tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39631152635468363862024-02-21T04:53:40.645-06:00Biblical ThoughtsChris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.comBlogger1508125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-49085776206981974992019-02-01T11:47:00.000-06:002019-02-01T11:47:55.984-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 13
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 13</b></div>
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-The seed is the Word of God in this fundamental parable for
our spiritual understanding (Mark 4:13). Those people who reject it
immediately, having the Word taken away by the deception of the devil, do not
ever believe in their heart and are never saved. The people who are rocky do
receive the Word with joy but have no firm root (or foundation, Matthew
7:24-25). They have some faith for a while, but when temptation comes, they
fall away (Hebrews 6:1-6). These are the apostates (Matthew 13:21, Mark 4:17,
Hebrews 3:12) and are never destined for Heaven in relationship with the Living
God. The ones who get choked out by the cares, worries, and desires of this
world may have relationship and could be going to Heaven (1 Corinthians
3:11-15), but they have become unfruitful and are in danger of being taken out
of this world for an unproductive Christian existence (1 Corinthians 11:28-30,
1 John 5:16). The good soil are those who understand the Word of God with an
honest and good heart, hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance (Matthew
13:1-23, Luke 8:15). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Let us all be good soil and understand the mystery of the Kingdom of God. This
message reveals the four different kinds of reactions we will get when we
present the Word of God to people. Pray that the message will find good soil and
grow abundantly. He who has ears, let him hear.</div>
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-Jesus gives the parable of the weeds and explains it to His
disciples to reveal the nature of good and bad coexisting together in this
world until the end judgment. The Son of Man (God, the Messiah, Jesus) is the
sower of the good seed and these are those in the Kingdom of God whose
righteousness will shine like the noon day sun (Daniel 12:3). The enemy sows
the tares (the weeds), which represent the sons of the evil one (the
unregenerate, the lost, the unsaved). These are the stumbling blocks and rule
breakers who have not repented and come in humility to the Savior, Jesus
Christ, for forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with the Father. The reality
of hell is prevalent here in Jesus’ teachings because He is warning His
listeners about the wrath to come if they do not come to Him (Matthew 13:24-30,
36-43). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application* </b>Warning
signs all around us are there to help us avoid the danger that could otherwise
overtake us and hurt us in a variety of ways. Pay attention to the warning
signs God gives us for direction and protection from all that is evil and
seeking to destroy us. Remember that evil will coexist with us until the time
of the end when the final harvest is made. Endure and grow in Christ as good and
pure wheat, undiluted by the weeds that surround you. This only happens by
seeking God and living by His Spirit, clinging to Godly friends and
acquaintances who do have an impact and influence. </div>
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-Small beginnings have great implications, endings, and benefits
in the Kingdom of God. This was Jesus’ point in this parable of the tiny
mustard seed that grows into a fruit bearing home for the birds (Matthew
13:31-32). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application* </b>Jesus
reassures us that it takes time to become mature in the Kingdom economy, but it
is worth it. Do not despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). God is in these
little things and desires to grow us into His fullness and greatness. One day
we will realize how awesome our seed has grown in the Kingdom and know the truth
of Christ’s words in this passage.</div>
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-Likewise to the mustard seed turning to a large and
productive tree, Jesus shares that the Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast
(leaven), which expands and becomes bigger and bigger with age and the baking
process (Matthew 13:33). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b> In
contradiction to the general expectation, Christ’s Kingdom began quietly and
very unexpectedly. Most of God’s chosen people were looking for a mighty
political ruler that would overtake the world with force and extreme external
power. Jesus initiated the Kingdom with His first coming as a sacrificial
Servant that saved the world from its demise and sin. This can easily be
overlooked, but it shouldn’t. God’s ways are higher than our ways and His plan
far exceeds anything our finite minds could conceive (Isaiah 55:8-9). Enjoy the
fact that His Kingdom is ever expanding and will one day be the only power left
in this world. In the end love wins.</div>
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-Jesus taught in the prophesied manner of parables “things
hidden from the foundation of the world (Psalm 78:2, Matthew 13:34-35).” Jesus
was all about taking things that were known and using them to explain the other
world of God’s Kingdom through this method. A parable is simply an earthly
story with a Heavenly meaning in the context of Jesus’ teaching. He was opening
up mysteries and hidden knowledge to those He spoke to and conversed with. The
disciples, thankfully, recorded them for our benefit as well. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
These timeless truths reach our generation with as much impact as in the time
of Jesus if we care to do some cultural and historical research to grasp the
entire meaning of each one. Seek the LORD’s wisdom out and understand His
messages to you, His beloved.</div>
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-Jesus, in this next parable, relates the Kingdom of Heaven
to a hidden treasure in a field, which a man found and hid again. Because of
his joy over finding it he goes and sells all that he has and buys (purchases,
takes hold of) that entire field. This parable relates the value of knowing
Christ and His righteousness and the unsurpassing riches that He entails. The
man found it almost without even looking by accident, but is very protective of
it, rehiding it once he did find it. He finds it a joy to give up all his
possessions to obtain that field that houses the treasure (Matthew 13:44, Mark
10:21, Luke 5:11, 27-28; 18:22, Acts 4:34). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
What is the cost of discipleship and what are we willing to give up for Christ
and His Kingdom? Assured, whatever we dispose of for His sake will be rewarded
back unto to us. This is a promise of God (Matthew 6:33, Mark 10:28-30). The
issue for us is if we will trust Him. So, then we can say that faith is the
field and the reward (the treasure) lies hidden in that field of trust and
dependence on the LORD. What joy we have when we realize His riches and hope
that were once hidden from us. Open up His possibilities by surrendering all we
have. Living in His resurrected power is the greatest gain.</div>
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-In this next parable, Jesus relates the Kingdom of Heaven
to a merchant who is seeking fine pearls. This pearl (the truth of the Kingdom
in Christ Jesus) of great value is worth everything he owns and is. He gladly
gives it all up for this precious commodity knowing its great worth in
comparison. He makes the purchase without regret and takes ownership
(connectedness) of a new thing (Matthew 13:45-46). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
This relationship we can have with Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Son of God,
the Savior of our soul) is worth more than anything we own or could give up. This
is a free gift of faith and is available to all (John 3:16, Romans 3:24; 6:23,
Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Peter 3:9). Our hope is in the Pearl of Great Price (Jesus
crucified from the foundation of the world for our redemption, Hebrews 4:3,
Matthew 25:34)</div>
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-Similar to the parable of the wheat and the tares (weeds),
Jesus speaks to the fact that there will be gathered fish (people, souls) of
every kind by the dragnet (gathering device) of God in comparing what the
Kingdom of Heaven is like. It will be the Lord who separates out the good from
the bad. The angels (messengers) will take out the wicked from among the
righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire where there will be weeping
and gnashing of teeth (extreme torment) (Matthew 13:49-50). Jesus, as a good
teacher does, asks the question, “Have you understood <u>all</u> these things?”
referring back to all the parables He just spoke. The people said, “Yes,” as
they had their chance to ask questions and dig deeper (Matthew 13:51). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Understanding is essential in the economy of the Kingdom of God. It is nice
that the Lord wants us to have this wisdom and cares enough to reveal it to us
if we simply seek and look for it and meditate on His truths with application.
Think about how the Lord actually wants us to get it. He longs for us wanting
and desiring intimate relationship and fellowship. He wants us to enjoy the
riches of His Kingdom for eternity and has no pleasure in the demise of the
wicked (Ezekiel 18:32; 33:11). This is why, as a good Father, He warns us plainly
using speech we can understand and process.</div>
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-At the end of His lesson, Jesus makes a comment about every
scribe who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom of Heaven being like a head of a
household who brings out of his treasure things new and old (Matthew 13:52).
This intriguing statement connects the Old Covenant (or Testament) with the New
Covenant (or Testament). He is saying here that He was what the Law and the
Prophets in the Old Testament were all about in pointing to Him, the Messiah. </div>
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-<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*Application*</b>
Both the Old and New Testaments give vital truth for understanding and
practical guidelines for faith and practice in this world. Don’t ever neglect
the vast riches that are in the Old Testament. Be diligent to learn God’s whole
counsel and do not let it depart from us. </div>
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-The religious people in Jesus’ time had the tendency to get
trapped in the old and refused to accept the new thing God was revealing in His
Son. They were looking for a future kingdom preceded by judgment in the
physical and temporal realm via military conquest. They were blind to the
spiritual significance of the new way that Christ brought through a Kingdom
that was now with a future judgment after everyone had been given every
opportunity to turn back to God and repent (change their mind). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Life is being worked in us even through these earthen vessels that we live in
now (2 Corinthians 4:6-14). Realize what is going on. Live in Christ with His
power. The Kingdom continues to grow in us, the believer.</div>
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-As Jesus was going around to the Galilean villages teaching
the Kingdom, He came to His hometown of Nazareth, which is west of the Sea of
Galilee. The people there knew Him only as a carpenter (a common laborer) and
they became offended that people were following Him as a Rabbi. He was teaching
in the synagogue, which may correlate to the passage in Luke 4:16-31, where He
rebuked the Nazarene populace and was almost cast off a cliff of the mountain.
Matthew and Mark, if this is the same visit back to His hometown, focus more on
the skepticism and unbelief Jesus encountered. It is interesting to note that
their lack of faith reduced greatly His working of miracles in their midst.
This led the Lord to wonder at their unbelief and make the comment about how a
prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, among his relatives, and
in his own household (Matthew 13:53-58). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
How do people receive us, especially when they’ve known us in the past as we
grew up? Sometimes people’s opinions greatly reduce our ability to effectively
work and minister. We have to be cognizant of the limitations in certain places
based on false perceptions from the past. Thankfully, God has cleared us of our
past through His forgiveness and restoration and is primarily concerned with
our present and future in His wonder working power. So, walk in His victory and
don’t worry about the naysayers. We may even want to avoid them if possible
under the LORD’s guidance and direction. A prophet or prophetess is still not
usually honored in his/her hometown. Also, unbelief will always restrict the
movement of God in a place. If we find ourself wondering why God is not a work
in a place, check the faith meter and we will probably find skepticism and
doubting present. Where pride and unbelief reside, the power of God is severely
reduced. Take notice American church.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 13:31-32, 34, 41-42, 44, 46, 51</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-43047097866259897872019-01-31T09:26:00.001-06:002019-01-31T09:26:45.992-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 12
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 12</b></div>
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-The beginning account in this chapter finds the disciples
hungry on a Sabbath in grainfields, where they decide it to be appropriate to
pick the heads of grain and eat. The Pharisees observed this and began to
question the Christ on matters of the traditional law of the Jews pertaining to
working on the Sabbath. Jesus makes a theological point with them as to Who the
Lord of the Sabbath is from the Old Testament Scriptures concerning David of
his episode in the eating the consecrated bread in the House of God (1 Samuel
21:6), as well as the custom of the priests in the Temple. He proclaimed that
something greater than the Temple was amongst them, and then scolded them to
know what it means concerning the fact that God desires “compassion, and not
sacrifice” pertaining to innocence (Hosea 6:6). Then He declared the Son of Man
(referring to Himself) as the “Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-8).” He then
proceeded to heal a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath with the point of
doing good is always lawful no matter what day of the week it is (Matthew 12:9-13).
At this point the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him for destruction
(Matthew 12:14). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
While we are to honor the Sabbath and keep it a holy, set-apart day for the
LORD, the fact that we can do things out of the ordinary and routine to be a
blessing and take care of essential needs is also acceptable unto the LORD. The
problem with the Pharisees, and can be us as well, was the fact that they had substituted
religious ritual for doing the compassionate work of the Kingdom as the need
presented itself. Do the righteous work of the Savior no matter what day of the
week it is.</div>
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-After the warning that Jesus made to fulfill the prophecy
of Isaiah and His public withdraw from any perception of worldly power, the
Lord healed a demon-possessed man that was blind and mute when he was brought
before Him. The Pharisees and pious Jews were denouncing that He could possibly
be the Son of David (i.e.-the All-powerful Messiah of the LORD) calling Jesus
Beelzebul (literally lord of the flies, dunghill god, a derogatory term to
Jewish people) trying to say that He was demonic and satanic. Jesus knew their
thoughts (proof of His deity, wisdom, and observation skills) and refuted their
false claims. A house divided against itself will fail and fall. It is only by
a stronger force, the Strong Man, that evil is conquered and vanquished. It
makes no logical sense for Satan to fight against his own schemes and devices.
Jesus says if He casts out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God
has come upon them (Matthew 12:15-28, Luke 11:20). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
The Pharisees and unbelievers will make every excuse not to accept the things
of God even when they are presented in factual and rational form. Keep using
wisdom in our own contention for the faith that the Lord by His Spirit will
give us even as Christ did. He will give us the answers to every critic, so
don’t ever be anxious (Luke 12:11-12, 2 Corinthians 5:12, Jude 1:3). If they
accused Jesus, they will also accuse us. Prepare in prayer, then walk by the
Spirit.</div>
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-The Lord tells them that if they are not for Him, they are
against Him making them enemies of God and scattering His flock. He then
proceeded to give them instruction of the concept of blasphemy of the Holy
Spirit. They could speak against Him all they wanted to, but the real issue was
the spirit they were speaking with. If they denied the Holy Spirit, Who was
sent by the Father as a testimony on behalf of the Son, there was no eternal
hope for people that chose in this manner. Jesus was getting to the root of
their faith as they rejected what the LORD was doing right before their eyes
through His Messiah. They were obviously bad fruit as they spoke from their
hearts. In fact, “every careless word that people speak, they shall give an
accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be
justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:30-37).”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application* </b>There
is incredible power in the spoken word. God has the power to speak everything
into existence and make nature obey. We see this displayed all through the
Scriptures. We also have power in the tongue and cannot hope to contain it when
our hearts are full of evil (James 3:5-12). Literally, the power of life and
death are in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Therefore, the questions ensue: What
kind of heart do we have? Is life springing from our heart to our mouth because
God has control? Are we using God’s abiding wisdom? Or, are we blaspheming
(denying, slandering, saying He is not what He actually is) the Holy Spirit?
There remains no hope for us when we argue against God’s truth. Confession of
the Christ is essential to salvation, which can only come through our obedience
to the work of the Holy Spirit as He draws us into truthful faith (John 14:6;
15:26; 16:13, Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9).</div>
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-More than once Jesus gives the wicked and adulterous
generation of scribes and Pharisees, who will be condemned at the judgment, a peak
into His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. He compares them with Gentiles
from Nineveh in the North and Sheba in the South, who believed when they saw
lesser workings and preachings of the LORD and His glory, even seeking it out
with long journeys (Luke 11:31-32). Something greater was among them in Jesus
Christ the Messiah, yet they could not see His truth because of their hardened
hearts drenched in unbelief. They were simply there to test Him and had no
intentions of becoming converts to the Kingdom of God (Mark 8:11). They were
argumentative and skeptical in His presence rather than reverent and receptive.
This had to agitate the King of Glory as He gave His only sign to them with a
deep sigh in His Spirit (Matthew 12:38-42, Mark 8:12). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
God knows our hearts and desperately wants us to know Him intimately. The irony
here is that Jesus is giving them the greatest sign the world has ever seen in
His miraculous resurrection, yet they totally missed it. Make sure we don’t
miss it. God is calling for us to redemption. Please respond by believing in
what He has done. He has given us the sign that He is eternal and can give us
eternal life with Him.</div>
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-An interesting look into the spiritual world occurs in next
three verses. The Lord teaches here that when an unclean spirit goes out of a
person, it goes through arid-dry-waterless places (the dessert is always a
symbolic place of suffering because of evil and temptation in the Bible,
compare this to the Living Water of Christ Jesus, John 4:13-15;7:37-39) seeking
a place to rest but not finding anywhere to do that. Upon the realization of this
quandary, the unclean spirit will attempt to come back to its original host
with seven other, and more wicked, spirits to “go in and live” making the last
state of that person worse than they began. Jesus makes this comparison to
“this evil generation (Matthew 12:43-45).”</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application* </b>Key
words here to interpret the passage are “unoccupied (<i><span style="color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px;">scholazō</span></i><i><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">- </span></i>empty, vacant), swept (<i><span style="color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px;">saroō</span></i><span style="color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px;">- brushed off)</span>, and put
in order (<i><span style="color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px;">kosmeō</span></i><span style="color: #0a0a0a; margin: 0px;">- adorned, decorated, trimmed,
ornamented</span>),” when considering the condition of the person who is
susceptible to having more problems than they started with regards to demonic
activity. There is a fake-façade because of pride to the faux cleaning going on
here with the religious people that Jesus was speaking to, and this can be the
same with us in our culture. Times have not changed in the way that the
spiritual world works. Any of us who struggle with addictions, strongholds, and
perpetual problems can identify. If we do not turn the entire situation over to
God for His cleansing, the demons may leave for a bit but return with more
vigor, power, and sheer numbers. In other words, we cannot clean ourselves up
without the redeeming power and filling of the Holy Spirit. Self-help does not
work long-term. Transformation is the key ingredient to overcoming permanently.
This is why no drug, meditation on false doctrine or religions, or any other
self-motivated system is going to work. The cross draws us to die to ourselves.
Only then can God resurrect us and make us brand new as a spiritual creation in
His image with total victory (Romans 8:1-4, 2 Corinthians 5:17). This is the
message of the gospel, the good news. Anyone trying to do it themselves are
doomed. Just because we clean up the outside appearances and seemingly have
things put in order, does not make us filled. Demons that move around the earth
know where they can land and where they can’t. Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Don’t have a vacant soul that is susceptible. </div>
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-As this lengthy chapter wraps up, Jesus remarks on true
family to those who had gathered to listen to Him speak the words of God,
probably in Capernaum. This was not a put-off of His earthly mother and
brothers. It was a statement of instruction about the true family of God and
how to be a part of that family. Matthew and Mark give us that it requires
doing the will of God (Matthew 7:21; 12:46-50, Mark 3:35), while Luke adds that
we must hear it and do it (Luke 8:21). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b> We
are called the children of God in the Scriptures (1 John 3:1-3). Being a part
of this family is a special privilege that changes everything that we are
about. This relationship that God graciously bestows upon us purifies,
sanctifies, and in the end glorifies us as redeemed of the LORD. We should count
our many blessings if we are a part of His Kingdom and then live like the saints
we are.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verse to Memorize:
Matthew 12:28, 34, 37</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-31268958832836134552019-01-30T09:23:00.001-06:002019-01-30T09:23:16.539-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 11
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 11</b></div>
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-Jesus explains to John’s disciples that were sent by him
how there were many proofs that He indeed was the “Expected One” (the Messiah).
Jesus quotes Isaiah 35:5 and Isaiah 61:1 as evidence of His authenticity. He
tells the crowd that “blessed is he who does not take offense at Me (Matthew
11:1-6, Luke 7:23).” Then, as John’s disciples were going away, He expounds on
the ministry of John and his role, which was “more than a prophet in the spirit
of Elijah (Malachi 3:1).” John prepared the way before Christ in leading the
willing and believing to repentance from their sins and faith in the Messiah.
However, Jesus addressed the unbelief of the Pharisees of that generation in a
poignant way (Matthew 11:7-19, Luke 7:30-35). The unbelieving are presented the
radical holiness and self-denying example of John and the inclusive nature of
the Christ, yet they rejected both. This is the point Jesus made with His
analogy to the flute with no dancing and the dirge with no mourning (Matthew
11:17, Luke 7:32). Jesus said in the end that wisdom is vindicated by her deeds
(Matthew 11:19) and children (Luke 7:35). </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Again we see the fruitful consequences of inner change when Christ comes in and
changes a person because of their humility, faith, and willingness to be
transformed. Today, we should not harden our heart and make excuses, false
rationalizations, or complaints that will keep us from His wisdom and truth.
God presents His truth in a variety of ways to appeal to each and every
individual. Recognize His abundant evidence.</div>
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-After pronouncing judgment on Chorazin, Bethsaida, and
Capernaum for their unbelief and lack of repentance in their worldly wisdom and
intelligence, God pronounces peace and rest to the infant-like trusting
faithful who accept the true way of the LORD (Matthew 11:20-26). All things
have been handed over to the Christ (Anointed, Messiah) by the Father and they
are in complete unison (harmony, accord). Jesus is revealing the Father and
inviting all who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him for rest in the soul
by taking on His yoke, which is gentle, humble in heart, easy, and light
(Matthew 11:27-30). </div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b> A
yoke is a means to guide and control a farm animal into a specific destination
and purpose. This is what the Lord wants to do with us in our lives as well
(Jeremiah 29:11-13). His righteousness is what we need. His yoke is never
burdensome nor ever too hard when we give Him control in trustful obedience. It
is simple with everlasting blessings as a result. Take His yoke and enjoy what
He gives freely.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 11:11, 28-30</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-75465497145161476242019-01-29T09:46:00.000-06:002019-01-29T09:46:43.236-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 10
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 10</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Jesus gave very specific authority and instructions before
sending out His twelve disciples to preach the gospel, implore people to
repent, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons.
They were to travel light and receive from the righteous along their journeys.
They were told to go everywhere in the land of Israel, but not yet to the
Gentiles or any city of the Samaritans (a half Jewish population hated because
of mixing with Gentile cultures and pagan worship). Jesus had strong words for
them and those they came in contact with, which need to be internalized by us
in our own day and age. He warned of the persecution and whole-hearted devotion
that was required to be Kingdom workers. The disciples knew that it was a dying
to self and a walking in His power and authority that was the key after Jesus
taught them. Jesus, recognizing and preparing them for the difficulties they
would face in testifying of His goodness and Deity, spoke of endurance and a
steadfast spirit, of not giving up or in. He taught them not to fear man, but
God, who was the keeper of their souls. They were to be bold in their
presentation and confess His Name unashamedly without worry. Soon they would
see the power of the Holy Spirit on their lives and feel His continual presence
with them, which gives wisdom and grace in each situation (Matthew 10:1-42). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Our lives should be modeled around this instruction for our own lives. The
disciples were people just like us and had to mature to be all that God wanted
them to be. We also can do the same. We must take up our own cross and become
strong Christians by faith.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 10:8, 20, 22, 26, 37-39</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-44217689803833444872019-01-28T08:52:00.001-06:002019-01-28T08:52:39.379-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 9
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 9</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-This chapter revolves around the concept of faith in the Lord
to accomplish great and mighty healings and life altering miracles. We see
God’s compassion reigning supreme here as Christ’s ministry begins to take full
shape. He is the Forgiver of sins, which the religious ones (scribes) falsely
called blasphemous, and heals from disease, even a paralytic. From these first
eight verses, we see that the Messiah has the power to: 1) forgive sins, 2)
read the thoughts of man, 3) heal incurable ailments, and 4) receive awe and
glory from people. One interesting thing to note at the end of this section is
the testimony that God had given this authority not just to a Man, but “to men,”
plural. This foreshadows the coming miracles of believers as they work in the
power of the Holy Spirit, just as the Messiah did here in this instance (Matthew
9:1-8). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*Application* </b>It
is important for us to see the more important aspects of our charitable work on
this earth. Notice that Jesus addresses the spiritual condition of the paralytic
first and foremost. The primary reason that he should take courage, Jesus says,
is because his “sins are forgiven.” The Lord wasn’t interested as much in his
physical condition as his spiritual state. He did take care of the physical
need, but that was secondary. We should approach the good we do for others in
the same fashion.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-God calls people to follow Him for advancement in the
spiritual growth of the entire world. Right after Jesus had healed the
paralytic there in Capernaum, He sees Matthew (Levi) sitting at his tax booth
and implores him to come and follow Him. Capernaum was a key military center
for Roman troops during this period of history as well as a thriving business
community along the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee. Merchants would pass
through this area from as far away as Egypt to the south and Mesopotamia to the
north. Collecting taxes was a major part of the Roman system and Matthew was a
privileged, but despised, part of that collection process. Tax collectors would
charge commission on the dues owed the Roman government, and in most cases
would accumulate exorbitant compensation for their work. This obviously
irritated the local population of Jews since Matthew himself was Jewish but
profiting off foreign domination (Zacchaeus was also a tax collector in
Jericho, Luke 19:1-9). It was in this context that the Messiah calls Levi to
leave everything else behind and come follow Him. Amazingly Levi does this. He
leaves behind a lucrative business of shame and becomes a reputable disciple of
Jesus Christ. He ends up giving us the gospel of Matthew as an endearing
testimony of a life surrendered completely to the King of kings and His Kingdom
(Matthew 9:9). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
When we read of actual events like this one where a successful man in the ways
of the world gives up literally everything to follow Christ, what kind of
inspiration does that spark in our own soul? When the Lord beckons, we have one
of two choices: 1) Leave everything behind and follow Him, or 2) Make excuses
and refuse the call of God (putting off a call is saying no to it, God expects
immediate compliance). When we hear the voice of the Lord calling us, be like
Levi going with Him on the amazing journey of faith.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Matthew immediately hosted Jesus Christ and His disciples
along with other Jews and Pharisees to celebrate his conversion in following
after the Lord. The Pharisees made comments about why Jesus would associate
Himself with such a sinner and the like, but Christ knew their hearts and
addressed them. He proclaimed His mission, that it is the sick who need a
physician, not the well. He desires compassion (love, inward change), not
sacrifice (outward expression), and Jesus told the religious crowd to “go and
learn” what that meant (Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:10-13). Again, we see the
repentance word come up and this was something that the hard-hearted Pharisees
were unwilling to see, hear, or understand. They were self-righteous and loved
to point out the wrong in others while neglecting their own imperfections. Jesus’
point should have been clear to them that they also needed a change of heart
towards the Savior, but unfortunately, they missed it. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
How often do we commune with those that may be considered outcasts and rejects
of the standard church scene? Jesus was not ashamed or afraid to interact with
even the most despised members of His society to share the good news of the
gospel. How much more should we be noticing and seeking out individuals who God
is calling to be a part of His Kingdom?</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Here in this next section we see the disciples of John
questioning Jesus about the lack of fasting they observe in His disciples
compared to them. Jesus’ response is attended to alert them to His Messianic
greatness as a time of celebration and joy, which they were never actually able
to perceive. Jesus did maintain that there would come a time for His disciples
to fast when the bridegroom is taken away. The Scripture uses this bridegroom
analogy often as something that is known is compared to a deep spiritual truth
concerning the Kingdom of God. This was the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">plaroma</i>
(the fullness of time) in which God came to be with man in special revelation
through the incarnation of His Son (Galatians 4:4, Ephesians 1:10). Special
rejoicing and celebration around this monumental event should have been
expected if anyone really understood what was going on. Jesus even tried to
explain this to these, but they continued to be blind and deaf (Matthew
9:14-15). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
There is a season for all things. In these seasons of the soul God wants us to
react appropriately to every situation. It is His will for us to rejoice always
(Philippians 4:4, Ephesians 5:16), but there are times when we should fast and
make special efforts in seeking Him. What time is it in our life? Ponder this
and act appropriately according to the word of the Holy Spirit.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Jesus reiterates His point with two more illustrations
designed to show how the new in Him had come. This is a precursor to the New
Covenant, which He would establish with His blood on the cross of Calvary
(Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20, 1 Corinthians 11:25). It was a new day and a new
way with the Son of God’s justifying sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Gone
would be the old religious system tied up in the traditions that were manmade
and cumbersome on the soul of man. Righteousness was now going to be
attainable. Those who wanted to cling to the old system would say that it was
good enough (Luke 5:39), but they failed to realize that it could never bring
salvation and impute the righteousness of God on a person. It only restrained
evil by the enforcement of the rigid law that was perfect as far as God gave
it, but it proved impossible for man to keep. Therefore, in His mercy and
compassion, God gave His only begotten Son to be the substitutionary atonement
for our sins (Hebrews 10:1-10). These deep theological truths Jesus spoke in
parables, which flew right over the head of most of these hard-hearted hearers
(Matthew 9:16-17). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
The “old wine skin” has become synonymous with traditional manmade systems that
have become too rigid and controlled to be of much Kingdom value. When we seek
“new wine skin” we are breaking away from the religious spirit into the work of
Christ in a freeing and more pliable situation that is commensurate with the
Spirit of God. Often this causes tension with those who want to be unyielding
and unchanging, but Jesus predicted these things would happen not only back
then, but anytime a controlling spirit is present. At times like these it is
best to break away and find a new container for our spiritual work. But, always
remember to do it God’s way in love and without bitterness or jealousy.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Matthew gives further evidence of the Lord’s Divine Nature
as he relates the instance where Jesus receives the worship of a synagogue
official and his request to raise his daughter from death. The man had the
faith to come to the Lord asking Him to simply come and lay His Hand on her for
resuscitation to life. The Lord got up with His disciples to follow the
official, and had another miraculous encounter with a woman, because of faith,
who had been suffering from a twelve-year hemorrhage in her body. She believed
that if she could just touch His garment, she could become well, and it
happened. Afterwards, God arrived at the official’s house to much derision, but
performed an incredible miracle of healing in bringing life back into the
synagogue official’s daughter. News of this event spread throughout all the
land (Matthew 9:18-26). As Jesus was going from there, two blind men followed
after Him crying out for mercy to the “Son of David.” The Messiah entered a
house when the two came up to Him for healing. Jesus asked if they believed He
could do this, and upon hearing their confession of faith, He restored their
vision as “their eyes were opened.” He warned them not to spread the news
sternly, but they disobeyed, out of sheer joy I’m sure, telling the news about
Him throughout the land (Matthew 9:27-31). Next, a demon-possessed man was
brought to Him, and the Lord cast it out allowing this mute man to speak.
Obviously, this amazed the crowds as to the uniqueness of this Man, but the
Pharisees jeered Him as being the ruler of demons to thus have authority over
them (Matthew 9:32-34). A point Jesus would refute in other portions of
Scripture (Matthew 12:22-30, Mark 3:22-27, Luke 11:14-20). Jesus is seen ending
up in the chapter going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their
synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every kind of
disease and sickness. He felt compassion for the people because they were
distressed and dispirited like sheep with no shepherd. He commented to His
disciples at this point, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest
(Matthew 9:35-38).” Prayer then becomes the key in getting the work done of the
Kingdom of God. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Jesus was astute enough to perceive the real needs of people He ministered to.
He was praying for and raising up workers for the harvest of souls relying on
the power of God. We should be doing the same things just as He commanded here
in this passage. We pray, He sends, He harvests.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 9:13, 16-17, 35-38</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-83179867993323169402019-01-26T08:55:00.002-06:002019-01-26T08:55:22.510-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 8
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 8</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-We see Christ’s compassion to heal all those who came to
Him as He comes down from the mountain with large crowds following Him. We see
the supernatural realm and His authority evident as those with demons were
restored and set free, leprosy was cured, paralysis healed, and fevers left
bodies (Matthew 8:1-17). Christ was fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy that He would
take from us our infirmities (griefs, violent illness, sufferings, torments)
and carry away our diseases (Isaiah 53:4). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Surely the Lord cares for us in the same exact way He cared for the people He
ministered to in Galilee. Come to Jesus with every need and cast it on Him
today (1 Peter 5:7). We have a God who responds to our desperate cries for
help. Jesus Christ is our release.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Christ Jesus orders those who wish to follow Him to get
into the boat in order to go to the other side of the sea. He was leaving the
hustle and bustle of the crowd to go do more ministry where it was needed.
There was a scribe there who wanted to go, but Jesus commented on His own lack
of a permanent home and His adventurous nature, which was always on the move.
Another wanted to go but needed to go and bury his father (earthly concerns
over heavenly demands). Jesus’ command was to follow Him. The point was that
the physically dead can care for themselves and don’t need any more attention.
Jesus was direct with those who wanted to follow Him and tested the real
desires of their heart in their areas of weakness (Matthew 8:18-22). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
The Lord always will demand our complete loyalty and knows when we are not
fully surrendered to His will. Following the Lord is no game, it is reality,
and it will cost us everything. Christianity is serious business. We must count
up the costs of discipleship before we surrender.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Once upon the sea with the disciples that actually followed
Him, Jesus shows Himself as the King over even nature as He calms the raging
waters that threatened to make the crew perish. He rebukes their lack of faith
in this instance and in the end inspires admiration of His awesome-supernatural
deeds (Matthew 8:23-27). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
This is one of several sea storm accounts in the Bible. The crew with Jonah and
one of Paul’s adventures come to my mind. We see over and over again that God
has control over the weather and the events that proceed from these acts of
nature. They represent the times in our lives when we are desperate and cry out
to the Lord for help and salvation. Once again, we see that God responds and is
primarily concerned with our ability to trust in Him through the storms, trials,
and struggles. Believe, believe, believe. God is our rescue and He wants us to
know that.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-East and probably south of the Sea of Galilee Jesus came
across a man (Matthew indicates two men) that was possessed by a legion (many)
of demons. Their response to the Messiah is noteworthy as they wonder what
business they have with one another. They knew the power of the Most High and
did not want to have anything to do with Him. They bowed in fear and cowered
under His authority, even though they had tormented people in this region for a
long time being extremely violent with great strength. At the word of the Lord
they had to flee being sent into a herd of swine that stampeded into the sea
and drowned (weird eh?). The countrymen that saw and reported this were rightly
frightened and asked Christ to depart (Matthew 8:28-34). One of the men who was
healed understandably wanted to follow Jesus and His disciples, but Jesus had a
different plan for him. He was sent home to his own house and people to tell of
the awesome and wonderful things the Savior had done for him (Mark 5:18-20). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
God has ultimate power in our lives and wants to rid us of anything and
everything unclean that is within us. Allow His cleansing flow to infiltrate
and wash us completely. Then we will be free to go in peace to anywhere that He
desires to send us, even if it is in our own hometown.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Verses to Memorize: Matthew 8:17, 20</span></b><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-29716426486640126252019-01-25T11:56:00.001-06:002019-01-25T11:56:32.034-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 7
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 7</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Jesus points out the fact that often people who are making
judgments on others are imperfect themselves and should first do some intensive
self-evaluation. Hypocrisy is the issue here and it has many applications in
life. For instance, the dad who tells his son not to drink alcohol out with his
friends while he himself comes home drunk will have little if any effect in
providing a proper standard or role model for his son. This is the point of
taking “the log out of your own eye” to see clearly with accurate and just
judgment (Matthew 7:5). Further, Jesus speaks of those who we entrust ourselves
to in the matters of instruction and judgments. After we have cleaned up our
act and can be discerning in offering advice and counsel, it is wise to assess
the recipients. Jesus illustrates how we can waste our time and be unjustly
persecuted when we offer wisdom to the unholy (dogs) and unrighteous (swine or
pigs) (Matthew 7:6). These were unclean animals according to God’s Law and
their natural instincts (Deuteronomy 14:8, Proverbs 26:11, 2 Peter 2:22). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Jesus is stating that we have to be careful with who we teach and lead. Because
if we don’t, it can be very unproductive and even detrimental to us. Instead,
entrust our righteous teaching to faithful people who will teach others in an
ongoing progression after we have repented and lived in a manner worthy of
leadership (2 Timothy 2:2). Only God is the ultimate Judge, and we should be
ultra-careful to point people in His righteousness knowing that we are
imperfect and need His cleansing purity, which is only found in Jesus’ atoning
sacrifice by His blood.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-The principles of asking, seeking, and knocking are
expounded upon here in verses 7-12. If we ask God, seek only Him and knock
reverently upon His door, He will make sure that we receive, find, and have the
door open (Revelation 3:20). God is good and knows how to give every perfect
and righteous gift to mankind (James 1:17). We can place our trust in that
fact. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
This should help us consider how to treat others also. We fulfill the Law and
the Prophets when we treat others as we would want them to treat us.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-We see the authority of Jesus with His teaching here in
this next section. He is making a distinction between the two ways that mankind
can go in life towards his/her eternal destination. God’s way is narrow (not
the majority, not popular, Matthew 7:13-14) and must be chosen with accuracy free
from deception that the enemy and this world attempt to bring (Matthew 7:15).
Jesus claims that we will know the righteous by their fruits (outward
manifestations through deeds and works of an inward reality, i.e. “the soul, or
heart, of man,’ Matthew 7:16-20). He warns that there are those who profess
Christ outwardly, but actually do not “know” Him and therefore practice
lawlessness (Matthew 7:23). The will of God is to act in faith on His words for
hidden wisdom and the eternal hope in Him (Matthew 7:21, 24). Jesus also spoke
of the well spring of life flowing with living water (John 4:14). He alone is
the Originator of transformation and this is His point. The inner wellness will
produce good fruit in its dispensation (distribution of things, giving out of
something). If one is producing bad fruit there is sufficient evidence that the
tree is rotten inside and, in reality, not part of God’s Kingdom (in other
words saved, righteous, redeemed). <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>His
will is for complete transformation by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:1-2).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b> We
must build our house (life) upon the Rock (Jesus, the firm foundation, 2
Timothy 2:19). His anchor holds and will keep us safe in His security leading us
home to be with Him in paradise in the final analysis (Hebrews 6:19). “You will
know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:20)” seems to stand in stark contrast to
the comment just nineteen verses earlier, “Do not judge so that you will not be
judged (Matthew 7:1).” While we are not the ultimate Judge, Jesus tells us that
it is ok to be fruit inspectors. This is a warning for our discernment as we do
Kingdom work here on this earth. Be careful with whom we align yourselves in
our ministry. If things are not being followed according to the Lord’s command,
it is perfectly ok to inspect that and deal with it appropriately under God’s
direction, supervision, and counsel. God tells us to be observant and notice
things that will help us detect false motivations and intrigue (schemes) that
are at best carnal and may possibly be totally not of God at all. “Beware of
the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are
ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:23).” </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Jesus teaches next that the foundation is crucial upon
which we build. Christ Jesus is the firm foundation, the Rock, which is stable
and can withstand the storms of this life compared to the foolishness of people
who build their lives on shifting sand. As Jesus finished these words, the
crowds that followed Him were absolutely amazed at His teachings because He
spoke with authority, which was totally different from their experience with
the religious scribes of their day (Matthew 7:24-29).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
For this firm foundation to be ours the Lord says we must hear His Word and act
on it (Matthew 7:24, Luke 6:47). His Word is true and reliable, able to hold up
under any circumstance and trial. We can count on it like we count on the sun
coming up tomorrow.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 7:1, 7-8, 12, 16-21, 23</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-48778556077747103762019-01-24T11:34:00.002-06:002019-01-24T11:34:23.316-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 6
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 6</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Jesus says it is hypocritical to make a big deal out of
your charitable acts of righteous before men. Your reward is in full already
when you perform to gain selfish applause and recognition. Hidden giving and
prayer are recommended for reward from the Father in Heaven and His good
pleasure (Matthew 6:1-6). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
This again is a heart issue with the Lord in Kingdom living. He knows our deepest
motivations and will justly reward on that basis. We should do our righteous
acts with pure intentions and secretly if at all possible.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Forgiveness is a big to the Lord as He teaches further
after giving His disciples the model prayer. Our forgiveness from the Father is
in a large way dependent on our attitude towards forgiving others who’ve wronged
us He tells us and His disciples plainly. Jesus teaches His disciples, and us,
how to pray properly before the LORD God. This is not to be a repetitious
prayer devoid of meaning and ritualistic. It is a guideline for all the aspects
that should be included as we communicate with our Maker. We will see worship,
praise, adoration, respect, awe, and fear in the beginning phase. We see a
surrender to the Lord’s will and His Kingdom purposes in it on earth as it is
in Heaven (notice the struggle this earth has going on with sin and the enemy
present). We can see that it is alright to ask for things from the Father for
our benefit and well-being. We learn that we must seek forgiveness from the
Father as we forgive others in our lives that have wronged us, which includes
confession and intercession of all kinds. We conclude that it is wise for us to
ask that temptation be taken away from us as we walk the path of life. Lastly,
we see that thanksgiving should be a major part of our prayer life as we
recognize His greatness, provision, and supreme glory (Matthew 6:7-15). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*Application*</b> When
people do us wrong, it gives us the opportunity to learn the precious art of forgiveness.
We would never learn the compassion of our Father towards us if we were never
mistreated unjustly. Learn the grace gift of forgiveness in life. Reconcile
with our brother or sister in the Lord’s way for His favor. Otherwise
bitterness will grip and conquer our lives as we continue to live in sin and
unforgiveness. Also, we must consider this question. How seriously do we take
our prayer life? Coming before God should be consistent, purposeful,
meaningful, and effective among other things. Jesus instructed us with all we
need for a vibrant prayer walk with Him. Don’t neglect the opportunities we’ve
been given. Don’t get too busy for time with God. Remember Him and keep Him
close every moment of our day (1 Thessalonians 5:17).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-The next few verses in this section deal with fasting and
again the proper manner with inward purity verses exterior expression for full
reward from the Father (Matthew 6:16-18). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*Application*</b>
It is a great discipline to fast and pray with proper focus and attention on
God’s will. However, as Jesus points out it can become a prideful exercise when
we do it for public recognition and glory. Make sure that our heart is centered
on the right things when we fast and pray before the LORD.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Jesus deals with the essence of the problem of worry in
next section of this passage, which is smallness of our faith. Jesus tells His
listeners, and us, not to be afraid for the Lord will take care of His most
precious possession. His desire is for us all to seek Him first and all these
other things of need (and many wants I might add) will be added unto us. Jesus
emphasizes giving for the purpose of eternal riches, which can only happen with
a heart of love and faith (Matthew 6:19-34, Luke 12:33). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Where our treasure is, there will our heart be also (Matthew 6:21). Invest in
the things of God’s Kingdom and quit worrying about the mundane things of this
earth realizing that God will take care of us. Have the faith that He desires
and requires for our ultimate contentment and peace of mind. God is able. Will we
simply trust Him?</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 6:3, 9-13, 19-21, 33</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-21725763058572609472019-01-23T11:38:00.001-06:002019-01-23T11:38:46.380-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 5
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 5</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Jesus lays out important characteristics of the people who
will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven that contradict the world’s system of pride
and prestige as He sat down on the mountain and taught His disciples that came
to Him. The poor in spirit (the broken) are blessed (the experience of hope and
joy). Those that mourn (sorrow, repentant, grieving) will be comforted by the
God who cares and has compassion. The gentle (humble, meek) will inherit the
earth. The ones who hunger and thirst (an unyielding seeking and pursuit of)
after righteous will find satisfaction. The ones who display mercy and grace in
their lives will also receive the mercy and grace of the LORD. The heart must
be pure in order to see God, and peacemakers (not peacekeepers) will be called
the sons (or daughters if female) of God. Jesus gives special attention to
those who are persecuted for His sake and righteousness. He encourages us to
stay in the game and endure because He knows the pain and suffering that it
brings when we stand up for Him and obey His commands in this world by faith
(Matthew 5:1-12). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b> It
is incredibly difficult to follow these beatitudes. In fact it is impossible to
achieve these things long term in our flesh (old nature, our natural state) and
on our own. We may achieve some success short term, but to have lasting fruits
we must receive God’s Holy Spirit (a transformation, a new birth) and walk in
His power. This is a way of life that contradicts the natural inclinations and
the ways of the majority in this world. This is what transformation is at the
core. Soldier on and allow God to do things His way in our life. In the end we
shall be blessed beyond measure by our great God and King.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Next, Jesus uses the analogies of salt and light to urge
His followers on the bigger and better things. Salt has the powerful effects of
preserving (which was critical in this age of no electricity), flavoring,
enhancing safety (as with helping the surface in icy conditions), irritating
(as in salt in the wound), getting rid of bad odors, removing stains, restoring
minerals, and a host of other things that God has put into this amazing
mineral. Jesus says we must remain salty in our walk with Him. He also teaches
that we are the light of the world as long as He is in us. No light should hide
its illumination. We are to shine our Light, which is Christ, in such a way
that others will see our good works and give glory to the proper Source, the
Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*Application* </b>We
must remain in Christ to accomplish these supernatural qualities. If His Spirit
is in us, then we will be salt and light unto the glory of God. Rely on Him for
this transformation, then excel in the energy flow He gives us so that we will
never be rendered useless for the Kingdom of Heaven.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Jesus explains His true intentions to fulfill the Law
rather than demolish, or abolish, it. In other words, He supersedes the
formality and penalty of the Law because of His atoning sacrifice on the cross.
His grace is sufficient (Romans 3:24, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Titus 3:7, 1 Peter
1:2). This grace gives a whole new perspective to the demands and requirements
of the Law, which Jesus expounds upon in this section. Grace requires new heart
attitudes from within that have pure motives and are virtually unconcerned for
the outward manifestation since that will take care of itself. Grace goes
deeper and penetrates to the core of our being fulfilling God’s ultimate desire
and plan for His creation in love. This is the essence of what Christ was
discussing here in this passage. It has application in all the described areas
of diversity, but its root is all unified, wrapped up in the commands “love God
and love others.” This is the only way to “be perfect,” as our Heavenly Father
is perfect (Matthew 5:17-48). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
When we understand the true meaning of the Law and how it is applied to us for
a redemptive purpose with a Savior to cover our transgressions, we can begin to
walk free in God’s perfection and be holy even as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2,
Matthew 5:48).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Verses to Memorize: Matthew 5:10, 16</span></b><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-27307780188093940962019-01-22T11:22:00.000-06:002019-01-23T11:37:10.166-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 4<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 4</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Immediately after Jesus’ baptism, which was an initiation
into His public ministry of sorts, He is led up by the Spirit into the
wilderness to be tempted by the devil for 40 days and nights with <u>every</u>
temptation (Luke 4:13). After this period of prayer and fasting He became
hungry and had to defend His righteousness against the attacks of the tempter.
He used Scripture from the Torah to combat the enemy and his evil schemes
designed to take Him down. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
When Satan comes at us we have to resist him through the Word of God alone and
its proper interpretation. Don’t ever try to reason with him; he is crafty,
manipulative, and cunning. Instead, rely on what God’s truth has clearly said
and walk in His victory (Matthew 4:4,7,10, James 4:7). Don’t let Satan twist
the Scriptures on you in an effort to trick and trip you up. Have discernment,
study diligently, and call upon the Lord’s wisdom to avoid downfalls. We live
on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew
4:4).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Satan tried to usurp authority by getting Him to bow down
and worship. In exchange he offered all the worldly kingdoms and their earthly
glory. Nothing compares to the Kingdom of God and His righteousness though
(Matthew 4:8-10). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b> We
are part of His Kingdom and His glory is radiating through it all the time. It
far surpasses anything this world has to offer, so don’t get fool by the “shiny
things” (material possessions, power, etc.).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-How awesome it is to realize that after the temptation and
struggle the ministering angels were there (Matthew 4:11).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b> We
also will be comforted after a time of trial and testing when we endure the
struggle through the Spirit’s power. Hang on brother and sister, we will come into
marvelous Light (1 Peter 2:9). Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord. Praise Your
Name, Jesus.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Jesus goes in the power of the Holy Spirit back into
Galilee as John is taken into custody. He settled in Capernaum on the north
side of the Sea of Galilee. The news about Him is spreading and He gains
support in Galilee as those who had been in Jerusalem and saw His miracles
received Him as a man of God (probably not as the Messiah though). Matthew
describes how this too was a fulfillment from the prophecy (Isaiah 9:1-2;
60:1-3). The Lord preaches throughout the Galilee, teaching in the synagogues
and everywhere He went, about the gospel of the Kingdom and imploring people to
“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17).” He calls
fishermen to follow Him, namely Andrew, Peter, James, and John. These men left
everything behind and immediately followed Him (Matthew 4:12-25).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*Application*</b> Jesus’ fame and notoriety became contagious in the
region of the Galilee. This was a low profile area compared to Judea and
allowed the Christ to develop His disciples unhindered from the controversy and
political turbulence of the area around Jerusalem. Christ was always led by the
Holy Spirit in whatever endeavor the Lord told Him to do. May we likewise be
obedient to His promptings and directions through the course of our lives. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verse to Memorize:
Matthew 4:11</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-88085829531443849102019-01-19T09:16:00.002-06:002019-01-19T09:16:29.903-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 3
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 3</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-John came as a voice in the wilderness to make the paths
straight for the Lord to come with His grace and truth of salvation. He lived a
humble life and simply called out people to repent from their sins so that they
could receive forgiveness from the Lord. John was dressed in authentic
prophetic garb that harkened back to Elijah (2 Kings 1:8). He ate food that was
lawful and had significant meaning (Leviticus 11:22). The locusts were
devouring animals, which spoke of the devourer being devoured by the coming
Messiah. Wild honey was sweet to the taste as Jesus would be to those who
trusted in Him for atonement (Matthew 3:1-4).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Becoming aware and admitting our mistakes and problems is the first step to
recovery with Christ. Acknowledge where we have gone wrong and receive His
mercy in true and genuine Godly sorrow, not just worldly guilt.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-John’s mission and water baptism for repentance was to
point out the truth of who Christ Jesus was. People were coming from Jerusalem
and all of Judea, even from the district around the Jordan, to hear, repent,
and be baptized as an outward manifestation of an inward reality. This change
of heart is the turning away from the old ways of a sinful life with the
realization that we are broken and need restoration and reconciliation. Jesus
was the One who would baptize (immerse, totally occupy, cover something
completely and fully) with His Holy Spirit and with fire. The Spirit is the One
who comes into us as part of the new covenant as of Pentecost that works His
transformation in our lives as we receive Him and His power. The fire aspect is
one of Christ’s judgment when we look at the context of the Scripture. He will
gather the wheat and burn the chaff (the useless part of the grain, in other
words those who reject Him as Savior). Unfortunately, the “Brood of vipers,”
who were the religious and curious of the Pharisees and Sadducees often did not
truly get the point (Matthew 3:5-12, Luke 3:17). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Christ Jesus is the dividing line. What will we do with Him? Accept Him and
receive His Spirit forever to be forever changed or reject Him to receive His
just consequence of separation from Him and His love. The choice is always
ours. His offer is on the table.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-John proclaims Jesus as the Messiah as He comes from
Galilee to the Jordan for baptism, which is not for the purpose of repentance
but for fulfillment of righteousness (Matthew 3:15). John is hesitant to
baptize Jesus knowing that He is greater and is already the Son of God and
perfect in all ways, but he consents as Jesus implores him to do the work of
this significant moment. The Trinity is in full picture here as the incarnate
Son is consecrated by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and the voice of
God is heard audibly from Heaven (Matthew 3:16-17, Mark 1:10-11, Luke 3:22,
John 1:32). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*Application*</b>
Just as John saw and testified that these things were true, and that Jesus was
the Son of God, we must also be witnesses of the grace and truth of our Lord’s
saving power. Share the message wherever you go.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 3:16-17</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-7754609055352138892019-01-18T10:18:00.002-06:002019-01-18T10:20:44.843-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 2<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 2</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-The magi see the star in the west from their eastern
location and venture toward Bethlehem, which they know from the prophecies
(perhaps revealed by Daniel and others in the Babylonian deportation). They
arrive in Jerusalem looking for the Child because they have come to worship Him
(Matthew 2:2). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
These were astronomers from a foreign land that came based on previous
knowledge somehow to the place where God visited earth. Our God is so good He
even places signs in the sky for the entire world to see His plan for the
Messiah, who is the Savior. The King is announced in more ways than one.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-The magi from the east came to Jerusalem first and met up
with King Herod. He was an apprehensive ruler who was extremely paranoid to
anyone who might possibly usurp his authority. He was not the legitimate ruler
of Judea because he was not of the house of King David, thus making him
insecure at the thought of religious Jews who knew the promises of the
Scriptures (2 Samuel 7:8-17). His inquiry with the chief priests, scribes, and
magi reveal his fear and suspicion in the matter. He was not the rightful heir
to the throne of David in comparison to the Messiah. He was ruthless, as we
will see, and had many enemies causing his great paranoia<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">. </b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b> We
see the true wisdom and revelation of the magi here in this passage. They were
warned to go back another way to avoid this evil king and they obeyed. We
should also heed the warnings God gives us in our lives. He will always provide
a way out, or means of escape, when we listen to His voice.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-The magi find the Christ Child in Bethlehem just as was
prophesied (Micah 5:2). They come before Him and worship giving gifts of gold,
frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*Application*</b>
These gifts from royalty had symbolic meaning as well. Gold symbolized His
kingship and worthiness. Frankincense embodied deity. Myrrh was foreshadowing
His death on the cross for the sins of mankind. These gifts, some scholars have
speculated, were the means for Jesus and His family to escape to Egypt when
Herod sent his men to destroy all the children under the age of two in
Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16-18). Where God guides, He provides.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-The other item of note from this text is the fact that they
came to worship Jesus in a house (Matthew 2:11). This more than likely
indicates some significant passing of time between the Messiah’s birth and the
visitation of the wise men, contrary to some Nativity scenes we see at
Christmas. Jesus could have been as much as two years old at this point based
on the age that Herod set for his inquisition (Matthew 2:16).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-An angel again appears to Joseph supernaturally in a dream
urging him to get up and immediately leave for Egypt to remain there until
further notice. It was made plain that Herod was seeking the Christ Child’s
life; therefore, Joseph obediently arose with his wife and the Messiah and
departed for Egypt that very night before the sun even came up (Matthew 2:14).
They remained there until the death of Herod, which fulfilled Hosea’s prophecy
that “Out of Egypt I called my Son (Hosea 11:1).” </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
Here we see Old Testament usage by Matthew to give us a deep understanding and
appreciation for prophecy. Just as the New Testament writers viewed the Law and
the Prophets in the new revelation light of Jesus Christ, so should we. This is
just one example of the shadows of Christ in the ancient texts given for the
hope of Israel and the world (Hebrews 8:5; 10:1). Also notice the immediate
response of Joseph to obey and get his all-important family out of danger’s
way. Again, it is supposed that the gifts of the magi helped to fund this trip
and stay in Egypt, which was obviously a foreign land and a new adventure. When
God calls, our best response is quick compliance. At times it could even save
us our lives.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Herod’s paranoia and lust for power are revealed in his
reaction to the finding out that the magi had deceived (literally mocked,
ridiculed, tricked, make a fool of) him (Matthew 2:16). He sends his troops and
slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity from two
years and under in fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy (Jeremiah 31:15). The
weeping and great mourning heard all the way across the mountainous region to
Ramah harkened back even to the days of Rachel, who died during childbirth in
this region having her heart set much on children (Genesis 35:16-18). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b> It
is terribly sad to think about the cruelty that was inflicted on the innocent
children surrounding and in the region of Bethlehem by the tyrant Herod. We
must always stand up for injustice and the rights of those who cannot defend
themselves. I saw a sticker just yesterday urging the stoppage of abortion in
our country. We think to ourselves, “how cruel they must have been back in
those days to destroy life so cruelly like that,” but we easily forget the untold
millions of lives that have been lost now to abortion in our nation and world.
Be a defender of weak and innocent (Psalm 82:3, Proverbs 31:9, Isaiah 1:17). We
must value and defend life so far as it depends on us.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-The passing of King Herod was great news for the Messiah’s
family. The angel reappeared as promised (Matthew 2:13), and God’s salvation
plan was continuing along just as predicted by the prophets of old.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*Application* </b>God
is not slow about His promises as some count slowness, but He is patient and
gives multiple chances for people to turn to Him in repentance (2 Peter 3:9). I
believe God gave Herod every chance He could and time to come to know Him
before his death. God has a plan and purpose for everything in the whole
context of this world. He is sovereign and has all understanding. In the
“fullness of time” is a great concept to contemplate when we read a verse like
this one (Galatians 4:4).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Joseph is reluctant to go back into Israel because Herod’s
son, Archelaus, was now reigning, but God warned him and once again he obeyed
the Lord. The family left Egypt and ventured to the region of Galilee and
settled back in their original hometown of Nazareth, which once again fulfilled
the prophets word that “He shall be called a Nazarene (<span style="margin: 0px;">Isaiah 11:1. The word there is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Netzar</i>,
which signifies either a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">branch</i>, or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the city of Nazareth; </i>in being raised in
that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">city</i>, he is declared to be that
Branch).” This region was much calmer politically than other regions of Israel
at the time. Philip was ruling in this region and was much more docile than
Archelaus in Judea. Although Joseph was probably under the assumption, from his
limited understanding of the Messiah’s life and work, that they would be in or
near Jerusalem, God had other plans and somewhat secluded His Son for His
upbringing and the bulk of His earthly ministry.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px;">-<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">*Application* </b>Don’t despise the little things (Luke 16:10). Our
lives at times can feel mundane, uncomplicated, and even boring. We yearn to do
more and dream of extravagance and greatness even in Kingdom work. We must
always remember God’s plan is higher than ours, so we need to let Him form and
shape us just as He desires. The Messiah’s life is even reflective of that fact
when we closely observe the Scriptures. Jesus lived a normal life for all we
know until the age of 30 when His public ministry began. The preparation is
important; allow the Lord to work in you even on the most normal of days.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses to Memorize:
Matthew 2:11, 14, 16, 19, 23</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-56290165176240695712019-01-16T15:03:00.002-06:002019-01-16T15:04:33.187-06:00Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 1<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 1</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Matthew begins his focused gospel aimed at the Hebrew
people to convince them of the promised Messiah in the person of Jesus Christ
with the genealogy of the Savior, fourteen generations from Abraham (the father
of the Jewish nation) to King David (the king with the eternal Kingdom promise)
and fourteen generations from him to the deportation to Babylon in 586 B.C. and
fourteen generations to the Messiah’s birth (Matthew 1:17). This list includes
all sorts of characters that God used in the saga of bringing redemption to
earth. There are great people of faith in the list like Abraham, Isaac, Ruth,
David, and Josiah. There are also some shady characters like Rahab and Tamar
along with the evil kings of Manasseh and Abijah. Some were completely ordinary
like Hezron, Ram, Nahshon, and Achim. </div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application*</b>
The point is that God works through history in through human failures and
triumphs. He is the One superseding with an overarching will that is going to
climax in an eternal consummation of victory for His glory along with those who
chose Him.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Matthew now describes the birth story of the Savior
beginning with Mary and Joseph’s betrothal. Before they came together in sexual
intimacy, Mary was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. This fulfilled
the Isaiah 7:14 prophecy, which Matthew points out (Matthew 1:18, 22). Joseph,
when he found out that his fiancé was pregnant, proposed to do a righteous
thing and put her away secretly so that she would not be stoned to death
according to the Law (Deuteronomy 22:13-21). God had a third option for the
situation. He sent an angel in a dream to the righteous Joseph telling him the
truth of what was going on and that this Child would be the Savior of people’s
sins with the Name of Jesus (Matthew 1:20-21). Joseph awoke and did as the
angel of the LORD commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, “but kept her a
virgin until she gave birth to a Son, and he called His Name Jesus (Matthew
1:24-25). </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">-*Application* </b>The
prophet Isaiah told us that Christ Jesus would be called Immanuel (God with
us). This is the beginning of how He came to be with us. He is still with us
today in the Person of His precious Holy Spirit. Thank God that He is “with”
us! </div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses to Memorize: Matthew 1:17, 21</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-34983328482024212522018-09-20T09:36:00.003-05:002018-09-20T09:37:45.065-05:00Proverbs 23:23- Truth, Wisdom, Instruction, and Understanding<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Learn (buy, possess) the truth and never reject (sale) it. Get wisdom, self-control (instruction), and understanding. Proverbs 23:23</div>
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Four things here that we need to, by process, own: 1. truth (discernment, knowing God's view on right and wrong), 2. wisdom (Godly application of knowledge), 3. self-control (discipline, corrective action), and 4. understanding (being able to grasp the meaning). Once we own and get these Spirit-filled qualities, they should never be compromised or forsaken. What a powerful verse of Scripture!</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-56588906812002672412018-02-02T10:08:00.000-06:002018-02-02T10:08:11.484-06:00Matthew 22:11-14- Clothed With Christ[Matthew 22:11-14 NASB] 11 "But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, 12 and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?' And the man was speechless. 13 "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' 14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."<br />
<br />
This remarkable parable of Jesus illustrates for us the need to be clothed with the right things if we are going to partake in the greatest wedding celebration of all time (Revelation 19:7-9). The Lord is primarily teaching us here that we must be clothed with the righteousness of Christ Jesus, the Messiah, by faith (Galatians 3:26-27). He is the only proper outfitter for our eternal clothes. We cannot get into His perfect paradise of Heaven without Him. Trying to get in without the proper clothes will find us as imposters and unworthy of the call of God. For Him to chose us as legitimate guests and inheritors, we must have His Son's redemption through our acceptance of His work on the cross and resurrection. This is what God calls all to, but few actually answer the call and get clothed with the right fitting. Jesus is the only true way to life (John 14:6).Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-63661620769567895292018-01-30T13:42:00.001-06:002018-01-30T13:42:24.784-06:00Matthew 20:1-16- Jesus on Grace and Generosity of the Father<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
"Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?" (Matthew 20:15)</div>
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As Jesus put it, the Kingdom of Heaven is like this. The Father is generous with His grace to the 11th hour, wanting all to come and partake in His generosity. Hopefully this doesn't cripple some of us who have dedicated our entire lives to Christ from early on with the complaining and envious spirit that is portrayed in this passage (Matthew 20:11,15). May we ever live with the enjoyment of the Father's great and extravagant grace and acceptance to all who call upon Him, even at the last moments of this earthly existence.</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-42262425563650663982018-01-23T13:40:00.004-06:002018-01-23T13:40:32.056-06:00Psalm 19:12-13 on Confession<div data-block="true" data-editor="19h90" data-offset-key="bdr3b-0-0" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span data-offset-key="bdr3b-0-0" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Psalm 19:12-13 New Century Version (NCV)</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="dgiam-0-0" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">12 </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="b9p59-0-0" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">People cannot see their own mistakes.</span></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fkg70-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; position: relative; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="fkg70-0-0" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> Forgive me for my secret sins.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7rcgs-0-0" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">13 </span></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4o6p0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; position: relative; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="4o6p0-0-0" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Keep me from the sins of pride;</span></span></div>
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<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eqjth-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; position: relative; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="eqjth-0-0" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> don’t let them rule me.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="78n56-0-0" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Then I can be pure</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d9rag-0-0" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"> and innocent of the greatest of sins.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="f4bqr-0-0" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><br data-text="true" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;" /></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2vap8-0-0" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">Let's make sure we examine ourselves as we pray prayers of confession. Not only do we need to be aware of the sins we disobediently commit against God, but even the ones we may be totally unaware of. Ask the Lord to reveal our secret sins for exposure's sake. Then, we can grow in our self-awareness and humble ourselves before the mighty Hand of God. Notice in these two verses that doing this will keep us "pure," and from getting caught up in the "greatest of sins," in other words, big-time mistakes.</span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-27210411361516642702017-09-30T13:07:00.000-05:002017-09-30T13:07:20.696-05:00Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 29
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Chronicles 29</b></div>
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-This is a great climactic chapter that is full of the joy
and generosity of a grateful people with a whole heart after God at the end of
David’s reign over Israel and the beginning of Solomon’s reign, which would
complete the Temple building. The provision had been made by David with great
passion, consideration, and care. And now he was excitedly and prayerfully
turning the project and kingdom over to his son in a releasing of authority.
The LORD was greatly blessed and honored for all that He had done among the
nation and the people. His rightful credit was verified in many different ways.
Gifts were given directly to God for His great Name, His provision, His lasting
authority, His greatness, His power, His glory, His victory, His majesty, His
dominion, His headship, His exaltation, His riches, His honor, His rule, His
might, and His strength (1 Chronicles 29:10-13). God’s abundance and blessing
on an undeserving and sojournering people was realized, and all was now His
because of the people being generous, grateful, and thankful in their gifts of
return (1 Chronicles 29:14-16). They made sacrifices willingly unto their LORD
in celebration and extended honor and homage to both their God and their king,
David. </div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
-After this, Solomon was made king a second time, and he was
anointed ruler over Israel for the LORD (1 Chronicles 29:22). Zadok was made
the priest. Solomon prospered in all he did as king and received the obedience
and allegiance of all the officials, mighty men, and other sons of David (1
Chronicles 29:23-24). Solomon would rise in exaltation in the sight of all
Israel with royal majesty like no other king before him in the land (1
Chronicles 29:25).</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
-David passed away “in a ripe old age, full of days, riches
and honor.” He reigned over Israel for 40 years, 7 in Hebron and 33 in
Jerusalem. Other chronicles from Samuel, Nathan, and Gad were written of him, regarding
“his reign, his power, and the circumstances that came on him, on Israel, and
on all the kingdoms of the lands (1 Chronicles 29:28-30).”</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
-*Application* “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a
disgrace to any people (Proverbs 14:34).” “When the righteous increase, the
people rejoice, but when the wicked man rules, the people groan (Proverbs
29:2).” Thus says the Proverbs, and it is true. Are we seeing rejoicing or
groaning in our nations today? What does that say about our leadership? Pray
for our nations that times of rejoicing may return as God is exalted and
praised. He is deserving and should always be glorified by our rulers and the
populace. This will ensure prosperity and blessing. The other key to this
passage is generosity. Be a cheerful and abundant giver to the work of the LORD
always (2 Corinthians 9:7).</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verse to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 29:9</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-27192749490100650042017-09-29T09:19:00.003-05:002017-09-29T09:19:26.179-05:00Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 28
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Chronicles 28</b></div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
-Now the account of David’s address to all the officials of
Israel and primarily his son, Solomon, who was chosen to be the heir of the
eternal promise of the Kingdom, is given with clarity and boldness. Bullet
points for this meticulous address include:</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
*David’s desire to build a permanent House of rest for the
Ark of the Covenant and his preparations and plans for its building by the
writing of God’s Hand upon him (1 Chronicles 28:2, 11-19).</div>
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*David’s inability to accomplish the building of the Temple
because he was a man of war (1 Chronicles 28:3).</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
*The importance of the lineage and God’s plan through Judah,
David, and Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:4-7a).</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
*The necessity of following the commandments and ordinances
of God for the perpetuation of the Kingdom of Israel (1 Chronicles 28:7b-8).</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
*The importance of knowing God as David did and serving Him “with
a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and
understands every intent of the thoughts (1 Chronicles 28:9).”</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
*The essential nature of seeking after the LORD to find Him
(1 Chronicles 28:9).</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
*The danger of forsaking the LORD because it will lead to
His rejection forever (1 Chronicles 28:9).</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
*The courage, boldness, strength, and action that are needed
for the task of leadership (1 Chronicles 28:10, 20)</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
*The response of fear, discouragement, and feeling dismayed
should never be a part of the Kingdom (1 Chronicles 28:20).</div>
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*The fact that God is always with His anointed, and He will
never fail or forsake His chosen ones in the work (1 Chronicles 28:20). </div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
*David’s divisions of the priests and the Levites for all
the service of the House of God at his son’s command (1 Chronicles 28:21).</div>
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
-*Application* Wholeheartedness for the work of God becomes
a key theme for us here in this passage. The charge is given to us as well in
our generation. The Christian walk revolves around knowing God, keeping His
charge without compromise, having a willing mind that has been transformed and
conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29; 12:1-2), having God’s wisdom,
being steadfast and immoveable (1 Corinthians 15:58), not fearing man,
displaying strength, courage, and boldness in love, and taking action knowing
that God is always with us. What incredible things to meditate on today. The
Word of God in His Bible has complete unity and symmetry does it not?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 28:4, 8-9, 20</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-4011843303373861292017-09-28T09:21:00.002-05:002017-09-28T09:21:33.054-05:00Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 27
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Chronicles 27</b></div>
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-What we see in this chapter are David’s regional leaders,
chief officers over the tribes, and basically what we would call his “cabinet”
in various areas of oversight in the united Kingdom of Israel. One of the interesting
portions of this “team” of the king was his counseling team. His uncle Jonathan
was a man of understanding and also a scribe in his counsel of the king.
Ahithophel also counseled him on various matters. Hushai the Archite was
described simply as a “friend” to the king (1 Chronicles 27:32-33). </div>
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-*Application* Any work of the LORD is never a one man show
as we see in this passage. Israel’s success was not ultimately dependent on
King David. Participation in the work of the Kingdom of God is a must (Philippians
1:5-7). When each person pulls his or her own weight, the team will be
successful and multiply. I watched the Dallas Cowboys in football blow a lead one
time (Oct. 27, 2013 to be exact) in one of the most debilitating comebacks
against them ever. While the offense was good in some ways, their running game
was so poor it could not run out the clock near the end of the game. Then, a
worn and tired defense allowed the opponent to go the length of the field in
less than a minute with the other team having no time outs. The super-star of
the team, wide receiver Dez Bryant, was shown on the sideline arguing with his
teammates in anger and frustration. All his personal accomplishments were for
nothing as his team lost in the battle. Remember the principle, “a chain is
only as strong as its weakest link.” We must build our team, if we are a leader,
with care, boldness, and consideration. Be a team player that is responsible
with the duties that God has given.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verse to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 27:32</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-33594117365963676542017-09-27T13:33:00.002-05:002017-09-27T13:33:37.500-05:00Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 26
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Chronicles 26</b></div>
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-This chapter diagnoses the divisions of the leadership as
far as the gatekeepers in Jerusalem, the Levities who had charge over the
treasures of the House of God, and the ones assigned to outside duties in more
remote parts of the Kingdom of Israel as officers and judges (1 Chronicles
26:1, 20, 29). Most of these names of men and their sons are obscure and
distant to us as New Covenant believers, but their mission was of vital
importance to the times in which they lived under King David. One was described
as “indeed blessed (Obed-edom, 2 Samuel 6:10-12, 1 Chronicles 13:13-14; 26:5).”
Others were mentioned as being “mighty men of valor” and “valiant men (1
Chronicles 26:6-9).”</div>
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-Lots were casted for which gates were to be manned on each
side of the city. To the east and south, there was more natural protection with
the Kidron Valley. To the north a counselor with insight was assigned,
Zechariah (1 Chronicles 26:14). To the west, where the terrain ascends to
greater heights and where there was a highway, they had to have better
buttressing of guards (1 Chronicles 26:16).</div>
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-The treasuries of the nation housed the spoils of war for
the repair of the House of the LORD (1 Chronicles 26:27). These items were
dedicated by former men in the nation’s history with Levites having charge over
these items for their perpetuity.</div>
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-The officers and judges that were assigned outside duties
primarily were concerned with activities to the west of the Jordan River. These
were capable and reliable men who were plentiful in number and were loyal to
the king in all affairs (1 Chronicles 26:29-32).</div>
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-*Application* Again we see the disparity of activities that
are chronicled in this highly successful time of the Kingdom of Israel. We can
relate this to the church in that there are diversities of giftings, but only
one Lord and baptism in which we unite together (1 Corinthians 12:4-14). This
should give us value and importance in the service of the Kingdom. We should
also realize that there is no unimportant part of the ministry of God (1
Corinthians 12:15-26). Therefore, faithfully serve the ultimate King, King
Jesus, in whatever capacity He has uniquely qualified and designated you for in
the work of the Kingdom of God. This will give you fullness of joy, blessing
indeed, a valiant spirit, and great insight to counsel.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verse to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 26:1, 20, 29</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-60513406347895733372017-09-26T09:38:00.000-05:002017-09-26T09:38:01.069-05:00Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 25
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Chronicles 25</b></div>
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-David, along with the commanders of the army, appointed
(separated out) men from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun “to
prophesy with harps, lyres, and cymbals (1 Chronicles 25:1).” Again this was a
service for the House of the LORD under the authority of this earthly king and
the Heavenly Father. They cast lots for their duties, “the small as well as the
great, the teacher as well as the pupil,” for their positions in service (1 Chronicles
25:2-31).</div>
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-*Application* It is interesting that the word “prophesy” is
used for this type of worship. This should set our focus to the fact that music
can speak the Word of God just as effectively as the spoken Word through
proclamation of preaching. Think of the many impactful Christian musicians who
are in the world today spreading the message of the Kingdom of God in powerful
and effective ways. We should never minimize the influence these have on the
awakening of a society and culture. I have often stated that the musicians are
the modern day prophets and evangelists. Agree or disagree? This also should
convict us of what we listen to in our cars as we travel down the road, while
we are working, or whatever. Christian radio indeed has a voice for God, so
listen to it whenever possible rather than secular and worldly trash.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verse to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 25:1</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-61688057630431522302017-09-25T10:08:00.004-05:002017-09-25T10:08:39.106-05:00Bibles Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 24
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<b>Chapter 24</b></div>
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-This chapter lists the divisions of the Levities as they
came into their service in the Temple of God. “These were their offices for
their ministry when they came in to the House of the LORD according to the
ordinances given to them through Aaron their father, just as the LORD God of
Israel had commanded him (1 Chronicles 24:19).” </div>
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-*Application* Every individual has his or her place in the
body of Christ. There is no unimportant part (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12). As
God wills, let Him do His work in you to complete your mission, service,
purpose, and legacy as His child.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verse to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 24:19</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-78129034106512225122017-09-22T10:56:00.000-05:002017-09-22T10:56:06.080-05:00Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 23<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Chronicles 23</b><br />
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-David now in his old age makes Solomon the succeeding king
over the realm of Israel. He gathers the leaders together and consecrated the
work of the priests and Levities over the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem now
that rest had come (1 Chronicles 23:1-25). This was now to be a stable and permanent
place for the LORD to dwell, and assignments were made along the traditional
Levitical lines according to divisions, skills, and talents. These oversaw the
work of the House of the LORD in listed capacities as a service unto God and
His holy worship. They were to keep this charge continually and perpetually day
by day with thanks and praise, morning and evening, new moons, and fixed
festivals (1 Chronicles 23:28-32). </div>
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-*Application* God wants consistency out of us as well. Do
we habitually come to Him every morning to consecrate our own day as a living
sacrifice before Him (Romans 12:1-2)? Remember, we are now the Temple of God
with His Holy Spirit indwelling us as believers (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19, 2
Corinthians 6:16). This is what it means to take up our cross daily, crucify
our own selfishness, and follow Christ Jesus (Matthew 10:38, Luke 9:23, 1
Corinthians 15:31).</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verse to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 23:25</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963115263546836386.post-42692730227043559222017-09-21T10:25:00.002-05:002017-09-21T10:25:58.301-05:00Bible Study Notes in 1 Chronicles- Chapter 22
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Chronicles 22</b></div>
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-Jerusalem becomes the focal point of the worship of the
LORD in Israel at this point and time in history. God’s design for this place
on earth had been previously revealed to His covenant people (God’s provision
and blessing in the binding of Isaac on this Mount Moriah, Genesis 22:1-18, 2
Chronicles 3:1), but now His house would be built as a place of prayer for all
the nations (2 Chronicles 6:33, Isaiah 56:7, Mark 11:17). This has proven to be
true in every sense of the phrase. This is the place where Jesus was crucified
for the sins of the entire world, and the place where He resurrected. It is the
place where the Holy Spirit invaded humanity to indwell us believers as a
fulfillment of the New Covenant (Acts 1:11-2:4). It is the place where the
Messiah will return to earth one day (Zechariah 14:4, Acts 1:11-12).</div>
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-David begins to make intense preparations (1 Chronicles
22:14) for the immense task of building this “exceedingly magnificent, famous
and glorious” place for the LORD’s Spirit to dwell as a witness to all lands (1
Chronicles 22:5). The reason God would not allow David to build the Temple
himself is given in this chapter. David was a man who shed much blood upon the
earth as a man of violence before the LORD. God instead needed a man of peace
and rest (Solomon’s name means “peaceful”) to build His House. In quiet and
reverence, the work of the LORD’s Temple would be completed (1 Chronicles
22:6-9). David gives his son charge over the project and relinquishes control
as a humble servant of the Living God who had given His orders. David speaks
eternal blessing over the work and success of it with warnings about
maintaining discretion, understanding, abiding, and observation of everything
the LORD commands (1 Chronicles 22:10-13a). Strength and courage, like in the
days of Joshua and other great men of God, are extolled by David upon his son,
Solomon. No fear or emotion of dismay was to be a factor in his walk with this
charge (1 Chronicles 22:13b). The purpose for the importance of this work is
described at the end of the chapter. This House was to be a sanctuary (a holy
place, an abode) of the Lord God that would house His Ark of the Covenant and
the holy vessels of God, “for the Name of the LORD (1 Chronicles 22:19).” </div>
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-*Application* There is no doubt that this place was, is,
and will be a consecrated House of worship unto the Maker of the Universe. I have
been to this place and it is the most spiritually powerful place I have ever
experienced. There are no words to describe it. It is also marvelous in our
experience to know that the Holy Spirit makes His Temple in our hearts now as
believers in Christ Jesus. Think about this deeply and bask in His presence
today as a child of the King!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verses to Memorize: 1
Chronicles 22:13, 19</b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Chris Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05023199856260674645noreply@blogger.com0