Today’s Reading: Gen 24:1–67, Matt 16:1–17:27, Eccles 5:8–11
Today’s Theme: Jesus the Rock
Today we see some really important lessons including God’s providence and care for His people. One of the most important things we see is the revelation of exactly who Jesus is and a confession of this fact. We also see Jesus function as the Rock and foundation upon which the true church is built.
Genesis 24:1–67
God’s providence
and said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.” Then the young woman ran and told her mother’s household about these things. Genesis 24:27–28 (ESV)
A great account of God’s providence that should strengthen our faith and lead us to worship.
Do not procrastinate
But he said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.” Genesis 24:56 (ESV)
In light of Gods providence and provision we should not procrastinate.
Matthew 16:1–17:27
Have high quality faith
An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed. Matthew 16:4 (ESV)
We should not need signs to believe God, we should have the high quality of faith that takes Him at his word. Faith that requires a sign or miracle in order to believe, is weaker, immature and in some cases, is not faith at all.
False teaching is dangerous
Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:12 (ESV)
Beware of false and erroneous teaching, it is dangerous and Jesus tells us to be aware of it and avoid it.
Who Jesus is
Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (ESV)
A definitive statement on who Jesus is. Pamela Suran taught us that using this full title of Jesus is very important.
Jesus is the Rock
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
The ‘rock’ is not Peter but is the confession that Peter made saying; Jesus is “The Christ, the Son of the living God”, the core and principle doctrine for our faith.. Jesus was calling Himself the rock on which the church would be built.
Binding and loosing
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 (ESV)
The amplified bible is useful here; as God’s people we declare what has already been done in heaven, we have authority because we confirm the work of the kingdom. We accomplish this binding and loosing most clearly by proclaiming the Gospel and living and praying in accordance to God’s will, revealed in His word.
Payment is coming
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. Matthew 16:27 (ESV)
Payment is coming, let’s work accordingly
The Trinity
He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Matthew 17:5 (ESV)
The Father’s testimony and command concerning His Son, Jesus. This is further evidence of the nature of the Trinity. The Modalism of Oneness Pentecostals and others who say that there is no Trinity, but that it is God the Father changing form as Father, then as Son, then as Spirit, is wrong.
God’s provision
However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” Matthew 17:27 (ESV)
This actually happened but is also symbolic of the supernatural provision God makes available for us.
Ecclesiastes 5:8–11
Enough
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Ecclesiastes 5:10–11 (ESV)
We should ask God to search our hearts, it is easy to get caught up in the materialism and constant dissatisfaction of our age and culture. We need a renewed understanding of enough, contentment, gratitude and generosity, when it comes to money.
Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014