Category: Uncategorized

¹⁸ “While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” ²⁰ Immediately they left their nets and followed him. ²¹ And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. ²² Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.” (Matthew 4:18-22 ESV).

What is a disciple? What is involved in the discipline and responsibility of discipleship? These are simple questions but result in a depth of biblical answers.

The word disciple is derived from the Greek word μαθητής (mathetes). It means to be a follower, a believer, devotee and supporter of a leader. Biblically, it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

“The standard definition of “disciple” (noun) is someone who adheres to the teachings of another. It is a follower or a learner. It refers to someone who takes up the ways of someone else. Applied to Jesus, a disciple is someone who learns from him to live like him — someone who, because of God’s awakening grace, conforms his or her words and ways to the words and ways of Jesus. Or, you might say, as others have put it in the past, disciples of Jesus are themselves “little Christs” (Acts 26:28; 2 Corinthians 1:21),” explains Dr. John Piper. “

Jesus called individuals to be His disciples. This meant they were to become worshipers, servants, and witnesses of Jesus Christ. In today’s text, Jesus called Peter, his brother Andrew, along with James and John, the sons of Zebedee to be His first disciples. These four would become the core of the early church in Jerusalem. James would become the first martyred apostle (Acts 12:1-5). Peter would write two New Testament Epistles that bear his name. John would write five New Testament books: The Gospel of John, 1-3 John, and the Book of Revelation.

“Jesus had encountered Peter and Andrew before, near Bethabara, in the Jordan region, where Andrew (and perhaps Peter as well) had become a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35–42). They left John to follow Jesus for a time before returning to fishing in Capernaum. Perhaps they had returned to Capernaum during Jesus’ earlier ministry here (see Luke 4:23). Here he called them to follow him in long-term discipleship. James is easy to distinguish from the other men named James in the NT, because he is never mentioned in Scripture apart from his brother John. His martyrdom by Herod Agrippa I marked the beginning of a time of severe persecution in the early church (Acts 12:2),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.  

The Lord does not call the most obvious individuals to be His disciples. Most of the time He uses ordinary people; like you and me. Let us resolve to be faithful.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁷ “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 (ESV)

Perhaps you have had discussions with people over the subject of repentance. I have. The dialogue usually centers on whether or not it is necessary for salvation that an individual repents of their sin. What does it mean to repent and did Jesus find it necessary for sinners to repent?

Repentance is literally a change of mind; not about individual plans, intentions, but rather a change in one’s attitude and belief about God. Such repentance accompanies saving faith in Christ (Acts 20:21). The change in one’s attitude and belief system (worldview) evidences itself in a change of behavior. Repentance from sin, and faith alone, in Christ alone, by grace alone results in conversion.

“It is inconsistent and unintelligible to suppose that anyone could believe in Christ yet not repent. Repentance is such an important aspect of conversion that it is often stressed rather than saving faith, as when Christ said that there is joy in heaven among the angels over one sinner who repents (Lk 15:7). The apostles described the conversion of the Gentiles to Christ as God granting them “repentance unto life” (Acts 11:18). Evangelical repentance and faith in Christ are in fact inseparable, though a convert may be aware of one aspect more than another,” explains the Tyndale Bible Dictionary.

Today’s text reveals that repentance was a central message in Jesus’ preaching. He said ““Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Repent (μετανοέω; metanoeo) is a present, active imperative verb. It means to obediently and continually change one’s way of living because one has faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.

“Such penitence is not an isolated act but a disposition of the mind, providing a spur for behavior that accords with God’s declared will. Recognition of daily sins and shortcomings provides the occasion for renewed acts of penitence and for fresh exercises of faith in Christ. One of the deepest and most noteworthy expressions of such penitence is David’s account of his adultery with Bathsheba (Ps 51). Whole churches are, on occasion, called to repent (Rev. 2:5),” states the Tyndale Bible Dictionary.

Jesus stated that the sinner must repent because the kingdom of heaven was near. The kingdom of heaven is not only God’s rule and reign in the hearts of disciples, but also His eternal reign of heaven and earth.

“Repentance is not the cause of new birth or regeneration, it is the result or fruit of regeneration. Though repentance begins with regeneration, it is an attitude and action that must be repeated throughout the Christian life. As we continue to sin, we are called upon to repent as we are convicted of our sin by the Holy Spirit,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“When repentance is offered to God in a spirit of true contrition, He promises to forgive us and to restore us to fellowship with Him,” concludes Dr. Sproul.

May we continue to offer a spirit of repentance unto our Lord. Have a blessed day in Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹² “Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. ¹³ And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, ¹⁴ so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ¹⁵ “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— ¹⁶ the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:12–16 (ESV)

“Scripture often uses light to refer to the knowledge of God and obedience to Him (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 4:18). As the light of the world (John 8:12), Jesus gives us true knowledge of our Creator (John 12:44–50) and frees us from sin’s oppression (Rom. 6:17–18), which makes us unable in and of ourselves to serve the Lord.”      — Dr. R.C. Sproul.

While Matthew recorded Jesus’ ministry in Galilee geographically, there was also an underlying, spiritual significance to this occurrence. Matthew described as follows; “the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” The apostle was quoting from an ancient prophecy found in Isaiah 9:1-2.

The northern regions of Zebulun and Naphtali were the first to suffer under the oppression of the Assyrian invasion in 732 B.C. (2 Kings 15:29). The rest of the northern kingdom of Israel would suffer a similar fate in 722 B.C. (2 Kings 17:6-23). Over 27,290 inhabitants of Israel were deported to distant locations. It marked the end of the northern kingdom (I Chron. 5:25-26).

The inhabitants of the Galilean region were believed to be living in darkness and under the shadow of death during Isaiah’s day. This was true for several reasons. First, the area was close to where Gentiles lived. The Jewish inhabitants were susceptible to invasion and attack. Second, the Galileans lived a great distance from the cultural and religious center of Jerusalem in Judea.   

“Isaiah’s prophecy, while writing about the coming of the Messiah, was that a light would dawn in their region. Matthew shows that Jesus is that light. He shines brightly in the land of darkness known then as “Galilee of the Gentiles.” Instead of coming first to the “well lit” region of Judea, Christ comes first to the people living in darkness,” explains one commentator.

Isaiah 9 is often read around Christmas. Though the prophecy was about the peoples of Galilee, it was also true that the incarnation of Jesus Christ brought spiritual light into a world filled likewise with darkness. Of the Messiah, Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

“Now we know that the kingdom of Christ is spiritual, and therefore, the light of salvation which it brings, and all the assistance which we derive from it, must correspond to its nature. Hence it follows, that our souls are plunged in the darkness of everlasting death, till He enlightens them by His grace. The prophet’s discourse relates no doubt, to the destruction of the nations, but presents to us, as in a mirror, what is the condition of mankind until they are delivered by the grace of Christ. When those who lay in darkness are said to have seen a great light, a change so sudden and remarkable is intended to enlarge our views of the greatness of salvation,” explains John Calvin.

Has the Lord delivered you from darkness of your sinful existence? Has He brought you into the light of His salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone? I pray that He has. I also pray that He will.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹² “Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. ¹³ And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, ¹⁴ so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ¹⁵ “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— ¹⁶ the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:12–16 (ESV)

Following John the Baptist’s arrest by Herod Antipas (Matt. 14:1-12; Mark 1:14; Luke 3:18-20) Jesus withdrew into the region of Galilee and began His ministry when He was about thirty years old (Luke 3:23). Matthew recorded that Jesus spent some time in Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30) before He went and lived in Capernaum. Capernaum was located on the northwest side of the Sea of Galilee (Gennesaret) and became the headquarters of much of Jesus’ ministry. Capernaum was located in the region populated by the Jewish tribes Zebulun and Naphtali.

“Capernaum was an important settlement, with a Roman garrison, adopted by Jesus as his own city after his rejection by Nazareth (Matt 9:1). Here he was at home (Mk 2:1) and performed many miracles (Mark 1:34): the healing of the centurion’s servant (Mt 8:5); the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:31); and the exorcism of the unclean spirit (Mark 1:23; Luke 4:33). Thus highly favored by the ministry of Jesus, there was also a heavy curse imposed on the city because of its unrepentance: “And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades” (Matt. 11:23, rsv),” explains the Tyndale Bible Dictionary.

Jesus’ departure into the Galilean region was not a coincidence. It was sovereignly directed by God the Father and revealed by the Holy Spirit through the Old Testament prophets (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Matthew specifically referred to Isaiah 9:1-2; 42:7; Job 3:1-5; Psalm 23:4; and Amos 5:8.

“Upon hearing of John the Baptist’s arrest, Jesus returns to minister in Galilee (Matt. 4:12). It is important to note that this is a “new phase” of ministry, for our Savior does not enter Galilee immediately after His baptism. According to John’s gospel, Jesus has already spent time ministering in Jerusalem and Judea after His baptism (1:29–42). In fact, the ministry of our Lord and His forerunner actually overlap (3:22–24), if only for a brief period,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“When Jesus comes to Galilee, He settles in a small village on the northwest edge of the Sea of Galilee named Capernaum (Matt. 4:13). Matthew tells us this fulfills biblical prophecy, specifically the words of Isaiah 9:1–2, which the evangelist paraphrases in Matthew 4:15–16. The original setting of Isaiah’s text helps us understand how Christ fulfills this passage. Isaiah predicted that God would use the Assyrian empire as His rod to judge the northern kingdom of Israel (chap. 7–8), and as was foretold, Israel fell and the people were exiled over a period of many decades culminating in 722 b B.C. (2 Kings 15:29; 17:7–23).”

“Scripture often uses light to refer to the knowledge of God and obedience to Him (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 4:18). As the light of the world (John 8:12), Jesus gives us true knowledge of our Creator (John 12:44–50) and frees us from sin’s oppression (Rom. 6:17–18), which makes us unable in and of ourselves to serve the Lord,” concludes Dr. Sproul.

Today’s text is another example of God’s sovereign grace. Take time today to thank Him for the graciously you the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹³ “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

What are some takeaways about temptations in the Christian’s life that we can glean from Scripture? There are several principles regarding the subject that can be taken from today’s text.

First, temptations will happen in our lives. We may not know when, how, or by whom they will occur. What we do know is that temptations will occur.

Secondly, God is faithful. For God to be faithful means that He is always trustworthy, dependable, committed and praiseworthy. Not only is God faithful when life is good, but the context of today’s text indicates that He is also faithful when His children face temptations from the world, their sinful nature (flesh) and the devil.

The Lord will not only not allow His children to be tempted beyond their ability to resist, He will also provide a way of escape. Once again, the sovereignty of God is clearly taught in the text. He is in sovereign control of all that happens in our lives. The word escape (ἔκβασις; ekbasis) refers to the means for a getaway. In other words, a way out of the circumstances and the situation.

Why does God provide the way for an escape for believers in Christ when they are tempted? It is so we “may be able to endure it.” To be able (δύναμαι; dynamai) is best defined by the word “can.” God gives us the capability to endure. To endure (ὑποφέρω; hypophero) means to bear up under and stand up under pressure (1Co 10:13; 2 Tim. 3:11; 1 Peter 2:19). This is God’s personal promise to each believer in Christ.

“You will remember that one of the main problems with the Corinthians’ eating in pagan temples was that they thought it was a display of their own spiritual strength. Because they knew other gods do not exist as gods and because the act of eating was indifferent in itself, they believed that they could not possibly be guilty of idolatry if they ate alongside pagan worshipers in pagan temples (ch. 8). But as Paul notes in I Corinthians 10:12, such confidence in their own spiritual strength was misplaced. When Paul says that those who think they stand should take heed lest they fall, he is basically saying: “Don’t think that you are so strong that you will not be guilty of idolatry if you do not stop eating in pagan temples. The Israelites thought they would be fine when they associated themselves with paganism, but they fell into apostasy,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

We see, then, that although God glorifies everyone whom He justifies (Rom. 8:29–30), we have a part to play in persevering in saving faith. We must not think ourselves so strong that we cannot fall into grievous or impenitent sin, but we must take heed of ourselves lest we fall. Christ will be faithful to complete the good work of salvation in everyone whom He regenerates (Phil. 1:6), but He does this by working in and through us so that we work out our salvation in fear and trembling, continuing to trust Jesus and repenting of our sin until the day we die (2:12–13). There is no contradiction between God’s guaranteeing the salvation of all those who have true faith and the need of the truly converted to keep watch on their hearts,” Dr. Sproul concludes.

“Those whom God has promised to save, he has promised to render watchful,” Charles Hodge comments,

We need not fear that the Lord will not enable us to resist temptation. He promised to do so. God always gives His people a way out of succumbing to temptation.

We resume our study in the Gospel of Matthew when next we meet. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹³ “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

What are some takeaways about temptations in the Christian’s life that we can glean from Scripture? There are several principles regarding the subject that can be taken from today’s text.

First, temptations will happen in our lives. We may not know when, how, or by whom they will occur. What we do know is that temptations will occur.

Secondly, God is faithful. For God to be faithful (πιστός; pistos) means that He is always trustworthy, dependable, committed and praiseworthy. Not only is God faithful when life is good, but the context of today’s text indicates that He is also faithful when His children face temptations from the world, their sinful nature (flesh) and the devil.

Additionally, God in His faithfulness “will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.” This statement reveals that God is sovereign and in control of our lives; especially when temptations occur. He actively will not allow or permit us to be tempted beyond our ability (ὑπέρ; hyper), or to a greater degree, than we can handle at that particular time. This means that our temptations are compatible to our spiritual strength.

“Ancient teachers often pointed out that adversities come to everyone, and that one should not be proud but submit to what comes one’s way. But whereas pagan writers emphasized human will, Paul emphasizes God’s faithfulness,” explains commentator Craig S. Keener.

“While this verse is challenging, encouraging, and hopeful, most of all, I find this verse incredibly humbling. There’s one phrase in the verse that stops me in my tracks and makes me want to let out a long, deep sigh. It’s the part about whatever temptation I’m fighting being “common to man,” states Melissa Kruger, director of women’s content at The Gospel Coalition. “Most days, I don’t view my temptations as common. In fact, I want people to understand how terribly uncommon my struggle is so that they’ll sympathize with me when I don’t take the way out provided. Secretly, I want to tell them my tale of woe as a means to escape the guilt of my own sinful choices.”

“The notion that whatever temptation comes knocking at my door is typical silences my inner justifications. My temptation isn’t special. My circumstances are not cause for disobedience. Others have faced this very thing and by the Spirit have faithfully endured. My pride protests, “Anyone facing this circumstance would give in!” But the Spirit faithfully reminds me that there’s a way of escape. By God’s grace, obedience is possible,” Kruger continues.

“Whatever temptation you face, the power of Jesus is available to help. His Spirit is alive in you. God knows exactly what you can bear, and He’s actively arranging all the details of your life to provide a way out so you may endure. Whatever you face today is a common struggle. The grace He provides in the midst of the struggle will strengthen and protect you,” Kruger concludes.

I am praying for you as you face temptations. I would appreciate your prayers.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹³ “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

What are some takeaways about temptations in the Christian’s life that we can glean from Scripture? There are several principles regarding the subject that can be taken from today’s text.

First, temptations will happen in our lives. We may not know when, how, or by whom they will occur. What we do know is that temptations will occur.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man” Temptation (πειρασμὸς; peirasmos) within the context refers to a solicitation unto evil. It is a trial designed to make an individual stumble in their walk of faith (Luke 4:13; Acts 15:26).

The word overtaken (λαμβάνω; lambano) means to take hold of. Within the grammatical context, it refers to a temptation that has taken hold of your life in the past and continues in the present. It may be either the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the boastful pride of life (I John 2:15-17).

Second, temptations are commonplace (ἀνθρώπινος; anthropinos). They happened to people in the past, they do happen in the present, and they will happen in the future. The temptations our ancestors faced are the evil solicitations we face and our children and grandchildren will face (Rom. 6:19; 1 Cor. 2:13; 4:3; 10:13; James 3:7; 1 Peter 2:13+; 1Tim. 1:15). All believers in Christ face the temptation to compromise and commit sinful disobedience.

“Every difficult circumstance that enters a believer’s life can either strengthen him if he obeys God and remains confident in his care, or become a solicitation to evil if the believer chooses instead to doubt God and disobey his word,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

What kinds of temptations are common in your life? What evil solicitation, either from the fallen world, your own remaining sinful nature, or the devil, trips you up the most in your walk of faith in Christ?

When we pray to the Lord, we not only are to adore Him, thank Him and bring our requests to Him. Believers in Christ are also to confess sin unto Him (I John 1:9). While temptations are not sinful, they become so when we succumb to the solicitation. Therefore, when you are tempted to sin, take that moment to place that temptation into a conversation with God. Use that temptation to energize your prayer time with God, and your intercession for others.

Whatever temptation you may be facing, know that other faithful believers in Christ have faced the same struggle you are encountering. Ask God to give you the strength to resist the devil (James 4:7), to no longer conform to the fallen world system (Rom. 12:1-2), and to put sin to death in your life (Col. 3:5).

I am praying for you. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁸ “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ⁹ And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ” ¹¹Then the devil left him, and behold, “angels came and were ministering to Him.” (Matthew 4:8–11 (ESV)

 “Satan tests God’s people by manipulating circumstances, within the limits that God allows him (cf. Jb. 1:12; 2:6; 1 Cor. 10:13), in an attempt to make them desert God’s will. The NT knows him as ‘the tempter’ (ho peirazōn, Matt. 4:3; 1 Thes. 3:5), the implacable foe of both God and men (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12),” explains J.I. Packer.

The focus today is on the temptation of the lust of the eyes. It is the evil of coveting what we see and honoring it above, or equal to, the Lord. It is not only wanting what we see and fixate upon, but also to have resentment for the one who possesses what we see and want and cannot have righteously and in the will of God.

The devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. What a sight that must have been. There were no limitations to what the devil offered Jesus. However, there was only one stipulation. Jesus would have to bow down and worship the devil.

“Satan’s final test related to God’s plan for Jesus. It was and is God’s design that Jesus Christ rule the world. Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world with all their splendor. These kingdoms presently are Satan’s, as he is “the god of this Age” (2 Cor. 4:4) and “the prince of this world” (John 12:31; cf. Eph. 2:2). He had the power to give all these kingdoms to Jesus at that time—if only Jesus would bow down and worship him. Satan was saying, “I can accomplish the will of God for You and You can have the kingdoms of this world right now.” This of course would have meant Jesus would never have gone to the cross. He supposedly could have been the King of kings without the cross,” explains commentator Louis A. Barbieri Jr.

Jesus would not do this. He knew the path to kingship included the cross. He also knew that the only one worthy of worship was the One True God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  

Again, Jesus quoted Scripture, from Deuteronomy 6:13, to resist the devil. He said, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’ ” The devil immediately obeyed Jesus’ command and left Him. It was at that moment that angels came and ministered to Jesus.

“Interestingly Satan’s temptations of Eve in the Garden of Eden correspond to those of Jesus in the desert. Satan appealed to the physical appetite (Gen. 3:1–3; Matt. 4:3), the desire for personal gain (Gen. 3:4–5; Matt. 4:6), and an easy path to power or glory (Gen. 3:5–6; Matt. 4:8–9). And in each case Satan altered God’s Word (Gen. 3:4; Matt. 4:6). Satan’s temptations of people today often fall into the same three categories (cf. 1 John 2:16). The One who had identified Himself with sinners by baptism and who would provide righteousness proved He is righteous, and revealed His approval by the Father. Satan then left Jesus. At that moment God sent angels to minister to His needs,” Barbieri concludes.

In which of the three areas of temptation do you find the most difficult to resist? Perhaps like many believers in Christ, you may struggle against all three. Pray that the Lord will bring to your mind Scripture by which you can resist the devil and his temptations (James 4:7).

Have a God honoring day today.

Soli deo Gloria!