Matthew 25:37-39 - Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
NOTE: Notice the humility of the righteous. They don't even realize all the good they have worked. Contrast with the bold, brash bragging of the lost, who keep score of their deeds and point to their works as qualification for heaven (Matthew 7:22).
Matthew 7:22 - Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
NOTE: So anxious to inflate themselves, they stand before Jesus, Who truly did many wonderful works, and call their own works both "many" and "wonderful."
VM
Showing posts with label Humility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Humility. Show all posts
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Monday, February 27, 2012
By Prayer and Fasting
Mark 9:29 - And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Fasting is omitted from this verse in the corrupted Greek text and the modern English Bible versions. See note here at Matthew 17:21. The modern versions remove almost all references to fasting in the New Testament.
Mark 9:50 - Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Quote also given in Matthew and Luke at different times of Christ's ministry, but the last sentence of verse 50 is unique to Mark in this situation. It answers to the apostles' disputing among themselves who should be the greatest, vv. 33-34.
VM
Fasting is omitted from this verse in the corrupted Greek text and the modern English Bible versions. See note here at Matthew 17:21. The modern versions remove almost all references to fasting in the New Testament.
Mark 9:50 - Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Quote also given in Matthew and Luke at different times of Christ's ministry, but the last sentence of verse 50 is unique to Mark in this situation. It answers to the apostles' disputing among themselves who should be the greatest, vv. 33-34.
VM
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Right Time to Get Right With God
Psalm 32:5-6 - I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
The time to get right with God is before your sin or anything else brings calamity. Example: 9-11-2001 brought a "spiritual revival" in the U.S. that lasted till about 10-11-2001. What if there had been true and lasting revival prior?
VM
The time to get right with God is before your sin or anything else brings calamity. Example: 9-11-2001 brought a "spiritual revival" in the U.S. that lasted till about 10-11-2001. What if there had been true and lasting revival prior?
VM
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Notes in Matthew Chapters 21 and 23.
Matthew 21:12 - This is the second time Jesus cleansed the temple. He did so at the beginning of His earthly ministry, John 2:15.
Matthew 21:33-36 - Parable of husbandmen beating and killing the Master's servants. See Matthew 23:29 and following, applied directly to Pharisees.
Matthew 21:37 - But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
"Last of all." The final and complete revelation of God to man is in the incarnate Christ. See Hebrews 1:1-2. This note also made at Mark 12:6.
Matthew 23:7-12 - [The Pharisees love] to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
And some preachers love to be called "The Reverend" or insist on "Doctor" or some title. Only one is named Reverend in scripture, Psalm 111:9.
Matthew 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
The New Testament does not remove the tithe. Jesus says we ought to pay the tithe, but there are weightier matters.
Matthew 23:34 - "I send unto you..." Jesus speaking as God, the One Who sends prophets. Also verse 37.
VM
Matthew 21:33-36 - Parable of husbandmen beating and killing the Master's servants. See Matthew 23:29 and following, applied directly to Pharisees.
Matthew 21:37 - But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
"Last of all." The final and complete revelation of God to man is in the incarnate Christ. See Hebrews 1:1-2. This note also made at Mark 12:6.
Matthew 23:7-12 - [The Pharisees love] to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
And some preachers love to be called "The Reverend" or insist on "Doctor" or some title. Only one is named Reverend in scripture, Psalm 111:9.
Matthew 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
The New Testament does not remove the tithe. Jesus says we ought to pay the tithe, but there are weightier matters.
Matthew 23:34 - "I send unto you..." Jesus speaking as God, the One Who sends prophets. Also verse 37.
VM
Friday, October 7, 2011
King Josiah an Example of James 1:21-25
RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE ENGRAFTED WORD
II Chronicles 34:14-19 - And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses. And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. And Shaphan carried the book to the king [Josiah, about 26 years old, around 624 B.C.], and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it. And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen. Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes.
II Chronicles 34:27 - Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.
BUT BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY
II Chronicles 34:29-33 - Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD. And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book. And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the LORD their God. And all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.
A DOER OF THE WORK, THIS MAN SHALL BE BLESSED IN HIS DEED
II Chronicles 34:28 - Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.
II Kings 23:25 - And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.
VM
II Chronicles 34:14-19 - And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD given by Moses. And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. And Shaphan carried the book to the king [Josiah, about 26 years old, around 624 B.C.], and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it. And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the LORD, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen. Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes.
II Chronicles 34:27 - Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.
BUT BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY
II Chronicles 34:29-33 - Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. And the king went up into the house of the LORD, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the LORD. And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book. And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the LORD their God. And all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.
A DOER OF THE WORK, THIS MAN SHALL BE BLESSED IN HIS DEED
II Chronicles 34:28 - Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again.
II Kings 23:25 - And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.
VM
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Sermon Outline for James 1:21-25
James 1:21-25 skeletal sermon outline. No title yet. To be preached (Lord willing) on Sunday morning October 9, 2011 at Providence Independent Baptist Church. Possibly split into two parts, for 10/9 and 10/16.
Message thrust: These verses detail what we are to do about hearing the word of God. They are instructions for BEFORE, DURING and AFTER hearing the word. This applies when we come to church, or read the Bible in private devotion, or any time the word of God is received.
BEFORE HEARING THE WORD - v. 21a - Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness.
This is preparation for hearing the word of God. This is to put is in the right attitude for receiving the word.
Explain and illustrate words and phrases: "lay apart", "filthiness" and "superfluity of naughtiness."
Compare I Peter 2:1-3 for the same ideas - put these things aside in order to be ready for the word of God.
Reword Matthew Henry quote about laying them apart versus simply restraining them. Give examples or illustrations to show the difference.
DURING HEARING THE WORD - v. 21b - and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Word study: Receive. Emphasize the necessity of actively participating in taking in the word of God.
By the way, when we speak of the word of God, we are talking about the Bible. Very brief reminder of inspiration, etc.
The attitude during receiving the word: meekness. Expand on how such attitude is absolutely necessary.
How the word works in our lives: explanation of "engrafted" and brief illustration to explain the word.
The power of the word: "able" equals Greek "dunamis" / English Dynamite. If the word has the power to save your soul, then it has the power to continue working in your soul after you are saved. Expand.
AFTER HEARING THE WORD - vv. 22-25. But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only....
What to do after you have heard the word.
VM
10/04/2011
Message thrust: These verses detail what we are to do about hearing the word of God. They are instructions for BEFORE, DURING and AFTER hearing the word. This applies when we come to church, or read the Bible in private devotion, or any time the word of God is received.
BEFORE HEARING THE WORD - v. 21a - Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness.
This is preparation for hearing the word of God. This is to put is in the right attitude for receiving the word.
Explain and illustrate words and phrases: "lay apart", "filthiness" and "superfluity of naughtiness."
Compare I Peter 2:1-3 for the same ideas - put these things aside in order to be ready for the word of God.
Reword Matthew Henry quote about laying them apart versus simply restraining them. Give examples or illustrations to show the difference.
DURING HEARING THE WORD - v. 21b - and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Word study: Receive. Emphasize the necessity of actively participating in taking in the word of God.
By the way, when we speak of the word of God, we are talking about the Bible. Very brief reminder of inspiration, etc.
The attitude during receiving the word: meekness. Expand on how such attitude is absolutely necessary.
How the word works in our lives: explanation of "engrafted" and brief illustration to explain the word.
The power of the word: "able" equals Greek "dunamis" / English Dynamite. If the word has the power to save your soul, then it has the power to continue working in your soul after you are saved. Expand.
AFTER HEARING THE WORD - vv. 22-25. But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only....
What to do after you have heard the word.
VM
10/04/2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Great Matthew Henry Quotes on James 1:21
James 1:21 - Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
On LAY APART - "It is not enough to restrain evil affections, but they must be cast from us, or laid apart. Isa. 30:22, Thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say, Get you hence."
On RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS - "We must therefore yield ourselves to the word of God, with most submissive, humble, and tractable tempers: this is to receive it with meekness. Being willing to hear of our faults, and taking it not only patiently, but thankfully, desiring also to be molded and formed by the doctrines and precepts of the gospel."
- Matthew Henry's Commentary
On LAY APART - "It is not enough to restrain evil affections, but they must be cast from us, or laid apart. Isa. 30:22, Thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say, Get you hence."
On RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS - "We must therefore yield ourselves to the word of God, with most submissive, humble, and tractable tempers: this is to receive it with meekness. Being willing to hear of our faults, and taking it not only patiently, but thankfully, desiring also to be molded and formed by the doctrines and precepts of the gospel."
- Matthew Henry's Commentary
Friday, September 16, 2011
James 1:9-11 Cross References
I noticed that my reference Bibles have absolutely no cross references for James 1:9-10a, when there are several that should be made. Additionally, I have some explanatory notes from word studies done.
James 1:9 - Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
Word study: "Low degree" - low circumstances; meager situation; lowly condition. Obviously a financially poor brother, in contrast to "the rich" in verse 10.
Cross references - The poor is exalted as a believer; the poor believer rejoices in his place in Christ: Luke 10:20; II Corinthians 6:10; Revelation 2:9; Revelation 5:9-10.
James 1:10a - But the rich [brother], [let him rejoice] in that he is made low.
"The rich" - Rich in verse 10 is an ADJECTIVE not a NOUN. An adjective must be paired with a noun, so we go back to "BROTHER" in verse 9. The rich man in verse 10 is a rich BROTHER, a Christian; not just any rich man.
Explanation: By trials (James 1:2-4), by lack of wisdom and reliance on God instead of self (James 1:5-8), and by other means, the rich Christian is continually shown his human frailty, his inability, and his true riches in Christ. In this he is to rejoice.
Note: The verb for "rejoice" is elsewhere translated "glory" and "boast", giving us a complete picture of the word. Therefore, these causes for rejoicing (the poor being exalted; the rich being humbled) are causes for pride ("glory") - not an improper pride, but an inner satisfaction. This inner satisfaction is expressed outwardly ("boast") as we give testimony and praise for what God has done with our lives. Our boast here is in God.
James 1:10a Cross references - the right rejoicing of the rich: Matthew 5:3; Matthew 5:10-12; II Corinthians 11:30; II Corinthians 12:7-10; I Peter 4:13.
James 1:10b-11 - Because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Cross references: Possibly an allusion to Isaiah 40:6-8 and similar passages comparing human life to wilting flowers. Also see Matthew 6:25-34. See other passages on the brevity of life, such as James 4:14.
VM
James 1:9 - Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
Word study: "Low degree" - low circumstances; meager situation; lowly condition. Obviously a financially poor brother, in contrast to "the rich" in verse 10.
Cross references - The poor is exalted as a believer; the poor believer rejoices in his place in Christ: Luke 10:20; II Corinthians 6:10; Revelation 2:9; Revelation 5:9-10.
James 1:10a - But the rich [brother], [let him rejoice] in that he is made low.
"The rich" - Rich in verse 10 is an ADJECTIVE not a NOUN. An adjective must be paired with a noun, so we go back to "BROTHER" in verse 9. The rich man in verse 10 is a rich BROTHER, a Christian; not just any rich man.
Explanation: By trials (James 1:2-4), by lack of wisdom and reliance on God instead of self (James 1:5-8), and by other means, the rich Christian is continually shown his human frailty, his inability, and his true riches in Christ. In this he is to rejoice.
Note: The verb for "rejoice" is elsewhere translated "glory" and "boast", giving us a complete picture of the word. Therefore, these causes for rejoicing (the poor being exalted; the rich being humbled) are causes for pride ("glory") - not an improper pride, but an inner satisfaction. This inner satisfaction is expressed outwardly ("boast") as we give testimony and praise for what God has done with our lives. Our boast here is in God.
James 1:10a Cross references - the right rejoicing of the rich: Matthew 5:3; Matthew 5:10-12; II Corinthians 11:30; II Corinthians 12:7-10; I Peter 4:13.
James 1:10b-11 - Because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Cross references: Possibly an allusion to Isaiah 40:6-8 and similar passages comparing human life to wilting flowers. Also see Matthew 6:25-34. See other passages on the brevity of life, such as James 4:14.
VM
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Psalm 119:57-64 - Sermon Outline
An Alliterated Sermon Outline for Psalm 119:57-64.
v. 57a - The Psalmist's PORTION - "Thou art my portion, O Lord." Desiring God and only God.
v. 57b - The Psalmist's PROFESSION - "I have said that I would keep thy words." Part of the same profession we made when we trusted Christ, were baptized, joined a church, rededicated, shed tears down at the old fashioned altar call, etc. Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)."
v. 58 - The Psalmist's PETITION - "I entreated thy favour with my whole heart." How often we ask for God's favour with nothing but our lips, and our heart is not behind our prayers. What is God listening to when we pray, our voice or our heart?
"Be merciful unto me according to thy word." Repeating God's promises in prayer is effective. Many can give testimony that powerful answers to prayer have come when God's promises were claimed.
vv. 59-60 - The Psalmist's PASSION - "I thought on my ways and turned my feet unto thy testimonies." Passionate Conviction. "I thought on my ways" - Conviction a matter of seeing sin for what it is. "...Unto thy testimonies" - Conviction a response to the word of God.
"I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments." Passionate Repentance, in response to Passionate Conviction. Delayed obedience is disobedience. Repentance is a matter of the mind and heart changing. Repentance is measured not by the action, but by the attitude that prompts the action. Here we see a true change of attitude that makes the sinner passionate to correct his wrongdoing. A delay is in fact a denial. Any so-called repentance that hesitatingly, begrudgingly or grumblingly changes the action is not "repentance toward God" or "godly sorrow [that] worketh repentance." Illustration here of examples of such. Anything short of a truly passionate desire to change the ways before God is a vain repentance and "ye shall all likewise perish" Luke 13:3, 5.
v. 61 - The Psalmist's PERSISTENCE - "The bands [companies, gangs] of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law." Not like the seed landing in the stony places, who received the word and sprang up but by and by he was offended and withered (Matthew 13:20-21). Despite the difficulties of the world that we all face, the psalmist continues to endure in serving the Lord. After all, he made his PROFESSION, v. 57b. The problems of life are not going to stand in the way of his continuing in the word of God.
v. 62 - The Psalmist's PRAISE - "At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments." Thankful ALL THE TIME, even at MIDNIGHT. Even in the darkest hours. Compare Acts 16:25, where Paul and Silas locked in the dungeon at midnight are singing, praising God and praying.
v. 63 - The Psalmist's PARTNERSHIP - "I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts." Lessons here on the importance of fellowship, on local church unity, on separation from unbelievers and the disobedient, etc. Cross reference II Timothy 2:22 - "...with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Who are you WITH? Cross reference I Peter 4:4 - "Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot..." Who are you NOT with?
v. 64 - The Psalmist as a PUPIL - "The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes." Teach me, he says. All throughout this Psalm, the man begs to be taught. He obviously has a TEACHABLE SPIRIT. The lack of a teachable spirit is the cause of many hurtful dissensions, contentions, wounded Christians, unrecoverable offenses, church splits, etc. An unteachable spirit manifests itself how? Who is prone to it? What is the root cause? What is the solution?
VM
7/21/2011
v. 57a - The Psalmist's PORTION - "Thou art my portion, O Lord." Desiring God and only God.
v. 57b - The Psalmist's PROFESSION - "I have said that I would keep thy words." Part of the same profession we made when we trusted Christ, were baptized, joined a church, rededicated, shed tears down at the old fashioned altar call, etc. Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)."
v. 58 - The Psalmist's PETITION - "I entreated thy favour with my whole heart." How often we ask for God's favour with nothing but our lips, and our heart is not behind our prayers. What is God listening to when we pray, our voice or our heart?
"Be merciful unto me according to thy word." Repeating God's promises in prayer is effective. Many can give testimony that powerful answers to prayer have come when God's promises were claimed.
vv. 59-60 - The Psalmist's PASSION - "I thought on my ways and turned my feet unto thy testimonies." Passionate Conviction. "I thought on my ways" - Conviction a matter of seeing sin for what it is. "...Unto thy testimonies" - Conviction a response to the word of God.
"I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments." Passionate Repentance, in response to Passionate Conviction. Delayed obedience is disobedience. Repentance is a matter of the mind and heart changing. Repentance is measured not by the action, but by the attitude that prompts the action. Here we see a true change of attitude that makes the sinner passionate to correct his wrongdoing. A delay is in fact a denial. Any so-called repentance that hesitatingly, begrudgingly or grumblingly changes the action is not "repentance toward God" or "godly sorrow [that] worketh repentance." Illustration here of examples of such. Anything short of a truly passionate desire to change the ways before God is a vain repentance and "ye shall all likewise perish" Luke 13:3, 5.
v. 61 - The Psalmist's PERSISTENCE - "The bands [companies, gangs] of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law." Not like the seed landing in the stony places, who received the word and sprang up but by and by he was offended and withered (Matthew 13:20-21). Despite the difficulties of the world that we all face, the psalmist continues to endure in serving the Lord. After all, he made his PROFESSION, v. 57b. The problems of life are not going to stand in the way of his continuing in the word of God.
v. 62 - The Psalmist's PRAISE - "At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments." Thankful ALL THE TIME, even at MIDNIGHT. Even in the darkest hours. Compare Acts 16:25, where Paul and Silas locked in the dungeon at midnight are singing, praising God and praying.
v. 63 - The Psalmist's PARTNERSHIP - "I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts." Lessons here on the importance of fellowship, on local church unity, on separation from unbelievers and the disobedient, etc. Cross reference II Timothy 2:22 - "...with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Who are you WITH? Cross reference I Peter 4:4 - "Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot..." Who are you NOT with?
v. 64 - The Psalmist as a PUPIL - "The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes." Teach me, he says. All throughout this Psalm, the man begs to be taught. He obviously has a TEACHABLE SPIRIT. The lack of a teachable spirit is the cause of many hurtful dissensions, contentions, wounded Christians, unrecoverable offenses, church splits, etc. An unteachable spirit manifests itself how? Who is prone to it? What is the root cause? What is the solution?
VM
7/21/2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Acts 6:1-6
Acts 6:1-6 - "...then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said...."
Example of mutual submission, Ephesians 5:21; I Peter 5:5. This by the leadership:
(a) Acknowledge the problem, not ignore it.
(b) Address the problem, not lay it aside or kick it back to the complainants.
(c) Lead in the adoption of a solution - including in this case taking on a new and necessary duty.
VM
Example of mutual submission, Ephesians 5:21; I Peter 5:5. This by the leadership:
(a) Acknowledge the problem, not ignore it.
(b) Address the problem, not lay it aside or kick it back to the complainants.
(c) Lead in the adoption of a solution - including in this case taking on a new and necessary duty.
VM
Friday, February 18, 2011
Psalm 27:9
Psalm 27:9 - ... put not thy servant away in anger...
"As thou didst Saul before me," left unsaid but surely on David's mind.
VM
"As thou didst Saul before me," left unsaid but surely on David's mind.
VM
Psalm 27:8
Psalm 27:8 - When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Notice the command is in the plural, to all of God's people: "Seek ye." David made it singular, "This means me."
(NOTE: Ye, you, your, yours are plural in the KJV; thee, thou, thy, thine are singular. Another good reason not to switch to modern versions or risk losing such beautiful distinctions).
VM
Notice the command is in the plural, to all of God's people: "Seek ye." David made it singular, "This means me."
(NOTE: Ye, you, your, yours are plural in the KJV; thee, thou, thy, thine are singular. Another good reason not to switch to modern versions or risk losing such beautiful distinctions).
VM
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:5-11 - See Ryrie's "Basic Theology" ch. 44 for an excellent treatise.
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Philippians 2:5
Philippians 2:5 - Let this mind be in you...
MIND: Where it all begins. Proper action results from proper thinking. God dos not just want our outward conformity.
How: Romans 12:2; II Corinthians 10:5.
VM
MIND: Where it all begins. Proper action results from proper thinking. God dos not just want our outward conformity.
How: Romans 12:2; II Corinthians 10:5.
VM
Monday, January 10, 2011
Philippians 2 Outline
Philippians Chapter 2: Examples of Proper Christian Attitudes In Service
Vv. 5-11: CHRIST'S EXAMPLE
a) Despite His glory, He humbled Himself a servant
b) Obedient to God, even in shame
c) Rewarded
Vv. 16-17: PAUL'S EXAMPLE
a) Joy when his sacrifice has blessed others
b) Cp. Hebrews 12:2
Vv. 19-23: TIMOTHY'S EXAMPLE
a) Likeminded with leadership
b) Caring
c) Soul-winning
d) Trainable
e) Tested and proven character
Vv. 25-30: EPAPHRODITUS' EXAMPLE
a) Fulfills his job despite hardship or difficulty
b) Therefore worthy of honour
Vv. 5-11: CHRIST'S EXAMPLE
a) Despite His glory, He humbled Himself a servant
b) Obedient to God, even in shame
c) Rewarded
Vv. 16-17: PAUL'S EXAMPLE
a) Joy when his sacrifice has blessed others
b) Cp. Hebrews 12:2
Vv. 19-23: TIMOTHY'S EXAMPLE
a) Likeminded with leadership
b) Caring
c) Soul-winning
d) Trainable
e) Tested and proven character
Vv. 25-30: EPAPHRODITUS' EXAMPLE
a) Fulfills his job despite hardship or difficulty
b) Therefore worthy of honour
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