Old Treasures Made New

Matthew 8:16-27

1. In the first part of these verses we see a striking example of our Lord's wisdom in dealing with those who professed a willingness to be His disciples.
2. In the latter part of these verses we learn, that true saving faith is often mingled with much weakness and infirmity

"Nothing, in fact, has done more harm to Christianity than the practice of filling the ranks of Christ's army with every volunteer who is willing to make a little profession, and talk fluently of his experience."

"We never perhaps know the weakness of our faith, until we are placed in the furnace of trial and anxiety. Blessed and happy is that person who finds by experience that his faith can stand the fire, and that he can say with Job, "though he slays me, yet will I trust in him." (Job 13:15.)"

Questions:

1. We read of two people who would follow Jesus and are given replies by Jesus that are designed to have them to count the cost of what they are asking for. Jesus doesn't tell them no, nor does he give a quick yes, either. We need to learn from Jesus in these things. When you were told of Christ, were you also told of a cross you would have to carry and that hardships are on this path? When we talk to others about Christ, do we tend to talk of only the benefits (of which there are many) or also the cost? Why or why not?
2. We then read of the disciples, who have counted the cost and are following Jesus, show weak faith as their boat floods with water. Ryle draws encouragement for us in how Jesus responds to his disciples. He says, "We have great reason to thank God that Jesus, our great High-priest, is very compassionate and tender-hearted. He knows our frame. He considers our infirmities. He does not cast off His people because of defects. He pities even those whom he reproves. The prayer even of "little faith" is heard, and gets an answer." How does that truth encourage you? And in addition to this, would you not add to your prayers "Lord, increase my faith?" so that we may stand in the days of trial more steadfastly?

Matthew 8:1-15

1. Let us learn how great is the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Let us learn the mercifulness and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Let us learn what a precious thing is the grace of faith.

"We are encouraged to lean on Him, to cast all our care on Him, to repose all the weight of our souls on Him. We may do so without fear. He can bear all. He is a strong rock. He is Almighty."

"Our great High Priest is very gracious. He can be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities." He is never tired of doing us good. He knows that we are a weak and feeble people, in the midst of a weary and troublous world."

"To be willing to come to Jesus as helpless, lost sinners, and commit our souls into His hands is a mighty privilege. Let us ever bless God if this willingness is ours, for it is His gift. Such faith is better than all other gifts and knowledge in the world."

Questions:

1. We see in these verses the power of Jesus, the Son of God, as He heals many who are sick. We also see His heart as he looks upon these afflictions, and mercy and compassion pours out. And this is the same Jesus we come to today by faith! Do we believe nothing is impossible for Him? Do we believe that he cares about even our pains and illnesses?
2. We also learn of the value of faith as a centurion is declared to have greater faith than anyone in Israel. It is one of the few times that Jesus marvels! Ryle points out that "faith in Christ appears a small and simple thing to the children of this world" and that "they see in it nothing great or grand." And yet, faith in Christ is most precious in God's sight. Do we have this simple faith in Christ and his promises? If so, do we believe that it is the most precious gift in the world? How does this faith change how we live day-by-day?

Matthew 7:21-29

1. The uselessness of a mere outward profession of Christianity.
2. A striking picture of two classes of Christian hearers.

"We must make a "practice" of our Christianity as well as a "profession.""

"He does not content himself with listening to exhortations to repent, believe in Christ, and live a holy life. He actually repents. He actually believes. He actually ceases to do evil, learns to do well, abhors that which is sinful, and cleaves to that which is good."

Questions:

1. Jesus warns that professing his name is not the test of true Christianity, though we must add that it is not less than that (see Romans 10:9). It is those who do the will of the Father in Heaven. And so, Ryle asks if we are truly repenting, truly believing on Christ, and living holy and humble lives. To help us in this, he encourages us to think often of the great day when Jesus returns and consider if we are living in such a way to hear "well done, good and faithful servant" or "depart from me you workers of lawlessness?" How often does this shape our daily lives?
2. Jesus tells us what makes one wise and foolish, and shows it by revealing their respective ends. The wise man hears God's Word and does it, and the foolish man hears and doesn't. The wise man, in his listening and doing, builds his house so that when the storms of life and the judgement come, his house will stand while the foolish man's will not. And so we need to ask ourselves: what kind of house am I building? Am I content to hear sermons and teaching, to read the Bible and walk away unchanged? Or is my life being transformed as I hear and respond in trust and faith to what I hear and read in God's Word? Does the truth of God's word translate into communion and prayer to God? May we be active and not just passive learners in the things of God!

Matthew 7:12-20

1. He lays down a general principle for our guidance in all doubtful questions between man and man.
2. Our Lord gives us a general caution against the way of the many in religion.
3. The Lord Jesus gives us a general warning against false teachers in the church.

"We are to deal with others as we would like others to deal with us. This is real Christianity."

"We have no reason to be discouraged and cast down, if the religion we profess is not popular, and few agree with us."

"Nothing supplies false prophets with followers so much as spiritual sloth under a cloak of humility."

Questions:

1. We find here what has been called the Golden Rule: "treat others the way you want to be treated." Do you have questions that the Bible doesn't answer directly? Do you wish there was a clear rule laid out to give clarity to the situations you face? Well, as Ryle says, this verse is the answer to the unspoken situations we face. How often are we applying this rule to what we do?
2. Jesus declares to us here that there are two places that every person on the planet may be found: either on the wide or narrow path. The narrow path, as Ryle points out, is the way of repentance (turning away from sin), faith in Christ (turning toward Christ in trust), and holiness of life (growing in Christlikeness). These things, he says, have never been in style. The true flock has always been small, and despite how we feel, it is a good sign that the world would call us narrow-minded and bigoted. Where are you? Do we fit into the world, or do we stand out from the world?
3. Jesus not only warns of a broad road but that it is also filled with false teachers, wolves in sheep's clothing. Ryle warns that there always have been, are many today, and there always will be. Pastors and teachers are gifts to you (Ephesians 4:8-11) but only to the extent that the Word of God is faithfully taught. And that, Ryle says, is the best safe-guard against false teaching: to be regularly in God's Word with prayer asking for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Do not be fooled by seminary degrees and speaking skills, is what is said from God's Word or not? And so we must ask ourselves: do I trust my pastor or other teachers blindly? Am I able to recognize when they are off? Am I willing to ask honest and humble questions if I am unsure of something that has been said? Ryle promises that the one who reads the Bible aright will never be allowed greatly to err. May it be true of us!

Matthew 7:1-11

1. Contained in this passage is the importance of exercising discretion as to the person with whom we speak on the subject of religion.
2. Contained in this passage is the duty of prayer, and the rich encouragements there are to pray.

"The first portion of these verses is one of those passages of Scripture, which we must be careful not to strain beyond its proper meaning. It is frequently abused and misapplied, by the enemies of true religion. It is possible to press the words of the Bible so far that they yield not medicine, but poison."

"Knowledge, not improved and well employed, will only increase our condemnation at the last day."

"Do we indeed pray? Then let us pray on, and not faint. It is not lost labor. It is not useless. It will bear fruit after many days. That word never yet failed, "Everyone who asks receives.""

Questions:

1. Apparently this passage was just as misused in Ryle's day as in ours, as we hear him speak of the possibility of pressing the words of the Bible so far that they yield not medicine, but poison! Far from a text commanding Christians to not judge others, Ryle highlights that here Jesus condemns to a readiness to blame others for trifling offences, or matters of indifference, a disposition to magnify the errors and infirmities of others. Are we quick to find fault with others or do we strive to love them by assuming the best of them (that is, when offences are not clear and obvious)?
2. Jesus talks about not giving dogs what is holy and pearls to swine. In the context, this is giving discernment as to whom we seek to help pull the speck from their eye. Ryle warns that doing this right takes great wisdom and he gives two mistakes we tend to make. The first is to be over-cautious, that is we never actually go to someone to have the hard conversation. The second is over-zeal, that is we are too eager to approach someone in sin and even delight in the opportunity! Which error do you tend towards? How will you seek to hold a holy balance to this calling?
3. Jesus gives encouragement to pray. He promises that those who ask, seek, and knock will receive! Ryle warns that sadly, though even with such encouragements as these, that there is nothing which we are so slow to do. Do we really believe that those who pray receive? Be encouraged that prayer is not lost labor. It is not useless. It will bear fruit after many days.

Matthew 6:25-34

1. He forbids us to keep up an anxious spirit about the things of this world.
2. He sends us to the birds of the air and flowers for instruction.
3. He suggests to us, that anxiety about the things of this world is most unworthy of a Christian.

"One great feature of heathenism is living for the present. Let the heathen, if he will, be anxious. He knows nothing of a Father in heaven. But let the Christian, who has clearer light and knowledge, give proof of it by his faith and contentment."

"We are not to carry cares before they come. We are to attend to today's business, and leave tomorrow's anxieties until tomorrow dawns. We may die before tomorrow. We know not what may happen tomorrow. This only we may be assured of, that if tomorrow brings a cross, He who sends it, can and will send grace to bear it."

Questions:

1. Jesus knows we need food and clothing yet he warns against focusing on these things and calls us to focus on His kingdom and righteousness first. It is the focus of the things of this world, even needed things, that brings about much anxiety. How are our hearts in this matter? Are we anxious about many things? Do we find ourselves thinking primarily about the things that will pass away, or the things of eternity?

2. Jesus commands us to “not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” So many of our worries and anxieties are about the future, of which we are not guaranteed even tomorrow. Ryle says, “This only we may be assured of, that if tomorrow brings a cross, He who sends it, can and will send grace to bear it.” What does this truth do to your anxious heart? Do you believe that all things are from a sovereign and loving God who works all things for the good of those who love him?

3. Ryle, as usual, exhorts us to apply these things to our lives. He says, “Let us watch and pray against worry, and an over-anxious spirit.” He then wisely points out that to do so “deeply concerns our happiness.” How will you do this in your prayer life to increase your happiness in God?

Matthew 6:16-24

1. Let us learn from our Lord's instruction about fasting, the great importance of cheerfulness in our religion.
2. Let us learn from our Lord's caution about worldliness what immense need we all have to watch and pray against an earthly spirit.
3. Let us learn from our Lord's words about the "single eye," the true secret of the failures, which so many Christians seem to make in their religion.

"Never let us forget that there is no religion in looking melancholy and gloomy. Are we dissatisfied with Christ's wages, and Christ's service? Surely not! Then let us not look as if we were."

"Oh! let us all beware that we do not sink into hell by paying excessive attention to lawful things. Open transgression of God's law slays its thousands, but worldliness its tens of thousands."

"Let us be decided, thorough-going, uncompromising followers of Christ. Let our motto be that of Paul, "One thing I do." (Phil. 3:13.) Then we shall be happy Christians."

Questions:

1. These verses highlight the topics of fasting, worldliness, and singleness of purpose. In considering fasting, Ryle says that there is no command in the NT which seems to leave it upon to each person to be firmly convinced in their own mind and not to hastily condemn others. As for its purpose, Ryle declares that it is the "occasional abstinence from food in order to bring the body into subjection to the spirit." That said, have we ever considered it? If not, why not? If you have, did it help you and how?
2. The second consideration is of worldliness, which is to find our happiness in this world that is passing away. The first question we need to consider is whether we are aware that worldliness is, as Ryle says, "a treacherous, harmful, enticing and powerful enemy" that is a rock that makes shipwreck for many for all eternity? Is this surprising to you? Are our affections on the things of earth or the things of heaven?
3. The last consideration is on singleness of purpose, which Ryle calls the one great secret of spiritual prosperity. The opposite is trying to serve Christ and the world together, which is something Jesus says cannot be done. And so, when we try, it creates Christians who are uncomfortable, uneasy, and dissatisfied with themselves. Is this you? Are you trying to be a servant of Christ and of the world?

Matthew 6:9-15

1. The first sentence declares to whom we are to pray--"Our Father in heaven."
2. The second sentence is a petition respecting God's name--"Hallowed be your name."
3. The third sentence is a petition concerning God's kingdom--"Your kingdom come."
4. The fourth sentence is a petition concerning God's will—“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
5. The fifth sentence is a petition respecting our own daily needs--"give us this day our daily bread."
6. The sixth sentence is a petition respecting our sins--"Forgive us our debts."
7. The seventh sentence is a profession respecting our own feelings towards others--we ask our Father to "forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
8. The eighth sentence is a petition respecting our weakness--"lead us not into temptation."
9. The ninth sentence is a petition respecting our dangers--"deliver us from evil."
10. The last sentence is an ascription of praise--"yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory."

"Perhaps no part of Scripture is so full, and so simple at the same time, as this. It is the first prayer which we learn to offer up, when we are little children. Here is its simplicity. It contains the germ of everything which the most advanced saint can desire. Here is its fullness."

"May we resolve that, by God's help, our hearts shall go together with our lips! Happy is he who can really call God his Father through Jesus Christ his Savior, and can therefore say a heart felt "Amen" to all that the Lord's Prayer contains."

Questions:

1. We have read the Lord's Prayer - which may be better called the Disciples Prayer. If you grew up in the church, there is a good chance you know it as it is one of the most famous parts of Scripture. And yet, as Ryle warns, many repeat these words and do not consider what they are saying; they do not care for the 'glory,' the 'kingdom,' or the 'will of God;' they have no sense of dependence, sinfulness, weakness, or danger. Where do you stand when it comes to this prayer? Is it a just something you repeat, or does each part inform your prayers? Which of the 10 lines do you need to grow in the most?
2. If you do not know this prayer, would you consider memorizing it and letting it inform your prayers? I was greatly encouraged years ago that one of the reasons we should pray this prayer is that Jesus is informing us about the very things God delights to answer. If you are at all interested, you can find a very helpful sermon series HERE.

Matthew 6:1-8

1. Observe that our Lord takes it for granted, that all who call themselves His disciples will GIVE ALMS.
2. Observe again that our Lord takes it for granted, that all who call themselves His disciples will PRAY.
3. In GIVING, everything pretentiousness is to be abhorred and avoided.
4. In PRAYING, the principal object to be sought, is to be alone with God.
5. In all our duties, whether giving, or praying, the great thing to be kept in mind is, that we have to do with a heart-searching and all-knowing God.

"A giving Savior should have giving disciples."

"It teaches plainly that prayerless people are not genuine Christians. It is not enough to join in the prayers of the congregation on Sundays, or attend the prayer of a family on week-days. There must be private prayer also. Without this we may be outward members of Christ's church, but we are not living members of Christ."

"They flatter themselves that all must be right with their souls, if they only perform a certain amount of "religious duties." They forget that God does not regard the quantity, but the quality of our service. His favor is not to be bought, as many seem to suppose, by the formal repetition of a number of words, or the self-righteous payment of a sum of money to a charitable institution."

Questions:

1. In these verses Jesus tells us of two actions he assumes true believers will do, giving and prayer, and speaks to how they are to be done. God takes no account of how much money we give or how many words we use in prayer, but the nature of our motives. The question we need to ask ourselves then is simple: as it pertains to giving, is there a desire in my heart to be generous with what God has given me? In my giving, do I desire for others to see? As Ryle says, "a giving Savior should have giving disciples."
2. It is also assumed in this passage that God's people will pray. So, as it pertains to prayer, do we have a desire to pray? When we pray, do we have a heart that God is the one we are talking to?
3. Now, questions like this tend to produce in most feelings of inadequacy. The truth is that these are important things to consider. Where we fall short - and we all fall short of what we should - the question is: will this produce in us a desire to grow or to give up? Will you simply try harder or look again to Christ and all he has done on your behalf?

Matthew 5:38-48

1. The Lord Jesus forbids everything like an unforgiving and revengeful spirit.
2. The Lord Jesus enjoins on us a spirit of universal love and charity.
3. If we do not aim at the spirit and temper which are here recommended, we are not yet children of God and are manifestly yet of the world.
4. If the spirit of these ten verses were more continually remembered by true believers, they would recommend Christianity to the world far more than they do.
5. If the spirit of these ten verses had more dominion and power in the world, how much happier the world would be than it is.

"We are to put up with much and bear much, rather than hurt another, or give offence. In all things we are to be unselfish. Our thought must never be, "how do others behave to me?" but "what would Christ have me to do?""

"We have here a lovely picture of the Christian as he ought to be. We cannot look at it without painful feelings. We must all allow that it differs widely from the Christian as he is."

"Unfailing courtesy, kindness, tenderness, and consideration for others, are some of the greatest ornaments to the character of the child of God. The world can understand these things, if it cannot understand doctrine. There is no religion in rudeness, roughness, bluntness, and incivility. The perfection of practical Christianity consists in attending to the little duties of holiness as well as to the great."

"Those who fancy that true religion has any tendency to make men unhappy, are greatly mistaken. It is the absence of it that does this, and not the presence."

Questions:

1. Jesus points out two sayings that would have been common - "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" and "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy" - and declares what God desires. The Christian is called to not resist the one who is evil (of which Jesus gives numerous examples) and love our enemies. The standard is high because the standard is found in Jesus himself. And yet, as Ryle points out, we must not aim for anything less because these things are evidence of having the Spirit. And so, he asks some negative diagnostic questions: am I ready to resent hurts against me? Am I quick to be offended by others? Am I quick to quarrel and fight with others? Do I delight to assert my rights? He then asks some positive questions: Do I return good when others do evil to me? Do I bless when cursed? Do I deny myself and take troubles in order to be kind? As Ryle says, these pictures give a lovely picture of what the Christian ought to be. Do we have some semblance of this picture?
2. Ryle, in considering these standards, states that the world would be far happier if the spirit of these verses had more power and dominion in the world. He says, "Those who fancy that true religion has any tendency to make men unhappy, are greatly mistaken. It is the absence of it that does this, and not the presence." Do we believe that loving our enemies and patiently enduring evil are God being a killjoy or actually what will bring joy to us and a lost world?