Matthew 5:38-48

Matthew 8:28-34

Matthew 8:28-34 1. Let us settle it firmly in our minds, that there is such a being as the devil. 2. Let us settle it firmly in our minds, that the power of the devil is limited. 3. Let us settle it in our minds, that our Lord Jesus Christ is man's great deliverer from the power of the devil. 4. Let us not leave this passage without observing the painful worldliness of the Gadarenes, among whom this miracle of casting out a devil was wrought. "There is an unseen spirit ever near us, of mighty power, and full of endless malice against our souls." "Mighty as he is, there is one mightier still. Keenly set as his will is on doing harm in the world, he can only work by permission." "Our great remedy in all the assaults of the devil, is to cry to the Lord Jesus, and to seek His help. He can break the chains that Satan casts around us, and set us free. He can cast out every devil that plagues our hearts, as surely as in the days of old." Questions: 1. As we read about a demon possessed man, Ryle wants us to remember that there really is such a thing as the devil and a spiritual world. He even says that there is an unseen spirit ever near us, of mighty power, and full of endless malice against our souls. It is a frightening thought. If you grew up on the West, it is likely that this comes more as a shock as we lean towards materialism and only believe what we see. If you are from an animistic culture, this won't surprise you as much. The question is: do I believe that there is a devil who hates my soul? How often do I think about this? 2. No sooner that we should believe there is a devil, we must also believe that the devil's power is limited by one who is greater, namely the Lord Jesus Christ. Ryle says that "it would be miserable indeed to know that there is a devil ever near us, if we did not also know that Christ was "able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him." We see in this text that the demons could not even enter the pigs without Jesus' permission. Do we take comfort in the fact that we can run to Jesus and that He is greater than even a fearsome enemy like the devil? If you are not familiar with Martin Luther's hymn, A Mighty Fortress, please take some time to sing it as an encouragement as we close this time.

Matthew 8:16-27

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

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

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

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!