JONAH - THE PERVERSE PROPHET- PROLOGUE - PART 2

Text: Jonah 1:1 (CSB) – “The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because their evil has come up before me. Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the Lord’s presence.”

We have begun a study of the book of Jonah! I have entitled our study JONAH – THE PERVERSE PROPHET. This little book is only 4 chapters long, but filled with great spiritual truths!

Yesterday we saw some of the historical background around this perverse prophet. We said that today we would consider the question TO OBEY OR NOT? WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

When Jonah hears what the Lord wants him to do, he packs up and leaves his hometown in the Northern Kingdom of Israel and heads south to Joppa and buys a one-way ticket to Tarshish - which is believed to be on the southern coast of Spain! It was the last jumping-point to the West!

The only problem with that is that Nineveh was east! So, Jonah was heading as far in the other direction as he could possibly to get - away from Nineveh and away from the will of God! Verse 3 tells us that he was trying to flee "from the presence of the Lord." Not very smart for a "man of God".  Not very spiritual for a man dedicated to serving the Lord!  All in all, not a very mature thing to do for one wanting to do the Lord's will.

As we will discover in our studies of the book of Jonah:

·      We may be able to run from "the will of God",

·      But we can never run from the presence of the Lord!

Why would Jonah run? What was it about this request from the Lord that made it so difficult for Jonah to obey? Why was he willing to forfeit his relationship with the Lord rather than go to Nineveh?

It boils down to that he hated the Ninevites! When it came right down to it - he didn't care if they were saved or not! I would even go so far as to say that it is most likely that he DID NOT WANT THEM SAVED! Have you ever "hated" anyone so much that you didn't want anything good to happen in his or her life?

Jonah had good reason to hate the Ninevites. The Assyrians were a barbarous nation! One of the many things they were noted for was taking a prisoner and burying him in the desert sand up to his neck. They would then place a leather band through his tongue and stretch it out so the man could not swallow and leave him there in the desert sun to die. It is said that most would go mad before they died.

The Assyrian armies traveled with their families and were described as a "plague of locusts" as they descended upon a city. History has it that entire cities would commit mass suicide rather than fall into their sadistic hands.

Assyria had made several attacks upon Israel and it is very possible that Jonah had experienced their brutality first-hand! It was "standard operating procedure" for the Assyrians to kill all the men and children and rape and take captive all the women of a city. IF, and I say IF, Jonah had lost someone he loved - the Lord's request would be easily and understandably difficult for Jonah to obey.

Jonah was willing to let his hatred of the Ninevites get in the way of his relationship with the Lord! He deliberately chose to be the "prodigal" rather than the "prophet"! In other words, when his will ran opposite of the Lord's will - he ran in the opposite direction of the Lord.

Obedience seems so "godly" when it's easy and so "unreasonable" when it is not!

I would imagine that Jonah found a surplus of tickets for the ship bound to Tarshish! He probably found them "discounted" when he got there.  Now he is aboard ship and headed for his Mediterranean cruise - everything is "smooth-sailing."

Only one problem - he is out of the will of God! We must be careful as children of the Lord to interpret "smooth-sailing" and "discount prices" as God's will. That kind of thinking could put us on a ship to nowhere. Likewise, we must be careful not to interpret difficulty or hardship as being out of the will of the Lord!

I would like to remind you of those dear saints that have gone before us: “Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented — of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.” (Hebrews 11:35b – 38)

I know this is a very difficult statement to actually live - but it is better to suffer in the Lord's will than to book a Mediterranean cruise out of His will!

As we “embark” upon this journey with Jonah – can we see ourselves in this account? We can if we look close enough. This recounting of Jonah’s story is for our benefit – tho challenge and convict us.

All Aboard! Weigh Anchor! Full Steam Ahead!

JONAH - THE PERVERSE PROPHET- PROLOGUE - PART 1

Text: Jonah 1:1 (CSB) – “The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because their evil has come up before me.”

Today we begin the study of the book of Jonah! I have entitled our study JONAH – THE PERVERSE PROPHET. This little book is only 4 chapters long, but filled with spiritual truths!

There has also been more controversy over this little book more than any other in the Bible. The bottom line is that critics have a hard time with the miracles of the Lord. Therefore, any book that contains miracles, they try to explain away. They just can't get their "brain" around Jonah being swallowed by a great fish and burped up on the shore of Nineveh. But the reality is that the "core" of the book of Jonah isn't about a fish at all.

It is about:

·      The resurrection of Jesus Christ.

·      Salvation by faith not works.

·      God's unstoppable grace.

·      The Lord's faithfulness - even when we are unfaithful.

·      The fact that the Lord is good all of the time!

·      And, Yahweh is the Lord of the Gentiles as well as the Jews!

Is it any wonder then that critics have tried to discredit it and explain the miracles away?? To accept it as a divinely inspired history would mean that they would have to accept the spiritual truths contained within also!

Lest you think that there is no historical evidence for the book of Jonah or even the man Jonah, let me give you some scripture to back it up – 2 Kings 14:23 – 25 – “In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, became king in Samaria, and reigned forty-one years. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had made Israel sin. He restored the territory of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher.”  

History proves that Jeroboam was a real king and he ruled over the real nation of Israel for 41 years. Hamath and Arabah were real places and we see from this record - Jonah was also very real! Jonah was a prophet, yet the book of Jonah does not contain prophecy in the traditional sense.

This book is a narrative. Jonah tells us of an event that took place in his life and how he responded to that event. This is the same Jonah mentioned in the 2 Kings 14 passage we read - Jonah the son of Amittai!

Jonah makes it very clear that it was the Lord's voice that he heard and the message was equally as clear, "Arise, go to Nineveh the great city." (verse 2) Indeed it was a great city and at the time Jonah is called to go there - it is in its prime!

Nineveh (located on the Tigris River) was built by Nimrod and was the capital city of the great Assyrian nation. The walls around the city were almost the size of a 10-story building - some 100 feet high. The width, at the top of these walls was close to 40 feet - that would be the equivalent of a 2-lane highway. It has been said that you could run two fully equipped chariots side-by-side with room to spare - on the top on these walls.

Nineveh was indeed a great city! But as with many "great cities" - sin seems to grow with the wealth and opulence, and that is the real reason the Lord wants Jonah to go to Nineveh. The Lord wanted Jonah to cry against it, “for their wickedness has come up before Me."

This would seem a simple task for a man dedicated to the Lord and called as His prophet - wouldn't you think? Oh, how naïve we can be concerning the things of the Lord and even serving the Lord! Why is it that we assume that everything the Lord asks us to do is going to be "easy?" Let's be honest, isn't there "something" that lies within each child-of-God that believes if we are in the will of the Lord and doing what He requires of us that there will be no pain involved - only blessing?

So, surely this prophet of the Lord knows that and will be quick to do the Lord's will. Right?

Tomorrow we will consider the question – “To Obey or Not to Obey?”

Today, start praying that God will speak to you through this Old Testament account of a prophey who rebels against His God. We would never do that – would we?

THE KINGDOM AND JESUS' ILLUSTRATIONS - THE TWO BUILDERS

Text: Matthew 7:24-27 (CSB) “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. It collapsed with a great crash.

We are finishing our study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew. I pray that it has been encouraging and challenging.  Now we are looking at the topic of the Kingdom and Jesus’ Illustrations. An illustration we said is something that serves to illustrate such as

·      A picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive

·      An example or instance that helps make something clear

·      Something that illustrates, like a picture in a book or magazine.

·      A comparison or an example intended for explanation or corroboration.

·      The act of clarifying or explaining; 

Jesus is in this passage giving us 5 illustrations for what we need, how to treat others, and how to live as a true child of God. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually keeps bringing us back to our motives over our actions. Remember that God looks at the heart, not the outward designs. Being the Master Teacher of all times – He has given us what He wants us to learn. And, to close this lesson He is using some illustrations to cement the concepts into our minds – and lives.

And, as He closes this Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the final image of the Two Builders. Having worked in the carpenter shop as a young man – He was familiar with building concepts. In this final picture for His disciples to take away from this Magna Carta of His Kingdom – Jesus paints a picture of two builders and their choices.

First, as we dissect this passage we need to see the Structures (verses 24, 26). Jesus points us to the first man, he built his house on solid rock (24). He chose to take the effort to make sure that his building was placed upon a strong foundation. One that would not be moved or shaken. One that would support and protect the house built upon it. He built for the future – not for today only. He did not spare the cost of establishing this base.

The other man built his house on shifting sand (26). He just haphazardly built this house. He gave no thought to the future. He chose whatever was popular at the time. What was today would not be the same tomorrow. It would change with the winds and tides of time – as he would soon find out. IN fact, Jesus takes us to the future of these houses. They were faced with - The Storm (verses 25, 27). Carefully consider that the same storm to hit each builder. One didn’t get hit harder than the other. The storm produced two different results – not by what it did, but because of the choices the builders made before. The house built on the rock stood firm (25). The house built on the sand fell flat (27).

Jesus wants us to see that the choices we make today will establish the results. Build our faith and trust on the firm foundation of Jesus and we will stand. Build it upon the shifting sands of religion, science, man’s wisdom and we will fall. The results are in the choices. Choose wisely.

In the last two verses of this chapter, we see the Sermon’s Impact on His hearers – “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at his teaching,  because he was teaching them like one who had authority, and not like their scribes.” They were astonished (amazed) because He taught with authority (the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege).

Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually brings us back to our motives over our actions.

Remember that God looks at the heart, not the outward designs.

Who we are is more important than what we do in the Kingdom of God.

Consider the choices you are making in this life. How do you see them impacting your future, eternal life?

THE KINGDOM AND JESUS' ILLUSTRATIONS - THE TWO KINDS OF DISCIPLE

Text: Matthew 7:21-23 (CSB) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’”

We are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew. We are drawing this study to a close tomorrow. I pray that it has been encouraging and challenging.  Now we are looking at the topic of the Kingdom and Jesus’ Illustrations. An illustration we said is something that serves to illustrate such as

·      A picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive

·      An example or instance that helps make something clear

·      Something that illustrates, like a picture in a book or magazine.

·      A comparison or an example intended for explanation or corroboration.

·      The act of clarifying or explaining; 

Jesus is in this passage giving us 5 illustrations for what we need, how to treat others, and how to live as a true child of God. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually keeps bringing us back to our motives over our actions. Remember that God looks at the heart, not the outward designs. Being the Master Teacher of all times – He has given us what He wants us to learn. And, to close this lesson He is using some illustrations to cement the concepts into our minds – and lives.

The fourth picture Jesus uses is about Two Kinds of Disciples. Jesus again makes a contrast between two objects – true disciples and false disciples. Here basically does this by addressing the false disciple. He gives us a glimpse that on Judgment Day, the true disciples will be separated from the false ones.

So, who are the false disciples? Are they among us today? Unfortunately, the answer must be yes. And this goes back to what we have seen that there are those who are trusting in a WORKS salvation and not a GRACE salvation. Those who trust in the former will find that on Judgment Day, the false disciples will be condemned. They will protest and proclaim to have accomplished wondrous deeds (verse 22). Look at what they are claiming for their salvation. They prophesied, cast out demons, and performed miracles. All works. “God, you have to let me into Heaven. Look at all the work I have done for You. I have worked my whole life to be good enough to get in. You have to let me in.”

But, listen to the words of Jesus – (verse 21b, 23). They disobeyed the Father. Would God reject them? God will say He never knew them. This reminds me of a story in Acts 19 that shows a similar concept – from the demonic word’s side.

^“God was performing extraordinary miracles by Paul’s hands, so that even facecloths or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, and the diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them.

 Now some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists also attempted to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I command you by the Jesus that Paul preaches!” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this. The evil spirit answered them, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul—but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them, overpowered them all, and prevailed against them, so that they ran out of that house naked and wounded. When this became known to everyone who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, they became afraid, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high esteem.” (Acts 19:11-17 CSB)

If the demons can declare that they never knew these Sons of Sceva because of their deeds – why do we question that God would do the same?

Muse today over your relationship with Jesus Christ. That is the most important relationship that anyone can have. If you were standing before you today, would He say He knew you? Why? Because He is your Lord and Savior – or because you have worked to be accepted? The right answer here makes an eternal difference.

THE KINGDOM AND JESUS' ILLUSTRATIONS - THE TWO TREES

Text: Matthew 7:15-20 (CSB) – “Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.”

We are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew. We are drawing this study to a close over the next few days. I pray that it has been encouraging and challenging.  Now we are looking at the topic of the Kingdom and Jesus’ Illustrations. An illustration we said is something that serves to illustrate such as

·      A picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive

·      An example or instance that helps make something clear

·      Something that illustrates, like a picture in a book or magazine.

·      A comparison or an example intended for explanation or corroboration.

·      The act of clarifying or explaining; 

Jesus is in this passage giving us 5 illustrations for what we need, how to treat others, and how to live as a true child of God. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually keeps bringing us back to our motives over our actions. Remember that God looks at the heart, not the outward designs. Being the Master Teacher of all times – He has given us what He wants us to learn. And, to close this lesson He is using some illustrations to cement the concepts into our minds – and lives.

The Third Illustration He uses is the Two Trees. He ties this with the warning about the false prophets that we discussed yesterday. He uses both the concept of the Two Animals and the Two Trees to send forth a dire warning about those who would lead you astray. In the part with the two animals, He warned that they will not draw you to God, but destroy your relationship with God. I want to point out that they cannot take your salvation away from you – but they can take the fellowship that you have with God away.

Looking at the teaching about the two trees, He starts by talking about good trees. He said – “every good tree produces good fruit….” A tree always produces what it is. He also said that “a good tree can’t produce bad fruit….” I can remember growing up that I was around two Apple trees. The one tree had an abundance of sweet, juicy apples that I loved to pick and eat. The other tree had sour, shriveled apples that no one wanted. They were consistent year after year. Eventually, the man who owned them cut down the bad tree and used it for firewood that winter. I think of that when I think that Jesus taught that a good tree cannot produce bad fruit (verses 16,18).

He also stressed that a bad tree cannot produce good fruit (verse 17, 19-20). Tying that in with the false prophets, it was a reminder that following or mixing their teaching in with the truth will not make what they say true – it will make what is true rotten. It is like my wife keeps a basket of apples on our kitchen counter. If you put a rotten apple in among the good ones, it doesn’t become good – it makes the other apples rot.

So, in these two contrasts, He is emphasizing that it does matter who we learn and study from. Today, pause and seek to determine if the one you are following is true or false.

THE KINGDOM AND JESUS' ILLUSTRATIONS - THE TWO ANIMALS

Text: Matthew 7:15 (CSB) – “Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.”

We are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew. We are drawing this study to a close over the next few days. I pray that it has been encouraging and challenging.  Now we are looking at the topic of the Kingdom and Jesus’ Illustrations. An illustration we said is something that serves to illustrate such as

·      A picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive

·      An example or instance that helps make something clear

·      Something that illustrates, like a picture in a book or magazine.

·      A comparison or an example intended for explanation or corroboration.

·      The act of clarifying or explaining; 

Jesus is in this passage giving us 5 illustrations for what we need, how to treat others, and how to live as a true child of God. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually keeps bringing us back to our motives over our actions. Remember that God looks at the heart, not the outward designs. Being the Master Teacher of all times – He has given us what He wants us to learn. And, to close this lesson He is using some illustrations to cement the concepts into our minds – and lives.

Next, He illustrates with Two Animals. The two animals He contrasts are sheep and wolves. This is a condemnation of false prophets. A prophet is one who is to deliver the words of God to others. Sometimes it is about the future – but in the New Testament, it is applied to those who share the message of God to others. As a Pastor and Chaplain, I am a prophet – not a foreteller, but a forth teller of God’s Word. Jesus tells us that we are to determine their truth with the Word of God. I always ask people to compare everything I say with God’s Word. I do not want to preach or teach anything that is incorrect.

Jesus warns us that false prophets pretend to be sheep (verse 15a). They try to look like one of the flocks. They appear to be harmless. You see, Sheep are meek. They don’t appear to cause any conflict. So, they take on the “religious appearance” of one we can trust. But, Jesus says that they are not what they seem.

Instead of sheep, false prophets prove to be wolves. Wolves were one of the sheep’s worst enemies in Jesus' day. He called them ravenous – extremely hungry; famished; voracious: like a jungle beast; intensely eager for gratification or satisfaction. Given the opportunity, they will ultimately tear you apart. They will not draw you to God, but destroy your relationship with Him.

Muse over those that you are learning from. Do they teach only the unaltered word of God as found in the Scriptures? How can I know, you ask? Good question. The first step is to have a personal relationship with God through the shed blood of Jesus. Next, spend time each day in reading the Bible and Praying. Don’t worry at this point on what you don’t understand – focus that which you do. Then apply what you have learned. And, as you apply what you learn – God will disclose more to you.

THE KINGDOM AND JESUS' ILLUSTRATIONS - THE TWO GATES

Text: Matthew 7:13-14 (CSB) – “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. ¹⁴ How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.”

We are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew. We are drawing this study to a close over the next few days. I pray that it has been encouraging and challenging.  We last looked at the Exhortations of Jesus. He challenged us about our responsibility to the Saved, Ourselves, the Ungodly, the Lord, and the World.

Now we are looking at the topic of the Kingdom and Jesus’ Illustrations. An illustration is something that serves to illustrate such as

·      A picture or diagram that helps make something clear or attractive

·      An example or instance that helps make something clear

·      Something that illustrates, like a picture in a book or magazine.

·      A comparison or an example intended for explanation or corroboration.

·      The act of clarifying or explaining; 

Jesus is in this passage giving us 5 illustrations for what we need, how to treat others, and how to live as a true child of God. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually keeps bringing us back to our motives over our actions. Remember that God looks at the heart, not the outward designs. Being the Master Teacher of all times – He has given us what He wants us to learn. And, to close this lesson He is using some illustrations to cement the concepts into our minds – and lives.

We will start with the first illustration He uses, calling it “The Concept of Two Roads.” These are given in the passage above. He begins with the Broad Highway to Hell (see verse 13). The Gate is wide and many choose this way to their own destruction. It is a smooth downward path. It is easy to not go against the flow. Basically, it is “Man seeking God.” Man’s idea and plan of Salvation – WORKS. “If I just do the right things.” “God would not send anyone to Hell.” “All I have to do is have more good works than bad ones.” “All roads lead to Heaven.” Fundamentally, this is the way of the world.

However, Jesus and the Bible teach about the Narrow Road to Heaven (see verse 14). He warns us that the gate is narrow and very few find it. Often hard, often painful, often against our friends, often uphill, it is God’s concept of Salvation – GRACE.

The entire Bible makes it clear that Jesus is The Way. Only those who choose this gate will find the path. The difference between the broad gate and the narrow gate is the fact that this way is “God seeking Man.” Christianity is not a religion of DOING, it is a relationship based upon DONE. It is not my works, it is the finished work of Christ upon the cruel Cross of Calvary.

I can be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven – not by what I do – but by what He has done. Not my works, but as the Bible teaches – “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 CSB).

So, where does work come in? We do these good works as Paul went on to say in Ephesians 2:10 (CSB) – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” We work – not to get salvation, but because we have salvation. They show the world what God has done!

So, today, make sure you have gone through the right gate – and then show it off to the worlds around you.

THE KINGDOM AND JESUS' EXHORTATION - RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE WORLD

Text: Matthew 7:12 (CSB) – Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

We are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew. Now we are looking at the topic of the Kingdom and Jesus’ Exhortations. An exhortation is an utterance, discourse, or address conveying urgent advice or recommendation. It is a speech or written passage intended to persuade, inspire, or encourage.

Jesus is in this passage has given us 5 responsibilities that we have and is seeking to persuade and encourage us to live in this fashion. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually brings us back to our motives over our actions. We must understand that in the Kingdom, God looks at the heart, not the outward designs. He looks at the motives more than the actions.,

So far we have focused on our responsibility to the SAVED, to OURSELVES, THE UNGODLY, and THE LORD. Today, let us finalize theses five responsibilities with our Responsibility to THE WORLD.

We are to treat others as we would want them to treat us. Growing up I learned what we call the Golden Rule. They actually taught us this in Elementary School, before the Bible was removed. Luke also records this – “Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them.” (Luke 6:31 CSB).

I must admit, that growing up I did as many do – I misunderstood what Jesus was saying. The fleshly side of us read this and (maybe unconsciously) hear – “Do to others what you know they are going to do to me.” You know, the best defense is an offense.”

This is actually the opposite of what He said. We are to consider what we want others to do for us – and then DO IT TO THEM. First. Before they do. Some are quoted as saying  - “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Do you want respect – give it first. Do you want love – give it first. Do you want praise – give it first. Do you want honor – give it first. Do you want to be served – serve first. Do you want to be cared for – care first. Do you want ---- I think you get the picture.

Why? Why would Jesus put this in here? Possibly because it goes against our normal nature. We want to mirror what others are doing. He calls us to be the light for others to see the way to live in the Kingdom. Therefore, because of these previous 4 responsibilities, He sums it up in the last one. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually brings us back to our motives over our actions. The Bible calls us to be proactive – not reactive. Live as a citizen of the Kingdom before others. No matter what they do. No matter how they react. And, your reward will be from the King Himself.

Remember that God looks at the heart, not the outward designs.

Who we are is more important than what we do in the Kingdom of God.

Today, start walking as responsible citizens in the Kingdom of Jesus – the Kingdom of God here on Earth. You can do it. You must do it. For if you do not do it, who will?

THE KINGDOM AND JESUS' EXHORTATION - RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE LORD

Text: Matthew 7:7-11 (CSB) – “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Who among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.”

We are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew. Now we are looking at the topic of the Kingdom and Jesus’ Exhortations. An exhortation is an utterance, discourse, or address conveying urgent advice or recommendation. It is a speech or written passage intended to persuade, inspire, or encourage.

Jesus is in this passage is giving us 5 responsibilities that we have and is seeking to persuade and encourage us to live in this fashion. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually brings us back to our motives over our actions. We must understand that in the Kingdom, God looks at the heart, not the outward designs. He looks at the motives more than the actions.,

So far we have focused on our responsibility to the SAVED, to OURSELVES, and THE UNGODLY. Today, let us muse over our Responsibility to THE LORD

Three things Jesus gives us in this passage of Scripture. He gives us a command, confidence, and a comparison.

First, stop and consider the command. In Matthew 7:7, He says – “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Jesus is encouraging those of us who are Citizens of the Kingdom to know that we have a King that wants to hear our petitions, our needs, and even our wants. Later, we will learn that the only stipulation involved with this command is that what we ask must be according to His Will. Thus, we are to diligently seek God’s Will. So, we ask, “How do I find God’s Will?” Jesus says it is wrapped up in the letters “A-S-K.” That’s easy to remember. We are to Ask, Seek, and Knock. See the progression of intensity? We start by asking Him. Then we need to seek – spend time in God’s WORD, and finally, we are to Knock (pound on the doors of Heaven). Each of the words in the original Greek that Jesus used was in a form that implies continual action. So ask and keep on asking. Seek and keep on seeking. And Knock and keep on knocking.

That brings us to the Confidence He gives us to do this. Remember Matthew 7:8 – “For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” He promises to reveal His Will if we A-S-K. And remember, Jesus has never failed in one of His promises. God will always answer – the same way that we as loving parents do – “yes,” “no,” or “wait a little while.” Until we are assured of one of His answers then we are to keep on “A-S-K”ing.”

To reinforce what He has said, He included the Comparison to show what He said. Matthew 7:9-11 – “Who among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.” If we, being sinful. Can give good gifts to our children, how much more will the sinless Father give to His children!

Today, embark on the journey and adventure of your life. Begin to daily A-S-K. Every day – Read your Bible and Pray!

THE KINGDOM AND JESUS' EXHORTATION - RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE UNGODLY

Text: Matthew 7:6 (CSB) – Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.”

We are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew. Now we are looking at the topic of the Kingdom and Jesus’ Exhortations. An exhortation is an utterance, discourse, or address conveying urgent advice or recommendation. It is a speech or written passage intended to persuade, inspire, or encourage.

Jesus is in this passage is giving us 5 responsibilities that we have and is seeking to persuade and encourage us to live in this fashion. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually brings us back to our motives over our actions. We must understand that in the Kingdom, God looks at the heart, not the outward designs. He looks at the motives more than the actions.,

So far we have focused on our responsibility to the SAVED and to OURSELVES. Today, let us muse over our Responsibility to THE UNGODLY.

We are not to harshly judge believers and to harshly judge ourselves. Now, Jesus turns our thoughts to those who have not accepted the Gospel message. This can be a little confusing, but let me provide an interpretation to this statement.

At first, I thought it was referring to sharing the Gospel with those around me. Yet, I also knew that the entirety of the Bible calls us to proclaim the Good News – both the Old Testament and the New. So, would Jesus be contradicting His own message (Matt. 28:18-20). The obvious answer would be a resounding NO! Then what is He saying?

Consider this –

Our task to Unbelievers (some would call them Pagans, Heathen, Sinners, etc.) is first and foremost to share the message of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of our Lord. You see, they can have all knowledge about what the Bible teaches, but knowledge does not gain us entrance to Heaven. The only key to the door into God’s Presence is the Lord Jesus Christ. Without Him, none of this makes sense. None of this is value to them.

He tells us here that we are not to give holy things to depraved men. The word Holy in the Greek means to be separated, sanctified. It means to be set apart. It is what separates us from the world, the flesh, and the Devil. It is the truths of God and His Kingdom that only applies to those who are Citizens of Heaven. They may hear or read, but they will not truly accept and understand that which they have read.

Jesus calls the dogs. He was not talking about our lovable family pets. He was talking of the wild, vicious dogs that roamed throughout Palestine. Packs of animals that were not domesticated. These were men of impure and unclean minds. He also calls them pigs. Those listening to Him understood that these were unclean animals according to God’s law. These animals were to the Jews unclean and impure.

What does Jesus say would happen if we spend our time trying to get the Ungodly to know and understand the truths of God?  He said that they would trample these things under their feet and discard and tear you up.

So, do we ignore the Ungodly? As Paul would say (Heaven’s NO!). But, instead of trying to get the people around us to live like Kingdom citizens, we must focus on helping them to become Citizens – and then they will willingly learn and understand the Kingdom Principles of Life.

Today, who is one person you can think of that you can focus on helping them find the Kingdom?

THE KINGDOM AND JESUS' EXHORTATION - RESPONSIBILITIES TO OURSELVES

Text: Matthew 7:3-5 (CSB) – “Why do you look at the splinter in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the beam of wood in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a beam of wood in your own eye? Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye.”

We are continuing our study of the Sermon on the Mount in the Book of Matthew. Now we are looking at the topic of the Kingdom and Jesus’ Exhortations. An exhortation is an utterance, discourse, or address conveying urgent advice or recommendation. It is a speech or written passage intended to persuade, inspire, or encourage.

Jesus is in this passage is giving us 5 responsibilities that we have and is seeking to persuade and encourage us to live in this fashion. Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount continually brings us back to our motives over our actions. We must understand that in the Kingdom, God looks at the heart, not the outward designs. He looks at the motives more than the actions.,

Yesterday we focused on our responsibility to the SAVED. Today, let us muse over our Responsibility to OURSELVES.

We saw yesterday that Jesus told us not to harshly judge other believers. Now, in the next breath, He tells us that we are to harshly judge ourselves. What’s the difference? Well, because we often judge in the wrong way. He is the Judge and He makes the call on those other believers. We are consistently taught in the Scriptures to examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5) because we only know our inner selves.

I often told the Middle School Bible Class the first day – I knew of only one person in the room who is saved. And, that was me. Oh, I told them that I knew their words and actions, but I did not know their hearts. That is true for all of us. So, Jesus teaches that we are to harshly judge ourselves.

He uses contrast to get His point across. I feel this is a vivid picture coming from a Carpenter’s Son. He warns that we are too concerned with the splinter in other’s eyes. The Greek word carries the idea of a speck or dust. We are quick to point out that which others are doing. We compare ourselves to others and judge them. Jesus says we try to remove the speck of dust from someone’s eye, while we are carrying around a beam in our eye. The Greek word used means that large piece that holds up the other pieces.  It is like conducting delicate eye surgery while wearing a mask. He is using Hyperbole, which is extreme contrast.

We ignore the sin and actions of ourselves while we are seeking to pronounce judgment on others. The only one who can pronounce judgment is One without sin. And, we know that that is Jesus. So, instead of watching and criticizing others, we need to pay attention to our own selves. We are not responsible to judge others, but, we are to judge ourselves – and take corrective action.

Today, spend some time alone with the Master and let Him reveal the “beams” in our own eyes. And then, let us work on correcting the situation.