GOD TEACHES 11.4.08
What do a hospital, a church, a school, and a home all have in common? They are all locations where teaching takes place, and we could name many more. In this day and age of seemingly limitless information, our ability to learn new things has very few boundaries. The question is, what are we learning and who is teaching us?
In the New Testament, some form of the verb to teach surrounds Jesus’ name more than just about any other verb. He taught then because He had compassion on His sheep (Mark 6). Today, He still teaches for the very same reason. He loves you and longs to impart His wisdom generously.
While on earth, Jesus taught lessons to individuals as well as to large crowds and small groups. His locations varied and included fishing boats, synagogues, homes, by lakes, on mountainsides, in temple courts, and in the streets. Today, the same invitation to His classroom exists. How often do you come to be taught?
We’ve already established that He can teach in any situation or at any location, but how does He teach? The Bible says He teaches through parables (Mark 4:2), through the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 15:33), by His grace (Titus 2:11-12), by His anointing (1 John 2:27), through Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), and by the Holy Spirit (Luke 12:12, John 14:26). It is also clear, as you follow Him through the New Testament that Jesus teaches quite a bit through life experiences.
So, what is He teaching you today?
One of the most extensive teachings of Jesus recorded in Scripture is commonly known as The Sermon on the Mount. It is found in Matthew, chapters 5 through 7. As I reviewed it, I found four major areas of focus that can be identified in most of God’s teachings throughout the Old and New Testaments, as well as in our lives today.
Because these portions of Scripture are lengthy I will not include them here, but I sincerely hope you will pull out your Bible and read them before continuing with this commentary.
1. God Teaches about Blessing (Read Matthew 5:1-16)
It’s not unusual to read these first eleven verses and view them as a “to do” list, but they are simply God’s way of teaching us how to be blessed! “Blessed are…” means if you allow your life to be transformed in these ways, blessing will come. The irony is how purposefully the world lives in direct opposition to this list. Then they wonder why life is so difficult! Humility (poor in spirit), repentance (mourning), meekness, righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and godly persecution all produce a wonderful life in Jesus. What kind of student are you? How well are you learning to receive blessings in this way?
Verse 12 reminds us that the most important blessings are those we receive in heaven. Eternity is so much longer than the time here on earth. Shouldn’t more preparation be underway in each of our lives for that time period? Today’s instant gratification society does not understand this teaching particularly well. How about you?
God not only teaches about receiving blessing in verses 13 through 16, He emphasizes the believer’s ability to extend it as well. When Jesus teaches about salting the earth and shining a light it is for a reason, “That they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (verse 16). There is no greater gift you can give someone than to draw them closer to the Lord. Who can you share Him with today?
2. God Teaches Kingdom Principles (Read Matthew 5:17-6:4)
Once again Jesus explains the importance of living for God’s Kingdom rather than the temporary pleasures of this world. Though many of these principles sound like another checklist, if you study them carefully you’ll find His passion revolves around changing hearts above all.
In verses 17 through 20 He discusses the importance of His Word and true righteousness. The Pharisees’ mistake was teaching Scripture without allowing it to change their hearts and then their lives. God’s Word, when applied properly, always transforms the hearer in ways pleasing to God.
When Jesus speaks of righteousness, it is never something man can attain on his own. We can only be right in God’s eyes because of Jesus. When He looks at us, He does not see our sin, but the sacrifice made on the cross for our sin.
While Jesus definitely opposes murder, anger and insults concern Him as well. He despises adultery, but understands that the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts can do just as much damage as the physical act. God hates divorce, but more importantly teaches the significance of keeping a promise which would deter divorce and many other social ills.
Some of the most difficult words in this passage, however, can be those that teach us to love our enemies, resist the lull of earthly rewards, and trust the Father for the Kingdom that is to come.
He does not expect us to perfect it all overnight, but He does expect us to take productive steps every single day. How well are you moving forward in His Kingdom principles?
3. God Teaches about Prayer (Read Matthew 6:5-7:12)
One of the greatest miracles of the Christian life is the constant communication available with God through prayer. In Matthew 6:5-13, Jesus teaches some of the most basic jewels concerning this privilege. He explains who the poor examples of prayer are, encourages privacy and brevity, and then shares a brief outline of how to pray. It is important to realize He is not telling us exactly what we have to pray every time; He was merely teaching that we can talk to God about the most basic things (daily bread), as well as the most intimidating (Your Kingdom, forgiveness, temptation).
In verses 14-34 He expounds on both aspects (basic and intimidating) in detail. From fasting and eternal treasures to money, food, drink, and clothing, Jesus makes it clear that God wants to talk to you and me about each one. He is concerned about every area of your life, and nothing is too small or too large for a conversation with Him. How much time do you spend talking to and listening to God in prayer?
Matthew 7:1-12 reminds us about examining the heart attitude toward others (judging), but also discerning who to trust (verse 6). He encourages asking, seeking, and knocking with abandon, trusting God as the most wonderful Father, which He is. When is the last time you spent time with Him just to enjoy His companionship?
4. God Teaches about Protection (Read Matthew 7:13-28)
The last section is filled with warnings. God has no desire to leave us vulnerable and ignorant. He explains that following His way will be smaller and narrower, but it is very doable. He alerts believers concerning false prophets, fake Christians, and foolish people.
He does not promise freedom from storms, battles, or hardships; but He does promise that if we will build our lives on Him, we will never face anything alone. There is no better protection available.
Who or what do you depend on for protection?
There are two adjectives that describe Jesus’ teaching throughout the New Testament: amazing and authoritative. What more are we looking for?
It’s time to start examining our instructors. Who are we listening to and learning from? How often do we avail ourselves to the best Teacher in the world?
GOD TEACHES
Read the following passages. What is God teaching?
Isaiah 50
Isaiah 54
Luke 5 & 6
Hosea 11
Matthew 13:1-23
Matthew 18:21-35
Matthew 20:1-16
Matthew 21:33-46
Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 25:14-30
Luke 7:36-50
Luke 15:11-32
Luke 18:9-14