Posts Tagged ‘ Bible reading ’

VerseD: Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12, ESV

The Bible is written, but it came through the Holy Spirit who points us to Christ and our sinfulness, thus our need for Christ.

Turn to Christ.

VerseD: Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us

Ephesians 3:20, ESV

God’s Word empowers us to share the Gospel and be a part of changing lives for eternity.

Carry His Word in your heart and to the world, trusting Him to guide you.

VerseD: Isaiah 40:8

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:8, ESV

This world will not last forever, but the eternal truth of God’s Word will never fade or disappear. Trust God.

Sermon on the Mount study notes: Matthew 6:25-34

I have started a small group series on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). I am sharing my notes in case anyone else wants to use them with their group. [Reminder that these are only notes!]

Sermon on the Mount – Part 11

Matthew 5:1-2:
Jesus wants to teach the crowds: Who are they? Jewish disciples: People who understand the
Scriptures (at least to a point). Notice from 7:28 the crowds still came along, but this teaching is for His disciples.

What does “blessed” mean?
Based on the first twelve verses, blessed means realizing our own wretchedness and need for a Savior. In other words, it is becoming/being a Christian.

What was discussed last time?

  • Where we store our riches
  • Inner darkness vs. light
    • Is our focus on the Kingdom or ourselves?
    • Are we listening to/teaching selfish, worldly teachings?
  • We can’t serve two masters.

Matthew 6:25:
“Therefore …”: Jesus has been leading to a point in this chapter:

  • We give to those in need
  • We fast and pray
  • We do it all to focus on God and His Kingdom

Since we are focusing on God:

  • Why should we worry?
    • Food
    • Water
    • Clothes

Matthew 6:26-32:
We get a mini-lesson on why not to worry:

  • Birds of the air
    • Psalm 147:9 (see vv. 7-11)
    • Job 38:41
  • Solomon and flowers
  • If these can be clothed so beautifully, yet …
    • Isaiah 40:8, 61:10-11
      • We are reminded that nothing in this world lasts, so we should trust what God says.
      • 2 Peter 3:9-13
      • This all reminds us that such as the Prosperity Gospel is false

Matthew 6: 33-34:
We get the reminder that we trust God alone. And what does that look like?

  • Philippians 4:4-7
  • 1 Peter 5:5-11

VerseD: Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Matthew 24:35, ESV

Scripture prophesied Christ. Christ prophesied His death and resurrection.

We can trust His promises. They are forever, and He is coming again.

VerseD: 2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness

2 Timothy 3:16, ESV

The Bible points us to Christ, helps us grow in Christ, and helps us lead others in and for Christ.

Trust the Word. Trust God.

VerseD: Psalm 19:7

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple

Psalm 19:7, ESV

God’s Word is what leads us to truth and shows us the fulfilled and yet-to-be fulfilled promises and prophecies of Christ and this world.

Trust in His Word. Trust in Him.

VerseD: Psalm 42:11

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Psalm 42:11, ESV

The worries of this world drag us down, but our God is our greatest hope and strength. Trust the promises of Scripture, and hope in our Lord.

VerseD: Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33, ESV

Our Lord wants to give us good things, but He wants us to give us our all. We find full satisfaction in God alone.

VerseD: Philippians 2:12

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling

Philippians 2:12, ESV

We show we are Christians when we regularly worship with other saints, we serve others out of love, and we strive to be more like Jesus.