Tag Archives: these things

Axiomatic

 

As a parent, I know that I must teach God’s Word and diligently bring it forward as a loving disciple, in a pattern of discipleship, throughout my children’s life.

Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will give delight to your heart. – Proverbs 29:17  ESV

As a disciple of God’s wisdom, when I read God’s word, even today, I still come to the place where I know so little in comprehending God. He alone has experienced the breadth of the universe and has harnessed the full power of nature. Has anyone else?

Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
    Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
    Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is his son’s name?
    Surely you know!

 Every word of God proves true;
    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. – Proverbs 30:4-5  ESV

There is no other son’s name than Jesus. He has the wisdom and power described here. Jesus has a name describing Him as “Word of God,” and so it is no surprise to find that in the next verse.

I am called on to know God, the One who sometimes shakes my foundations but the One who will not forsake me because I have put my trust in Him. I am called to follow the word of God and put action to His promises.

F.B.Meyer wrote, “What we are is more important than what we say. Our life is our best sermon. If we would expend as much care on the hidden man of the heart as many do on the outer, what lovely characters would result.“

What am I called to do with this wisdom imparted to me? There are eight parables in Matthew 13 and maybe the first and last ones may be the most important. The first one is the Parable of the Sower and here is the last one:

“Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” – Matthew 13:51-52  ESV

The teaching reflects my responsibility when I am taught what the Kingdom of Heaven is all about. I am a student, teacher and a leader. I feed into the household of faith. I have a rich, inspired storehouse of essential spiritual treasures from which I can draw on to perform what God has called me to do.

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Dignity

 

I think that it is important that my dignity as a follower of Christ depends on me bearing the marks that belong to the kingdom of God. It is not just something I talk about. It is the presence of God in my actions and Him being the first step who fills my mind. Maybe Matthew 5:20 is the most important thing about the entering and living in the kingdom of God.

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 

I think it is important to note the previous three verses to understand that the law is still important, especially to those who say we no longer have to heed to the law.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.  Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:17-19  ESV

The law is where it all starts – it has not left the table yet. It is holy. Until I repent of the evil or the breaking of the law, I cannot participate in Christ’s righteousness. Then when I receive mercy, I go into deeper self-abhorrence. If I am pretending to be a follower of Jesus and allow myself to walk in disobedience or teach others to do the same, I am not a true disciple. Let’s make sure I am getting this right. Christ’s righteousness, is given to me by faith alone, it is needed by every single person who enters the kingdom. However, the new creation of the heart of holiness, produces a thorough change in a person’s temper and conduct.

I believe Matthew is really drilling down to the characteristic of a disciple as one who is a doer of the will of God. There is an emphasis on ethics and repentance. Orthopraxy would be his prominent motif.

Just read the rest of the chapter and tell me you are or are not doing these things. I know in fact that over 60% of any church family are in violation of these and unfortunately in some, they are okay with that.  I pray that my walk would be to heed the call to walk with God in all of these matters and to eventually be willing to walk with others as they desire to do the same.

 

 

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