41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
COMMENTARY: In ancient times government agents were in a position to compel forced service upon a subjugated people. A Roman soldier, for example, could compel a Jewish native to carry his armor or materials for one mile. Jesus now states that if someone compels you to walk a mile, go with him twain. The believer is to be willing to "go the extra mile." Doing double our duty not only proves our loyalty to human authority, but likewise proves the spiritual intention of our heart.
Showing posts with label Daily Scripture and Commentary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily Scripture and Commentary. Show all posts
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Word For the Day MATTHEW 5:40 (KJV)
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
COMMENTARY: Whether robbed by personal assault or compulsory litigation, the believer is to respond with confidence in what is eternal, rather than that which is temporal. If the believer is sued in order that the accuser may take away thy coat, he is to also let him have his cloak . The coat (Gr. chiton) is the undergarment or tunic. The cloak (Gr. himation) is the more expensive outer garment worn over the tunic. Jesus taught us to have confidence in an almighty God who is completely aware of the injustice done to man and totally capable of revoking ultimate and eternal justice.
COMMENTARY: Whether robbed by personal assault or compulsory litigation, the believer is to respond with confidence in what is eternal, rather than that which is temporal. If the believer is sued in order that the accuser may take away thy coat, he is to also let him have his cloak . The coat (Gr. chiton) is the undergarment or tunic. The cloak (Gr. himation) is the more expensive outer garment worn over the tunic. Jesus taught us to have confidence in an almighty God who is completely aware of the injustice done to man and totally capable of revoking ultimate and eternal justice.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Word For The Day Matthew 5:38-39 (KJV)
38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
COMMENTARY: The principle of retaliation (lex talionis) is common in both Hebrew and other ancient Near Eastern law codes (cf. the of Hammurapi). The judicial penalty of an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth is stated in Exodus 21:24 as a means of ending feuds. However, Jesus is clearly saying this method is not a license for vengeance. The Savior's point is that we should resist not evil. Evil is seen here, not as a state, but rather as the action of the evil ones or the malicious ones. It represents the evil and sinful element in man which provokes him to an evil act. Jesus shows how the believer should respond to personal injury. He is not discussing the government's obligation to maintain law and order. These passages do not mean that a man should not defend his family or his country, but rather that he should not attempt personal vengeance, even through the means of the law, to compensate for a personal injury. Jesus gives five examples (vv. 39-42) of how the believer should react to unfair or unreasonable treatment. In retaliation to physical violence, he is not to turn to him the other [cheek] also. Man's natural impulse is to strike back, but the disciple is not to be a natural man. He is to "overcome evil with good" (Roman 12:21). There is no greater example of this ethical truth than the life and death of Jesus Himself.
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
COMMENTARY: The principle of retaliation (lex talionis) is common in both Hebrew and other ancient Near Eastern law codes (cf. the of Hammurapi). The judicial penalty of an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth is stated in Exodus 21:24 as a means of ending feuds. However, Jesus is clearly saying this method is not a license for vengeance. The Savior's point is that we should resist not evil. Evil is seen here, not as a state, but rather as the action of the evil ones or the malicious ones. It represents the evil and sinful element in man which provokes him to an evil act. Jesus shows how the believer should respond to personal injury. He is not discussing the government's obligation to maintain law and order. These passages do not mean that a man should not defend his family or his country, but rather that he should not attempt personal vengeance, even through the means of the law, to compensate for a personal injury. Jesus gives five examples (vv. 39-42) of how the believer should react to unfair or unreasonable treatment. In retaliation to physical violence, he is not to turn to him the other [cheek] also. Man's natural impulse is to strike back, but the disciple is not to be a natural man. He is to "overcome evil with good" (Roman 12:21). There is no greater example of this ethical truth than the life and death of Jesus Himself.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Word For the Day MATTHEW 5:33-37 (KJV)
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths.
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
COMMENTARY: The basis of Old Testament swearing, or oath-taking, is found in Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12; and Deuteronomy 23:21. To forswear means to swear falsely or perjure oneself. Oaths taken in the name of the Lord were looked upon as binding, and perjury of such oaths was strongly condemned by the law. By the time of Christ, the Jews had developed an elaborate system of oath-taking, which often formed the basis of actual lying. In other words, there were stages of truth and thus also of falsehood within the system of taking oaths. All such oath-taking, Jesus announced, was unnecessary if one were in the habit of telling the truth. thus, His command was Swear not at all. This does not have reference to cursing, as such, but to oath-taking. The disciple is to speak the truth in such a way that his "yes" and his "no" means no. Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: When you say "yes," make sure that is what you mean. When you say "no," make sure that also is what mean. Mean what you say; say what you mean. Anything that is more than a simple affirmation of the truth cometh of evil.
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
COMMENTARY: The basis of Old Testament swearing, or oath-taking, is found in Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12; and Deuteronomy 23:21. To forswear means to swear falsely or perjure oneself. Oaths taken in the name of the Lord were looked upon as binding, and perjury of such oaths was strongly condemned by the law. By the time of Christ, the Jews had developed an elaborate system of oath-taking, which often formed the basis of actual lying. In other words, there were stages of truth and thus also of falsehood within the system of taking oaths. All such oath-taking, Jesus announced, was unnecessary if one were in the habit of telling the truth. thus, His command was Swear not at all. This does not have reference to cursing, as such, but to oath-taking. The disciple is to speak the truth in such a way that his "yes" and his "no" means no. Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: When you say "yes," make sure that is what you mean. When you say "no," make sure that also is what mean. Mean what you say; say what you mean. Anything that is more than a simple affirmation of the truth cometh of evil.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Word For the Day MATTHEW 5:31-32 (KJV)
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement.
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall pit away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
COMMENTARY: It hat been said is again a reference to the Old Testament commandment of the Mosaic regulation (cf. Deut. 24:1). The normal custom of the ancient Near East was for a man to verbally divorce his wife. In contrast, the ancient law of Israel insisted on a writing of divorcement or a certificate of divorce. This written statement gave legal protection to both the wife and the husband. Jesus explains elsewhere (cf. Matt. 19:8) that Moses' concession was not intended to be taken as license. The only exception given by Christ is for the cause of fornication (Gr. porneia), meaning sexual unfaithfulness. These statements make it clear that adultery or fornication is a legitimate ground for divorce. However, the legitimacy of the divorce does not necessarily establish the legitimacy of remarriage. Scripture never commands that one must divorce an unfaithful wife or husband. On the contrary, there are many examples of extending forgiveness to the adulterous offender (cf. Gen. 38:26; Hos. 3:1; John 8:1-11). The responsibility of divorce is clearly laid upon the one seeking the divorce. Whosoever shall put away his wife without biblical basis causeth her to commit adultery. Thus, the divorce brings about an unjust suspicion upon the divorcee.
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall pit away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
COMMENTARY: It hat been said is again a reference to the Old Testament commandment of the Mosaic regulation (cf. Deut. 24:1). The normal custom of the ancient Near East was for a man to verbally divorce his wife. In contrast, the ancient law of Israel insisted on a writing of divorcement or a certificate of divorce. This written statement gave legal protection to both the wife and the husband. Jesus explains elsewhere (cf. Matt. 19:8) that Moses' concession was not intended to be taken as license. The only exception given by Christ is for the cause of fornication (Gr. porneia), meaning sexual unfaithfulness. These statements make it clear that adultery or fornication is a legitimate ground for divorce. However, the legitimacy of the divorce does not necessarily establish the legitimacy of remarriage. Scripture never commands that one must divorce an unfaithful wife or husband. On the contrary, there are many examples of extending forgiveness to the adulterous offender (cf. Gen. 38:26; Hos. 3:1; John 8:1-11). The responsibility of divorce is clearly laid upon the one seeking the divorce. Whosoever shall put away his wife without biblical basis causeth her to commit adultery. Thus, the divorce brings about an unjust suspicion upon the divorcee.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Word For the Day MATTHEW 5:29-30 (KJV)
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body shold be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thou that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
COMMENTARY: The statement of cutting off one's hand or plucking out one's eye definitely is not to be taken literally. What Jesus implies is that if thy right eye offend thee, then the logical thing to do would be to pluck it out. His point is not that one should literally pluck out his eye, but that one should recognize that the source of lust comes from within the mind and heart of man, not from the physical organ itself. The right eye is not the source of sin; the heart of man is that source. The seriousness of the sin of lusting is thus illustrated by this graphic comparison. Ultimately, it would be better for a person to be physically maimed than to go to hell forever. However, doing physical damage to oneself does not in any way guarantee entrance into heaven. Jesus is simply teaching that man must bring the passions of his heart under the control of the Spirit of God.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thou that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
COMMENTARY: The statement of cutting off one's hand or plucking out one's eye definitely is not to be taken literally. What Jesus implies is that if thy right eye offend thee, then the logical thing to do would be to pluck it out. His point is not that one should literally pluck out his eye, but that one should recognize that the source of lust comes from within the mind and heart of man, not from the physical organ itself. The right eye is not the source of sin; the heart of man is that source. The seriousness of the sin of lusting is thus illustrated by this graphic comparison. Ultimately, it would be better for a person to be physically maimed than to go to hell forever. However, doing physical damage to oneself does not in any way guarantee entrance into heaven. Jesus is simply teaching that man must bring the passions of his heart under the control of the Spirit of God.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Word For The Day Matthew 5:27-28 (KJV)
27 Ye have hear that it was said by them of old time, Thous shalt not commit adultery.
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
COMMENTARY: Thou shalt not commit adultery was the demand of the Old Testament Law (Ex. 20:14), Jesus goes beyond this outward command to reveal that its act is the result of an inner attitude of lust. Whosoever looketh characterizes the man whose glance is not checked by holy restraint and results in an impure lusting after women. The act would follow if the opportunity were to occur. By taking His listener beyond the outward statement of the law to real intention, Jesus was trying to get the listener's attention off the physical and onto the spiritual.
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
COMMENTARY: Thou shalt not commit adultery was the demand of the Old Testament Law (Ex. 20:14), Jesus goes beyond this outward command to reveal that its act is the result of an inner attitude of lust. Whosoever looketh characterizes the man whose glance is not checked by holy restraint and results in an impure lusting after women. The act would follow if the opportunity were to occur. By taking His listener beyond the outward statement of the law to real intention, Jesus was trying to get the listener's attention off the physical and onto the spiritual.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Word For the Day Matthew 5:25-26 (KJV)
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
COMMENTARY: The savior then went on to say that even if thine adversary (an opponent at law) disagrees with you, it is to your advantage to be reconciled to him. Jesus exhortation here is to urge us to go out of our way to avoid legal conflicts before human judges (cf. v. 40). The payment of debt and the prison referred to here simply mean the normal legal process that one would encounter in a civil suit.
26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
COMMENTARY: The savior then went on to say that even if thine adversary (an opponent at law) disagrees with you, it is to your advantage to be reconciled to him. Jesus exhortation here is to urge us to go out of our way to avoid legal conflicts before human judges (cf. v. 40). The payment of debt and the prison referred to here simply mean the normal legal process that one would encounter in a civil suit.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Word For the Day MATTHEW 5:23-24 (KJV)
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
COMMENTARY: Having made a comparison between the command not to murder and the inner motive and heart intention of hatred, Jesus then illustrates the seriousness of this matter by referring to one who would attempt to buy off his conscience by giving something to God without clearing his conscience in regard to his offended brother. He reminded His listeners that if thou bring thy gift to the altar without reconciling with the offended party, God will not receive the intended gift. Bringing a gift to the altar refers to bringing it to the temple in order that it may be consecrated. To be reconciled means to be brought back into fellowship or favor with an offended party.
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
COMMENTARY: Having made a comparison between the command not to murder and the inner motive and heart intention of hatred, Jesus then illustrates the seriousness of this matter by referring to one who would attempt to buy off his conscience by giving something to God without clearing his conscience in regard to his offended brother. He reminded His listeners that if thou bring thy gift to the altar without reconciling with the offended party, God will not receive the intended gift. Bringing a gift to the altar refers to bringing it to the temple in order that it may be consecrated. To be reconciled means to be brought back into fellowship or favor with an offended party.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Word For the Day Matthew 5:21-22 (KJV)
21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; an whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.
22 But i say unto you, That whatsoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
COMMENTARY: Christ begins this series of contrasts by quoting the statement of the law, Thou shalt not kill (Ex. 20:13). This reference to killing is clearly understood in its context in both the Old and New Testaments as referring to an act of murder. Jesus goes beyond this outward demand of the law by stating that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause is in just as great danger of judgment as a murderer, for anger is the emotion and inner intention that leads to murder. The term raca (meaning "vain fellow" or empty head") was a Hebrew or Aramaic expression of contempt (cf. 2 Samuel 6:20). The council is a reference to the Jewish religious council called the Sanhedrin. Thou fool (Greek moros) means "stupid." The English word moron comes from this term. Those using such a malicious expression would be in danger of hell fire. The idea seems to be that if one makes light of his fellowman, he will be in danger of slander. But if one makes bitter, damning statements with reference to hell toward his fellowman, he shall actually be in danger of hell himself. The term hell is Gehenna. It refers to the valley of Hinnon at Jerusalem, where fires provided a powerful and graphic picture of the ultimate destruction of hell and the lake of fire (Cf. 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles 28:3; Jeremiah 7:31).
22 But i say unto you, That whatsoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
COMMENTARY: Christ begins this series of contrasts by quoting the statement of the law, Thou shalt not kill (Ex. 20:13). This reference to killing is clearly understood in its context in both the Old and New Testaments as referring to an act of murder. Jesus goes beyond this outward demand of the law by stating that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause is in just as great danger of judgment as a murderer, for anger is the emotion and inner intention that leads to murder. The term raca (meaning "vain fellow" or empty head") was a Hebrew or Aramaic expression of contempt (cf. 2 Samuel 6:20). The council is a reference to the Jewish religious council called the Sanhedrin. Thou fool (Greek moros) means "stupid." The English word moron comes from this term. Those using such a malicious expression would be in danger of hell fire. The idea seems to be that if one makes light of his fellowman, he will be in danger of slander. But if one makes bitter, damning statements with reference to hell toward his fellowman, he shall actually be in danger of hell himself. The term hell is Gehenna. It refers to the valley of Hinnon at Jerusalem, where fires provided a powerful and graphic picture of the ultimate destruction of hell and the lake of fire (Cf. 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles 28:3; Jeremiah 7:31).
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Word For the Day Matthew 5:20
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
COMMENTARY: Because of the necessity of righteousness as a requirement to enter heaven. Jesus then declares that except their righteousness should exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees they could not enter heaven. The significance of this is seen in the fact that the Jews of Jesus' day considered these people to be the most religious in all Israel. However, their religion was largely an outward show of self-righteousness. In communicating the depth of His message, Jesus used a series of contrasts between the outward behavior demanded by the law and the inner attitude of the heart desired by God. Here we discover the practical application of genuine Christian character to true spiritual living. Here we see the gospel in action.
COMMENTARY: Because of the necessity of righteousness as a requirement to enter heaven. Jesus then declares that except their righteousness should exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees they could not enter heaven. The significance of this is seen in the fact that the Jews of Jesus' day considered these people to be the most religious in all Israel. However, their religion was largely an outward show of self-righteousness. In communicating the depth of His message, Jesus used a series of contrasts between the outward behavior demanded by the law and the inner attitude of the heart desired by God. Here we discover the practical application of genuine Christian character to true spiritual living. Here we see the gospel in action.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Word For the Day Matthew 5:19 (KJV)
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
COMMENTARY: Because of the seriousness of the law, Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping even its smallest details. However, in the plan of God, the law was not to become an extra burden on the souls of men. Rather than pointing the way to salvation, the law convinced men of the need of the Savior. Therefore, whoever shall teach men so but shall not live what he teaches, he shall be made, least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach the principles and percepts of the law shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. This simply means that God will reward the faithfulness and effectiveness of our lives, and there will be varying degrees of blessing and reward in the kingdom.
COMMENTARY: Because of the seriousness of the law, Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping even its smallest details. However, in the plan of God, the law was not to become an extra burden on the souls of men. Rather than pointing the way to salvation, the law convinced men of the need of the Savior. Therefore, whoever shall teach men so but shall not live what he teaches, he shall be made, least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach the principles and percepts of the law shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. This simply means that God will reward the faithfulness and effectiveness of our lives, and there will be varying degrees of blessing and reward in the kingdom.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Word For the Day MATTHEW 5:18 (KJV)
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
COMMENTARY: Verily I say is a unique form used by Jesus throughout His preaching to draw attention to the authority of His message. Verily (Greek amen) means "truly" or "certainly." It is used as a designation of authoritative teaching. One jot or one tittle refers to the most minute letter and marks of the Hebrew alphabet. He explained that even the smallest statement in the law must be fulfilled. A "jot" (yodh) is the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It functions as a Y in English and looks similar to an apostrophe. A tittle is a small projection on the edge of certain Hebrew letters to distinguish them from one another..
COMMENTARY: Verily I say is a unique form used by Jesus throughout His preaching to draw attention to the authority of His message. Verily (Greek amen) means "truly" or "certainly." It is used as a designation of authoritative teaching. One jot or one tittle refers to the most minute letter and marks of the Hebrew alphabet. He explained that even the smallest statement in the law must be fulfilled. A "jot" (yodh) is the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It functions as a Y in English and looks similar to an apostrophe. A tittle is a small projection on the edge of certain Hebrew letters to distinguish them from one another..
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Word For the Day MATTHEW 5:17 (KJV)
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
COMMENTARY: Having laid the foundation of the message in the summary statement of the Beatitudes, Jesus now proceeds to show the superiority of His message to that of the law of Moses. He makes it clear that He had not...come to destroy the law. That is, the New Testament gospel is not contradictory to the Old Testament Law; rather it is the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual intention of the law. Where the law had degenerated into legalism among the Pharisees, Jesus now takes the law beyond more outward observance to the inner spiritual intentions of God.
COMMENTARY: Having laid the foundation of the message in the summary statement of the Beatitudes, Jesus now proceeds to show the superiority of His message to that of the law of Moses. He makes it clear that He had not...come to destroy the law. That is, the New Testament gospel is not contradictory to the Old Testament Law; rather it is the ultimate fulfillment of the spiritual intention of the law. Where the law had degenerated into legalism among the Pharisees, Jesus now takes the law beyond more outward observance to the inner spiritual intentions of God.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Word For the Day MATTHEW 5:14-16 (KJV)
14 Ye are the light of the world A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
COMMENTARY: Ye are the light of the world describes the essential mission of the Christian to the world. He is the condition (salt) to meet the world's needs and he has a mission (light) to the world. His light is to clearly shine forth into the darkness of human depravity. He is to set his light upon a candlestick, not hide it under a bushel, that is, a basket. darkness is the absence of light; and darkness alone cannot dispel the light, but the smallest light can dispel the greatest darkness.
15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
COMMENTARY: Ye are the light of the world describes the essential mission of the Christian to the world. He is the condition (salt) to meet the world's needs and he has a mission (light) to the world. His light is to clearly shine forth into the darkness of human depravity. He is to set his light upon a candlestick, not hide it under a bushel, that is, a basket. darkness is the absence of light; and darkness alone cannot dispel the light, but the smallest light can dispel the greatest darkness.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Word For the Day MATTHEW 5:13 (KJV)
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
COMMENTARY: The Beatitudes are followed by a summary statement of the basic character of the Christian's life as salt and light. Ye are the salt of the earth: Again the phrase "ye are" indicates that only the genuinely born-again person is salt and can help meet the needs of the world. Salt adds flavoring, acts as a preservative, melts coldness, and heals wounds. Thus it is a very appropriate description of the believer in his relationship to the world in which he lives.
COMMENTARY: The Beatitudes are followed by a summary statement of the basic character of the Christian's life as salt and light. Ye are the salt of the earth: Again the phrase "ye are" indicates that only the genuinely born-again person is salt and can help meet the needs of the world. Salt adds flavoring, acts as a preservative, melts coldness, and heals wounds. Thus it is a very appropriate description of the believer in his relationship to the world in which he lives.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Word For the Day MATTHEW 5:12 (KJV)
12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad! for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
COMMENTARY: Rejoice is the command that grows out of the blessedness of the believer. The phrase Rejoice, and be exceeding glad means even more, exult! Great is your reward in heaven focuses attention on the eternal destiny of all things. If God is as real as He claims, if the Bible is true, if heaven is to be gained, then no temporary earthly trouble or persecution can dispossess the child of God of joy in the prospect of the eternal glory that lies ahead.
COMMENTARY: Rejoice is the command that grows out of the blessedness of the believer. The phrase Rejoice, and be exceeding glad means even more, exult! Great is your reward in heaven focuses attention on the eternal destiny of all things. If God is as real as He claims, if the Bible is true, if heaven is to be gained, then no temporary earthly trouble or persecution can dispossess the child of God of joy in the prospect of the eternal glory that lies ahead.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Word For the Day MATTHEW 5:11 (KJV)
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
COMMENTARY: Again, Jesus warns that men shall revile you, and persecute you. This became true during His own ministry, in the lives of the apostles, and throughout the history of the church. The persecution spoken of here is twofold. First, it involves a physical pursuing of the persecuted, and second, a personal attack of slander against them.
COMMENTARY: Again, Jesus warns that men shall revile you, and persecute you. This became true during His own ministry, in the lives of the apostles, and throughout the history of the church. The persecution spoken of here is twofold. First, it involves a physical pursuing of the persecuted, and second, a personal attack of slander against them.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Woird For the Day Matthew 5:10 (KJV)
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
COMMENTARY: As Jesus develops His message, he clearly teaches that such a life causes His people to be in direct contrast to the world in which they live. Therefore He reminds us, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake. The plural use of "ye" in verse 11 indicates that He foresaw this persecution as touching all His followers. Notice 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
COMMENTARY: As Jesus develops His message, he clearly teaches that such a life causes His people to be in direct contrast to the world in which they live. Therefore He reminds us, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake. The plural use of "ye" in verse 11 indicates that He foresaw this persecution as touching all His followers. Notice 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Word For thr Day Matthew 5:9 (KJV)
9 Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.
COMMENTARY: The next description deals with the peacemakers. They are at peace with God and desire to live in peace with all men (cf. Roman 5:1). Their peace with Christ enables them to be ambassadors of God's message to a troubled world. Hence, they shall be called the children of God. Throughout the Beatitudes Jesus clearly underscores that only those who have the qualities of a changed life, herein described, are citizens of His kingdom.
COMMENTARY: The next description deals with the peacemakers. They are at peace with God and desire to live in peace with all men (cf. Roman 5:1). Their peace with Christ enables them to be ambassadors of God's message to a troubled world. Hence, they shall be called the children of God. Throughout the Beatitudes Jesus clearly underscores that only those who have the qualities of a changed life, herein described, are citizens of His kingdom.
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