Old Treasures Made New

Matthew 5:21-37

1. Jesus expounds the sixth, seventh, and third commandments.
2. It teaches us the exceeding holiness of God.
3. It teaches us the exceeding ignorance of man in spiritual things.
4. It teaches us the exceeding need of the Lord Jesus Christ's atoning blood to save us.
5. It teaches us the exceeding importance of avoiding all occasions of sin.

"Ignorance of the real meaning of the law is one plain reason why so many do not value the Gospel, and content themselves with a little formal Christianity. They do not see the strictness and holiness of God's Ten commandments. If they did, they would never rest until they were safe in Christ."

"We must labor to crucify our flesh and mortify our members, to make any sacrifice and endure any bodily inconvenience rather than sin."

Questions:

1. We see that Jesus speaks to the sixth, seventh, and third commandment and gets to the heart of their meaning. Many in Jesus' day, and in ours as well, may think that because we have never murdered or committed adultery with our actions that we are innocent. Jesus, though, declares that murder and adultery are issues of the heart, which God sees just as clear as we see ourselves in a mirror. Hateful thoughts and lustful glances are not missed by the God who knows all things and is personally offended by each one. Have we read the 10 Commandments and walked away encouraged thinking we are good or have we read them and understood that we fall short of them all? Which of us, getting to the heart of Jesus' meaning, could declare ourselves innocent?
2. Ryle, in light of the severity of the law, calls all Christians to avoid all occasions of sin. He applies this particularly with the use of our tongues, with James tell us is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. He exhorts us to be ready to make up quarrels and disagreements, lest they gradually lead on to greater evils. Stop and consider that for a second. Have you found that to be true in your own life? When he says, "we must make any sacrifice and endure any bodily inconvenience rather than sin" does that sound too harsh? Or does that sound like a foreign idea? What could this look like in your life?

Matthew 5:13-20

1. True Christians are to be in the world like salt and light.
2. Beware of despising the Old Testament under any pretense whatsoever.
3. Beware of despising the law of the Ten Commandments.
4. Beware of supposing that the Gospel has lowered the standard of personal holiness.

"It will never do to idle through life, thinking and living like others, if we mean to be owned by Christ as His people. Have we grace? Then it must be seen. Have we the Spirit? Then there must be fruit. Have we any saving religion? Then there must be a difference of habits, tastes, and turn of mind, between us and those who think only of the world."

"The religion of the Old Testament is the embryo of Christianity. The Old Testament is the Gospel in the bud. The New Testament is the Gospel in full flower. The Old Testament is the Gospel in the blade. The New Testament is the Gospel in full ear. The saints in the Old Testament saw many things through a glass darkly. But they all looked by faith to the same Savior, and were led by the same Spirit as ourselves."

"The law of the Ten Commandments is God's eternal measure of right and wrong. By it, is the knowledge of sin. By it, the Spirit shows men their need of Christ, and drives them to Him. To it, Christ refers His people as their rule and guide for holy living. In its right place it is just as important as "the glorious Gospel.""

"The Christian who is content with a low standard of personal holiness has got much to learn."

Questions:

1. The Lord Jesus declares that those who follow him will be salt and light in the world, which Ryle highlights means that Christians must be distinct from the world. He says, "Have we grace? Then it must be seen. Have we the Spirit? Then there must be fruit. Have we any saving religion? Then there must be a difference of habits, tastes, and turn of mind, between us and those who think only of the world." If you are in Christ, what makes you distinct from those around you in your school or workplace or family? In what ways has belonging to Christ changed you?
2. In our day as in Ryle's, there are many who despise or cast aside the Old Testament. One way this is done even in the New Testament is when some consider the 'red letters' that is, the words that are recorded by Jesus, as more authoritative than the rest of Scripture. Yet, Ryle rightly says that "the religion of the Old Testament is the embryo of Christianity." Yes, we need to read the Old Testament rightly in light of the New Testament and it being fulfilled, but Leviticus is no less authoritative than John 3:16. Does this point come to you as shocking or as surprising that anyone would think otherwise? Is this an area you need to consider further?
3. Ryle points out that the 10 Commandments bring knowledge of sin, shows us our need for Christ, and also are the Christians guide for holy living. This is summed up nicely by someone who has said, "The law brings us to Christ for salvation, and then Christ brings us to the law for how to live." Throughout history, there has been a tendency to either try to be saved by obeying the law - legalism - or thinking that in Christ we no longer have anything to do with the law - antinomianism. Which one of these do you tend to side toward and struggle with the most?

Matthew 5:1-12

"Would we know what kind of people Christians ought to be? Would we know the character at which Christians ought to aim? Would we know the outward walk and inward habit of mind which become a follower of Jesus? Then let us often study the sermon on the mount."

"Christianity is eminently a practical religion. Sound doctrine is its root and foundation, but holy living should always be its fruit."

Questions:

1. We have here the opening to the sermon on the mount, which consists of 8 characteristics that Jesus calls blessed. As you listened to them, I trust you will agree with the pastor who said that we need to be told these things are blessed because it certainly doesn't feel like it! Ryle declares that these are the things we should compare ourselves to, that the world utterly rejects, and that many professing Christians are ignorant of. As you consider being poor in spirit, mourning, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, being pure in heart, peacemaking and persecution, which ones do you struggle with the most? Why? Which ones do you need to go to God with for more grace?

Matthew 4:12-25

1. Let us notice the way in which our Lord commenced His mighty work.
2. Let us notice the first doctrine which the Lord Jesus proclaimed to the world.
3. Let us notice the class of men whom the Lord Jesus chose to be His disciples.
4. Let us notice the general character of the miracles by which our Lord confirmed His mission.

"The brightest days of the Church have been those when preaching has been honored. The darkest days of the Church have been those when it has been lightly esteemed."

"No Christian teaching can be called sound, which does not constantly bring forward "repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.""

"Is a man humble? Does he feel his sins? Is he willing to hear Christ's voice and follow Him? If this be so, he may be the poorest of the poor, but he shall be found as high as any in the kingdom of heaven. Intellect and money are worth nothing without grace."

"He rejected no one who came to Him. He refused no one, however loathsome and diseased. He had an ear to hear all, and a hand to help all, and a heart to feel for all. There is no kindness like His. His compassions fail not."

Questions:

1. These verses tell us of the beginning of Jesus' ministry, and we learn that the office Jesus fulfilled was that of preacher. In fact, if we just read through the gospels, we might sometimes think that Jesus is primarily a healer, but here and in Mark 1:38 we learn he is primarily a preacher who stops to heal as he goes. Does this surprise you? Ryle highlights the importance of preaching from this as well. He tells us to use the means of worship reverently but never to place them above preaching. Do we value preaching like this?
2. We see, also, that the first doctrine Christ proclaimed was that of repentance. Ryle says that repentance lies at the bottom of Christianity, that it is essential for salvation, and that no Christian teaching can be healthy without it. So much preaching in the West today sadly cares more about one's self-esteem and feeling good about ourselves instead of calling us to repentance (which can then lead to a God-esteem). In the list of doctrines you know, does repentance have the same importance to you as it does to Jesus?
3. Ryle points out three general characteristics of his miracles. First, he says that they were meant to teach us His power, which should encourage us in his ability. Second, he says the are types and emblems of his skill as a spiritual physician. If no physical ailment was too difficult for Jesus, then clearly our broken hearts, wounded consciences, and sin-infected lives are not too hard for him to heal either. And third, they also show us his heart of compassion. Ryle says, "He had an ear to hear all, and a hand to help all, and a heart to feel for all." Which of these is new to you? Which one will you take some time to consider more about our Savior?

Matthew 4:1-11

1. Let us learn what a real and mighty enemy we have in the devil.
2. Let us learn that we must not count temptation a strange thing.
3. Let us learn that the chief weapon we ought to use in resisting Satan is the Bible.
4. Let us learn what a sympathizing Savior the Lord Jesus Christ is.

"Let us remember every day, that if we would be saved, we must not only crucify the flesh, and overcome the world, but also "resist the devil."

"Let [Christians] remember there is a devil, and not be surprised to find him near them. To be tempted is in itself no sin. It is the yielding to the temptation, and giving it a place in our hearts, which we must fear."

"Knowledge of the Bible never comes by intuition. It can only be obtained by diligent, regular, daily, attentive, wakeful reading."

"Are they ever tempted by Satan to distrust God's care and goodness? So was Jesus. Are they ever tempted to presume on God's mercy, and run into danger without warrant? So also was Jesus. Are they ever tempted to commit some one great private sin for the sake of some great seeming advantage? So also was Jesus. Are they ever tempted to listen to some misapplication of Scripture, as an excuse for doing wrong? So also was Jesus. He is just the Savior that a tempted people require."

Questions:

1. These verses tell the account of Jesus being tempted by the Devil in the wilderness. Three temptations are met with three faithful responses. Ryle points out, in light of these verses, just how real and mighty an enemy Satan is. Do we pray, as Jesus instructs us, that we would be kept from the evil one? Or does our prayerlessness regarding this expose a light-heartedness toward Satan?
2. Ryle informs us that temptation should not surprise us and to forget this can rob us of joy and peace. Are we often tempted and then discouraged just because we had such an evil thought or serious doubt? If so, have we forgotten that temptation is to be expected in this world? Have we forgotten that it is not a sin to be tempted but only when we yield to the temptation? Let us fear giving into temptation than to being tempted itself.
3. Ryle reminds us that even Jesus, the Son of God, could only repel Satan's attacks by knowing the Word of God. Ryle fears in his day, and so we in ours, that there is not enough Bible reading amongst us. He warns that it is not sufficient to have the Book and that it will do no good if it sits closed at home. In order to yield the Sword of God's Word in battle, we need to diligent, regular, daily, attentive, and wakeful in our reading of the Bible. How are we doing in this area? Does God's Word dwell richly in us? Are we taking steps today that will make us 'mighty in the Scriptures' tomorrow? Ryle warns that if we grudge the time and trouble this will cost us that we are not yet fit for the kingdom of God. If this is true, how will you change this starting today?

Matthew 3:13-17

1. Let us learn to regard the sacrament of baptism with reverence.
2. We are told of the presence of all three people of the blessed Trinity.

"We are told of "a voice from heaven" at our Lord's baptism. This was a circumstance of singular solemnity. We read of no voice from heaven before this, except at the giving of the law on Sinai. Both occasions were of peculiar importance. It therefore seemed good to our Father in heaven to mark both with peculiar honor. At the introduction both of the law and Gospel, He Himself speaks."

Questions:

1. These verses speak of the baptism of Jesus at the beginning of his ministry. Ryle, while exhorting us to regard baptism with reverence, also gives two cautions. First, he warns against attaching superstitious importance to baptism, which is seen when people think that all get benefit whether they come in faith and prayer or not. Second, he also warns about those who dishonor baptism by ignoring or keeping it from the public eye. Today, at least in the West, I think the superstitious part happens a lot when people think the act of baptism will save them or get them a step closer to God. As for treating it lightly, we don't keep it out of sight as much as baptize without discipling people in understanding the significance of what they are doing. Where do we stand with these two cautions?
2. We also read of one of the rare occasions where God speaks from heaven, the other being at Mt. Sinai when the law is given. Ryle declares that these words should be deeply encouraging to all who have committed their souls to God for salvation. He gives a few reasons: first, it declares who Jesus is: the Son who carries out the work of redemption. Second, it declares that the Father accepts Jesus as the mediator between Him and man. Third, being well pleasing to him, it declares that the Father is satisfied with the sacrifice that His Son will make for sinful mankind. Have you considered the importance of these words of the Father to the Son? Which of these reasons will you thank God for right now?

Matthew 3:1-12

1. John the Baptist spoke plainly about sin.
2. John the Baptist spoke plainly about our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. John the Baptist spoke plainly about the Holy Spirit.
4. John the Baptist spoke plainly about the dreadful danger of the unrepentant and unbelieving.
5. John the Baptist spoke plainly about the safety of true believers.

"We ought to be told the absolute necessity of union with Christ Himself by faith. He is the appointed fountain of mercy, grace, life, and peace. We must each have personal dealings with Him about our souls."

"There must not only be the work of Christ FOR us, but the work of the Holy Spirit IN us. There must not only be a title to heaven by the blood of Christ, but a preparedness for heaven wrought in us by the Spirit of Christ."

"We talk of the love and mercy of God, and we do not remember sufficiently His justness and holiness. Let us be very careful on this point. It is no real kindness to keep back the terrors of the Lord. It is good for us all to be taught that it is possible to be lost forever, and that all unconverted people are hanging over the brink of the pit."

"He taught, that there was "a barn" for all who are Christ's wheat, and that they would be gathered together there in the day of his appearing. This again is a teaching which human nature greatly requires. The best of believers need much encouragement."

Questions:

Ryle highlights the marks of John that Baptist's ministry, who spoke clearly about sin, the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the coming judgement and the safety of true believers. A few questions will be helpful for us to consider.

1. Amongst other things, Ryle says "It is no real kindness to keep back the terrors of the Lord. It is good for us all to be taught that it is possible to be lost forever, and that all unconverted people are hanging over the brink of the pit." In the church you call home, when was the last time sin, repentance or hell was talked about or mentioned? I don't mean every sermon has this as its primary focus, but does the preacher avoid such topics? In light of these verses, would you agree or disagree? Why?
2. In speaking clearly about the Lord Jesus, Ryle warns that many in his day are happy to talk about being united to the church, being baptized, taking the supper, and going to church events, but fall short of being united to Christ by faith alone. Jesus is the appointed fountain of mercy, grace, life, and peace, and we must have personal dealings with him about our souls. Could this falling short of union with Christ but being part of the visible church be said of us?
3. Ryle says something that may have caused you pause: "We need to be told that forgiveness of sin is not the only thing necessary to salvation. There is another thing yet; and that is the baptizing of our hearts by the Holy Spirit." He is not advocating a second blessing, but the necessity of the Holy Spirit in conversion. In truth, the Christian life is not a 'get out of hell free' card, but a call to walk in holiness. If in Christ, are we growing in godliness? Do we know something of the Spirit working in us? (see Philippians 2:12-13 and Hebrews 12:14).

Matthew 2:13-23

1. Observe in this passage, how true it is that the rulers of this world are rarely friendly to the cause of God.
2. Observe how the Lord Jesus was "a man of sorrows" even from His infancy.
3. Observe how death can remove the kings of this world like other men.
4. Observe, in the last place, what a lesson of humility is taught us by the dwelling place of the Son of God, when He was on earth.

"Do you envy the rich and great? Does your heart say, "Oh that I had their place, and rank, and substance?" Beware of giving way to the feeling. The very wealth which you admire may be gradually sinking its possessor down into hell. A little more money might be your ruin."

"The Lord Jesus is just the Savior that the suffering and sorrowful need. He knows well what we mean, when we tell Him in prayer of our troubles. He can sympathize with us, when we cry to Him under cruel persecution. Let us keep nothing back from Him."

"True Christians should never be greatly moved by the persecution of man. Their enemies may be strong, and they may be weak; but still they ought not to be afraid. They should remember that "the triumphing of the wicked is but short."

"Pride is the oldest and commonest of sins. Humility is the rarest and most beautiful of graces. For humility let us labor. For humility let us pray."

Questions:

1. Of all the kings of earth, Herod should have been the one who should have known about and welcomed this new-born king, and yet he is the most eager to destroy him. Ryle draws from this that the rulers of the earth are rarely friendly to the cause of God and warns us against the desire to find help for God's kingdom amongst the rulers of earth. Do we envy the rich and powerful? Do we have thoughts that if only the governing authorities would be Christian then all things would be well? How does that compare with the exhortation, "Put not your trust in princes?" (Psalm 146:3)
2. We read that Jesus, the man of sorrows, experienced sorrow even from his infancy. Hardly born, Joseph and Mary have to flee to Egypt. From this Ryle encourages us that Jesus is just the Savior that the suffering and sorrowful need. He knows well what we mean when we tell him in prayer of our troubles. To whom or what do we run to in times of trouble, and how quickly? Do our lives show that we believe that Jesus can sympathize with our troubles?
3. We read of Jesus being born in Bethlehem and growing up in Nazareth. This might not mean much to our 21st century ears, but as Ryle highlights, of all the places mentioned in the OT, Nazareth isn't even mentioned once. We are meant to see in this just another layer of the humility of our Savior. In this we are exhorted to daily stive to copy our Savior's humility. Pride is the oldest and commonest of sins. Humility is the rarest and most beautiful of graces. Do we, as Ryle says, strive and labor for humility? Talk about what that could look like. Also, if you are interested, one good and very practical book you might consider taking up and reading is called Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund.

Matthew 2:1-12

1. These verses show us, that there may be true servants of God in places where we should not expect to find them.
2. These verses teach us, that it is not always those who have most religious privileges, who give Christ most honor.
3. These verses teach us, that there may be knowledge of Scripture in the head, while there is no grace in the heart.
4. The conduct of the wise men described in this chapter is a splendid example of spiritual diligence.
5. Last, but not least, the conduct of the wise men is a striking example of faith.

"The Lord Jesus has many "hidden ones" like these wise men. Their history on earth may be as little known as that of Melchizedek, and Jethro, and Job. But their names are in the book of life, and they will be found with Christ in the day of His appearing."

"Familiarity with sacred things has a dreadful tendency to make men despise them."

"Let us all beware of resting satisfied with head-knowledge. It is an excellent thing, when rightly used. But a man may have much of it, and yet perish everlastingly."

"They believed in Christ when they had never seen Him--but that was not all. They believed in Him when the Scribes and Pharisees were unbelieving--but that again was not all. They believed in Him when they saw Him a little infant on Mary's knee, and worshiped Him as a king. This was the crowning point of their faith."

Questions:

1. We see in these verses that wise men from afar come to worship while those who live only miles away do not. Ryle points out that, sadly, familiarity with sacred things - growing up in the church, owning a Bible, singing the songs of the faith -has a dreadful tendency to make people despise them. We would expect those most familiar to be the first to come, and yet experience says otherwise. Why do you think this might be? Is this true of your own experience?
2. We read that Herod asks the chief priests and scribes about the wise men's searching, and they know the answer: In Bethlehem of Judea! They knew this precious truth that the rest of the world did not know, even these wise men who might have only known that this King was to be born of the Jews, and yet it did not profit them. Ryle says that head-knowledge is an excellent thing - in truth we cannot be saved without it - and yet, we can still die in our sin if we do not truly believe those truths. Ryle, throughout his writings, will call this grace in the heart. Do we treat the knowledge of the Bible that we have as a precious gift? Is it changing our hearts and actions?
3. The journey of these wise men is not told, but there is no doubt the journey was long and costly, and yet, no cost and distance was too great to stop them. Ryle challenges us the same when it comes to our Christian lives. He asks: where is our self-denial? What diligence do we show about following Christ? What does our religion cost us? These are important questions to consider.

Matthew 1:18-25

1. Let us observe the conduct of Joseph.
2. Let us observe the two names given to our Lord: Jesus and Emmanuel

"Jesus is a very encouraging name to heavy-laden sinners. He who is King of kings and Lord of lords might lawfully have taken some more high-sounding title. But He does not do so. The rulers of this world have often called themselves Great, Conquerors, Bold, Magnificent, and the like. The Son of God is content to call Himself Savior."

"We should settle it firmly in our minds, that our Savior is perfect man as well as perfect God, and perfect God as well as perfect man. If we once lose sight of this great foundational truth, we may run into fearful heresies."

"Would you have a strong foundation for your faith and hope? Then keep in constant view your Savior's divinity...Would you have sweet comfort in suffering and trial? Then keep in constant view your Savior's humanity."

Questions:

1. Ryle briefly points out the example of godly wisdom we have in Joseph who saw the appearance of evil and yet did not act rashly and likely brought it to the Lord in prayer. How do we respond in difficult situations? Are we quick to react or quick to pray? What has been the fruit of our responses?
2. Ryle points out that Jesus is an encouraging name to sinners. Though he is King and Lord, those titles are hard to approach (think of Esther going to the king fearing death) but the Savior is approachable as the very reason he came was to save the lost. Have you found it true, that happy is the person who trusts not in mere notions of God's mercy and goodness, but in Jesus?
3. Ryle not only points out that Jesus is both God and man, but shows why this is good news and practical. Are you going through trials and hardships? Then you can find comfort in the humanity of Jesus who was no stranger to sorrow and suffering and temptation! Are you in need of a sure foundation for your faith and hope? Then you can find a solid rock on which to stand in the divinity of Jesus as he is the mighty God who will do all he has said and can bring you home. Which of these two aspects do you need right now in your life?