James 2:14 - What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
"For a man to have faith, and to say he has faith, are two different things; the apostle does not say, If a man have faith without works, for that is not a supposable case; the drift of this place of scripture is plainly to show that an opinion, or speculation, or assent, without works, is not faith; but the case is put thus, If a man say he hath faith, etc. Men may boast of that to others, and be conceited of that in themselves, of which they are really destitute." - Matthew Henry's Commentary
Showing posts with label Matthew Henry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matthew Henry. Show all posts
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
"Fear Not, Little Flock" & Other Notes in Luke Chapter 12
Luke 12:4-5 - See all cross refs at Psalm 56:4.
Luke 12:13-14 - And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
Cross refs: Exodus 2:14; John 18:36.
Luke 12:33 - "Fear not, little flock..." - Compare verse 1, an "innumerable multitude" here called by Christ but a "little flock."
For these reasons it could be called a "little flock:"
1) Many within the innumerable multitude were not true followers: Luke 13:23. So there was a "little flock" within the larger mixed multitude.
2) Even if all were saved, it is still a "little flock" compared to the eventual multitude of the redeemed in eternity, Revelation 7:9.
3) Even of the millions of saved today, we are still a "little flock" outnumbered by the goats and wolves of the world.
Matthew Henry says: "Note, [1.] Christ’s flock in this world is a little flock; his sheep are but few and feeble. The church is a vineyard, a garden, a small spot, compared with the wilderness of this world; as Israel (1 Kings 20:27), who were like two little flocks of kids, when the Syrians filled the country. [2.] Though it be a little flock, quite over-numbered, and therefore in danger of being overpowered, by its enemies, yet it is the will of Christ that they should not be afraid: "Fear not, little flock, but see yourselves safe under the protection and conduct of the great and good Shepherd, and lie easy.’’
VM
Luke 12:13-14 - And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
Cross refs: Exodus 2:14; John 18:36.
Luke 12:33 - "Fear not, little flock..." - Compare verse 1, an "innumerable multitude" here called by Christ but a "little flock."
For these reasons it could be called a "little flock:"
1) Many within the innumerable multitude were not true followers: Luke 13:23. So there was a "little flock" within the larger mixed multitude.
2) Even if all were saved, it is still a "little flock" compared to the eventual multitude of the redeemed in eternity, Revelation 7:9.
3) Even of the millions of saved today, we are still a "little flock" outnumbered by the goats and wolves of the world.
Matthew Henry says: "Note, [1.] Christ’s flock in this world is a little flock; his sheep are but few and feeble. The church is a vineyard, a garden, a small spot, compared with the wilderness of this world; as Israel (1 Kings 20:27), who were like two little flocks of kids, when the Syrians filled the country. [2.] Though it be a little flock, quite over-numbered, and therefore in danger of being overpowered, by its enemies, yet it is the will of Christ that they should not be afraid: "Fear not, little flock, but see yourselves safe under the protection and conduct of the great and good Shepherd, and lie easy.’’
VM
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Wrestling With the Lord in Prayer
Psalm 30:9 - What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? Shall it declare thy truth?
An example for us of wrestling with the Lord in prayer. Such as Abraham in Genesis 18:25, "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" Matthew Henry says, "The best pleas in prayer are those that are taken from God’s honour."
VM
An example for us of wrestling with the Lord in prayer. Such as Abraham in Genesis 18:25, "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" Matthew Henry says, "The best pleas in prayer are those that are taken from God’s honour."
VM
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Discovery of Mules
Genesis 36:24 - And these are the children of Zibeon; both Ajah, and Anah: this was that Anah that found the mules in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of Zibeon his father.
Famous for first time discovery of this sterile but useful cross-breed of donkey and horse. All modern versions translate "found the hot springs in the desert," which would also make Anah famous. There are hot springs in the area, on eastern shore of the Dead Sea. All dictionaries say the Hebrew word is of uncertain meaning, either "mules" or "hot springs" possible. The hot springs are numerous enough to have been likely discovered before Anah; the context places him with donkeys already; the Jews always considered it to be mules that he found, or found out the manner of breeding them. So mules seems as likely as hot springs, or more so.
Matthew Henry comments: "This Anah was not only industrious in his business, but ingenious too, and successful.... Those that are diligent in their business sometimes find more advantages than they expected."
VM
Famous for first time discovery of this sterile but useful cross-breed of donkey and horse. All modern versions translate "found the hot springs in the desert," which would also make Anah famous. There are hot springs in the area, on eastern shore of the Dead Sea. All dictionaries say the Hebrew word is of uncertain meaning, either "mules" or "hot springs" possible. The hot springs are numerous enough to have been likely discovered before Anah; the context places him with donkeys already; the Jews always considered it to be mules that he found, or found out the manner of breeding them. So mules seems as likely as hot springs, or more so.
Matthew Henry comments: "This Anah was not only industrious in his business, but ingenious too, and successful.... Those that are diligent in their business sometimes find more advantages than they expected."
VM
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Notes in the Second Chapter of Matthew
Matthew 2:1-4 - Nothing in the Bible states that these wise men were kings, as the Christmas carol and some traditions give. Further, it is not necessarily "the three wise men" - there is no mention of their number. Three is the number of gifts given, Matthew 2:11, not the number of men. For "all Jerusalem" to be troubled with Herod (verse 3), there must have been very many wise men from the east converging on the city at once, making the people wonder.
Matthew 2:6 - The chief priests and scribes did not completely quote Micah 5:2. They left out the part indicating that the Messiah is an eternal being. Even today the Jews are not aware that the Messiah they still look for is to be God in the flesh, as their own scriptures indicate.
Matthew 2:11 - Notice the wise men were "come into the house" not into a stable or cave like the shepherds. Notice they saw "the young child" not an infant. This event may have been as much as two years after the birth of Christ, for Herod slew the children under two "according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men" in Matthew 2:16.
Matthew 2:18 - "...Rachel weeping for her children." Bethlehem belonged to Judah, the son of Leah not Rachel. But Rachel was buried here, Genesis 35:19.
Matthew 2:23 - "And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene."
There is no such direct statement in any Old Testament prophet, but Matthew is clear that he is not quoting directly from a prophet, for he says "the prophets," not a particular prophet he names. He is summarizing what the prophets generally said about what the Messiah would be called by men. We should understand what it means to be called "a Nazarene" - a branch considered worthless. For example, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth" says Nathanael in John 1:46. See Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary for explanation and Matthew Henry's commentary for beautiful application. The Messiah is the "Branch" in Isaiah 11:1. "Branch" in Hebrew is "netzer" from which Nazareth gets its name. According to the prophets, the Messiah was to be "despised and rejected of men," Isaiah 53. Thus, "He shall be called a Nazarene."
VM
Matthew 2:6 - The chief priests and scribes did not completely quote Micah 5:2. They left out the part indicating that the Messiah is an eternal being. Even today the Jews are not aware that the Messiah they still look for is to be God in the flesh, as their own scriptures indicate.
Matthew 2:11 - Notice the wise men were "come into the house" not into a stable or cave like the shepherds. Notice they saw "the young child" not an infant. This event may have been as much as two years after the birth of Christ, for Herod slew the children under two "according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men" in Matthew 2:16.
Matthew 2:18 - "...Rachel weeping for her children." Bethlehem belonged to Judah, the son of Leah not Rachel. But Rachel was buried here, Genesis 35:19.
Matthew 2:23 - "And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene."
There is no such direct statement in any Old Testament prophet, but Matthew is clear that he is not quoting directly from a prophet, for he says "the prophets," not a particular prophet he names. He is summarizing what the prophets generally said about what the Messiah would be called by men. We should understand what it means to be called "a Nazarene" - a branch considered worthless. For example, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth" says Nathanael in John 1:46. See Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary for explanation and Matthew Henry's commentary for beautiful application. The Messiah is the "Branch" in Isaiah 11:1. "Branch" in Hebrew is "netzer" from which Nazareth gets its name. According to the prophets, the Messiah was to be "despised and rejected of men," Isaiah 53. Thus, "He shall be called a Nazarene."
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)