9-14 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked
Mat 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'
Mat 5:22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.
The laws of God are not novel, upstart laws, but were conceived at the moment of creation for the protection of life, that life which God has created; The exposition of this command with which the Jewish teachers contended was that Whosoever shall kill, shall be in danger of the judgment. Now this interpretation of theirs upon this commandment was faulty, for it intimated that the law of the sixth commandment was only external, and forbade no more than the act of murder. There was not intimated any restraint upon the inward thoughts that men can conjure against each other. The divine law prohibited only the sinful act, not the sinful thought; they were disposed in the letter of the law, and they never enquired into the spiritual meaning of it. The care of God concerning his law extends itself even to those things that can be imagined as well as committed.
Q.1 What does our culture think of the message Jesus is conveying to us about the act of murder? Q.2 Even our thoughts are subject to the ultimate judgment of God. What does that tell us? Q.3 What consequences are posed if we are thinking bad or derisive thoughts about someone? Q.4 What are your feelings about “murder” and “being angry with your brother? Q.5 “Raca” means Worthless or good for nothing. How did Jesus rate that phrase?
Q.6 What are those things that provoke us to the level of “name calling”? Q.7 There are 66 “fool” references in the Bible, what are some you might remember?
Mat 5:23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
Mat 5:24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
We should carefully preserve Christian love and peace with our brothers and sisters, and that if at any time a breach happens, we should quickly seek a reconciliation, by confessing our fault, humbling ourselves to our brother, begging his pardon, and making restitution, or offering satisfaction for wrong done in word or deed. We should do this quickly for two reasons:
(1) Because, untill this be done, we are utterly unfit for communion with God in holy ordinances. One may not retain a sin nature and commune with God. One may ask forgivness, but one must also be willing to forgive.
(2) Because, untill this be done, we lie exposed to much danger, Mat_5:25, Mat_5:26. It is at our peril if we do not seek an agreement, and that quickly. One’s health and welfare are both subjected to the sin of anger and guile. Q.1 What is meant by Jesus’ reference to “offering your gift at the altar” ? Q.2 According to Jesus’ teaching, How are we to handle such matters ? Q.3 What about the sins of pride, envy, jealousy and covetousness that estrange us from God? Q.4 What on earth could anyone have against me? Q.5 Are there people in our world today that seem to want to avoid reconciliation? Q.6 Do we have problems today that involve conflict between the church and the state even between churches of the same denominations, that defy reconciliation?
Pg.2
Mat 5:25 "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
Mat 5:26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Jesus reference here is in terms we can surely understand. This is very applicable to the serious business of our reconciliation to God through Christ; The great God is an Adversary to all sinners, he has a controversy with them, an action against them. It is our concern to agree with him, to acquaint ourselves with him, that we may be at peace, It is our wisdom to do this quickly, while we are alive, after death, it will be too late. They who continue in a state of enmity to God, are continually exposed to the arrests of his justice, and the most dreadful instances of his wrath. Christ is the Judge, to whom impenitent sinners will be delivered; for all judgment is committed to the Son; he that was rejected as a Savior, cannot be escaped as a Judge. It is a fearful thing to be thus turned over to the Lord Jesus, when the Lamb shall become the Lion.
With the advent of the Internet and instant world communication, not to mention our ability to blow up the entire planet with our nuclear armaments, we are living in unique and unprecedented times in which the potential for good or evil has been exponentially multiplied.
On top of all this is the fact that we all have only one life to live, and then we step into eternity.
For me, this means increased sobriety, increased commitment and increased faith. Nothing else makes sense.
Q.1 Why would Jesus bring such a topic into his discourse, isn’t that up to the law?
Q.2 When Jesus speaks of, a settlement with our adversary, To what does he refer?
Q.3 How should we as Christians interpret these verses today?
Q.4 When considering these matters what must be foremost in our mind and in our heart
Q.5 What are the implications should we forego the advice of Jesus teaching?
Q.6 Are these considerations Jesus advises, also to be considered on a national basis?
Q.7 What relative significance do these verses have for us today?
As individuals?………………………As a Nation under God?
Q.8 You will not get out until you have paid the last penny. How do you think this statement
applies to individuals today?……………………….. Or Nations of the world today?
Meditation Pg.3
There are times when one feels closer to God. Mostly it is when we go through some sort of crisis which threatens our life or our lifestyle, our health or our well being. Or it could be something which threatens those whom we love. Those times we realize are more dramatic than most of our life, which in most cases is lived out in relative ease. But suffice it to say, we have experienced serious drama in life either with friends or acquaintances or even with total strangers. Most of the time our faith will bear us up and we can respond with Christian words acts or deeds. These serious moments belie our true feelings toward one another when we are in adversarial stressful situations. That is because we are called out to take responsibility for something we have said or done to someone else or because we are driven out of our comfort level. Our response is often very negative. We do not hesitate to call our adversaries by derogatory names, wishing the worst of circumstances upon them. This is simply our coping mechanism doing its job. We are born with the fight or flight response as a built in safeguard when we feel threatened. Some of us respond in kind, but the Christian is advised just as Jesus advised his disciples, to settle matters amicably before the situation is taken out of our hands and our consequent decision is made by someone else and the results are not to our liking.
If you recall the matter of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, their actions actually created an adversarial relationship with God. Then while they realized their guilt and went into hiding, God simply responded by making restitution for them by killing an animal, taking it’s skin as a covering for their sin. and banning them from paradise. God was the Judge and jury. What would have happened had they sought God and confessed their sin and pleaded their case against the Devil. We do not know, but we do know that they put the blame for their actions on the Snake being in the Garden.
I suspect that Eve had some choice words for that snake. After all, she and Adam were just doing what anyone else would have done. It was a matter which had much more serious consequences than anyone could imagine. Shouldn’t what God did in response to their sin have been a startling lesson for humanity? Apparently not, so here’s Jesus telling us what we should do to make it into Paradise. Good advice, from one who knows.
Closing Prayer ………and prayer requests
God our Father, be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way. Be with those of our group who need your healing touch. And be with those, who are suffering persecution for the sake of their faith in You and your Son Jesus our savior. We ask that you would bring peace into our troubled world and hold harmless those innocent souls being put to death for their belief in a Supreme God and his Son Jesus, our resurrected savior. Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for peace in our daily walk with thee. Help us in our struggle to be useful vessels to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that you will teach us to be examples in our daily lives that lead others to You through Jesus.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Jesus has an agenda
Opening Prayer Pg.1
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study. Make us aware that in this world you do not always work independently. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. Jesus says that we are the Salt of the earth, and the light of the world, and it is through us that you seek to spread the word of Your Kingdom. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
This is our second study, a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount,. Tonight we look at the words Jesus Spoke which reveal his agenda as one who is supporting and adding to the law of Moses and glorifying the laws of God. While he is approaching these matters differently than the Scribes and the teachers of the law, he also is adding Righteousness and morality and love for our fellow man into the equation.
Luke 18:9-14 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' 13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' 14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Unless our righteousness abound more - unless it take in, not only the letter, but the spirit and design of the moral and ritual precept; the one directing you how to walk so as to please God; the other pointing out Christ, the great Atonement, through and by which a sinner is enabled to do so - more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, who only attend to the letter of the law, and had indeed made even that of no effect by their traditions – one shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Mat 5:18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Our Savior was just entering on his work. It was important for him to state what he came to do. By his setting up to be a teacher in opposition to the scribes and Pharisees, some might charge him with an intention to destroy their law; To deny their divine authority; To set people free from the obligation to obey them. “The law.” The five books of Moses called the law. And to abolish the customs of the nation. Throughout His ministry, Jesus violated many of The Pharisees oral laws. He broke their Sabbath laws by healing people, and gleaning corn to eat (Luke 13:14, Matthew 12:1-2). He forgave peoples' sins, which to the Pharisees was blasphemy (Luke 5:21). He also freely criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and self righteousness (Luke 11:37-52).
Christ commands nothing now which was forbidden either by the law of nature or the moral law, nor forbids any thing which those laws had enjoined; it is a great mistake to think he does, and he takes this opportunity to rectify the possibility of a misunderstanding. “I am not come to destroy”
The Savior of our souls is the destroyer of nothing but the works of the devil, of nothing that comes from God, much less of those excellent dictates which we have from Moses and the prophets. The word of the Lord endures for ever, both that of the law, and that of the gospel. What is it that God is doing in all the operations both of providence and grace, but fulfilling the scripture? Heaven and earth shall come together, and all shall be ruin and confusion, rather than any word of God be in vain. The word of the Lord endures for ever, both that of the law, and that of the gospel. Observe, The care of God concerning his law extends itself even to those things that seem to be of least account in it, the iotas and the tittles; for whatever belongs to God, and bears his stamp, be it ever so little, shall be preserved.
Q.1 What restrictive laws had Jesus already opposed by this time?
Q.2 What were the acts that Jesus did that caused his enemies to criticize him?
Q.3 What was Jesus’ response to the Pharisees criticizing him? See Matt. 23:13-29
Q.4 Not everyone who was a Pharisee was a hypocrite, who comes to mind?(John 3: 1-21).
Q.5 Do we have problems today that involve conflict between the church and the state?
Q.6 What did Jesus mean by saying “not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished”.
Q.7 What is Jesus emphasizing by saying “, until heaven and earth disappear,”
In Mark 7 that is where Jesus is talking to the Pharisees and Scribes. He tells them they are worshiping in vain. He says they honor him with their lips but their heart is far from HIM. They follow traditional teaching of doctrines, the way man perceives it. But Jesus makes it clear, what defiles man comes out of the heart. Notice the things he mentions: evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness, Jesus shows the things that will defile man always comes from the heart. The good news is all sins are forgiven if we repent, and we have faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ, walking in righteousness.
Pg.3
Mat 5:19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
These commands, which are to be understood as the precepts of the law, in that day and time, Jewish law, The law of Moses, of which some were comparatively lesser than others; and might be said to be broke, loosed, or dissolved, as the word here used signifies, when men acted contrary to them. Many of those of that day, Pharisees and teachers of the law, as well as the Jewish citizen, who might be ready to imagine, that by the light of the Gospel, Jesus was giving his disciples instructions to spread in the world, that which he was going to set aside, as useless, certain of the laws of Moses, or the prophets, the interpreters of it, and commentators upon it. Christ knew the thoughts of their hearts, that they had such prejudices in their minds against him; wherefore he says, they should “think not that he had come to abolish the law”.
The Pharisees were remarkable for making a distinction between weightier and lighter matters in the law, and between what has been called, in a corrupt part of the Christian Church, mortal and venial sins. See on Mat_22: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
Whosoever shall break. What an awful consideration is this! He who, by his mode of acting, speaking, or explaining the words of God, sets the holy precept aside, or explains away its force and meaning, shall be called least - shall have no place in the kingdom of Christ here, nor in the kingdom of glory above. That this is the meaning of these words is evident enough from the following verse.
Q.1 Why was Jesus moved to say these words in 5:19?
Q.2 Setting aside commands, are there some that we have set aside in our society today?
Q.3 What does it mean to be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven?
Q.4 What is meant by “Whoever practices and teaches these commands”?
Q.5 What do we think would define “Great in The Kingdom of Heaven”?
Q.6 Matt. 16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. and Romans 2:6 God "will repay each person according to what they have done." Can we explain these verses in the context which we are studying?
Q.7 Which of these commandments are set aside (By law, or in our hearts) in our world today?
Deut. 5:7-21 The Ten Commandments: 1)I am the Lord, your God; 2)Thou shall bring no false idols before me; 3)Do not take the name of the Lord in vain; 4)Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy; 5)Honor thy father and thy mother; 6)Thou shall not kill/murder†; 7)Thou shall not commit adultery; 8)Thou shall not steal; 9)Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor; 10)Thou shall not covet‡ your neighbor's wife (or anything that belongs to your neighbor)
Pg.4
Mat 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Our Lord Jesus here tells his disciples, that the religion he came to establish, did not only exclude the badness, but surpass the goodness, of the scribes and Pharisees. We must do more than they, and better than they, or we shall come short of heaven. They were partial in the law, and laid most stress upon the ritual part of it; but we must be universal, and not think it enough to give the priest his tithe, but must give God our hearts. They minded only the outside, but we must be ever mindful of inside godliness. They aimed at the praise and applause of men, but we must aim at acceptance with God: they were proud of what they did in religion, and trusted to it as a righteousness; but we, when we have done all, must deny ourselves, and say, We are unprofitable servants, and trust only to the righteousness of Christ; and thus we may go beyond the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.
1. Whose brand of righteousness does Jesus insult?
2. What matters of the law did they overlook in their quest for righteousness?
3. What “loophole” did they come up with regarding their parents in Matthew 15?
4. Did Jesus find fault with the fact that they tithed everything strictly according to the Law?
5. What does Jesus mean when he tells his followers to be the salt of the earth?
6. What does it mean to be the light of the world?
7. How were the Pharisees failing in these ways?
•Christians should reflect the light of Christ in the world about them and illuminate sin that it might be eclipsed by repentance and grace. •They must add savor to a world that is oblivious to it’s ultimate fate
8. Did Jesus destroy the Law of Moses on the cross? Why or why not?
9. How can one generally distinguish a person trying to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?
10. What are the fruits of the Spirit?
11. Were the Pharisees and scribes condemned because they worked hard to keep the law as perfectly as they could?
Meditation Pg.5
The bad news is so overwhelming these days, it's hard to find any good news. But the Gospel provides it in abundance in the life and teachings of Jesus, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, It is the longest uninterrupted teaching that Jesus was ever to make.
Jesus himself fulfilled all righteousness and was beyond criticism, but the Pharisees and teachers of the law would hold against him his violating certain of the multitude of unjust laws which restricted peoples freedoms or which added a burden to their lives. He felt that these numerous laws were prejudicial and beneficial only to the ruling class and simply made life more of a burden for the average person of that day. Life was hard enough.
Jesus immediately brings to the forefront those characteristics which the righteous and morally upright citizen of that day should emulate in his presentation of the beatitudes. This sets the mood for the remainder of his teaching.
He then (knowing the hearts of the scribes and Pharisees, and teachers of the law, that they were already laying plans to make a case against him) explains that he has not come to abolish the law, or even to change one iota of the morality and righteousness of it. He further states that he is come to fulfill these laws and to add God’s own righteousness to them. And expressly states that those who want to set aside any one of them or teach others accordingly, will be held accountable. Jesus further reiterates that unless the people were more righteous than the Pharisees, and teachers of the law, (who practiced their righteousness for show, and acclimation by the public) there would be no place for them in Heaven. (what does that imply?)
Our world is quite difficult enough, with all the violence and immorality, false teachings, and persecution of Christians today. Just as Jesus was teaching those of his day how to be better morally, spiritually, more dutiful, and righteous citizens, Jesus teaches us today with these same words, all the same principles, which still to this day are as applicable as ever they were. He is saying that we need to be better Christians and try and outdo one another with our zeal and good works. Just as in his day, are we to do any less and expect better from God? I think not.
Closing Prayer
God our Father, be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way. Be with those of our group who need your healing touch. Prayer requests. …………And be with those, who are suffering persecution for the sake of their faith in You and your Son Jesus our savior. We ask that you would bring peace into our troubled world and hold harmless those innocent souls being put to death for their belief in a Supreme God and his Son Jesus, our resurrected savior. Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for peace in our daily walk with thee. Help us in our struggle to be useful vessels to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that you will teach us to be examples in our daily lives that lead others to You through Jesus.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study. Make us aware that in this world you do not always work independently. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. Jesus says that we are the Salt of the earth, and the light of the world, and it is through us that you seek to spread the word of Your Kingdom. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
This is our second study, a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount,. Tonight we look at the words Jesus Spoke which reveal his agenda as one who is supporting and adding to the law of Moses and glorifying the laws of God. While he is approaching these matters differently than the Scribes and the teachers of the law, he also is adding Righteousness and morality and love for our fellow man into the equation.
Luke 18:9-14 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' 13 "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' 14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
Unless our righteousness abound more - unless it take in, not only the letter, but the spirit and design of the moral and ritual precept; the one directing you how to walk so as to please God; the other pointing out Christ, the great Atonement, through and by which a sinner is enabled to do so - more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, who only attend to the letter of the law, and had indeed made even that of no effect by their traditions – one shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Mat 5:18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Our Savior was just entering on his work. It was important for him to state what he came to do. By his setting up to be a teacher in opposition to the scribes and Pharisees, some might charge him with an intention to destroy their law; To deny their divine authority; To set people free from the obligation to obey them. “The law.” The five books of Moses called the law. And to abolish the customs of the nation. Throughout His ministry, Jesus violated many of The Pharisees oral laws. He broke their Sabbath laws by healing people, and gleaning corn to eat (Luke 13:14, Matthew 12:1-2). He forgave peoples' sins, which to the Pharisees was blasphemy (Luke 5:21). He also freely criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and self righteousness (Luke 11:37-52).
Christ commands nothing now which was forbidden either by the law of nature or the moral law, nor forbids any thing which those laws had enjoined; it is a great mistake to think he does, and he takes this opportunity to rectify the possibility of a misunderstanding. “I am not come to destroy”
The Savior of our souls is the destroyer of nothing but the works of the devil, of nothing that comes from God, much less of those excellent dictates which we have from Moses and the prophets. The word of the Lord endures for ever, both that of the law, and that of the gospel. What is it that God is doing in all the operations both of providence and grace, but fulfilling the scripture? Heaven and earth shall come together, and all shall be ruin and confusion, rather than any word of God be in vain. The word of the Lord endures for ever, both that of the law, and that of the gospel. Observe, The care of God concerning his law extends itself even to those things that seem to be of least account in it, the iotas and the tittles; for whatever belongs to God, and bears his stamp, be it ever so little, shall be preserved.
Q.1 What restrictive laws had Jesus already opposed by this time?
Q.2 What were the acts that Jesus did that caused his enemies to criticize him?
Q.3 What was Jesus’ response to the Pharisees criticizing him? See Matt. 23:13-29
Q.4 Not everyone who was a Pharisee was a hypocrite, who comes to mind?(John 3: 1-21).
Q.5 Do we have problems today that involve conflict between the church and the state?
Q.6 What did Jesus mean by saying “not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished”.
Q.7 What is Jesus emphasizing by saying “, until heaven and earth disappear,”
In Mark 7 that is where Jesus is talking to the Pharisees and Scribes. He tells them they are worshiping in vain. He says they honor him with their lips but their heart is far from HIM. They follow traditional teaching of doctrines, the way man perceives it. But Jesus makes it clear, what defiles man comes out of the heart. Notice the things he mentions: evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness, Jesus shows the things that will defile man always comes from the heart. The good news is all sins are forgiven if we repent, and we have faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ, walking in righteousness.
Pg.3
Mat 5:19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
These commands, which are to be understood as the precepts of the law, in that day and time, Jewish law, The law of Moses, of which some were comparatively lesser than others; and might be said to be broke, loosed, or dissolved, as the word here used signifies, when men acted contrary to them. Many of those of that day, Pharisees and teachers of the law, as well as the Jewish citizen, who might be ready to imagine, that by the light of the Gospel, Jesus was giving his disciples instructions to spread in the world, that which he was going to set aside, as useless, certain of the laws of Moses, or the prophets, the interpreters of it, and commentators upon it. Christ knew the thoughts of their hearts, that they had such prejudices in their minds against him; wherefore he says, they should “think not that he had come to abolish the law”.
The Pharisees were remarkable for making a distinction between weightier and lighter matters in the law, and between what has been called, in a corrupt part of the Christian Church, mortal and venial sins. See on Mat_22: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"
Whosoever shall break. What an awful consideration is this! He who, by his mode of acting, speaking, or explaining the words of God, sets the holy precept aside, or explains away its force and meaning, shall be called least - shall have no place in the kingdom of Christ here, nor in the kingdom of glory above. That this is the meaning of these words is evident enough from the following verse.
Q.1 Why was Jesus moved to say these words in 5:19?
Q.2 Setting aside commands, are there some that we have set aside in our society today?
Q.3 What does it mean to be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven?
Q.4 What is meant by “Whoever practices and teaches these commands”?
Q.5 What do we think would define “Great in The Kingdom of Heaven”?
Q.6 Matt. 16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. and Romans 2:6 God "will repay each person according to what they have done." Can we explain these verses in the context which we are studying?
Q.7 Which of these commandments are set aside (By law, or in our hearts) in our world today?
Deut. 5:7-21 The Ten Commandments: 1)I am the Lord, your God; 2)Thou shall bring no false idols before me; 3)Do not take the name of the Lord in vain; 4)Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy; 5)Honor thy father and thy mother; 6)Thou shall not kill/murder†; 7)Thou shall not commit adultery; 8)Thou shall not steal; 9)Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor; 10)Thou shall not covet‡ your neighbor's wife (or anything that belongs to your neighbor)
Pg.4
Mat 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Our Lord Jesus here tells his disciples, that the religion he came to establish, did not only exclude the badness, but surpass the goodness, of the scribes and Pharisees. We must do more than they, and better than they, or we shall come short of heaven. They were partial in the law, and laid most stress upon the ritual part of it; but we must be universal, and not think it enough to give the priest his tithe, but must give God our hearts. They minded only the outside, but we must be ever mindful of inside godliness. They aimed at the praise and applause of men, but we must aim at acceptance with God: they were proud of what they did in religion, and trusted to it as a righteousness; but we, when we have done all, must deny ourselves, and say, We are unprofitable servants, and trust only to the righteousness of Christ; and thus we may go beyond the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.
1. Whose brand of righteousness does Jesus insult?
2. What matters of the law did they overlook in their quest for righteousness?
3. What “loophole” did they come up with regarding their parents in Matthew 15?
4. Did Jesus find fault with the fact that they tithed everything strictly according to the Law?
5. What does Jesus mean when he tells his followers to be the salt of the earth?
6. What does it mean to be the light of the world?
7. How were the Pharisees failing in these ways?
•Christians should reflect the light of Christ in the world about them and illuminate sin that it might be eclipsed by repentance and grace. •They must add savor to a world that is oblivious to it’s ultimate fate
8. Did Jesus destroy the Law of Moses on the cross? Why or why not?
9. How can one generally distinguish a person trying to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees?
10. What are the fruits of the Spirit?
11. Were the Pharisees and scribes condemned because they worked hard to keep the law as perfectly as they could?
Meditation Pg.5
The bad news is so overwhelming these days, it's hard to find any good news. But the Gospel provides it in abundance in the life and teachings of Jesus, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, It is the longest uninterrupted teaching that Jesus was ever to make.
Jesus himself fulfilled all righteousness and was beyond criticism, but the Pharisees and teachers of the law would hold against him his violating certain of the multitude of unjust laws which restricted peoples freedoms or which added a burden to their lives. He felt that these numerous laws were prejudicial and beneficial only to the ruling class and simply made life more of a burden for the average person of that day. Life was hard enough.
Jesus immediately brings to the forefront those characteristics which the righteous and morally upright citizen of that day should emulate in his presentation of the beatitudes. This sets the mood for the remainder of his teaching.
He then (knowing the hearts of the scribes and Pharisees, and teachers of the law, that they were already laying plans to make a case against him) explains that he has not come to abolish the law, or even to change one iota of the morality and righteousness of it. He further states that he is come to fulfill these laws and to add God’s own righteousness to them. And expressly states that those who want to set aside any one of them or teach others accordingly, will be held accountable. Jesus further reiterates that unless the people were more righteous than the Pharisees, and teachers of the law, (who practiced their righteousness for show, and acclimation by the public) there would be no place for them in Heaven. (what does that imply?)
Our world is quite difficult enough, with all the violence and immorality, false teachings, and persecution of Christians today. Just as Jesus was teaching those of his day how to be better morally, spiritually, more dutiful, and righteous citizens, Jesus teaches us today with these same words, all the same principles, which still to this day are as applicable as ever they were. He is saying that we need to be better Christians and try and outdo one another with our zeal and good works. Just as in his day, are we to do any less and expect better from God? I think not.
Closing Prayer
God our Father, be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way. Be with those of our group who need your healing touch. Prayer requests. …………And be with those, who are suffering persecution for the sake of their faith in You and your Son Jesus our savior. We ask that you would bring peace into our troubled world and hold harmless those innocent souls being put to death for their belief in a Supreme God and his Son Jesus, our resurrected savior. Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for peace in our daily walk with thee. Help us in our struggle to be useful vessels to further your Kingdom on this earth. We pray that you will teach us to be examples in our daily lives that lead others to You through Jesus.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Sunday, October 12, 2014
salt of the earth
Opening Prayer Pg.1
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study. Make us aware that in this world you do not always work independently. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. Jesus says that we are the Salt of the earth, and the light of the world, and it is through us that you seek to spread the word of Your Kingdom. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
This Study is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount which started with our study of the Beatitudes. Jesus is sitting in an amphitheater setting where he has a mountain for a backdrop. The Sermon on the Mount is the longest of any teaching from Jesus in the Bible and occupies chapters 5, 6 and 7 of the Gospel of Matthew. The Sermon has been one of the most widely quoted of any of Jesus teachings. To most believers the Sermon contains the central tenets of Christian discipleship. It is the first of the Five Discourses of Matthew, the other four being Matthew 10,Matthew 13 (1–53), Matthew 18 and the Olivet discourse in Matthew 24.
The Sermon takes place relatively early in the Ministry of Jesus, after he has been baptized by John the Baptist and has now gathered his first disciples. Before this episode, Jesus had been "all about Galilee" preaching, teaching, healing and spreading the word of God and "great crowds followed him" from all around the area.
“You are the salt of the earth,” Jesus says to his disciples, followers, and all who hear his words. In order to truly understand what he meant. Salt, in the ancient world was, of course, one of the finest preservatives. In this way it saved people from starvation. Still, there is more to it than that. It was, during the time of Jesus, a form of medicine that had a much better track record than most other options. It was the “wonder drug” before penicillin, performing miracles of healing on a regular basis. It had a religious significance, too. We only have to think of Lot's wife who, the Bible tells us, was turned into a pillar of salt during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Salt was so important, it was even used as money! Soldiers from the Roman Era all the way up to the war of 1812 were sometimes paid in salt or brine. The Roman word for salt, incidentally was sal. The payment in salt, was a salaruim. Sound familiar? It should. This is where we get our own word, salary. So salt was a key part of the ancient world. It was what made things livable, healthy and good.
So Jesus is telling his followers in this passage how truly important they are. If being salt of the earth then they are indeed the light that leads to righteosness and away from destruction. Much as a lighthouse provides a warning of dangerous waters, It also provides vision for a way to avoid destruction. “You are the light of the world....let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to God”.
Lesson #1 Sermon on the Mount… Who is righteous? Pg.2
Mat 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Speaking to the crowd and specifically to his disciples, Jesus instructs them on righteousness with two parables. Jesus encourages them to become the salt of the earth and to season the world around them with grace. If their savor should fail as the Pharisees and scribes, it would be worth nothing at all. Without salt human life cannot be sustained. Thoughts and affections, words and deeds, all seasoned with grace. What are we to be to others? We must not only be good but do good, That those whom we meet might know that about us, not from a secular interest but from a Godly interest.
Even though this passage is not part of the Beatitudes, it has a lot to do with the Beatitudes. The people who are said to be blessed because they are poor in spirit, because they mourn, because they are meek, these are precisely the people who, by their Christlikeness, are the salt of the earth. ‘The blessed man of the Beatitudes,’ the Lord Jesus says, ‘is to function as the salt of the earth.’ Notice that the last Beatitude changes from ‘Blessed are those who’ to ‘Blessed are you.’ The first eight statements were impersonal. Anyone who is like this is blessed. But now in v. 11, the last Beatitude makes it very specific that Jesus is talking about His disciples. Blessed are you (My disciples) when people revile you. And this ‘you’ continues into v. 13, You are the salt of the earth, connecting this verse directly to the Beatitudes. The beatitudes define the Christian, the Christian then is the “salt of the earth”. We then should be careful not to lose our saltiness lest we become useless, and be cast out and trampled underfoot.
A good biblical example from the old testament is in 2Kings 2:19. Then the men of the city said to Elisha, "Behold now, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful. 20 And he said, "Bring me a new jar, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21 And he went out to the spring of water, and threw salt in it and said, "Thus says the LORD, 'I have purified these waters; there shall not be from there death or unfruitfulness any longer.'" 22 So the waters have been purified to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.
So in the case of Elisha’s purifying action, salt was not the cause of the miracle that took place. It should be viewed as a spiritual symbol that represents God’s purifying power. When Jesus says that the Christians are the salt of the earth, it doesn’t mean that we have anything special in ourselves that makes us to be like salt. It is Christ in us that makes us to be what we are. And if we are the salt of the earth, it is only because God’s power is at work in us to make us to be salt. Without God in us, we wouldn’t be anything. It is all of God’s grace that we are what we are.
Q.1 Is it confusing to Christians being referred to as salt of the earth?
Q.2 What was the effectiveness of salt that Jesus spoke of in those days?
Q.3 Do you believe this description is applicable in our world today?
Q.4 How does one go about becoming salt of the earth in such a vaporous society today?
Q.5 Does there always seem to be a need for personal fulfillment in order for one to attend to Christian activity? such as going to church, praying to God, serving others,
Q.6 Why are we not able to do this as a matter of personal righteousness
Q.7 Does this verse fit the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?
Pg.3
Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The doctrines which the apostles were commissioned to preach, are not to be hid or concealed from men: They are there and are maintained to declare the whole counsel of God, and shall be fortified so as not to hide from the reproaches and persecutions of men. They are to be "made a spectacle, and maintained"; to be set as in a public theatre, as an attraction, to be seen by "the world, angels, and all men", to draw men to the word of God.
As the lights of the world, we are intended to illuminate and give light to others. Christ has lighted these candles, they shall not be put under a bushel, not confined, as they are now, to the cities of Galilee, or the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but our light shall be sent into all the world. The churches are the candlesticks, in which these lights are placed, that their light may be diffused; and the gospel is so strong a light, and carries with it so much of its own evidence, that, like a city on a hill, it cannot be hid. It is clear to all those who do not willfully shut their eyes against it. It will give light to all that are in the house, to all that will draw near to it, and come where it is. For what end our light must shine - “That those who see your good works may be brought, not to glorify you but to glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Christ has lighted the candle of the everlasting Gospel, and given gifts to men for the ministration of it, not to be concealed and neglected, or to be misused as the servant did his lord's money, wrap it up in a napkin, and hide it in the earth. Ministers are not, through slothfulness, to neglect the gift that is in them; nor, through fear, to hide their talents, or keep back any part of the Gospel from anyone at any time for any purpose. As light is held high on a lamp stand, so must the Gospel shine through us so as to be a help in understanding God’s purpose in the life of all, so that all may be enlightened, and that none remain in darkness regarding the word of God, the life death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, their savior.
Q.1 What is the first thing needed to find objects lost?
Q.2 The “City on a hill” has at least three additional connotations, what do you think they are?
Q.3 And what is meant by putting your light under a bushel?
Q.4 Who needs to have this light?
Q.5 What is meant by putting it on “a stand”?
Q.6 Who then should it be, looking for the lost?
Q.7 Where is it that one should be looking?
Q.8 Should we the enlightened then shy away from the Joy of sharing this blessing with others?
\
Meditation Pg.4
1. Look at the metaphor of salt: You are salt, or you are nothing. As Christians we have signed up to be specialists. We have signed up to be Christians. What this means is that if we go off and do anything else, we are nothing, and good for nothing. It’s a very all or nothing scenario. Jesus says, if you have decided to be my disciple your are either going to do that or be nothing. You may go on to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, laborer, or social worker. But the Lord’s got plenty of those, (and so does the devil). Your first and only mission is to be a true and uncompromised Christian and everything else is merely what life has offered to us. But we have chosen to be his servants. You may be a great doctor, but if you don’t do it as a clear and visible Christian you are nothing. You may be a skilled social worker, but if you don’t do it as a Christian, you are good for nothing. Any non-believer can be socially useful as a doctor, sports hero, actor, lawyer, or social worker. But only a Christian can be a Christian. If you don’t do “job one” you are nothing. If you get your kids every good thing, send them off to college, paid in full, but do not bring them to Christ and be a Christian witness to them, you are good for nothing. Any parent can give their kids material things, but only a Christian can give them Christ. Got it? You’re either salt (a true Christian) or you are nothing.
As for the light we can note something similar of this second definitiveness. The Lord says, you are THE light of the World, not merely A light. What this means is that if we do not shine, the world is darker. We are illumination which allows guidance to avoid sin.No one can take our place. If we don’t shine by living our faith and proclaiming it, the world is in darkness. The Supreme being of God has brought thru Jesus a man like us, as a perfect example of how to be a Christian and thru his life death and resurrection we are made whole and spotless before the Lord God. If that is true in your life then you must live the part. The Lord said it, We are either light or the world is dark. To many Christians You may be a guiding light, too many Christians are not. Jesus' disciples are scattered in the world—but if they are just like the world, they are not doing any good. The disciples are not to hide themselves—they are to be seen and shed light so that others may see their way. Their example is part of their message.
Closing Prayer
God our Father, be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way. Be with those of our group who need your healing touch. Prayer requests. …………And be with those, who are suffering persecution for the sake of their faith in You and your Son Jesus our savior. We ask that you would bring peace into our troubled world and hold harmless those innocent souls being put to death for their belief in a Supreme God and his Son Jesus, our resurrected savior. Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for peace in our daily walk with thee. Help us in our struggle to be useful vessels to further your Kingdom on this earth. Jesus says that we are the Salt of the earth, and the light of the world, and it is through us that You seek to spread the word of Your Kingdom. Lead us safely now and give us direction that we might be an illumination to the lost souls in this troubled world.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
Father God we ask your blessing on this study tonight, that you would open our minds and our hearts to your word. Bring us to the realization of those matters that you would have us learn from this study. Make us aware that in this world you do not always work independently. Help us to realize that we too are vessels that you use to further your Kingdom on this earth. Jesus says that we are the Salt of the earth, and the light of the world, and it is through us that you seek to spread the word of Your Kingdom. We pray that your peace and comfort be with those of us who are sick or disabled and cannot be here tonight. We ask that you share our blessing with them. Lead us now and give us understanding as we study the teachings of Jesus, The word of God..
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
This Study is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount which started with our study of the Beatitudes. Jesus is sitting in an amphitheater setting where he has a mountain for a backdrop. The Sermon on the Mount is the longest of any teaching from Jesus in the Bible and occupies chapters 5, 6 and 7 of the Gospel of Matthew. The Sermon has been one of the most widely quoted of any of Jesus teachings. To most believers the Sermon contains the central tenets of Christian discipleship. It is the first of the Five Discourses of Matthew, the other four being Matthew 10,Matthew 13 (1–53), Matthew 18 and the Olivet discourse in Matthew 24.
The Sermon takes place relatively early in the Ministry of Jesus, after he has been baptized by John the Baptist and has now gathered his first disciples. Before this episode, Jesus had been "all about Galilee" preaching, teaching, healing and spreading the word of God and "great crowds followed him" from all around the area.
“You are the salt of the earth,” Jesus says to his disciples, followers, and all who hear his words. In order to truly understand what he meant. Salt, in the ancient world was, of course, one of the finest preservatives. In this way it saved people from starvation. Still, there is more to it than that. It was, during the time of Jesus, a form of medicine that had a much better track record than most other options. It was the “wonder drug” before penicillin, performing miracles of healing on a regular basis. It had a religious significance, too. We only have to think of Lot's wife who, the Bible tells us, was turned into a pillar of salt during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Salt was so important, it was even used as money! Soldiers from the Roman Era all the way up to the war of 1812 were sometimes paid in salt or brine. The Roman word for salt, incidentally was sal. The payment in salt, was a salaruim. Sound familiar? It should. This is where we get our own word, salary. So salt was a key part of the ancient world. It was what made things livable, healthy and good.
So Jesus is telling his followers in this passage how truly important they are. If being salt of the earth then they are indeed the light that leads to righteosness and away from destruction. Much as a lighthouse provides a warning of dangerous waters, It also provides vision for a way to avoid destruction. “You are the light of the world....let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to God”.
Lesson #1 Sermon on the Mount… Who is righteous? Pg.2
Mat 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Speaking to the crowd and specifically to his disciples, Jesus instructs them on righteousness with two parables. Jesus encourages them to become the salt of the earth and to season the world around them with grace. If their savor should fail as the Pharisees and scribes, it would be worth nothing at all. Without salt human life cannot be sustained. Thoughts and affections, words and deeds, all seasoned with grace. What are we to be to others? We must not only be good but do good, That those whom we meet might know that about us, not from a secular interest but from a Godly interest.
Even though this passage is not part of the Beatitudes, it has a lot to do with the Beatitudes. The people who are said to be blessed because they are poor in spirit, because they mourn, because they are meek, these are precisely the people who, by their Christlikeness, are the salt of the earth. ‘The blessed man of the Beatitudes,’ the Lord Jesus says, ‘is to function as the salt of the earth.’ Notice that the last Beatitude changes from ‘Blessed are those who’ to ‘Blessed are you.’ The first eight statements were impersonal. Anyone who is like this is blessed. But now in v. 11, the last Beatitude makes it very specific that Jesus is talking about His disciples. Blessed are you (My disciples) when people revile you. And this ‘you’ continues into v. 13, You are the salt of the earth, connecting this verse directly to the Beatitudes. The beatitudes define the Christian, the Christian then is the “salt of the earth”. We then should be careful not to lose our saltiness lest we become useless, and be cast out and trampled underfoot.
A good biblical example from the old testament is in 2Kings 2:19. Then the men of the city said to Elisha, "Behold now, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful. 20 And he said, "Bring me a new jar, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21 And he went out to the spring of water, and threw salt in it and said, "Thus says the LORD, 'I have purified these waters; there shall not be from there death or unfruitfulness any longer.'" 22 So the waters have been purified to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.
So in the case of Elisha’s purifying action, salt was not the cause of the miracle that took place. It should be viewed as a spiritual symbol that represents God’s purifying power. When Jesus says that the Christians are the salt of the earth, it doesn’t mean that we have anything special in ourselves that makes us to be like salt. It is Christ in us that makes us to be what we are. And if we are the salt of the earth, it is only because God’s power is at work in us to make us to be salt. Without God in us, we wouldn’t be anything. It is all of God’s grace that we are what we are.
Q.1 Is it confusing to Christians being referred to as salt of the earth?
Q.2 What was the effectiveness of salt that Jesus spoke of in those days?
Q.3 Do you believe this description is applicable in our world today?
Q.4 How does one go about becoming salt of the earth in such a vaporous society today?
Q.5 Does there always seem to be a need for personal fulfillment in order for one to attend to Christian activity? such as going to church, praying to God, serving others,
Q.6 Why are we not able to do this as a matter of personal righteousness
Q.7 Does this verse fit the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?
Pg.3
Mat 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Mat 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The doctrines which the apostles were commissioned to preach, are not to be hid or concealed from men: They are there and are maintained to declare the whole counsel of God, and shall be fortified so as not to hide from the reproaches and persecutions of men. They are to be "made a spectacle, and maintained"; to be set as in a public theatre, as an attraction, to be seen by "the world, angels, and all men", to draw men to the word of God.
As the lights of the world, we are intended to illuminate and give light to others. Christ has lighted these candles, they shall not be put under a bushel, not confined, as they are now, to the cities of Galilee, or the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but our light shall be sent into all the world. The churches are the candlesticks, in which these lights are placed, that their light may be diffused; and the gospel is so strong a light, and carries with it so much of its own evidence, that, like a city on a hill, it cannot be hid. It is clear to all those who do not willfully shut their eyes against it. It will give light to all that are in the house, to all that will draw near to it, and come where it is. For what end our light must shine - “That those who see your good works may be brought, not to glorify you but to glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Christ has lighted the candle of the everlasting Gospel, and given gifts to men for the ministration of it, not to be concealed and neglected, or to be misused as the servant did his lord's money, wrap it up in a napkin, and hide it in the earth. Ministers are not, through slothfulness, to neglect the gift that is in them; nor, through fear, to hide their talents, or keep back any part of the Gospel from anyone at any time for any purpose. As light is held high on a lamp stand, so must the Gospel shine through us so as to be a help in understanding God’s purpose in the life of all, so that all may be enlightened, and that none remain in darkness regarding the word of God, the life death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, their savior.
Q.1 What is the first thing needed to find objects lost?
Q.2 The “City on a hill” has at least three additional connotations, what do you think they are?
Q.3 And what is meant by putting your light under a bushel?
Q.4 Who needs to have this light?
Q.5 What is meant by putting it on “a stand”?
Q.6 Who then should it be, looking for the lost?
Q.7 Where is it that one should be looking?
Q.8 Should we the enlightened then shy away from the Joy of sharing this blessing with others?
\
Meditation Pg.4
1. Look at the metaphor of salt: You are salt, or you are nothing. As Christians we have signed up to be specialists. We have signed up to be Christians. What this means is that if we go off and do anything else, we are nothing, and good for nothing. It’s a very all or nothing scenario. Jesus says, if you have decided to be my disciple your are either going to do that or be nothing. You may go on to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, laborer, or social worker. But the Lord’s got plenty of those, (and so does the devil). Your first and only mission is to be a true and uncompromised Christian and everything else is merely what life has offered to us. But we have chosen to be his servants. You may be a great doctor, but if you don’t do it as a clear and visible Christian you are nothing. You may be a skilled social worker, but if you don’t do it as a Christian, you are good for nothing. Any non-believer can be socially useful as a doctor, sports hero, actor, lawyer, or social worker. But only a Christian can be a Christian. If you don’t do “job one” you are nothing. If you get your kids every good thing, send them off to college, paid in full, but do not bring them to Christ and be a Christian witness to them, you are good for nothing. Any parent can give their kids material things, but only a Christian can give them Christ. Got it? You’re either salt (a true Christian) or you are nothing.
As for the light we can note something similar of this second definitiveness. The Lord says, you are THE light of the World, not merely A light. What this means is that if we do not shine, the world is darker. We are illumination which allows guidance to avoid sin.No one can take our place. If we don’t shine by living our faith and proclaiming it, the world is in darkness. The Supreme being of God has brought thru Jesus a man like us, as a perfect example of how to be a Christian and thru his life death and resurrection we are made whole and spotless before the Lord God. If that is true in your life then you must live the part. The Lord said it, We are either light or the world is dark. To many Christians You may be a guiding light, too many Christians are not. Jesus' disciples are scattered in the world—but if they are just like the world, they are not doing any good. The disciples are not to hide themselves—they are to be seen and shed light so that others may see their way. Their example is part of their message.
Closing Prayer
God our Father, be with us now as we leave this place, continue in fellowship with us and guide and protect us as we go on our way. Be with those of our group who need your healing touch. Prayer requests. …………And be with those, who are suffering persecution for the sake of their faith in You and your Son Jesus our savior. We ask that you would bring peace into our troubled world and hold harmless those innocent souls being put to death for their belief in a Supreme God and his Son Jesus, our resurrected savior. Bring us to the realization of those matters that cause sadness and grief, and make us to be a positive influence for peace in our daily walk with thee. Help us in our struggle to be useful vessels to further your Kingdom on this earth. Jesus says that we are the Salt of the earth, and the light of the world, and it is through us that You seek to spread the word of Your Kingdom. Lead us safely now and give us direction that we might be an illumination to the lost souls in this troubled world.
In Jesus Name we pray Amen
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