The Seventy Commandments of Jesus
On Wed, 1 Feb 2006 15:52:37 -0500 Caspar Mccloud comments and
observations from the Holy Bible
Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and
doeth
them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a
rock:
7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and
beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them
not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon
the
sand:
7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and
beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the
people
were astonished at his doctrine:
7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the
scribes.
Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou
shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the
judgment:
5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother
without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to
his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever
shall
say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Defenders Notes >>
The word Raca is an Aramaic expression of contempt, something like our
English slang “stupid idiot!” Such an insult to a fellow believer in
the Jewish dispensation might warrant being charged, before the council of
the Sanhedrin, with slander. This is even a greater insult. The Greek is the word from which we get
our English word “moron,” but it also implies rebellion. Calling a
brother a rebellious moron would be very out of character for a
Christian.
“Hell” is gehenna, in the Greek, the place of everlasting fire. Almost
certainly it refers to the ultimate lake of fire (Revelation 20:15),
not to the great pit in the center of the earth known as Hades (this word
is also commonly translated “hell”–Matthew 11:23), where the spirits of
the unsaved are confined as they await the final judgment. Note the divine
principle of degrees of punishment implied in this verse.
John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is
that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I
will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they
may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into
the city. Defenders Notes >>
This is the seventh and last of the “blessings” in Revelation (the
previous six are found in Revelation 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6;
22:7).
Defenders Notes >>
Some manuscripts read “wash their robes” instead of “keep His
commandments,” and it is true that men are not saved by the law, but by
grace through faith in the person and work of the Lord Jesus. There is
a reference.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Defenders Notes >>
This is the first use of the phrase “the kingdom of God,” which occurs
five times in Matthew and frequently in the other gospels. The
equivalent term “kingdom of heaven” is used only in Matthew (see note on Matthew
3:2). Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Defenders Notes >>
Mark’s record of this greatest of all commandments adds “and with all
thy strength” (Mark 12:33).
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Defenders Notes
>> Christ’s “new commandment” of agape love would have been rather
ambiguous if He had not defined it, since love itself is relative. Its measure,
however, is “as I have loved you.” His love was altogether altruistic
and unselfish even unto death (John 13:1; 15:12,13; Romans 5:8; 2
Corinthians
5:14; 1 John 3:16; 4:9-11).
Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Defenders Notes >> The creation account is the foundation for the institution of marriage
which was validated by the Creator Himself and established to be a
lifelong union between one man and woman who were commanded to “be
fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28).
Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his
wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery:
and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Matthew 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself. Defenders Notes The highest form of love for one’s neighbor is to seek God’s will for him or her and to do whatever one can in helping to achieve this goal. You
must also love yourself to be able to love others.
Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to
them which hate you,
6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully
use you.
6:29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the
other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat
also.
6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away
thy goods ask them not again.
6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them
likewise.
6:32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for
sinners
also love those that love them.
6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have
ye? for sinners also do even the same.
6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have
ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for
nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of
the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall
not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down,
and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to
you again.
Defenders Notes >>He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack”
(Proverbs 28:27). “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”
(Galatians 6:7). He that gives of himself or his possessions in the
name of Christ is not giving, but sowing.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven. Defenders Notes >>
This sobering indictment indicates that not only pagans but also many
professing Christians are unsaved. Doing the Father’s will involves
first believing, then obeying His Word, for therein is revealed His will
(John 5:24; 7:17).
Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall
not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever
shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat,
let him have thy cloak also.
1st Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you,
because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong?
why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Defenders
Notes>> This principle is as relevant today as in Paul’s days. Christians ought
to love one another, not sue one another. Christians, like unbelievers,
do unfortunately get into mundane arguments and disagreements with each
other. However, they should be able to settle such arguments amicably
as Christian brothers. If not, they should be willing to accept Christian
mediation from objective fellow-Christians. Failing this, the more
mature Christian should be willing simply to yield to the other, even if he is
legally in the right. Above all, they should not take the matter to
court, as this damages the testimony of the whole church.
Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the
way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge,
and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into
prison.
Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go
and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee,
thou hast gained thy brother.
Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way;
first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Matthew 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own
eye;and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy
brother’s eye.
Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast
it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should
perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
Matthew 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even
Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is
your Father, which is in heaven.
Defenders Notes >>This would not apply to recognizing one’s biological
father by this name. The point is that no man should be regarded or
addressed as an authoritative spiritual master, playing a role equal to
that of our heavenly Father or even as an intermediary between us and
Him. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the
man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). The same would apply to any other title
or position (Rabbi, Master, Doctor, Reverend) which might imply spiritual
authority or power above that of ordinary believers, all of whom have
been made “kings and priests unto God and his Father” (Revelation 1:6).
Matthew 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master,
even Christ.
Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and
broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which
go in thereat:
Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you,
will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to
the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying,
Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know
you not whence ye are:
13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy
presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are;
depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see
Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of
God, and you yourselves thrust out.
13:29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from
the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
13:30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are
first which shall be last.
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let
him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Defenders
Notes >>Matthew 16:24 and Mark 8:34 recorded the same challenge from Christ,
except that only Luke included the term “daily.” Except for a passing
reference in Matthew 10:38, this conversation marks the first explicit
reference to crucifixion, and it apparently assumes that the disciples
were aware of this typically Roman method of execution. In effect, the
Lord was telling His disciples that following Him entails a daily
willingness to die for Him if need be. “Taking up” the cross refers to
the usual requirement that the condemned man haul his own cross to the
place of execution. Jesus knew (though the disciples were not yet fully
aware) that He would soon be doing this Himself (John 19:16,17).
Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me,
cannot be my disciple.
John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come,
what is that to thee? follow thou me. Defenders Notes >>
Tradition has it that all twelve disciples, except John, died as
martyrs for their testimony. Peter is said to have been crucified (John 21:18),
possibly upside down, although none of this is confirmed in the Bible
itself, except for James, the brother of John (Acts 12:1,2). Except for
John, all were probably dead by the time he wrote his Gospel, somewhere
around A.D. 85. In one sense, he did tarry until the Lord’s coming, for
as a prisoner on the isle of Patmos he was translated into the future
to see and record all the main events associated with Christ’s return in
the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:1,2,10,11).
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent:
for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you
fishers of men.
Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but
tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from
on high. Defenders Notes >>This promise was the promise of the Holy Spirit, a promise made to the
disciples in the upper room before the crucifixion (John 14:16,17).
Christ also had told them He was sending them out into the world (John
20:21), but first they had to wait until the promised Spirit was sent
to empower them for that service. These concluding verses of Luke’s gospel
correlate with the first section of his continuing narrative in the
book of Acts (Acts 1:1-11).
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon
you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Defenders Notes >>The “power” associated with the coming of the Holy Spirit on a believer
is more than just a dynamic preaching style. It will also involve
“boldness” and “great grace” (Acts 4:31,33) in witnessing, centered in
the “power of God” rather than the “wisdom of men” (1 Corinthians
2:4-6)and manifestation of “the fruit of the Spirit” (see notes on Galatians
5:22,23) in one’s life.
Defenders Notes >> This is not merely a command but also a remarkably fulfilled prophecy.
Think of the apparent absurdity of a motley band of followers of an
itinerant preacher, who only had a three-year career, setting forth to
“be witnesses unto me…unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Yet that
is exactly what has happened. The only answer to such an anomaly is the
divine origin of the prophecy, implemented by the presence and power of
the Holy Spirit.
Defenders Notes >>In a sense this also provides an outline of the book of Acts. Chapters
1-7 describe the witness “in Jerusalem,” chapters 8-12 “in all Judaea,
and in Samaria,” chapters 13-28 in the “uttermost part of the earth;”
the account suspended at the point when Paul had reached the distant
capital of the Roman empire. The narrative focuses mainly on the ministries of
Peter and Paul; the others scattered into various other regions (Acts
8:4). Traditions tell of Thomas going to India, for example, and of
others preaching in various distant lands. In any case, the principle
still stands. The Christian witness is vital both at home and abroad.
Acts 2 :38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one
of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Defenders Notes >>
Peter’s message was climaxed with essentially the same exhortation as
preached by John the Baptist–“the baptism of repentance for the
remission of sins” (Luke 3:3). The difference is that now–and ever
since–both repentance and baptism are to be “in the name of Jesus
Christ.” This, of course, implies faith in Christ as the only one who
can provide remission of sins. Repentance toward God and faith toward
Christ are like two sides of the same coin, each of which implies and requires
the other. The full meaning of baptism in water also had now become
evident, testifying of the baptism of the Spirit, as well as the death
and resurrection of Christ. It is not that baptism is required for
remission of sins (note, for example, the thief on the cross), but
rather that baptism is always inseparably associated in Scripture with true
repentance and faith.
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all
that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
Defenders Notes >>This would seem to indicate that Peter understood that the gospel
message was for all nations, not just the Jews (in fact, Jesus had been quite
explicit about this when He gave the Great Commission). However, Peter
did not understand at this time that converts did not have to come to
Christ by way of Judaism. Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and
lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal
life: and they are they which testify of me. Defenders Notes >>
The written Word of God, according to Christ’s affirmation, is that
which brings salvation and eternal life (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23) because it
is the only source of information we have about the Savior. The written
Word reveals the living Word. The Lord was, in fact, speaking here of
the Old Testament Scriptures, for there was nothing else at that time.
These scriptures are replete with testimonies of the coming Christ.
Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and
what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
Mark 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home
to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for
thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Defenders Notes >>Go ye” should actually read “As ye go.” Jesus had
already, by this time, told His disciples He was sending them into all
the world (John 20:21). Now He was saying that, as they go, they were
to go making disciples, then baptizing them, then teaching them all they
had been taught by Christ. Defenders Notes >>The Lord here explicitly teaches the doctrine of the “Trinity” a word which does not appear in the Bible But it does tell us of –one Name,
yet three names. The Three Persons are each equally and fully God and
always presented in the logical order of Father, Son, Holy Spirit; yet there
is only one God (see notes on Romans 1:20).
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the
world. Amen. Defenders Notes >>
Therefore, how can any one profess Christ while rejecting any of His
teachings (Biblical inerrancy, literal creation, global Flood)?
Defenders Notes >>Christ has ascended back to heaven, but He is present in every believer
in the person of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16,17).
Matthew 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at
hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out
devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Defenders Notes >> The disciples were even given the power to raise the dead, although no instances of this are recorded until Peter’s raising of Tabitha much later (Acts 9:40). The testimony of Jesus heard by John the Baptist in
prison (Matthew 11:5) may indicate that a number of such miracles did
occur. Remember it was said if they told all the miracles it would fill
all the books in the whole world.
10:9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,
Luke 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things
as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house
to house. Defenders Notes >> This statement is quoted by Paul in 1 Timothy 5:18, the only place
where a New Testament writer quotes another New Testament passage as
“Scripture.” This gives incidental confirmation of the New
Testament–Luke in particular–as being on a par with the Old Testament
Scriptures.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he
that believeth not shall be damned. Defenders Notes >>
Every true believer should gladly give testimony to his new life in
Christ by following Him in baptism. Those who refuse or ignore this
command should examine the reality of their professed faith. Baptism is
clearly a part of the great commission (Matthew 28:19) and normally is
to follow immediately upon true repentance and faith in Christ (Acts
2:38,41). Nevertheless, it is faith in Christ that saves, not faith
plus baptism. As this verse says, “he that believeth not”–not he that is
not baptized–is unsaved. This is the clear testimony of many Scriptures
(John 3:18,36), as well as Christ’s promise to the thief on the cross
(Luke 23:43).
16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall
they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Defenders
Notes >>
In the apostolic period, before the New Testament was written and
available, the apostles and other early evangelists “went every where
preaching the word” (Acts 8:4), “God also bearing them witness, both
with signs and wonders which continues even to this day. Or which part of
the 5 fold ministry has stopped, none! Is Jesus Christ still the same
yesterday, today and tomorrow, Hebrews 13;8 He is indeed. So signs,
wonders and miracles are for today!
16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing,
it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall
recover. Defenders Notes >>Both the virtue and danger of miraculous signs are illustrated in Acts 28:3-6. Paul was miraculously healed of a bite from a deadly viper, andthis made a great impression on the barbarians in Melita. They not only were made willing to listen to his message, but they also “said that he was a god” (Acts 28:6). Similar accounts have happened all along ever since.
Most teachers tend to gloss over this passage and quote the usual
passage about Paul being bitten by the viper and ignore the part about the
deadly poison, thinking it is only a natural occurance and lose the spiritual
warfare teaching Jesus was speaking of. Mainly I suppose because they don’t
understand the context and the true meaning.
Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out
devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because
he followeth not us.
9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do
a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
Numbers 11:27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said,
Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.
11:28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young
men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
11:29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? Would God that
all the LORD’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his
spirit upon them!
Luke 9:50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not
against us is for us. Defenders Notes >>See also Mark 9:38-40. This seems to conflict superficially with Christ’s statements in Luke 9:23; 11:23; etc. However, they refer to two
different situations. When people attempt to be neutral about Christ, they are
really against Him. However, when people are sincerely trying to honor
Him but doing it more out of ignorant zeal than full understanding, the
Lord recognizes that they are really for Him and will not discourage
them from their efforts. In fact, by implication, Christ will somehow see to
it that sincerity will be rewarded with greater understanding (Hebrews
11:6; John 7:17).
Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will
send forth labourers into his harvest. Defenders Notes >>
The multitudes of the spiritually lost are like a field of grain ready
for the harvest. They are waiting for laborers, but the Lord must send
the laborers. He is waiting for those who are concerned to ask Him to
do so. Thus, the laborers are few because those who intercede in prayer
are few.
Luke 10:3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:
be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
John 6:43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among
yourselves.
Luke 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls. Defenders Notes >>
Literally, this can be read: “In your steadfastness, you will save your
souls.” Patience under persecution is a mark of true Christianity.
Mathew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to
kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul
and
body in hell.
Matthew 10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what
ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye
shall
speak.10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father
which speaketh in you.
Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what
measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear
shall more be given.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye
your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and
turn again and rend you. Defenders Notes >>
It is counter-productive to try to teach the treasures of Biblical
truth to those who reject and ridicule the Scriptures. Their hearts must
first be prepared by the Holy Spirit, supplemented by a gracious presentation
of Christian evidences (Acts 17:15-34).
Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an
innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon
another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of
the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Matthew 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the
leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Mark 8:15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven
of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven;
for it is God’s throne:
Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad
countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto
men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.6:17 But
thou,
when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;6:18 That thou
appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret:
and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites
are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the
corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you,
They have their reward.6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy
closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in
secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art
in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Defenders Notes >>
This prayer is not technically the Lord’s Prayer as it is commonly
called, for He never prayed it Himself (Matthew 6:12). Rather it serves
as a model prayer for His followers. It was not intended as a
ritualistic prayer for regular recital, but rather a guide for praying “after this
manner.” The Lord Jesus gave many other commands to pray (Matthew
7:7-11;
9:38; 17:20; 18:19,20; 21:21,22; 26:41; Luke 18:1,7; John 14:13,14;
15:7,16; 16:23,24)–all of which give further instruction on the vital
subject of how believers should pray.
6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Defenders Notes >>
Note the principle of beginning our prayers neither with personal
thanksgiving or personal requests, but rather of acknowledging our
Creator’s purposes for His creation. Focus on God’s will is of primary
importance (far more so than our personal needs).
Defenders Notes >>
This is the first occurrence of the word “will” in the New Testament,
and it is noteworthy that it refers to God’s will–not man’s. The last
occurrence is in Revelation 4:11, there translated as “pleasure,” but
again referring to God’s will.
6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. Defenders Notes >>
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament of the Greek word here
translated “daily” (except for the same sentence in Luke 11:3). The
Lord notes here that we should ask for our physical needs one day at a time.
6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For
thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen
do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Defenders Notes >>
This principle could apply to both ritualistic prayers and the modern
idea of repeating several times the sentiments sung in worship
choruses.
All prayer–whether verbalized, sung or silent–should come from the
heart and be addressed to God, not an audience.
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that
curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against
any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your
trespasses. Defenders Notes >>
This conditional promise significantly occurs right after the unlimited
promise of answered prayer in Mark 11:23, which indicated that even
mountains could be moved by prayer. The implication is that an
unforgiving attitude will hinder the faith that could otherwise move
mountains. Note also the command to be reconciled to a brother believer
before even bringing an offering to the Lord (Matthew 5:23,24).
Matthew 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire,
when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on
earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for
them of my Father which is in heaven.18:20 For where two or three are
gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Defenders Notes >
In the context, this statement of Christ indicates that even two or
three members, meeting in His name, can constitute a church.
> Defenders Notes >>
The seven representative churches in Revelation 2 and 3 are also shown
with Christ “in the midst” (Revelation 1:13).
Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto
this
mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not
doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith
shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.11:24 Therefore I
say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that
yereceive them, and ye shall have them.
Luke 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God,
neither regarded man:18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she
came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.18:4 And he would
not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not
God, nor regard man;18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge
her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.18:6 And the Lord said,
Hear what the unjust judge saith.18:7 And shall not God avenge his own
elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with
them?18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless
when
the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Defenders
Notes >>
Not faith in general, but “the faith.” That is, the true revealed
Christian faith. This seems to be a rhetorical question, rather than
one of uncertainty, for surely by this time the Lord’s omniscience
concerning the future had been restored. At the same time, it both warns us
concerning the serious scope of latter-day apostasy and also urges us
to warn all men of the wrath to come while there is still time to repent.
18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves
that they were righteous, and despised others:18:10 Two men went up
into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.18:11
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee,
that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as
this publican.18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that
I possess.18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so
much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be
merciful to me a sinner. Defenders Notes >>
Actually, the publican’s prayer asked that God “be propitiated to me,
the sinner.” The word propitiated used referred to the mercy seat; he was
confessing his sin and need of forgiveness, trusting in the blood
sprinkled on the mercy seat for atonement. This repentant faith was
sufficient to secure his being “justified” or “declared righteous”
before
God (Luke 18:14). The Pharisee, on the other hand, prayed “with
himself,” rather than God, merely congratulating himself on his own
self-righteousness and thus received no forgiveness (Luke 18:14). If
nothing else, he was filled with the sin of pride, perhaps the worst
sin of all since it was the sin of the devil (1 Timothy 3:6).
18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than
the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he
that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask
what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast
out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Defenders Notes >>
The disciples were even given the power to raise the dead, although no
instances of this are recorded until Peter’s raising of Tabitha much
later (Acts 9:40). The testimony of Jesus heard by John the Baptist in
prison (Matthew 11:5) may indicate that a number of such miracles did
occur.
Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for
nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the
children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the
evil.
Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen
of
them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh
away thy goods ask them not again.
Deuteronomy 15:9 Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked
heart,saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine
eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he
cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.15:10 Thou shalt
surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest
unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee
in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.
Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would
borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed
down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your
bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be
measured to you again. Defenders Notes >>
“He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack” (Proverbs 28:27).
“Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). He
that gives of himself or his possessions in the name of Christ is not
giving, but sowing.
Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or,
What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth
and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 6:20
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal:6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in
heaven is perfect. Defenders Notes >>Jesus knew no believer could be
sinlessly perfect (Matthew 6:14,15) in this life. Nevertheless, this
must
be the standard and the goal–not for gaining salvation, but for living
the Christian life. The word “perfect” also can be understood as
“complete” or “fully mature,” but this state is no more attainable than
sinless perfection–in fact, they are really the same. We do have such
a standing in Christ, and we should perpetually seek to fulfill this
standard by God’s help.
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell
that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in
heaven: and come and follow me.
Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is
merciful.6:37
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be
condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:6:38 Give, and it shall be
given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and
running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure
that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Defenders Notes >>”He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack”
(Proverbs
28:27). “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians
6:7). He that gives of himself or his possessions in the name of Christ
is not giving, but sowing.
6:39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind?
shall they not both fall into the ditch?
6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is
perfect shall be as his master. Defenders Notes >>A disciple is to learn from
his teacher, so that when his training is complete, he will be just
like his master. Our standard of excellence is the perfection of Christ
Himself, and we should study and practice diligently in striving to
attain that standard, knowing that we are predestined “to be conformed
to the image” of our Master (Romans 8:29) when we finally see Him as He is
(1 John 3:2). |
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