November 6, 2014

From Gary... Seeing things more clearly...





Every day I see the dog-walk because every day my dogs have to do their business. But, what I don't see everyday is the fruit of a harvest.  I am so used to seeing the growing hay, that sometimes I forget that it is there TO BE HARVESTED.  People are like this field; during the course of a week I probably see hundreds (if not thousands) and I take them for granted. Yet, they are important; each one is special before God and who knows how many are just waiting to hear the truth from the Bible? And when one does respond to the truth- what a wonderful time that is!!!  Imagine, then, how Paul must have felt at the end of this passage...
Acts, Chapter 21 (WEB)
Acts 21:18 The day following, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present. Acts 21:19 When he had greeted them, he reported one by one the things which God had worked among the Gentiles through his ministry. Acts 21:20 They, when they heard it, glorified God. They said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.
After reading through the Bible several times, I tend to focus in on the New Testament and even more on those books that have the Gentiles in mind. So, Luke and the Pauline epistles have become my favorites. However, the Scriptures teach that the Gospel is for the "Jew first and also the Greek" and this excerpt from Acts shows that many of the Jews did (and will) believe.  Like the fruit of the field above, we just have to really look through the obstacles (the trees on the left) and see the work of God for what it really is (that is, on the right). Keep looking, you never know when you might find a zealot for God!!! And that person just might know the Hebrew Bible thoroughly, so make sure to spend a lot of time between Genesis and Malachi!!!

From Gary... Bible Reading November 6


Bible Reading  
November 6

The World English Bible



Nov. 6
Isaiah 41-44

Isa 41:1 "Keep silent before me, islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come near, then let them speak. Let's meet together for judgment.
Isa 41:2 Who has raised up one from the east? Whom called him to his foot in righteousness? He hands over nations to him, and makes him rule over kings. He gives them like the dust to his sword, like the driven stubble to his bow.
Isa 41:3 He pursues them, and passes by safely, Even by a way that he had not gone with his feet.
Isa 41:4 Who has worked and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, Yahweh, the first, and with the last, I am he."
Isa 41:5 The islands have seen, and fear. The ends of the earth tremble. They approach, and come.
Isa 41:6 Everyone helps his neighbor. They say to their brothers, "Be strong!"
Isa 41:7 So the carpenter encourages the goldsmith. He who smoothes with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, "It is good;" and he fastens it with nails, that it might not totter.
Isa 41:8 "But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend,
Isa 41:9 You whom I have taken hold of from the ends of the earth, and called from its corners, and said to you, 'You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you away;'
Isa 41:10 Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isa 41:11 Behold, all those who are incensed against you will be disappointed and confounded. Those who strive with you will be like nothing, and shall perish.
Isa 41:12 You will seek them, and won't find them, even those who contend with you. Those who war against you will be as nothing, as a non-existent thing.
Isa 41:13 For I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Don't be afraid. I will help you.'
Isa 41:14 Don't be afraid, you worm Jacob, and you men of Israel. I will help you," says Yahweh, "and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.
Isa 41:15 Behold, I have made you into a new sharp threshing instrument with teeth. You will thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and will make the hills like chaff.
Isa 41:16 You will winnow them, and the wind will carry them away, and the whirlwind will scatter them. You will rejoice in Yahweh. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.
Isa 41:17 The poor and needy seek water, and there is none. Their tongue fails for thirst. I, Yahweh, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
Isa 41:18 I will open rivers on the bare heights, and springs in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
Isa 41:19 I will put cedar, acacia, myrtle, and oil trees in the wilderness. I will set fir trees, pine, and box trees together in the desert;
Isa 41:20 that they may see, know, consider, and understand together, that the hand of Yahweh has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Isa 41:21 Produce your cause," says Yahweh. "Bring forth your strong reasons," says the King of Jacob.
Isa 41:22 "Let them announce, and declare to us what shall happen. Declare the former things, what they are, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or show us things to come.
Isa 41:23 Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and see it together.
Isa 41:24 Behold, you are of nothing, and your work is of nothing. He who chooses you is an abomination.
Isa 41:25 "I have raised up one from the north, and he has come; from the rising of the sun, one who calls on my name; and he shall come on rulers as on mortar, and as the potter treads clay.
Isa 41:26 Who has declared it from the beginning, that we may know? And before, that we may say, 'He is right?' Surely, there is no one who declares. Surely, there is no one who shows. Surely, there is no one who hears your words.
Isa 41:27 I am the first to say to Zion, 'Behold, look at them;' and I will give one who brings good news to Jerusalem.
Isa 41:28 When I look, there is no man; even among them there is no counselor who, when I ask of them, can answer a word.
Isa 41:29 Behold, all of them, their works are vanity and nothing. Their molten images are wind and confusion.
Isa 42:1 "Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delights-- I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations.
Isa 42:2 He will not shout, nor raise his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.
Isa 42:3 He won't break a bruised reed. He won't quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice.
Isa 42:4 He will not fail nor be discouraged, until he has set justice in the earth, and the islands will wait for his law."
Isa 42:5 Thus says God Yahweh, he who created the heavens and stretched them out, he who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it, he who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it.
Isa 42:6 "I, Yahweh, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations;
Isa 42:7 to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.
Isa 42:8 "I am Yahweh. That is my name. I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to engraved images.
Isa 42:9 Behold, the former things have happened, and I declare new things. I tell you about them before they come up."
Isa 42:10 Sing to Yahweh a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is therein, the islands and their inhabitants.
Isa 42:11 Let the wilderness and its cities raise their voices, with the villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing. Let them shout from the top of the mountains!
Isa 42:12 Let them give glory to Yahweh, and declare his praise in the islands.
Isa 42:13 Yahweh will go out like a mighty man. He will stir up zeal like a man of war. He will raise a war cry. Yes, he will shout aloud. He will triumph over his enemies.
Isa 42:14 "I have been silent a long time. I have been quiet and restrained myself. Now I will cry out like a travailing woman. I will both gasp and pant.
Isa 42:15 I will destroy mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs. I will make the rivers islands, and will dry up the pools.
Isa 42:16 I will bring the blind by a way that they don't know. I will lead them in paths that they don't know. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. I will do these things, and I will not forsake them.
Isa 42:17 "Those who trust in engraved images, who tell molten images, 'You are our gods' will be turned back. They will be utterly disappointed.
Isa 42:18 "Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see.
Isa 42:19 Who is blind, but my servant? Or who is as deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is as blind as he who is at peace, and as blind as Yahweh's servant?
Isa 42:20 You see many things, but don't observe. His ears are open, but he doesn't listen.
Isa 42:21 It pleased Yahweh, for his righteousness' sake, to magnify the law, and make it honorable.
Isa 42:22 But this is a robbed and plundered people. All of them are snared in holes, and they are hidden in prisons. They have become a prey, and no one delivers; and a spoil, and no one says, 'Restore them!'
Isa 42:23 Who is there among you who will give ear to this? Who will listen and hear for the time to come?
Isa 42:24 Who gave Jacob as plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Didn't Yahweh, he against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in his ways, and they disobeyed his law.
Isa 42:25 Therefore he poured the fierceness of his anger on him, and the strength of battle; and it set him on fire all around, but he didn't know; and it burned him, but he didn't take it to heart."
Isa 43:1 But now thus says Yahweh who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel: "Don't be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine.
Isa 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.
Isa 43:3 For I am Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
Isa 43:4 Since you have been precious and honored in my sight, and I have loved you; therefore I will give people in your place, and nations instead of your life.
Isa 43:5 Don't be afraid; for I am with you. I will bring your seed from the east, and gather you from the west.
Isa 43:6 I will tell the north, 'Give them up!' and tell the south, 'Don't hold them back! Bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth--
Isa 43:7 everyone who is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yes, whom I have made.' "
Isa 43:8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes, and the deaf who have ears.
Isa 43:9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the peoples be assembled. Who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring their witnesses, that they may be justified; or let them hear, and say, "That is true."
Isa 43:10 "You are my witnesses," says Yahweh, "With my servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he. Before me there was no God formed, neither will there be after me.
Isa 43:11 I myself am Yahweh; and besides me there is no savior.
Isa 43:12 I have declared, I have saved, and I have shown; and there was no strange god among you. Therefore you are my witnesses," says Yahweh, "and I am God.
Isa 43:13 Yes, since the day was I am he; and there is no one who can deliver out of my hand. I will work, and who can hinder it?"
Isa 43:14 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "For your sake, I have sent to Babylon, and I will bring all of them down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships of their rejoicing.
Isa 43:15 I am Yahweh, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King."
Isa 43:16 Thus says Yahweh, who makes a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;
Isa 43:17 who brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty man (they lie down together, they shall not rise; they are extinct, they are quenched like a wick):
Isa 43:18 "Don't remember the former things, and don't consider the things of old.
Isa 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs forth now. Don't you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Isa 43:20 The animals of the field shall honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; because I give water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen,
Isa 43:21 the people which I formed for myself, that they might set forth my praise.
Isa 43:22 Yet you have not called on me, Jacob; but you have been weary of me, Israel.
Isa 43:23 You have not brought me of your sheep for burnt offerings; neither have you honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, nor wearied you with frankincense.
Isa 43:24 You have bought me no sweet cane with money, nor have you filled me with the fat of your sacrifices; but you have burdened me with your sins. You have wearied me with your iniquities.
Isa 43:25 I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.
Isa 43:26 Put me in remembrance. Let us plead together. Set forth your case, that you may be justified.
Isa 43:27 Your first father sinned, and your teachers have transgressed against me.
Isa 43:28 Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary; and I will make Jacob a curse, and Israel a reviling."
Isa 44:1 Yet listen now, Jacob my servant, and Israel, whom I have chosen.
Isa 44:2 This is what Yahweh who made you, and formed you from the womb, who will help you says: "Don't be afraid, Jacob my servant; and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
Isa 44:3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and streams on the dry ground. I will pour my Spirit on your seed, and my blessing on your offspring:
Isa 44:4 and they will spring up among the grass, as willows by the watercourses.
Isa 44:5 One will say, 'I am Yahweh's;' and another will be called by the name of Jacob; and another will write with his hand 'to Yahweh,' and honor the name of Israel."
Isa 44:6 This is what Yahweh, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies, says: "I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God.
Isa 44:7 Who is like me? Who will call, and will declare it, and set it in order for me, since I established the ancient people? Let them declare the things that are coming, and that will happen.
Isa 44:8 Don't fear, neither be afraid. Haven't I declared it to you long ago, and shown it? You are my witnesses. Is there a God besides me? Indeed, there is not. I don't know any other Rock."
Isa 44:9 Everyone who makes an engraved image is vain. The things that they delight in will not profit. Their own witnesses don't see, nor know, that they may be disappointed.
Isa 44:10 Who has fashioned a god, or molds an image that is profitable for nothing?
Isa 44:11 Behold, all his fellows will be disappointed; and the workmen are mere men. Let them all be gathered together. Let them stand up. They will fear. They will be put to shame together.
Isa 44:12 The blacksmith takes an axe, works in the coals, fashions it with hammers, and works it with his strong arm. He is hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water, and is faint.
Isa 44:13 The carpenter stretches out a line. He marks it out with a pencil. He shapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, and shapes it like the figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house.
Isa 44:14 He cuts down cedars for himself, and takes the cypress and the oak, and strengthens for himself one among the trees of the forest. He plants a fir tree, and the rain nourishes it.
Isa 44:15 Then it will be for a man to burn; and he takes some of it, and warms himself. Yes, he burns it, and bakes bread. Yes, he makes a god, and worships it; he makes it an engraved image, and falls down to it.
Isa 44:16 He burns part of it in the fire. With part of it, he eats meat. He roasts a roast, and is satisfied. Yes, he warms himself, and says, "Aha! I am warm. I have seen the fire."
Isa 44:17 The rest of it he makes into a god, even his engraved image. He bows down to it and worships, and prays to it, and says, "Deliver me; for you are my god!"
Isa 44:18 They don't know, neither do they consider: for he has shut their eyes, that they can't see; and their hearts, that they can't understand.
Isa 44:19 No one thinks, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, "I have burned part of it in the fire. Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals. I have roasted meat and eaten it. Shall I make the rest of it into an abomination? Shall I bow down to a tree trunk?"
Isa 44:20 He feeds on ashes. A deceived heart has turned him aside; and he can't deliver his soul, nor say, "Isn't there a lie in my right hand?"
Isa 44:21 Remember these things, Jacob and Israel; for you are my servant. I have formed you. You are my servant. Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.
Isa 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
Isa 44:23 Sing, you heavens, for Yahweh has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth! Break out into singing, you mountains, O forest, all of your trees, for Yahweh has redeemed Jacob, and will glorify himself in Israel.
Isa 44:24 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, and he who formed you from the womb: "I am Yahweh, who makes all things; who alone stretches out the heavens; who spreads out the earth by myself;
Isa 44:25 who frustrates the signs of the liars, and makes diviners mad; who turns wise men backward, and makes their knowledge foolish;
Isa 44:26 who confirms the word of his servant, and performs the counsel of his messengers; who says of Jerusalem, 'She will be inhabited;' and of the cities of Judah, 'They will be built,' and 'I will raise up its waste places;'
Isa 44:27 who says to the deep, 'Be dry,' and 'I will dry up your rivers;'
Isa 44:28 Who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure,' even saying of Jerusalem, 'She will be built;' and of the temple, 'Your foundation will be laid.' "

 
Nov. 6
1 Timothy 6

1Ti 6:1 Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
1Ti 6:2 Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
1Ti 6:3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
1Ti 6:4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
1Ti 6:5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out.
1Ti 6:8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1Ti 6:9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction.
1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1Ti 6:11 But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.
1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
1Ti 6:13 I command you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession,
1Ti 6:14 that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1Ti 6:15 which in its own times he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
1Ti 6:16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.
1Ti 6:17 Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;
1Ti 6:18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1Ti 6:19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.
1Ti 6:20 Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;
1Ti 6:21 which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

From Mark Copeland... Fasting That Pleases God (Matthew 6:16-18)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                   Fasting That Pleases God (6:16-18)

INTRODUCTION

1. You don't hear much about fasting these days
   a. In a culture where the landscape is dotted with shrines to the
      "Golden Arches" and an assortment of "Pizza Temples" (Richard
      Foster, Celebration Of Discipline, p.47)...
   b. ...fasting seems out of place, out of step with the times

2. But the Scriptures have much to say about fasting...
   a. There is more teaching in the NT on fasting than repentance and
      confession!
   b. Jesus taught more on fasting than on baptism and the Lord's 
      Supper!
   -- Yet some question whether fasting is something for Christians 
      today

3. In His sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught concerning "Fasting That
   Pleases God"...
   a. In connection with other acts of righteousness like charity and 
      prayer
   b. In calling His disciples to exceed the righteousness of the 
      scribes and Pharisees

[In this study, we will examine Mt 6:16-18, and consider what Jesus
had to say about "Fasting That Pleases God."  But in so doing, let's
begin by answering a few questions...]

I. SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST TODAY?

   A. THE EXAMPLE AND TEACHING OF JESUS...
      1. He fasted during his forty day period of temptation in the 
         wilderness - Lk 4:1-2
      2. In His teaching on the subject of fasting:
         a. He assumed His disciples would fast -- He said "when" not
            "if" - Mt 6:16-17
         b. He said they would fast when He was gone - Mt 9:14-15
         c. He taught:
            1) How to fast so as to incur God's good pleasure - Mt 6:
               16-18
            2) When done properly, fasting would incur God's good 
               pleasure - Mt 6:18b
            3) Fasting should be done only when appropriate - Mt 9:16-
               17
            4) There were occasions when prayer needed to be joined
               with fasting - Mt 17:20-21

   B. THE EXAMPLES OF FASTING IN THE EARLY CHURCH...
      1. The brethren at Antioch - Ac 13:1-3
         a. Fasting in their service to the Lord
         b. Fasting and praying as they send out Paul and Barnabas
      2. The churches in Galatia - Ac 14:21-23
         a. Done in EVERY church
         b. When appointing elders

   C. THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL FASTING AS A MINISTER...
      1. He listed fasting among things which proved him as a minister
         of Christ - cf. 2Co 11:23-28
      2. Are we not commanded to imitate him, even as he imitated
         Christ? - 1Co 11:1 (and both fasted in their service to God!)

[At the very least, we can say that it is not inappropriate for
Christians to fast today.  Unless we have medical reasons not to fast,
we have very good examples to motivate us TO fast!  But to be sure that
we fast for the right reason, we should answer another question...]

II. WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?

   A. PEOPLE OFTEN FAST TODAY FOR VARIOUS REASONS...
      1. Some do it solely for health reasons
      2. Others do it only in times of grief and sorrow
      3. Still others do it as a way to gain self-control
      -- But these are not reasons Christians should fast in their
         service to God - cf. Col 2:20-23

   B. CHRISTIANS SHOULD FAST WHEN SEEKING DIVINE HELP...
      1. In the Old Testament; people of God fasted...
         a. In times of war, or at the threat of it (Israel)
         b. When loved ones were sick (David)
         c. When seeking God's forgiveness (Ahab, Daniel)
         d. When seeking God's protection (Ezra)
      2. In the New Testament; fasting occurred...
         a. When dealing with temptations (Jesus)
         b. When serving the Lord (the church at Antioch)
         c. When beginning a work for the Lord (again at Antioch)
         d. When selecting and appointing elders (in Galatia)
      3. Such fasting should be done in conjunction with prayer
         a. For fasting, when done properly...
            1) Humbles the soul - Ps 35:13
            2) Chastens the soul - Ps 69:10
         b. The prayers of the humble are more likely to be heard! 
            - cf. Ezr 8:21-23

[This being true, this should help us to answer the next question 
specifically...]

III. WHEN SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?

   A. WHENEVER WE DESIRE GOD'S HELP...
      1. These may be occasions on an individual level
         a. When faced with difficult temptations
         b. When faced with the serious illness of a loved one
      2. These occasions might be on a congregational level
         a. As when appointing elders
         b. As when sending out missionaries

   B. WHENEVER SITUATIONS CALL FOR PERSISTENT PRAYER...
      1. Such would be an occasion for fasting joined with prayer
      2. Are we not taught that God is more likely to answer our
         prayers...
         a. If we are persistent? - cf. Lk 18:1-8
         b. If we fast in the proper way? - cf. Mt 6:17-18

[So whenever there is a matter requiring much prayer, fasting in 
conjunction with such prayer would be appropriate.  Finally, let's take
a look at...]

IV. FASTING THAT PLEASES GOD

   A. NOT TO BE SEEN OF MEN...
      1. As practiced by the hypocrites of Jesus' day, it involved:
         a. Doing so with a "sad countenance"
         b. Doing so with "disfigured faces" (perhaps by applying
            ashes?)
         -- The only good such fasting might do them is win the praise
            of men, but certainly not of God! - Mt 6:16
      2. Rather, our fasting is to be seen of God
         a. To be done without any outward appearance of fasting - Mt 6:17
            1) Therefore, it should include "anointing your head"
            2) Also, "washing your face"
            -- I.e., what people would normally do to as part of their
               daily ablutions
         b. By doing this, only God will see your fasting and He will
            reward you openly (perhaps by answering prayers offered 
            while fasting) - Mt 6:18

   B. NOT AS SOME REGULAR RITUAL...
      1. This point Jesus made in Mt 9:14-17
      2. It should be done only when the occasion calls for it (such as
         situations where you would already be spending much time in 
         prayer)

   C. NOT WITHOUT TRUE REPENTANCE...
      1. Cf. Isa 58:3-9
      2. All the praying, all the fasting, is of no avail if it is not
         accompanied with penitent obedience on our part

   D. SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS...
      1. Don't go out and fast just because it sounds like "a neat 
         thing to do"
         a. Take the subject seriously and prayerfully
         b. Fast only when the occasion is a serious one
         c. One in which you desperately desire God's help
      2. If you have never fasted before...
         a. Start slow, fast only for brief periods of time
         b. End slow, gradually breaking your fast with fresh fruits
            and vegetables in small amounts
      3. Fast when you have time to spend in prayerful meditation
         a. Remember the purpose for fasting
         b. To humble oneself in God's sight; to seek a favorable 
            answer to prayer for some important plea

CONCLUSION

1. There is much more that could be said on the subject of fasting
   (cf. Fasting - A Special Study)

2. But I hope this suffices to stimulate our thinking on a subject
   which has often been neglected in both study and practice

3. But implied in Jesus' teachings is that His disciples would fast,
   and so it is important that we know what is involved in "Fasting
   That Pleases God"

Now as useful as fasting might be, praying and fasting alone cannot
save a person who is lost.  Paul found this out when he fasted three
days after coming to believe in Jesus as the Lord (Ac 9:3-9; 22:6-16).

Have you heeded what Paul was told to do?

   'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash
   away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' (Ac 22:16)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Gaining Mastery Over Mammon (Matthew 6:19-24)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                 Gaining Mastery Over Mammon (6:19-24)

INTRODUCTION

1. In writing to Timothy, Paul described the danger of seeking to be
   rich...
   a. The desire to be rich is filled with temptations which have
      destroyed many - 1Ti 6:9
   b. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil which have led
      many astray - 1Ti 6:10

2. Jesus also described the difficulty of the rich entering the kingdom
   of heaven...
   a. When the rich young ruler asked concerning eternal life - Mt 19:
      16-22
   b. Jesus said it was difficult, but not impossible - Mt 19:23-26

3. In Mt 6:19-24, Jesus taught how it was possible...
   a. For the rich person to have "treasure in heaven"
   b. For us to overcome "mammon", which can easily enslave us

4. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, "mammon" is...
   a. A Chaldee or Syriac word meaning "wealth" or "riches" - Lk 16:
      9-11
   b. By personification, the god of riches - Mt 6:24

5. Thus if not careful, wealth and riches can become our "god"...
   a. Paul called a covetous person an idolater - Ep 5:5
   b. He told the Colossians to put to death "covetousness, which is
      idolatry" - Col 3:5

[To prevent Mammon from become our "god", let's examine the teachings
of our Lord as found in His sermon on the mount.  Beginning with Mt 6:
19, we find the first of three keys to "Gaining Mastery Over Mammon"...]

I. LAY UP TREASURE IN HEAVEN (19-21)

   A. WHY IN HEAVEN, AND NOT ON EARTH...
      1. On earth:
         a. Moth and rust destroy (material things are perishable)
         b. Thieves break in and steal (material things are subject to
            theft)
      2. In heaven:
         a. Neither moth nor rust destroys (our treasures are
            imperishable - 1Pe 1:3-4)
         b. Thieves do not break in and steal (our treasures are
            securely guarded - 1Pe 3:4-5)

   B. WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR "HEART" (AFFECTIONS, HOPE,
      DREAMS) WILL BE ALSO...
      1. If your treasure is on earth, your heart will experience much
         disappointment
         a. As things for which you have affection decay or are one day
            destroyed by fire
         b. As things in which you find your primary joy are suddenly
            gone through things like theft
      2. But if your treasure is in heaven, your heart will not suffer
         great disappointments
         a. For your treasure is "incorruptible, undefiled, and does
            not fade away"
         b. Nothing can take your treasure away from you, for it is
            1) "reserved in heaven for you"
            2) "kept by the power of God through faith"
      3. With treasures laid up in heaven, whatever happens on earth
         will not devastate you!
         - cf. the Hebrew Christians in He 10:32-34
      4. When these words of Jesus are taken to heart and applied, how
         true His words in Mt 7:24-27 will be!
         a. The "storms" of life will not overwhelm us
         b. Because we've built our foundation upon the words of Jesus
            found in our text!

   C. HOW CAN WE LAY UP TREASURE IN HEAVEN?
      1. First, by becoming children of God...
         a. Thereby becoming "joint-heirs with Christ" - Ro 8:16-17
         b. And the recipients of "every spiritual blessing" in
            heavenly places - Ep 1:3
      2. Then, by using material wealth we may have to bless those
         around us...
         a. As Jesus instructed the rich young ruler - Mt 19:21
         b. As He instructed His disciples, in order to have "a
            treasure in the heavens that does not fail" - Lk 12:33-34
         c. As Paul wrote Timothy to charge those rich in this present
            age, that they may be "storing up for themselves a good
            foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on
            eternal life" - 1Ti 6:17-19

[Through such generosity and liberality, then, we are well on the way
to "Gaining Mastery Over Mammon."  At the same time, we need to make
sure that we observe the second key...]

II. KEEP YOUR EYE GOOD (22-23)

   A. IN THE METAPHOR USED BY JESUS...
      1. The "body" likely represents the "soul" or "inner man"
      2. The "eye" likely represents the "gaze of the soul" or the
         "heart of man"
      3. The word "good" in Greek means "simple, single, uncomplicated"
      4. The word "bad" in Greek means "wicked, evil"
      5. And in the Scriptures, the expression "evil eye" is used to
         mean "envious, covetous" - cf. Pr 23:6; Mt 20:15; Mk 7:22

   B. AN EXPLANATION BASED UPON THESE DEFINITIONS...
      1. If the heart or gaze of the soul be "good" ("single" in its
         love of God and the things of God)...
         a. Then one is filled with "light"
         b. In other words, goodness, righteousness, and truth - cf.
            Ep 5:8-10
      2. But if the heart or gaze of the soul be "evil" (full of envy,
         covetousness)...
         a. Then one's soul is filled with "darkness"
         b. The opposite of light:  selfishness, wickedness, and
            falsehood!

   C. THUS THE NEED FOR THE WARNING...
      1. To guard what goes in your eye
         a. I.e., what you allow your eyes to dwell upon
         b. Remember, there is such a thing as "the lusts of the eyes"
            (i.e., materialism)
      2. To be rich toward God, free from covetousness - Lk 12:13-21
         a. Note Jesus' warning - Lk 12:15
         b. Also His conclusion - Lk 12:21

[The third and last key to "Gaining Mastery Over Mammon" is most
crucial, and will make it impossible for one to serve Mammon...]

III. MAKE GOD YOUR MASTER (24)

   A. NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS...
      1. A "master" by definition demands "total loyalty", and we are
         unable to please two masters at the same time
      2. Such is certainly true with God - cf. Exo 34:14
      3. Mammon is evidently no different

   B. WE HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN GOD AND MAMMON...
      1. When wealth is coveted, and becomes the priority in our lives,
         it becomes a "god" - cf. Ep 5:5; Col 3:5
      2. So the choice becomes one as to whether we shall worship the
         One True God, or be "idolaters" following after a false god!

   C. CHOOSE TO SERVE GOD...
      1. As Jesus would later say, "Seek first the kingdom of God and
         His righteousness" - Mt 6:33
      2. Do this, and God becomes our Master
      3. Since we can't serve two masters, this effectively eliminates
         Mammon from being our "god"!

CONCLUSION

1. These are the three keys to "Gaining Mastery Over Mammon"...
   a. Lay up treasure in heaven (by helping others)
   b. Keep your eye good (guard what you allow to influence your inner
      man)
   c. Make God your Master (and you will not be able to serve another
      Master)

2. Why seek to gain mastery over mammon and serve God instead?
   a. Because Mammon...
      1) Is susceptible to decay and theft
      2) Will make us blind, selfish creatures
   b. Whereas with God...
      1) Our treasures are secure
      2) We will be kind, righteous people

3. By gaining mastery over Mammon we will also avoid...
   a. Falling into a temptation and a snare
   b. Falling into many foolish and harmful lusts
   c. Straying from the faith because of greediness
   d. Piercing ourselves with many sorrows - cf. 1Ti 6:9-10

But most importantly, Christians will be "storing up for themselves a
good foundation for the time to come", and "lay hold on eternal life"
(1Ti 6:17-19).  Isn't that what we really want?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Winning The War Over Worry (Matthew 6:25-34)

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                  Winning The War Over Worry (6:25-34)

INTRODUCTION

1. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus exhorted His disciples to...
   a. Lay up treasure in heaven (by helping others)
   b. Keep your eye good (guard what you allow to influence your inner
      man)
   c. Make God your Master (and you will not be able to serve another
      Master)
   -- Which we examined in the lesson "Gaining Mastery Over Mammon"
      (Mt 6:19-24)

2. But if we do what Jesus says, what about the future here on earth?
   a. If we lay up treasure in heaven instead of on earth, how will we
      provide for our future?
   b. Where will our physical necessities like food and clothing come
      from?
   c. How can we keep from worrying about such things?

3. Jesus' discussion concerning material riches (i.e., "mammon") did
   not end with verse 24...
   a. It really continues on to the end of the chapter
   b. In which Jesus addresses such concerns regarding the future

[Beginning with verse 25, Jesus gives several reasons why we should not
worry about such things.  In so doing, He establishes two important 
principles that are crucial to "Winning The War Over Worry". The first
principle might be stated as...]

I. HAVE FAITH IN GOD'S PROVIDENCE

   A. JESUS TELLS US NOT TO "WORRY"...
      1. The word in the original means "distracted"
      2. I.e., don't let anxiety about food and clothing distract you
         from more important things in life (like Martha did - Lk 10:
         38-42)

   B. JESUS MAKES FOUR ARGUMENTS WHY WE SHOULDN'T WORRY...
      1. Is not life and body more important than food and clothing?
         - Mt 6:25
         a. This is an argument from the GREATER to the LESSER (similar
            to Ro 8:32)
         b. Life and body are certainly more important than food and
            clothing
         c. Who provides our lives and our bodies?  God!
            a. If He is powerful enough to create life...
            b. Isn't He also able to provide food & clothing to sustain
               that life?
         d. "He who has displayed so great goodness as to form the 
            body, and breathe into it the breath of life, will surely
            follow up the blessing, and confer the smaller favor of 
            providing that the body be clothed, and that life 
            preserved." (Barnes)
      2. Look at the birds of the air, are you not more valuable than
         they? - Mt 6:26
         a. The birds are an example of God's ability to provide
            1) Through His providential workings in nature, God 
               provides for their needs
            2) This does not mean they do not work for their needs 
               (indeed, they are often very busy, gathering food, 
               preparing nests, caring for their young)
            3) But they are not guilty of overdoing a good thing (as 
               the rich fool was in the parable of Lk 12:16-21)
         b. We are certainly more valuable to God than birds!
            1) This is an argument from the LESSER to the GREATER (cf.
               verse 25)
               a) If God through His providence provides for their 
                  needs, will He not for you?
               b) A similar argument is found in Mt 10:29-31
            2) How are you more valuable than birds?
               a) You were created in the image of God!
               b) You were redeemed by the blood of His Son!
         c. Why, then, let concern over physical needs distract you
            from what is really important in life?
      3. Can you grow simply by worrying? - Mt 6:27
         a. This argument illustrates the helplessness of man
            1) There are many things in this life which we cannot 
               affect by "worrying"
            2) For example, worrying will not make our bodies grow any
               taller
         b. The implication of this argument seems to be:
            1) "Worrying" about food and clothing cannot guarantee that
               you will have them tomorrow
            2) As victims of "Hurricane Hugo", the "Great Quake of '89"
               and "Hurricane Andrew" have come to realize
      4. Consider the lilies, won't God provide for you also? - Mt 6:
         28-30
         a. Another example of God's ability and willingness to provide
            1) Like the argument in verse 26 (the "birds of the air")
            2) It is another argument from the LESSER to the GREATER
         b. Look at how they grow...
            1) Without any "toil" whatever on their part, nor any 
               "care" bestowed on them by any human agency
            2) Yet their glory surpasses Solomon in all his glory! How?
               a) Through God's providential care!
               b) By so ordering the affairs of this life to assure
                  that they accomplish what they were designed to 
                  accomplish!
         c. Will God not much more clothe you?
            1) If God is able to so clothe the grass of the field...
            2) Is He not ABLE and WILLING to do so for you?
               a) You who are created in the image of God?
               b) You who are designed to spend eternity with God?

   C. IF WE WORRY, WE ARE OF LITTLE FAITH...
      1. If we worry about food and clothing, then we are "little 
         faith" - Mt 6:30
      2. We have "little faith" in God's...
         a. Promise to care for us!
         b. Power to deliver that promise!

   D. JESUS' SUMMARY CONCERNING GOD'S PROVIDENCE...
      1. Don't worry about food and clothing - Mt 6:31
      2. People without God (e.g., the Gentiles) naturally worry about
         these things - Mt 6:32
      3. But we have God as our Heavenly Father, and He knows that we
         need such things!

[So we need to develop faith in God's providence, both in His ability
and willingness to provide for His children.  But the promise of His 
providence is conditioned upon our willingness to...]

II. MAKE GOD'S WILL YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY

   A. SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD...
      1. This is the second key to "Winning The War Over Worry"
      2. We must make the will of God the number one priority in your
         life - Mt 6:33
      3. We do this by:
         a. Serving God instead of "mammon"
         b. Letting the "lamp" of our body be a "good eye" (i.e., 
            focused clearly on that which is good, true, and righteous)
         c. Laying up treasure in heaven (by using earthly treasure to
            help others - Mt 19:21; Lk 12:33-34; 1Ti 6:17-19
      4. Do this, and God will provide for your physical needs
         a. For He is certainly "able"
         b. And He is certainly "willing" 

   B. DON'T WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW...
      1. Today has enough trouble with which to concern yourself 
         - Mt 6:34
         a. We are not capable of handling tomorrow's worries
            1) We have no control over the future
            2) And worrying about the future only distracts us from the
               duties of the present
         b. Today's problems are all we are capable of handling without
            becoming distracted
      2. Let tomorrow take care of itself
         a. By trusting in God!
         b. By doing God's will today!
      3. Let your undivided attention be given to seeking God's rule in
         your life...
         a. Make His kingdom the number one priority in your life
         b. Concern yourself with His righteousness, not your riches

CONCLUSION

1. The motto of many is "Don't worry, be happy!"; but Jesus qualifies
   that motto by saying:

      "Don't worry, seek God's will first, and you will be happy!"

2. If we take to heart what Jesus says, then our lives will be like
   homes built on a rock (cf. Mt 7:24-25)...
   a. No matter what "storms" of life may come our way...
   b. ...our treasure is in heaven and our Father will provide for us
      during our earthly sojourn!

3. If we don't heed Jesus' teachings, if we allow ourselves to serve
   perishable "mammon"...
   a. Then we must go through life on earth without God's help
   b. And we have no hope of eternity with God when we die

That is why we must "Seek first the kingdom of God..."!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011