God – Page 18 – Praying Pint

33.u. “So as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God”

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.

1 Peter 4:2    so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.

John 12:25     Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Acts 20:24    But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Job 27:8   For what is the hope of the godless when God cuts him off, when God takes away his life?

Luke 12:20    But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’

Mark 8:37    For what can a man give in return for his soul?

The cross wasn’t about religious ceremonies; it wasn’t about traditions and spiritual feelings. The cross was a way to execute people. Everyone knew that the cross was an unrelenting instrument of death. The cross had no other purpose. We have done a pretty good job in sanitizing and ritualizing the cross. “Cross bearing does not refer to some irritation in life. Rather, it involves the way of the cross. “Denying self is not the same as self-denial. We practice self-denial when, for a good purpose, we occasionally give up things or activities. But we deny self when we surrender ourselves to Christ and determine to obey His will.”

Human nature wants to indulge self, not deny self. Death to self is always terrible, and if we expect it to be a pleasant or mild experience, we will often be disillusioned. Death to self is the radical command of the Christian life. To take up your cross meant one thing: you were going to a certain death, and your only hope was in resurrection power. (Guzik & Wiersbe)

Death is a friend no one wants but is always no more than one heartbeat or breath away from every single person born. We may deny it is with us at all times. We deny it has a time of its choosing to end our earthly life. We see it as a friend very close to others but not close to us. As hard as we may try to mask death’s inevitable fate for us we still will die and face eternity. Jesus is saying that death is coming to all and while we are still breathing you can choose to live life for eternal life or eternal death. Choosing to follow the way of the cross to death means a person dies to self continually. They have set their hearts, minds, and souls on repenting of sin, humbly surrendering, following, trusting, obeying, and relying on Jesus Christ alone. Nothing this world has to offer is greater than honoring and glorifying Jesus Christ in all that think, say, and do. The way of the cross would seem like a burden to those who see it as taking away from this life. But, to those who have chosen it, to them it is life worth living, eternal life, and their heart is more than comforted in this. They find what others deem as a burden, it is has given them peace, love, joy, hope, courage, power, and a place of refuge from the very moment they were born again.

Death comes to all and routinely gives no warning to its arrival. But, when it comes, eternity is waiting and it is here where God’s final judgment occurs and either eternal life or eternal torment is the result of the choice being made the living side of death. Choose to repent of sin, humbly surrender, follow, obey, trust, and rely on Jesus Christ for there is no other way to eternal life.

Upon death, no one can stand before God and claim they are worthy of eternal life because of their good works or anything else they have done. No one can say I did it my way and did not need Jesus Christ, nor did I need to burden myself with the way of the cross, nor can they say I went part way in following the path of the cross when it suited me. Scripture is clear, no one will find lasting peace, joy, love, hope, courage, power, and a place of refuge – eternal life – without surrendering this life and taking up the way of the cross through Jesus Christ.

33.t. “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”

Matthew 16:21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

1 Corinthians 15:3-4    For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,

Luke 24:46    and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,

Mark 10:32-34    And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him,  saying, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles.  And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise.”

Acts 2:23-32   this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.  God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

Romans 8:5-8    For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.  Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

“The ‘must’ of Jesus’ suffering lies, not in unqualified determinism, nor in heroic determination (though some of both is present), but in willing submission to his Father’s will.” (Carson)

We can be sure that Peter was not aware that he spoke for Satan, just as a moment before he was not aware that he spoke for God. It is often much easier to be a tool of God or of the devil than we want to believe. Jesus exposed how Peter came into this satanic way of thinking. He didn’t make a deliberate choice to reject God and embrace Satan; he simply let his mind settle on the things of men instead of the things of God, and Satan took advantage of it. Peter is a perfect example of how a sincere heart coupled with man’s thinking can often lead to disaster.

Such are the battles we will face each day – keeping our mind set on things above (heavenly) or allowing distraction of things of this world to attract our attention (earthly). Obviously, there is a difference, but how can a person know if their actions, words, and thoughts are heavenly (Jesus Christ-glorifying and honoring) or earthly and of little to no value? How much of our days are we humbly seeking and desiring to be led, directed, guided, and focused on hearing the quiet whispers of the Holy Spirit? How much of our days are we hungering for understanding and knowledge of His Word so that we might grow in this understanding and knowledge and honor and glorify Him in all we think, say, and do?

It is so easy to get our heavenly focus clouded by things of this world. It only takes a blink of our eye; allowing an unholy thought to linger in our mind, allowing our eyes to linger and cause us to lust, allowing our tongue to boast, allowing greed in our heart, allowing pride a place in our heart, allowing busyness to pull us away from God’s Word, allowing prosperity to keep us from reliance on God in all things, allowing physical or relational or material trials to take our eyes off of Jesus Christ and things heavenly, and in a moment and without notice our focus is changed from heavenly to earthly. Faith, hope, trust, and reliance on Jesus Christ alone do not depend on worldly circumstances or conditions. It is this solid foundation that allows us to navigate this life with discernment, patience, hope, love, joy, peace, courage, obedience, and most of all assurance in eternal life. Satan’s attacks will never be announced. We must be ever mindful of our sinful nature and how easily Satan can influence our focus and changed it from heavenly to earthly.

Keep in His Word and with this thought every waking moment; In all the words I speak, all the thoughts I have, and all the actions I take, let them be honor and glory to Jesus Christ.

33.n. “I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Matthew 15:39 Jesus went on from there and walked beside the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain and sat down there. And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the crowd wondered, when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled healthy, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel.

Psalms 50:15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Luke 17:15-18 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Whatever our case is, the only way to find ease and relief, is to lay it at Christ’s feet, to submit it to him, and refer it to his disposal. Those who would have spiritual healing from Christ, must be ruled as he pleases. See what work sin has made; what various diseases human bodies are subject to. Here were such diseases as fancy could neither guess the cause nor the cure of, yet these were subject to the command of Christ. The spiritual cures that Christ works are wonderful. When blind souls are made to see by faith, the dumb to speak in prayer, the maimed and the lame to walk in holy obedience, it is to be wondered at. (Henry)

Medical procedures in our time continue to evolve and fix or lessen a multitude of ailments and prolong life. Here, though, we see lame, deaf, mute, crippled, etc…. are healed by the power of God. There is no truer healing than that which is of God. It was easy to recognize it as the power of God. There was no procedure or surgeries or follow-up visits. They were healed. They glorified God because that is the only explanation for the healing. Fast forward to today. We are not easily given to the thought of being healed by God’s power but rather by medical procedures and doctors experts in their field of medical studies. Who is it that gives the mind of man the ability to learn? Who is it that gives the mind of man new understandings of medical procedures? Who is it that allows the mind of man to understand and apply new science and technology? Far too often man is given credit for what God does and is doing. We do well to always recognize and give glory and honor to God for any and all good things that He has allowed to help mankind.

33.m. “For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy”

Matthew 15:25 But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.

Ephesians 2:12    remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Daniel 9:18    O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy.

Psalms 145:19    He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.

The woman responded with great faith. She admitted her low estate, and did not debate the issue when Jesus called her one of the little dogs. She did not demand to be seen as a child; but only to be blessed as a dog. Her response is especially meaningful in light of the increasing rejection of Jesus by the Jewish religious leaders. It was as if the woman said, “I’m not asking for the portion that belongs to the children, just the crumbs that they don’t want.” In the flow of Matthew’s gospel, there was more and more that the Jewish religious establishment did not want to receive. These were two faith-filled words: Yet even. She accepted Jesus’ description and asked for mercy despite it – or perhaps because of it. (Guzik)

Take note that the mother prayed “Help me”. Her daughter was afflicted and we would think the prayer would be “Help my daughter”, but this woman, distressed about her daughter, has heard of this Jesus who healed many, and more than likely has attempted every worldly remedy for her condition has taken on this burden of her daughter as her own. It is good for us to continually ask the Lord to help us, as we take from a night’s sleep, as we set out on our day, as we walk into work or other destinations, as we read His Word, as we try to understand and apply His purpose in our lives, and I have to imagine many of us do this more often than not. But, to love and care so deeply for a person that our prayer would seem empty if asked “Help my child” instead of “Help me”, is a one that both shows great love and great faith. To carry the burden of another person so deep in our heart that our prayer is for our help is hard for me to understand even though it is very clear this is just what this mother did. It does bring a scripture to mind; “Love your neighbor as yourself”. We do well to seek this type of love to permeate out of our thoughts, words, and actions as we live to honor and glorify Jesus Christ.

33.i. “hey profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”

Matthew 15:1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, Honor your father and your mother,’ and, Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God,” he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Matthew 7:3-5    Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

Mark 7:13    thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

Colossians 2:8  See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Colossians 2:22 These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such restrictions indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-prescribed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body; but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Titus 1:10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers

Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Acts 28:25-27    And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:  “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.”  For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’

We can appear to draw near to God, all the while having our hearts far from Him. It is easy to want and be impressed by the image of being near to God without really doing it with our hearts. It is very bad to have a heart and mind that has convinced you of doing right when what you are doing is very wrong. What can lead to such actions in a person’s life? What can deceive a person to live like this? The truth is each and every one of us is born with a sinful nature that wants to be self-important, self-worthy, and self-reliant. When “self” is allowed any root in our hearts and minds nothing good can come from it, for it will twist God’s Word to convince us that what we are doing and thinking is right and true. This certainly can happen very fast when our eyes and ears become deaf to God’s Word. Becoming neglectful and complacent will blind and deafen hearts and minds so fast that the recipient will not even know it has happened.

It is time spent in God’s Word with a humbly expectant, surrendered, obedient, and reliant heart that we are renewed, daily, in our commitment to live in such a way that in all we say, think, and do Jesus Christ is honored and glorified. There are those who are so gifted in what they say and how they say it, so much so, that people are easily snatched from the right and true path to following after the wisdom and ideas of man. Doing what is right in our own eyes with our own wisdom as guidance brings no honor or glory to Jesus Christ no matter how brilliant what we are doing may seem. And so it is, neglect and complacency yield worthlessness to the very things we think are doing to honor and glorify Jesus Christ. There is no renewing of our hearts and minds. There is no room for the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds so as to guide us in ways that honor and glorify Jesus Christ. Even with God’s Word before us, we are blind and deaf to it because our hearts and soul are not humbly expectant, surrendered, obedient, and reliant on it.
We do well to examine our hearts and minds and cultivate soil that is saturated with seeking and desiring true and pure things of God for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ. Be mindful it is not just spending time in God’s Word and knowing it that guides the souls of man. Look at the Pharisees and Scribes, they knew God’s Word, but their hearts and minds were blind and deaf to it. Why? Because their hearts were not humbly expectant, surrendered, obedient, and reliant on it. They were bound in self-worth, self-reliance, and self-importance. It is only when self is surrendered to Jesus Christ that seeds of honor and glory for Him alone will yield works that honor and glorify Him.

33.g. “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:28 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Romans 4:18-20 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,

James 1:6-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is not based on wishful thinking; it is an assured expectation. Faith is confidence, trust, and firm steadfast reliance. True unwavering faith can only be put in and on God alone who is able to do more than we ask and much more than we can imagine. Yet, faith can be misplaced. We can put faith in family, friends, governments, people of authority, teachers, bosses, and things of this world like money and possessions. This type of faith is misplaced and is based on people and things. People can make a promise and for all practical purposes intend to keep and fulfill that promise but may not have the power and wherewithal to fulfill it. A parent might promise to always be there for their child and to protect them from harm. The child finds strength and comfort in this promise, and yet, it is a promise the parent can not always keep. Sickness, accidents, and other things of life can circumvent the parent’s promise. A boss may promise you a job for as long as you live, only to have that promise broken when the company is sol and under new management. A teacher, professor, or other instructors may promise you purpose, contentment, fulfillment, and satisfaction through what they teach or instruct you towards, but in the end, anything apart from God’s purpose first in our lives will always leave us wanting and empty no matter how much faith we put in that which we are doing.

Abraham was given a promise of a son and though he was old when the promise was given, he believed it. He waited 15 years for it to be fulfilled.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew God could save them but even He He chose not to they were not going to bow down before a false god.

Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water, howbeit he took his eyes (faith) off of Jesus and was overcome by the wind and waves and started to sink.

We might think we have strong and steadfast faith but faith untested is just words truly until it is tested. There are many things and situations that can test our faith. Satan can fire thousands of “doubt” arrows at our faith hoping one will strike us and cause us to take our eyes off of Jesus Christ. Anyone of these “doubt” arrows can be shot at us at any time of our lives and when we least expect it.

Paul was firm in his instruction on how to be dressed for this battle: Ephesians 6:10-17 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Keep your eyes focused on Jesus Christ and stand firm in your faith, trust, and reliance in Him alone. Give no thought or fear to the doubt arrows being shot into your life – just know they are there and He who has all power and authority will guide you through all of them to eternity. Though our life in this world may end our faith, trust, and reliance on Jesus Christ are not misplaced. It is placed on and in the one who can do more than we ask and much more than we can imagine, both on earth and in heaven.

33.f. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear”

1 John 4:13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Job 15:21    Dreadful sounds are in his ears; in prosperity the destroyer will come upon him.

Psalms 73:19    How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!

Psalms 119:120    My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.

James 2:19    You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

As I read 1 John 4 I am drawn to; “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear”. This small selected verse out of 1 John 4, does not stand alone. It is context with the “Day of Judgment”. Fear is used a couple of different ways in scripture, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; Fear here means respectful, compliant, devoted, and loving reverence to God. We must distinguish between the fear of God and being afraid of him; the fear of God imports high regard and veneration for God. Obedience and good works, done from the principle of love, are not like the servile toil of one who unwillingly labors from dread of a master’s anger.

In 1 John, fear is a kind of fear that involves a torment that agonizes the soul and robs it of any lasting joy or confidence.

The coming “Day of Judgment” should instill this type of fear in every living human being. I am amazed at how freely John speaks of it as if the “Day of Judgment” was understood and believed by most in his day. Today you hear little of it now and even less to fear it. Yet, within every soul is a foundational knowledge of God that should inspire our soul to want to know and understand Him.

People’s conditions are varied. Those without fear and love for God – give no thought to God, the coming judgment, and eternity in Hell.

Those with fear but without love for God – have given thought to God, the coming judgment, and eternity in Hell awaiting them and have a tormenting fear. They have not surrendered, repented, believed, trusted, or relied on Jesus Christ.

Those without knowledge of our sin, fear of the coming judgment and eternity in Hell and with a trusting and believing reliance in God – love of Him as Creator, Father, All-powerful, All-knowing, Redeemer of our soul”, We have been “born again” and are a “new creation” in Jesus Christ. Our love continues to be perfected. We continue to strive to honor and glorify Jesus Christ in all that we think, say and do. It is in this loving trust in Jesus Christ that the fear and torment within our souls are removed.

The completeness of love means we do not cower in fear before God, dreading His judgment, either now or on the day of judgment. We know all the judgment we ever deserved – past, present, and future – was poured out on Jesus Christ on the cross. Let the discovery of my own sinfulness direct me to its remedy, the righteousness and the Cross of Jesus Christ. He, and He alone, can deal with the disturbing element in my relation to God. He can ‘deliver me. It is Christ and His work, Christ and His sacrifice, Christ and His indwelling Spirit that will grapple with and overcome sin and all its consequences, in any man and in every man; taking away its penalty, lightening the heart of the burden of its guilt, delivering from its love and dominion–all three of which things are the barbs of the arrows with which fear riddles heart and conscience. So my fear should proclaim to me the merciful ‘Name that is above every name,’ and drive me as well as draw me to Christ, the Conqueror of sin, and the Antagonist of all dread. Make ready for the coming storm, and remember that the mission of fear is to lead you to the Christ who will take it away. (MacLaren)

33.c. “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards”

Mat 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Matthew 13:53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.

Matthew 11:6   And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Isaiah 53:3    He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Mark 6:3    Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Luke 7:23     And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

John 6:42    They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

1 Corinthians 1:23-28  but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,  but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.  For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;  God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,

A miracle conception, humble birth, the Son of God, with brothers and sisters of a carpenters family, in a small village of little recognition, Nazareth and spoken of by prophets is where Jesus seems to have the same type of rejection as was from the Jewish leaders. Their unbelief limited the mighty works that He had done in other villages. They were offended that He was teaching them as one with authority, wisdom, and understanding. They could only see Him as Jesus the son of Joseph and Mary. Who was He to come back home and proclaim things of God?

Rejection of Jesus results in a continuation of life without Him. Many think life is fine this way and they close their ears and eyes to things of God. Like these people from His hometown who rejected Him personally are those who now continually reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They say it is a made-up story, a fairytale. They seem to have made up their minds and become firmer and firmer in their rejection of the Son of God. They find no value and purpose in Jesus in their lives.

To those who believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, He is more than just the Son of God. He is their redeemer, friend, power, strength, joy, peace, courage, and rest. He gives them life, a life more abundant and purposeful. He has given them hope of eternal life. He gives them strength to face all trials and troubles because He said He would never leave them or forsake them. He gives them peace that passes all understanding. He gives them light in a dark and lost world. He guides their paths through this life. He has promised that He will be with them forever and ever. Though He cannot be seen, He is more real than what we can see and touch. He is able to redeem the vilest and lost person and give that person new life. How can anyone reject Jesus Christ and the gospel of redemption, salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life? We do well to remember to honor and glorify the Son of God, Jesus, in all we say, think and do.

33. “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord”

Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Proverbs 2:2-5     making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;  yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,  if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,  then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

Romans 15:4     For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Proverbs 17:16     Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?

Philippians 3:7-9   But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—

Revelation 3:18     I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

In the first parable, the field is the world and the treasure is each and every believer to come. Jesus gave everything to redeem the whole world to preserve the treasure in it – Those who would believe, trust, honor, follow, and obey Him.

In the second parable, Jesus is the buyer for the kingdom of heaven and the pearl is the individual believer that He sees so valuable that He freely and happily would give His all to have them forever. (Guzik)

Scripture is also clear on the responsibility of all mankind to likewise search, seek, and desire God like a great treasure of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, gold, silver, and bread and water to a starving and thirsty soul. The world and its troubles and pleasures can and do have an influence on the hearts of people. It can blind their eyes and deafen their ears to things of God. When God and things of God get pushed down and buried under the things of this world there is still hope for the person who at their depth of despair would humble themselves and call on God. He is ever calling out to the lost who have wondered aimlessly apart from truth, hope, and faith in Him. To some, it is if this treasure of God is deemed worthless and even when they see it they cast it aside. To others, it is such great worth that they willingly and intentionally choose it above all things this world has to offer. They humbly surrender selfish desire and hope to gain eternity in heaven. They gladly discard the promises this world has to offer to gain joy, peace, rest, refuge, power, strength, courage, hope, faith, and love that only God can give.

32.y. “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it”

Matthew 13:18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Proverbs 1:7   The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:20-22    Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice;  at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:  “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?

Proverbs 2:1-6   My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,  making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;  yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,  if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,  then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.  For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

John 3:19-20    And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

Hebrews 2:1   Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Satan is always on the watch to hinder the Word of God from having any depth in the lives of people. He is very clever and the father of all lies. He will find any and all weaknesses in a person and exploit them to keep a person from growing in depth and width in the Word of God and commitment to honor and glorify Jesus Christ. He will cast doubt, incite fear, promote anger, cause division, produce lust, marginalize greed, promote pride, invoke jealousy, harden hearts, deafen ears, stiffen necks, create chaos, insert busyness, and whatever else he can do to keep peoples lives from deeply grounded commitment to honor and glorify Jesus Christ in all they think, say, and do.

We ought to never be content with our current understanding and knowledge of the things of God. Certainly, we must be content with what we know so far for it is the basis of our faith and walk with God. However, a plant must be watered and weeded if there is to be growth and fruit produced.

When we truly and deeply commit and above all else, strive to honor and glorify Jesus Christ in all we think, say, and do, it is then we will find our desire to produce continued growth and the things of this world and the lies and falsehoods promoted by Satan (though they come at us like thousands of arrows shot from a strong bow) will not hit. They will be recognized/discerned and put in their proper place like weeds plucked from a garden and cast aside to die.