Introduction to Matthew

The Bible is divided into two major sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament.  The OT tells of God’s creation of the world and how humanity fell into sin.  It tells of God’s promised plan of redemption which points to His Son, Jesus Christ that was to come.  The NT fulfills God’s redemptive plan.  It tells of the birth of Jesus, His life, His miracles, His death, His resurrection and His ascension to heaven.  The whole Bible teaches of God’s grace to all sinners to come into a relationship with Him.

The Bible is God’s Word.  It’s God speaking to us.  It’s a love letter to us from God.  The Bible is a story of redemption.  It’s God’s revelation to humans.  He wants us to know Him.  We all need redemption, because we all mess up.  The Bible is God’s message and work carried out by ordinary people written for our eternal good.  His Word is perfect because He is perfect. 

Is the Holy Bible reliable?  The Holy Bible is written by 40 different writers and in 3 different languages – Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic.   Some were shepherds, fishermen, tax collectors, doctors, kings, preachers, and prophets.  It was written on 3 different continents and over a period of 1500 years.  God chose humans to write the Bible.  Several times the Bible says God breathed and guided them as they wrote.  “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophets own interpretation.  For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” – 2 Peter 1:20-21. 

From Genesis to Revelation, God’s standards are revealed.  There is one common theme – that God has a love for people and he would do anything even the impossible to have a relationship with us.  It doesn’t tell us everything about God, but it tells us what we need to know about Him.  He desires to reveal Himself to us as He did to Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and through the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. 

The Holy Bible has been attacked throughout history, but it is the only book that has endured.  It has always overcome its critics and always will.  The Holy Bible means it is holy and is a special book.  All religions have their bibles, but they are not the Holy Bible.  These other bibles are not God breathed.  The Holy Bible scriptures were translated by scribes and monks from the original language word by word.  They were obsessed with its accuracy.  They checked and rechecked it to be sure it was translated correctly. 

The NT begins with the book of Matthew which is one of the four gospels.  The four gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  All four tell the story of Jesus from its own perspective, but inspired by the Holy Spirit.  Matthew was written by Matthew who was one of Jesus’ disciples.  He connected the OT with the NT.  He emphasized that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and King, who fulfilled God’s promises in the OT.  It is believed that the book of Mark was written before the book of Matthew but was placed first because Matthew often referred to the OT.

Matthew was a tax collector for the Roman government.  While he was doing his job, Jesus called him and he immediately left his job to follow (Matt. 9:9).  He was called Levi in the gospels of Mark and Luke (Mark 3:14-15, Luke 5:27-29).  He wrote especially for the Jews, because they expected a special person to come and be an earthly king.  He showed that Jesus was the Christ/Messiah and not the king of the Jews as they expected, but as King of the entire human race.  He called Jesus Mighty King.

Mark is read like a diary in chronological order.  Mark was first a missionary with Paul and later a companion of Peter.  He called Jesus Obedient Servant and emphasized His power.

Luke was a medical doctor and the only writer of the gospels who was a Gentile.  His gospel was written to the Gentiles.  He was good at accounting and he did interviews to validate events.  He presented Jesus as the Savior of sinners.  His gospel has the clearest account of Jesus’ post-resurrection.  He called Jesus Ideal Son of Man and emphasized His service.

John was the closest disciple to Jesus.  He wanted to just sit with Jesus and meditate.  He was more spiritual than the other three.  The first three gospels are synopsis gospels, because they contain much of the same accounts while John goes into deeper truths.  He called Jesus Divine Son of God and emphasized His sympathy.

Matthew gave the necessary connection between the OT and the NT.  There were 400 years of silence between the OT and the NT.  He wrote the long-awaited Messiah had come to save both Jew and Gentile.  He compiled his writings in sections so the book is not in chronological order.  His book is called the teaching gospel.  He wrote about what Jesus taught on the mountain (The Sermon on the Mount); the choosing of Jesus’ disciples; the lesson stories Jesus told called parables; Jesus’ ministry through miracles; Jesus’ trial, death, burial, resurrection and ascension; when Jesus will return to the earth.  He emphasized that Jesus is King and the Messiah.  He called Jesus Mighty King and emphasized His wisdom.

Is the Holy Bible relevant?  Yes!  People still act much like what we read in the Bible.   They are still rebellious and reject God.  They needed God and so do we.  Through the Bible God guides and protects.  It brings us hope.  God wants to reveal Himself to us through the Bible.  He speaks to us off the printed page.  He wants you to spend time with Him every day to get to know Him better.  Spending time reading His Word and in prayer is how you get to know God.

Do you believe that the Bible is God speaking to guide you in your actions and thoughts?

Christ is presented as King of Kings so will you choose to acknowledge Him as King of your life?

Are you spending time in His Word daily?

Is there something you must do to your schedule in order to spent time with God each day? 

Do you start out each day in His presence or do you just give Him the leftovers of your day? 

Make an appointment daily to read the Bible, study and pray.  Make that appointment unbreakable!  We study the Bible so we can get to know Jesus.  Throughout Matthew Jesus tells us to come to Him.  Coming to Jesus is the greatest privilege and is also a great responsibility.  We must come to Him and then go.  Do not keep the gospel to yourself, but apply it in your life and give it out to others.  Then you will become more loving, wise, and peaceful. 

Principles: 

All Scripture is God breathed and is God speaking to us.

The Bible is relevant and reliable; it is the only book that has endured the test of time.

The Bible tells of God’s love for people and that He wants a relationship with us.

Through the Bible God guides, protects and brings hope.

Although I’ve studied the book of Matthew many times in the past, I always learn something new.  I am looking forward to seeing what God has for me through this study and I hope you are too.  As you study the book of Matthew, be ready to hear God speak to you. 

Follow my weekly posts for insights on each chapter of Matthew.  My posts will be a result of my studies through Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and will follow the BSF schedule.  See you next week for chapter 1. --- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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What's the difference between Transgression, Sin, and Iniquity?

 

In my devotions this morning as I was reading Psalm 32 I came across “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered”.  Aren’t transgressions and sin the same thing?  This got me to thinking, what’s the difference was between sin, transgression and iniquity.  They are all sin of some sort.  But what is the real difference?  So I did a little research and this is what I found.

Sin is “to miss the mark”.  It’s doing something against God or someone.  It’s the opposite from what is right.  Sin is the general term for anything that “falls short of the glory of God”. (Rom. 3:23).  It’s not only doing what God forbids; but also the failure to do what God requires. “Anyone, then , who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” - James 4:17.  All humans have a sin nature which began at the Fall of Adam (Gen 3:6-7; Rom. 5:12).  Sin nature leads to trespassing.

Rom. 1:29-30, 1 Cor. 5:11; 6:9-10, 2 Tim. 3:2-4, Col. 3:5-9, Gal. 5:19-23 gives us a list of sins, but there are many others not mentioned here.

Transgression or trespassing is rebelling against God.  It’s means to intentionally choose to disobey.  It’s knowing and doing a sin before we commit it.  It’s falling away from being close.  Sin misses the mark and transgression is crossing over a boundary.  An example is parking in a no parking zone even though there are clear boundaries, but still willfully doing so.  It’s knowingly running a stop sign or telling a lie.  An example of this is when Peter denied Jesus (Luke 22:34, 56-62).

Iniquity is a premeditated choice without repentance.  It’s opposite of righteousness.  It’s intentionally choosing to disobey.  It’s an act deeply rooted in sinful need or desire.  An example of this is David’s sin with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11:3-4; 12:9). 

It’s hard to distinguish between sin, iniquity and transgression/trespass.  They are all sin because they all separate us from God.  When we sin we miss the mark and cross the line.  For the lost, they are totally separated by sin and have no union with God.  For the Christian, ongoing sin put distance between them and God.  They are still eternally secure in their salvation, but their communion with God suffers because of sins, iniquities, and transgressions.

The good news is God forgives sins, transgressions, and iniquities when we repent.  “I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.” - Jer. 33:8.  “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” - Heb. 8:12).

Resources:

The Holy Bible – NIV

reasonsforhopejesus.com/sin-iniquity-and-transgression/

gotquestions.org/iniquity-sin-transgression.html

dictionary.tellingthetruth.info/sin/

Join me here next time -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Finding Joy When Stressed

 

 

In 2020 we felt the ground shifting under feet as never before.  We were stressed because of the Covid pandemic.  We were stressed about our jobs and finances because many couldn’t go to work.  Our kids couldn’t go to school.  Our businesses were slowly going down the tubes.  Now in 2021 we are still going though the after effects and it seems it’s not over yet. 

Even without Covid there are always stresses in our lives.  There are positive stresses like a new house or a new baby.  We grow when there are stresses in our lives, both positive and negative.  We can fight it or try to run from it, but the best way to get through any stress is to turn to Jesus.  He will give you strength.  

The theme of the book of Philippians is instructions on walking the walk.  Despite the circumstance in which this book was written, joy is all over this letter to the Philippians.  Paul says to follow his example.  “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you….. But our citizenship is in heaven.” – Philippians 3:17, 20.

When you don’t know Jesus, there is a void in your life.  Believers have a citizenship in heaven and their lives should reflect that.  We are given choices daily.   We should not live as world does.  We don’t identify with the world or its culture.  We are set apart and identify with Christ.

Are you choosing to live as world does? 

Are you living on the right side of eternity?   

Will you live as enemies of heaven or enemies of the world?

Paul tells us to show gentleness to all and to live a life of prayer.  We are to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.  We are to rejoice in all things.  When you feel stressed, worried, fearful, or sorrowful, rejoice by looking outside your circumstance.  “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  - Philippians 4:4-7. 

To know Him and to be known by Him your stress will be replaced with Joy.  It’s in Him we find real peace and real joy.  It’s easy to give in to fear, but don’t give into the lies of the enemy.  Guard your heart and your mind in Jesus and be content in every situation.  “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13.  God will meet all your needs.  “And my god will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19.

Paul speaks of joy or rejoicing 18 times in Philippians.  He speaks of the “joy in faith” in Phil. 1:25.  Jesus brings joy!  Salvation gives birth to joy and receiving God’s grace produces joy.  When a person comes to the grace and truth of Jesus, there is real genuine joy.  It’s not superficial feeling of happiness.  Happiness is based on circumstances, but joy is about Christ.

As a believer, you have a testimony of joy that is in Jesus.   Access that joy in Him. When you peruse Him, you will find that joy.   We have to be disciplined and pursue it just like an athlete trains to be the best in his sport.  It takes practice and strength.  Jesus can give you that strength.

“I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Cor. 12:10  

How do others see you act during stress?

Are you moving toward Jesus?

What is keeping you from asking Him for help?

Stress derails our relationship with God.  It distracts us from His provision, providence, and goodness.  So what should one do when stressed? 

Worship:  God is always worthy of all our praise. 

Turn on some worship music:  There nothing like listening to uplifting music, which is a form worship.

Pray:  This seems obvious, but it can be harder than it seems.  When praying, we are focused on the Lord and away from what stresses us. 

Seek guidance:  Reach out to supportive people.  The body of Christ is there to give us strength and encouragement.

Read Scripture:  God’s Word reminds us to not worry but to trust God.

Exercise/Diet/Rest:  Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.

Trust God:   God is in control.  You are not, so trust in Him for He knows what you need better than you do.

Remember we serve a mighty, all-powerful God who promises to work all things for the good of those who love Him.

Join me here next time -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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