Today’s reading: Gen 25:1–34, Matt 18:1–35, Eccles 5:12–20

Today’s theme: Depending on God

Today we learn that we should depend on God in humble obedience and submission to His loving care and plan for our life. Our culture hates the idea of having to depend on anyone because of the exalted status of the individual (individualism), but we are called to full dependence and trust in God in the same way our children depend on us.

Genesis 25:1–34

Depend on God

And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. Genesis 25:21 (ESV)

We see two very good things here; firstly, the faith and dependence on God displayed by Isaac and secondly, his love, spiritual covering and care for his wife, as a godly husband.

Don’t sell out to the flesh

Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:33–34 (ESV)

The lesson here is that we should not despise and sell our inheritance and rewards in Christ, to satisfy the cravings of our flesh.

God’s plan and our desires

Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:34 (ESV)

God’s choice of Jacob over Esau was in God’s preordained plan but was also in line with the desires of the two brothers; one seeking the birthright whilst the other did not value it. There is no injustice in God’s plans, He is wise beyond our comprehension.

Matthew 18:1–35

Humility

Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 (ESV)

Genuine humility in both attitude and service, is the pathway to greatness in God’s kingdom. We should all want to be great in Gods eyes (humble, faithful servants).

Hell is eternal

And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. Matthew 18:8 (ESV)

Contrary to the teaching of Jehovah Witnesses and authors like Rob Bell, Jesus clearly taught that hell is eternal.

Be killing sin

And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. Matthew 18:9 (ESV)

Jesus’ point here is not that we should mutilate our bodies, but He uses this picture to help us understand the extent to which we need to resist sin, kill the desire of the flesh, and pursue holiness. Like John Owen said “be killing sin, or sin be killing you”

God’s little ones

So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:14 (ESV)

God will not sit passively and allow those He has lovingly elected and who believe in Him, to go astray permanently and perish. This is why God restores those who belong to Him. We should be grateful for God’s care, concern and faithful protection and patience with us, His little ones.

Show mercy and forgiveness

So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:35 (ESV)

We do not earn God’s favour by showing mercy and granting forgiveness, however, if we do not show mercy and forgiveness then we cannot receive it. This is evidence that we are either going astray or we were never truly converted. We should pursue this “command” to show mercy and forgiveness every day.

Ecclesiastes 5:12–20

True treasure

This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger. Ecclesiastes 5:16–17 (ESV)

We should seek to leave a legacy for our children in this life but most importantly we should build true treasure in heaven.

Joy in God

For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. Ecclesiastes 5:20 (ESV)

Thankfully we now know that the things of this world are not our entire lot, there is also eternal life in heaven. We should enjoy with hearts filled with gratefulness and joy, all that God has given to us in this life. We should find great pleasure in God, He should be our most precious treasure and we should have a richer sense of His blessings all around us and glorify Him for it all.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Ligonier devotions from Matthew 18

Today’s Reading: Gen 24:1–67, Matt 16:1–17:27, Eccles 5:8–11

Today’s Theme: Jesus the Rock

Today we see some really important lessons including God’s providence and care for His people. One of the most important things we see is the revelation of exactly who Jesus is and a confession of this fact. We also see Jesus function as the Rock and foundation upon which the true church is built.

Genesis 24:1–67

God’s providence

and said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.” Then the young woman ran and told her mother’s household about these things. Genesis 24:27–28 (ESV)

A great account of God’s providence that should strengthen our faith and lead us to worship.

Do not procrastinate

But he said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.” Genesis 24:56 (ESV)

In light of Gods providence and provision we should not procrastinate.

Matthew 16:1–17:27

Have high quality faith

An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed. Matthew 16:4 (ESV)

We should not need signs to believe God, we should have the high quality of faith that takes Him at his word. Faith that requires a sign or miracle in order to believe, is weaker, immature and in some cases, is not faith at all.

False teaching is dangerous

Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:12 (ESV)

Beware of false and erroneous teaching, it is dangerous and Jesus tells us to be aware of it and avoid it.

Who Jesus is

Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (ESV)

A definitive statement on who Jesus is. Pamela Suran taught us that using this full title of Jesus is very important.

Jesus is the Rock

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (ESV)

The ‘rock’ is not Peter but is the confession that Peter made saying; Jesus is “The Christ, the Son of the living God”, the core and principle doctrine for our faith.. Jesus was calling Himself the rock on which the church would be built.

Binding and loosing

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 (ESV)

The amplified bible is useful here; as God’s people we declare what has already been done in heaven, we have authority because we confirm the work of the kingdom. We accomplish this binding and loosing most clearly by proclaiming the Gospel and living and praying in accordance to God’s will, revealed in His word.

Payment is coming

For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Matthew 16:27 (ESV)

Payment is coming, let’s work accordingly

The Trinity

He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Matthew 17:5 (ESV)

The Father’s testimony and command concerning His Son, Jesus. This is further evidence of the nature of the Trinity. The Modalism of Oneness Pentecostals and others who say that there is no Trinity, but that it is God the Father changing form as Father, then as Son, then as Spirit, is wrong.

God’s provision

However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” Matthew 17:27 (ESV)

This actually happened but is also symbolic of the supernatural provision God makes available for us.

Ecclesiastes 5:8–11

Enough

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Ecclesiastes 5:10–11 (ESV)

We should ask God to search our hearts, it is easy to get caught up in the materialism and constant dissatisfaction of our age and culture. We need a renewed understanding of enough, contentment, gratitude and generosity, when it comes to money.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Tabletalk Magazine on Matthew 16

Today’s reading: Gen 21:22–23:20, Matt 15:1–39, Eccles 5:1–7

Today’s theme: Jesus the Lamb of God

Today we see one of the greatest Old Testament prophecies concerning Jesus as the Lamb of God. Isaac and the Ram both represent Jesus who died on the cross for us.

Genesis 21:22–23:20

Eternal God

Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. Genesis 21:33 (ESV)

Our God (Father, Son and Spirit) had no beginning and will have no end, God is everlasting, what an awesome attribute which belongs to God alone.

Isaac points to Jesus

And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. Genesis 22:6 (ESV)

While this is a factual account, like much of the old testament we see a shadow here too. Isaac foreshadows Christ as the sacrifice for our sins and the wood for the sacrifice is in place of the cross Jesus bore.

The Lord provided himself as a lamb

So Abraham called the name of that place, “The LORD will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided.” Genesis 22:14 (ESV)

…. and the Lord did provide, on the same mountain Jesus was provided as the substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for the many who would put their faith in him.

Matthew 15:1–39

God above tradition

he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. Matthew 15:6 (ESV)

All our traditions and cultural ways must be subject to the truth and authority of God’s word and not directly or subtly against it. Lord keep us from man centered thinking, help us to treasure you and your word above everything.

We need new hearts

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.” Matthew 15:19–20 (ESV)

This is why we need new hearts through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. We must be born again and then continually transformed by the renewing of our minds in Christ.

Ecclesiastes 5:1–7

Just say yes or no

Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? Ecclesiastes 5:6 (ESV)

This is why Jesus taught us that our communication should simply be a straight yes or no, we should not bind ourselves with vows that we may not be able to keep

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Ligonier resources on Matthew 15

Desiring God resources on Matthew 15

Today’s reading: Gen 19:30–21:21, Matt 13:44–14:36, Eccles 4:8–16

Today’s theme: With everything

Today we see that God is always in control as the sovereign ruler over all. There is a lesson in the parable about the pearl of great price, we should give our all to loving and serving God with everything.

Genesis 19:30–21:21

God is in control

Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her. Genesis 20:6 (ESV)

Even during Abraham’s lack of faith, God remained in sovereign control of the situation by keeping the king from sinning.

Matthew 13:44–14:36

Serve with everything

who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:46 (ESV)

As disciples of Jesus Christ we should serve God with everything, do not hold anything back.

The word received and shared

Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. Matthew 14:19–20 (ESV)

This is an amazing miracle, it is also a picture of how our leaders receive God’s word and pass it on to us, without this we would not be truly satisfied in God.

The deity of Christ

And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:33 (ESV)

A clear biblical account of the deity of Christ and Him receiving worship.

Ecclesiastes 4:8–16

Active fellowship

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (ESV)

None of us should be isolated, we should all engage in active fellowship, agreement in prayer and work for the Lord.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

With Everything (Song)

Today’s reading: Gen 18:1–19:29, Matt 13:1–43, Eccles 4:1–7

Today’s theme: Be fruitful

We have lots of good lessons in today’s reading. We see evidence of the Trinity in the Old Testament (OT) as well as the life lesson that cowardly compromise will never end well for us. The most important lesson comes in the parable of the soils where Jesus exhorts us to be firm, steadfast and fruitful.

We should give God thanks for revealing the truth to us and helping our roots go down deep. This will enable us to persevere and actively bear fruit to God’s glory and our joy.

Set your mind to be fruitful this year.

Genesis 18:1–19:29

Jesus in the Old Testament

and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Genesis 18:3 (ESV)

Abraham calls the leader Adonai. This is an Old Testament appearance of The Word, The Son, The Lord, later incarnated as Jesus The Christ.

This is what theologians call a theophany. It is when God appears in human form in the OT. This is a great point to raise when witnessing to Jews and others who honour the OT, to explain that Jesus is God, distinct from the Father and the Holy Spirit meaning that God is a trinity.

Don’t be a coward

Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof.” Genesis 19:8 (ESV)

Lot was a cowardly man who sought to compromise with the evil men of Sodom by giving them his daughters.

Cowardly compromise and appeasement with the wicked will only come back to harm us. This was the case with Lot and his daughters. As a dad he should have been their guide, covering and protection.

Have faith in God

Behold, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there—is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved!” Genesis 19:20 (ESV)

This is again indicative of the cowardice, fear, compromise and lack of faith in Lot’s life. We should not be like this but boldly follow the Lord all the way with lion hearts. We were encouraged to do this at the men’s prayer gathering yesterday evening.

Matthew 13:1–43

Praise God for revelation

And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. Matthew 13:11 (ESV)

We should not take the fact that we understand the gospel and the teaching of Jesus for granted. Our ability to know the truth is a gracious gift given to us by God as his elect. We should give thanks and praise to God!

Apply yourself to studying and living God’s word

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. Matthew 13:19 (ESV)

This is why we should apply ourselves to reading and thinking about God’s word and giving thanks for our Pastors. They labour in the word and prayer so that we might understand the word and not be beaten by the enemy.

Be fruitful

As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:23 (ESV)

Understanding the Word is so important if we want to be fruitful.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

The following articles are from Tabletalk magazine on Matthew 13
The Good Soil
The Thorns
The Wayside and the Rocks
Grace Alone