SCRIPTURE
Matthew 7:12-14
"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
LANGUAGE
Vs 12 Wish θέλω thelō; to determine, choose or prefer (literally or figuratively); by implication, to wish, i.e. be inclined to (sometimes adverbially, gladly); impersonally for the future tense, to be about to; by Hebraism, to delight in: — desire, be disposed (forward), intend, list, love, mean, please, have rather, (be) will (have, -ling, - ling(-ly)).
COMMENTS
This is so not us. I was walking out of the store today, and someone called out, "Sir!" I looked to see someone picking up some money. I immediately thought, "Do they think that is mine?" I even checked my pockets as if to see if there was money missing, but I had paid by credit card and had no cash in my pockets. Just wishful thinking. Turned out that the money belonged to the one picking it up, and another person thought I might have dropped it.
But there was that immediate reaction I had, was the money mine? Had I dropped some and did not even recognize it. It was only a few dollars, but would I have taken it if offered?
Do what you wish (desire) others would to do for you. The person who saw the money fall did that. Rather than try to pick it up, she got my attention before I walked out the door. Did she have a moment of temptation to grab it for herself? This is so not most people. But again, it speaks to the kind of person Jesus was talking about in the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. The humble, righteousness loving, God pursuing person. Looking out for the good of others because I would hope that others are looking out for the good of me. Its a narrow road. Its a small percentage of people who actually get and live this. That is what Jesus is saying. The other gate, the gate that takes the money, that looks for its own good, that road is wide and easy. But the destination is not our destination.
If you want to get to your destination, you have to take the road that leads you there, and not necessarily the road that is the smoothest, prettiest, or widest.
SIDE NOTE
Ever see the Seinfeld episode where Kramer is taking care of a section of the highway? So one thing he does is to take the four lane road, and paint out some of the lines to make it a two lane road, where the lanes are wide and luxurious. Imagine the chaos when all of a sudden 4 lanes are down to 2. Maybe that is part of the danger of the wide road. Yes, there is more room, but you are sharing it with more people. And maybe some shady ones at that.
Friday, February 28, 2020
Don't judge this post - Matthew 7:1-6
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 7:1-6
LANGUAGE
Vs. 1 judge - κρίνω krinō; properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish: — avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
Vs. 2 measure - μέτρον metron; an apparently primary word; a measure (“metre”), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree): — measure.
COMMENTS
This is an interesting section, and often misused to try to show that we should not judge the actions of others. But the Bible is clear in other places that there are certain areas where judging is essential. Like when Paul told the Corinthians to expel an immoral brother (1 Corinthians 5), or in Galatians where Paul confronts those preaching another gospel.
So what exactly is Jesus saying here? He is not talking about judging a sin, but rather judging a sinner. Some things are wrong and should not be tolerated in the church. People should be called out and told to stop such behavior. Pick one, drug use, spousal abuse, alcoholism, adultery, and more. We need to let people know that these are not acceptable. But those who do such things are not above forgiveness. The man who abuses his wife comes in, confesses his sin, and pleads for forgiveness. If we refuse, then that measure of refusal will be given to us. Reminds me of the idea of "you who is without sin, cast the first stone." (John 8:7)
Again, I look to the context of this message to seek an interpretation. The message is about how WE should live: humble, meek, thirsting for righteousness. Not being the hammer of judgement on the world, but proclaiming the Gospel of God's grace over such things. We are not the condemners.
I am not saying that we turn a blind eye to sin. By no means. I am saying that we first and foremost deal with our own behavior, our own repentance, our own salvation, and we let others deal with theirs. If they are to be honest, they will know what God wants from them. If they are not to be honest, then it won't likely make a difference. Perhaps at this point we even need to break our fellowship with them. But not in a superior or arrogant manner, just letting them know that we cannot participate or support such behavior.
I think if more Christians approached their witness from a humble aspect, their message just might be heard a little clearer.
MY STORY
I came to a church in Junior High that had an active youth program. They had a choir, went on trips, had activities, and more. I came from a Catholic background, not attending Catholic church, but knowing that I was Catholic. I had not been to mass since probably 4th grade. My parents were not church-goers. They had alcohol at their gatherings. I was first generation German-American, I grew up around beer. We were going on a youth trip to Florida. I brought my Budweiser sun hat. Never occurred to me that this was a no-no. After the trip, I heard the youth pastor talking to someone. He was talking about the trip and discussing issues that occurred. He said, "One of the kids even brought a Budweiser hat." That's when it hit me that that was not acceptable. I am not sure he knew I heard, or if he remembered I was the one who brought it. Perhaps so, maybe. But I felt shamed and judged. No one at any time pulled be aside to suggest that that hat might be sending a wrong message. I wondered how many others thought poorly of me for bringing it. I meant nothing by it, to me it was not an issue. It could have been handled so differently. I was not a obstinate child. But I did learn something that day. I learned how important it was to judge the actions of others.
Matthew 7:1-6
LANGUAGE
Vs. 1 judge - κρίνω krinō; properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish: — avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.
Vs. 2 measure - μέτρον metron; an apparently primary word; a measure (“metre”), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree): — measure.
COMMENTS
This is an interesting section, and often misused to try to show that we should not judge the actions of others. But the Bible is clear in other places that there are certain areas where judging is essential. Like when Paul told the Corinthians to expel an immoral brother (1 Corinthians 5), or in Galatians where Paul confronts those preaching another gospel.
So what exactly is Jesus saying here? He is not talking about judging a sin, but rather judging a sinner. Some things are wrong and should not be tolerated in the church. People should be called out and told to stop such behavior. Pick one, drug use, spousal abuse, alcoholism, adultery, and more. We need to let people know that these are not acceptable. But those who do such things are not above forgiveness. The man who abuses his wife comes in, confesses his sin, and pleads for forgiveness. If we refuse, then that measure of refusal will be given to us. Reminds me of the idea of "you who is without sin, cast the first stone." (John 8:7)
Again, I look to the context of this message to seek an interpretation. The message is about how WE should live: humble, meek, thirsting for righteousness. Not being the hammer of judgement on the world, but proclaiming the Gospel of God's grace over such things. We are not the condemners.
I am not saying that we turn a blind eye to sin. By no means. I am saying that we first and foremost deal with our own behavior, our own repentance, our own salvation, and we let others deal with theirs. If they are to be honest, they will know what God wants from them. If they are not to be honest, then it won't likely make a difference. Perhaps at this point we even need to break our fellowship with them. But not in a superior or arrogant manner, just letting them know that we cannot participate or support such behavior.
I think if more Christians approached their witness from a humble aspect, their message just might be heard a little clearer.
MY STORY
I came to a church in Junior High that had an active youth program. They had a choir, went on trips, had activities, and more. I came from a Catholic background, not attending Catholic church, but knowing that I was Catholic. I had not been to mass since probably 4th grade. My parents were not church-goers. They had alcohol at their gatherings. I was first generation German-American, I grew up around beer. We were going on a youth trip to Florida. I brought my Budweiser sun hat. Never occurred to me that this was a no-no. After the trip, I heard the youth pastor talking to someone. He was talking about the trip and discussing issues that occurred. He said, "One of the kids even brought a Budweiser hat." That's when it hit me that that was not acceptable. I am not sure he knew I heard, or if he remembered I was the one who brought it. Perhaps so, maybe. But I felt shamed and judged. No one at any time pulled be aside to suggest that that hat might be sending a wrong message. I wondered how many others thought poorly of me for bringing it. I meant nothing by it, to me it was not an issue. It could have been handled so differently. I was not a obstinate child. But I did learn something that day. I learned how important it was to judge the actions of others.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
This.Is.A.Tough.One - Mattew 6:25-33
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 6:25-34
LANGUAGE
Vs. 25 anxious - take thought of
Vs 33 seek - worship God (good sense) plot against (bad sense)
COMMENT
I know that many people deal with heavy loads of anxiety, some even needing counseling, medication, or both to deal with the effects. So to say, "Just don't do it." seems a bit harsh. How do you stop an emotion? How do soldiers or others with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) just stop being anxious? Outside of a direct intervention from God, I do not think it possible.
So how do I interpret this verse? First, I draw distinctions between emotions and choices. Anxiety is an emotional response. But we have some control over our thoughts, or what we take thought of. A parent hears that their child has been in an accident. They cannot help but worry about the condition of their child. But they can choose to believe that God is in control, and regardless of the outcome, they can trust in Him.
So now, rather than felling guilty because something has caused me to feel anxious, I can recognize the emotion and "take every thought captive" instead of letting those thoughts captivate me. (1 Cor. 10:5) Jesus then gives examples to show this idea. Worried about life? Look at the birds. See how God cares for them and recognize He cares much more for you. Look at the flowers. They don't work or toil, yet their beauty abound. If God cares over the flowers, how much more will be provide for you? What good does your worrying do? Does it add to your life at all? No! I believe Jesus says these things to show us how to respond to anxiety rather than to guilt us because of feeling anxiety.
He wraps it up showing us what is important, and that is to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first. Go back to the beginning of the sermon. Think of the beatitudes, which I believe are the foundation for each of the subsequent teachings. Being humble, mourning, poor in spirit, meek, pure in heart. These can be summed up in the idea of worship, with worship being the idea that we cannot achieve salvation of any kind on our own, therefore God must be first. God does not command our worship because He needs it, He does it because we need it. Do you want to have all things added to you? Then worship God. No, not necessarily health and wealth, but peace and joy. Don't worry about tomorrow, let tomorrow worry about itself. And that can only happen when we stop trying to control every outcome, and worship the one who can control every outcome.
Matthew 6:25-34
LANGUAGE
Vs. 25 anxious - take thought of
Vs 33 seek - worship God (good sense) plot against (bad sense)
COMMENT
I know that many people deal with heavy loads of anxiety, some even needing counseling, medication, or both to deal with the effects. So to say, "Just don't do it." seems a bit harsh. How do you stop an emotion? How do soldiers or others with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) just stop being anxious? Outside of a direct intervention from God, I do not think it possible.
So how do I interpret this verse? First, I draw distinctions between emotions and choices. Anxiety is an emotional response. But we have some control over our thoughts, or what we take thought of. A parent hears that their child has been in an accident. They cannot help but worry about the condition of their child. But they can choose to believe that God is in control, and regardless of the outcome, they can trust in Him.
So now, rather than felling guilty because something has caused me to feel anxious, I can recognize the emotion and "take every thought captive" instead of letting those thoughts captivate me. (1 Cor. 10:5) Jesus then gives examples to show this idea. Worried about life? Look at the birds. See how God cares for them and recognize He cares much more for you. Look at the flowers. They don't work or toil, yet their beauty abound. If God cares over the flowers, how much more will be provide for you? What good does your worrying do? Does it add to your life at all? No! I believe Jesus says these things to show us how to respond to anxiety rather than to guilt us because of feeling anxiety.
He wraps it up showing us what is important, and that is to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first. Go back to the beginning of the sermon. Think of the beatitudes, which I believe are the foundation for each of the subsequent teachings. Being humble, mourning, poor in spirit, meek, pure in heart. These can be summed up in the idea of worship, with worship being the idea that we cannot achieve salvation of any kind on our own, therefore God must be first. God does not command our worship because He needs it, He does it because we need it. Do you want to have all things added to you? Then worship God. No, not necessarily health and wealth, but peace and joy. Don't worry about tomorrow, let tomorrow worry about itself. And that can only happen when we stop trying to control every outcome, and worship the one who can control every outcome.
Monday, February 24, 2020
The Truth of the Matter
Yesterday our study in the books of John, by Dr. Tony Evans, concluded with the book of Third John. Evans spoke a lot about truth, which I find ironic, because he apparently denies the doctrine of original sin and also believe that Jesus is not the only way to God. At least, that is what the internet says, so it must be true.
Book of 3 John
Our leader asked a question during the lesson, "What is truth?" Answers were vague and the expected Sunday School answer to almost every question was given, "Jesus." Yes, Jesus is the truth, but I do not think that is what John is referring to. In fact, in verse 2 when John says, "I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul," I am not sure that John is referring to physical health here. The word translated "well" here directly applies to health, but it also states that it figuratively applies to sound doctrine. Perhaps John is referring to both, but since he speaks so much about truth in this short letter, I tend to think the emphasis would be on the latter.
So what is truth? I believe John is referring to sound teaching, doctrine. I go back to the book of Galatians, where some came in who were teaching the necessity of circumcision. They too, like Diotrophes in 3 John, were strong men who apparently like to put themselves first. Paul has strong words for them, going as far as to say, "I with those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves." (Galatians 5:12) In Galatians, it is clear that Paul is battling a teaching that said that in addition to faith, certain requirements must be met. Perhaps John is combating a similar idea. Or maybe it is just that this person is stirring up dissension through other means. Whatever the case, truth is obviously important to John. And finding out and following the truth should be just as important to us. Getting into the word of God, and not just trusting others, even if those others seem important or righteous, does not remove the burden of our individual responsibility. With so many different opinions out there, it just makes sense to check things out for yourself.
Book of 3 John
Our leader asked a question during the lesson, "What is truth?" Answers were vague and the expected Sunday School answer to almost every question was given, "Jesus." Yes, Jesus is the truth, but I do not think that is what John is referring to. In fact, in verse 2 when John says, "I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul," I am not sure that John is referring to physical health here. The word translated "well" here directly applies to health, but it also states that it figuratively applies to sound doctrine. Perhaps John is referring to both, but since he speaks so much about truth in this short letter, I tend to think the emphasis would be on the latter.
So what is truth? I believe John is referring to sound teaching, doctrine. I go back to the book of Galatians, where some came in who were teaching the necessity of circumcision. They too, like Diotrophes in 3 John, were strong men who apparently like to put themselves first. Paul has strong words for them, going as far as to say, "I with those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves." (Galatians 5:12) In Galatians, it is clear that Paul is battling a teaching that said that in addition to faith, certain requirements must be met. Perhaps John is combating a similar idea. Or maybe it is just that this person is stirring up dissension through other means. Whatever the case, truth is obviously important to John. And finding out and following the truth should be just as important to us. Getting into the word of God, and not just trusting others, even if those others seem important or righteous, does not remove the burden of our individual responsibility. With so many different opinions out there, it just makes sense to check things out for yourself.
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Fire Insurance - Matthew 6:19-21
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
LANGUAGE
Vs 19 Treasure - a deposit, wealth
Vs 20 Lay up - amass, store
Vs 21 Heart - thoughts and feelings
COMMENT
Faith is not merely intellectual assent. I do not buy into the idea that believing in God is "fire insurance" to get me to heaven. Even though this passage seems to refer to the idea of wealth or possessions, I think it can be extended to the idea of our souls as well. The first idea is obvious to me, that if we cling to money or possessions, that is where our loyalty will lie. The second takes a bit more thought. That if I try to "buy" my way into heaven with a head that says I believe but that does not affect my heart, I am only fooling myself, a certainly not God. If my treasure is the salvation of my soul without a love for the Savior of my soul, I am missing the point. If my treasure is my preservation, then my actions will follow suit. This is probably a big reason the Prosperity Gospel has so many followers, you get both! You get riches now, or at least the promise that God wants you to be rich, and you get the salvation of your eternal soul. I don't think it works that way, and I think many in the Bible would agree: John the Baptist, Moses, Peter and the rest of the disciples, Stephen, Samson, the Prophets (for some reason Amos especially comes to mind).
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 12:35
The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
Matthew 13:44
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
Mark 10:21
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Luke 12:33
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
LANGUAGE
Vs 19 Treasure - a deposit, wealth
Vs 20 Lay up - amass, store
Vs 21 Heart - thoughts and feelings
COMMENT
Faith is not merely intellectual assent. I do not buy into the idea that believing in God is "fire insurance" to get me to heaven. Even though this passage seems to refer to the idea of wealth or possessions, I think it can be extended to the idea of our souls as well. The first idea is obvious to me, that if we cling to money or possessions, that is where our loyalty will lie. The second takes a bit more thought. That if I try to "buy" my way into heaven with a head that says I believe but that does not affect my heart, I am only fooling myself, a certainly not God. If my treasure is the salvation of my soul without a love for the Savior of my soul, I am missing the point. If my treasure is my preservation, then my actions will follow suit. This is probably a big reason the Prosperity Gospel has so many followers, you get both! You get riches now, or at least the promise that God wants you to be rich, and you get the salvation of your eternal soul. I don't think it works that way, and I think many in the Bible would agree: John the Baptist, Moses, Peter and the rest of the disciples, Stephen, Samson, the Prophets (for some reason Amos especially comes to mind).
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 12:35
The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
Matthew 13:44
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
Mark 10:21
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."
Luke 12:33
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Prayer - Matthew 6:5-14
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 6:5-14
LANGUAGE
Vs 5 hypocrites - actor under an assumed character
Vs 6 secret - private, inwardly
COMMENTS
I find it interesting that when Jesus tells them how to pray, His first instruction is to not be like the hypocrites, using the same word He used in verse 2 when talking about doing your righteous deeds for show. Perhaps the same idea continues. Don't pray for show, thinking that God somehow owes you a response just because you pray to Him.
But when you do pray, don't do it to be seen (and praised) by others. Do it privately, because God will hear that prayer. Don't think your prayers have to be long to be effective. God knows what you need before you even ask. Now this brings up an interesting point. If God knows, why ask? My opinion? Look at the example prayer Jesus gives. It is not about a wish list of items, but rather is about the truth of who God is. It leads to worship. It leads to change our our part. How can you honestly say, "God forgive me as I forgive others," when you do not forgive?
What of that statement? Will God not forgive me if I don't forgive others? Sometimes forgiveness is hard. Sometimes it takes time. We are only human. I don't think this is a tit-for-tat statement, telling us that if we lack any forgiveness, God will not forgive us. I could be wrong. But rather, this is a statement causing us to check our hearts. If there is someone we have not forgiven, what are we doing to work on that? Do we feel the weight that unforgiveness is putting on us, on our relationship with others, on our relationship with God?
If God knows, why pray? Because it leads to worship. Worship God because of who he is, not what he gives or what you expect. This flies in the face of prosperity and most of what is preached and taught today.
V9 - Hallowed - Holy. Do we see God as Sovereign and holy first and foremost?
V10 - Do we pray for His will and His ways to be accomplished. If we bring a request, do we consider its place in the kingdom and His will?
V11 - Give us what we need. But if our eyes are fixed on heaven, even life itself is not a necessity.
V12 - Forgive us as we forgive others. Do we even realize what this means? That we are praying "God, don't forgive me if I don't forgive others?"Wow!
V13 - Lead us not into temptation (because we know we are weak), but deliver us from evil (because our souls are in your control)
I think I need to retool my prayer life.
Matthew 6:5-14
LANGUAGE
Vs 5 hypocrites - actor under an assumed character
Vs 6 secret - private, inwardly
COMMENTS
I find it interesting that when Jesus tells them how to pray, His first instruction is to not be like the hypocrites, using the same word He used in verse 2 when talking about doing your righteous deeds for show. Perhaps the same idea continues. Don't pray for show, thinking that God somehow owes you a response just because you pray to Him.
But when you do pray, don't do it to be seen (and praised) by others. Do it privately, because God will hear that prayer. Don't think your prayers have to be long to be effective. God knows what you need before you even ask. Now this brings up an interesting point. If God knows, why ask? My opinion? Look at the example prayer Jesus gives. It is not about a wish list of items, but rather is about the truth of who God is. It leads to worship. It leads to change our our part. How can you honestly say, "God forgive me as I forgive others," when you do not forgive?
What of that statement? Will God not forgive me if I don't forgive others? Sometimes forgiveness is hard. Sometimes it takes time. We are only human. I don't think this is a tit-for-tat statement, telling us that if we lack any forgiveness, God will not forgive us. I could be wrong. But rather, this is a statement causing us to check our hearts. If there is someone we have not forgiven, what are we doing to work on that? Do we feel the weight that unforgiveness is putting on us, on our relationship with others, on our relationship with God?
If God knows, why pray? Because it leads to worship. Worship God because of who he is, not what he gives or what you expect. This flies in the face of prosperity and most of what is preached and taught today.
V9 - Hallowed - Holy. Do we see God as Sovereign and holy first and foremost?
V10 - Do we pray for His will and His ways to be accomplished. If we bring a request, do we consider its place in the kingdom and His will?
V11 - Give us what we need. But if our eyes are fixed on heaven, even life itself is not a necessity.
V12 - Forgive us as we forgive others. Do we even realize what this means? That we are praying "God, don't forgive me if I don't forgive others?"Wow!
V13 - Lead us not into temptation (because we know we are weak), but deliver us from evil (because our souls are in your control)
I think I need to retool my prayer life.
Friday, February 21, 2020
Giving - Matthew 6:1-3
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 6:1-3
LANGUAGE
Vs 1 practicing - among other thoughts, lay in wait, do.
Vs 1 righteousness - equity of character
Vs 1 reward - pay for services, wages
Vs 2 give - same word as practicing (Vs 1)
Vs 2 hypocrites - actor under an assumed character
COMMENT
It is not the action, but the intent that drives the reward. When we see someone as being generous, we tend to think of them as a good person. However, that may be their intent, and if so, are they really good? Or are they using someone's unfortunate circumstance and their own fortunate circumstance to elevate people's opinions of them? Marching down the street, throwing money to the crowd. Everyone applauds and praises the individual. But that is where the reward ends. A blind man sits on the street. A man conspicuously pulls out his wallet and drops in several bills of various denominations. The crowd smiles and nods to the man. But that is where the reward ends.
Christians are to give with a cheerful heart. If your giving is not recognized and applauded, and you are disappointed, my guess is your reward ends there.
I find the phrase in verse 1 interesting, "practicing you righteousness." If your righteousness has to be practiced, perhaps it is not righteousness at all. If you see someone in need, and your response is to think of how your reaction will reflect on you rather than on how it will help the one in need, perhaps it is too late. I again turn to the idea of living a repentant life rather than seeing repentance as a action we do at a point in time to achieve salvation. When we see a need, do we feel compassion? Do we feel the compassion that Jesus had for us when He gave us salvation? If that is not what drives our response, then I question the motive.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) tells us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices in view of God's mercy. In other words, seeing how merciful God is in what He has done through Christ, our only acceptable reaction would be to serve and worship Him.
I find it interesting that the word practicing and the word give are the same words. I like the idea of laying in wait. One lays in wait to glorify self, while the other lays in wait, or looks for opportunities to glorify God. The one who glories self is the actor, playing the part of the righteous or religious person. The other is the real deal.
Other related stories: Pharisee and Publican, Good Samaritan
Matthew 6:1-3
LANGUAGE
Vs 1 practicing - among other thoughts, lay in wait, do.
Vs 1 righteousness - equity of character
Vs 1 reward - pay for services, wages
Vs 2 give - same word as practicing (Vs 1)
Vs 2 hypocrites - actor under an assumed character
COMMENT
It is not the action, but the intent that drives the reward. When we see someone as being generous, we tend to think of them as a good person. However, that may be their intent, and if so, are they really good? Or are they using someone's unfortunate circumstance and their own fortunate circumstance to elevate people's opinions of them? Marching down the street, throwing money to the crowd. Everyone applauds and praises the individual. But that is where the reward ends. A blind man sits on the street. A man conspicuously pulls out his wallet and drops in several bills of various denominations. The crowd smiles and nods to the man. But that is where the reward ends.
Christians are to give with a cheerful heart. If your giving is not recognized and applauded, and you are disappointed, my guess is your reward ends there.
I find the phrase in verse 1 interesting, "practicing you righteousness." If your righteousness has to be practiced, perhaps it is not righteousness at all. If you see someone in need, and your response is to think of how your reaction will reflect on you rather than on how it will help the one in need, perhaps it is too late. I again turn to the idea of living a repentant life rather than seeing repentance as a action we do at a point in time to achieve salvation. When we see a need, do we feel compassion? Do we feel the compassion that Jesus had for us when He gave us salvation? If that is not what drives our response, then I question the motive.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) tells us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices in view of God's mercy. In other words, seeing how merciful God is in what He has done through Christ, our only acceptable reaction would be to serve and worship Him.
I find it interesting that the word practicing and the word give are the same words. I like the idea of laying in wait. One lays in wait to glorify self, while the other lays in wait, or looks for opportunities to glorify God. The one who glories self is the actor, playing the part of the righteous or religious person. The other is the real deal.
Other related stories: Pharisee and Publican, Good Samaritan
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