Old Treasures Made New

Matthew 5:1-12

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

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

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

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

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).