50. The birds of
heaven- Matt. 6:25-34, Luke 12:22-34
-Jesus deals with the essence of the problem of worry in
this passage. It is little 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
(Luke 12:33). *Application* Where our treasure is, there will our heart be also.
Invest in the things of God’s Kingdom and quit worrying about the mundane
things of this earth. God will take care of you. Have the faith that He desires
and requires for your contentment and peace of mind. God is able. Do you trust
Him?
Verse to Memorize-
Matthew 6:33
51. Discourse on
judging- Matt. 7:1-5, Luke 6:41-42
-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 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 or their natural instincts (Deuteronomy
14:8, Proverbs 26:11). *Application* 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 your righteous teaching to faithful
people who will teach others in an ongoing progression after you 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 in blood.
Verse to Memorize-
Matthew 7:1
52. Discourse on the
two ways- Matt. 7:13-27
-Again we see the authority of Jesus in His teaching here.
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 of an
inward reality). 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). *Application* Build your house
(life) upon the rock (Jesus, the firm foundation, 2 Timothy 2:19). His anchor
holds and will keep you safe in His security leading you home to be with Him in
paradise in the end (Hebrews 6:19).
Verse to Memorize-
Matthew 7:21
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