Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 6

Matthew 6

-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).

-*Application* 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.

-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).

*Application* 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).

-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). *Application* 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.

-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).

-*Application* 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?

Verses to Memorize: Matthew 6:3, 9-13, 19-21, 33

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 5

Matthew 5

-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).

-*Application* 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.

-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).

-*Application* 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.

-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).

-*Application* 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).

Verses to Memorize: Matthew 5:10, 16

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 4

Matthew 4

-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 every 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.

-*Application* 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).

-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).

-*Application* 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.).

-How awesome it is to realize that after the temptation and struggle the ministering angels were there (Matthew 4:11).

-*Application* 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.

-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).

 *Application* 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.

Verse to Memorize: Matthew 4:11

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 3

Matthew 3

-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).

-*Application* 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.

-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).

-*Application* 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.

-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).

-*Application* 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.

Verses to Memorize: Matthew 3:16-17

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 2

Matthew 2

-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).

-*Application* 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.

-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.

-*Application* 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.

-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). *Application* 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.

-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).

-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).”

-*Application* 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.

-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).

-*Application* 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.

-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.

-*Application* 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).

-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 (Isaiah 11:1. The word there is Netzar, which signifies either a branch, or the city of Nazareth; in being raised in that city, 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.

-*Application* 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.

Verses to Memorize: Matthew 2:11, 14, 16, 19, 23

Bible Study Notes in Matthew- Chapter 1

Matthew 1

-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.

-*Application* 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.

-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).

-*Application* 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!

Verses to Memorize: Matthew 1:17, 21

Proverbs 23:23- Truth, Wisdom, Instruction, and Understanding

Learn (buy, possess) the truth and never reject (sale) it. Get wisdom, self-control (instruction), and understanding. Proverbs 23:23

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!