THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. Matt. 5, 6, 7 (36)

January 5, 2019

18-9-18

Key: SCHAFF: “When the Lord open his mouth, we should open our ears and hearts” 

HEAVENLY FOCUS AS OPPOSED TO WORLDLY MINDEDNESS continues Matt. 6:19-24… 3

“There are treasures in heaven, as sure as there are on this earth and those in heaven are the only true treasures, the riches and glories and pleasures that are on God’s right hand, which those that are sanctified truly arrive at, when they come to be sanctified perfectly” Mathew Henry.

  1. Special secrets and revelations are reserved. Gen. 18:17-22, Matt. 17:1-12, Gen. 6:8, 12-22; 7:1, Amos. 3:7, Dan. 2:22-23; 9:2-3, 20-23; 10:7-14, Rev. 1:9-20…; 4:1-3…, Jn. 15:15, 1 Cor. 2:6-10. God always reveal himself to those who give Him their best. He told Peter, “…flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father which is in heaven” Matt. 16:17.
  2. The power of character outweighs the forces of circumstances. Matt. 14:1-5, Mk. 6:20, 26, Lk. 20:2-8, Jn. 3:25-30. The essential key to powerful personality is godly character and godly character comes by God’s presence within. Phil. 2:13, 1Cor.3:16, Eph. 4:21-32. It is a great treasure kept in heaven. Jn. 10:41. The final stage in the life of faith is character. 2Pet. 1:4-10
  3. God reserves the best for those who give Him their best. At least a dozen post – resurrection appearances of Christ are recorded. And to whom will go the honour of the first appearance of the risen Christ? None other than Mary Magdalene. Matt. 28:1-11, Jn. 20:1…, 11-18. It is Mary who sees Him first.
    1. There are not less than eight of such appearances of this group of faithful women recorded in the gospels. Luke writes that they followed Jesus and minister to his needs. This they did out of their own personal wealth. Lk. 8:1-3, Jn. 19:25, Mk. 15:41.
    2. Special blessings are reserved. Gen. 22:15-18, 2 Sam. 7:1-2, 4-5, 8-17, 1 Sam. 1:10-12, 24-28; 2:18-21, 2 Kg. 4:8-17; 8:1-6, Gen. 18:1-14; 21:1-8, Lk. 7:1-10. Paul said, “for the earth which drinks in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and brings forth herbs meet for them it is dressed, receives blessings from God” Heb.6:7
    3. Honour is reserved. Jn. 12:26, Ps. 91:1, 15, 1 Kg. 3:4-5, 11-13, Ps. 75:5-6, Josh. 2:1, 3-6, 9-12, Ruth. 1:14-19, Matt. 1:5, Ruth. 2:12, Num. 25:6-13.
    4. A place of rest or home is reserved. Gen. 5:21-26, 2Chro. 34:27-28, 2 Kg. 2:1-11, Jn. 14:1-3, 2 Cor. 5:1-11, Rom. 2:7, Rev. 21:4-5; 22:1-5. New things altogether is reserved for those who give Him their best during their life time.
  4. The acid test of Christian discipleship is giving. Scanty, restricted, restrained giving hurts the individual and hampers the kingdom of God. Act. 4:32, 34-37; 28:7-10, 2Cor. 8:1-5, Phil. 4:14-19, Lk. 23:50-54; 8:2-5; 7:37-38, 44-47, Gal. 4:14-15.

It continues.