Matthew 4
When Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, they immediately followed Him (Matthew 4:18-22). There was no concern about what they were doing prior to Jesus’ arrival. They were called by Jesus…and followed.
A bit later in Matthew 8:18-22, a scribe came to Jesus saying He would follow Jesus where ever He sent, but Jesus said, “[t]he foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head (Matthew 8:20).” Jesus’ statement may have been a direct ‘challenge’ for the scribe to accept considering his lifestyle as a scribe. The scribe was not disqualified from following Jesus, but it was something he needed to consider.
In 2004 we wrote Living Out of Lust, a beautiful book that engaged the very issue of sexual addictions, its devastating effects, and how we can live without the stains of sexual sins. Over the years, we’ve learned that there is a larger encompassing scope beyond the principles of Living Out of Lust.
The key message for us that struggle with sexual sin (or any sin for that matter) is the closer we draw to the Lord, the further we draw from sin and the world.
Matthew 5:1-12 – And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
After Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil, He began to preach and say, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Jesus taught in the synagogues of Galilee and His fame grew throughout Syria. He healed the sick, diseased, and those possessed with devils. People from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond Jordan followed Him.
As Jesus saw the multitudes, He went up into a mountain and taught His disciples as they came to Him. As He began, He gave nine ‘attributes’ of those that are blessed. In many circles, these nine attributes are commonly referred as the Beatitudes. The word Beatitude is Latin for blessings.
The Beatitudes represent the character traits/behaviors that one attains on earth to enter eternal life (the kingdom of heaven). Each statement represents personal attributes rather than something to be accomplished corporately as a church or group.
When fighting the good fight of faith, you’ll experience adversaries such as the flesh, Satan, and your lust. It seems that no matter how many times you resist their tempting calls, they continue to attack. Like a boomerang, they return with tempting thoughts, gestures, or situations again and again. Now, if you’re not careful, you’ll fall for their subtle calls to give in. However, in Christ Jesus, there is victory because HE is the great overcomer (Hebrews 12:1-4).
1. Being tempted does not mean you sinned. Your response to temptation determines whether you will give birth to sin or to continue living righteously before God. Jesus lived without sin and was tempted by Satan (see Matthew 4:1-11). He overcame using the Word of God.
Music has a powerful influence upon people. The beat of a song can usher us into joy, deep reflection, inappropriate behavior, and others make us feel invincible. The beat has a powerful draw upon us, often something we can’t explain, but we feel it running through our soul. Now, secular music (secular means separate from religion) we can imagine all the influences of sin, flesh, and the devil, but can such music infiltrate Christian borders? It sure can…and has.
Jesus tells a parable about a pasture land that is given to the sheep that follow Him (John 10:1-18). This peaceful pasture land is given through the gift of eternal life. The sheep represent those the Lord has called by name, loved, and cared for. Jesus said that the sheep know His voice and follow Him (into eternal life) – a stranger they will not follow (John 10:3-5).
Many people want to know how to hear God’s voice. However, the BIGGER desire (or question) must be to KNOW His voice. God speaks to us all (even before believing in Jesus)…and so does the devil (and our own lust). The issue is to recognize God’s voice above all others, so that when He speaks, you know it is the Lord.
As long as we are on this earth, there is one sure guarantee: you will experience temptation. (Being tempted does not mean you that sin; it is the acceptance of the temptation that gives birth to it.) Regardless of the area, issue, or subject, Satan and our flesh will proposition us with temptation.
We have been victims of temptation, but we don’t have to give in! Often when we are presented with temptation, we mull over the prospect of committing the act. Thinking about temptation and the ‘acts’ that ensue only gives the temptation more strength, leaving us feeling helpless to overcome. Rather than listening and thinking about temptation and sin, we can give tempting thoughts a proper response:
Matthew 7:15-20 – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
1. Many false prophets (and teachers) dwell among our congregations. Most people would probably be surprised because they think they could recognize these individuals easily. The goal of a false prophet is to be among the people without being identified in order to spread their message.
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