Today’s reading: Gen 5:1–32, Matt 5:1–48, Eccles 1:12–18
Today’s Theme: An appetite for God
Today’s theme is about us having a desire and appetite to walk closely with God through feeding on His Word, communion with Him in prayer and living in a way that brings glory to His name.
Genesis 5:1–32
Have a close relationship with God
Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. Genesis 5:24 (ESV)
Enoch stands out from the crowd in this genealogy because of one thing, he had a close relationship with God. We should learn from his example and walk closely with God.
Matthew 5:1–48
Have an appetite for God
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 (ESV)
We should have an appetite for God, His Righteousness and for His Word. If we don’t have an appetite for God then we really need to ask God to revive our hearts or to change our appetite.
Do good, to God’s glory
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
We make our light shine by doing good works to the glory of God and in God’s name.
True righteousness
For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (ESV)
Our righteousness must come from the heart, it must be genuine and true not just external observance. This is only possible through the imputed righteousness of Christ through the Holy Spirit.
The heart of the law
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28 (ESV)
Jesus takes us to the heart of the law and reveals the true intent of it. This is that we live lives of genuine righteousness from our hearts and not just externally. Our hearts are an open book before God, we must walk in honesty, purity and with joy.
Don’t retaliate
But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 (ESV)
Personal retaliation is forbidden.
Love your enemies
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
This is not possible without God’s help. Jesus is asking us to do something unnatural for our flesh here, so we need the help of the Holy Spirit.
This is already taught in the Old Testament but traditions had built up over the years saying that enemies should simply be hated which was never God’s intention for his people.
Ecclesiastes 1:12–18
Don’t chase the wind
And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 1:17 (ESV)
This is a fruitless and futile task, we need to pray that we are not running after the wind but that our lives find their true purpose in God.
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014