and said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master’s kinsmen.” Then the young woman ran and told her mother’s household about these things. Genesis 24:27–28 (ESV)
A great account of God’s providence, which should lead us to worship and strengthen our faith
But he said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.” Genesis 24:56 (ESV)
In light of Gods providence and provision we should not procrastinate
An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed. Matthew 16:4 (ESV)
We should not need sign to believe God, we should have the quality of faith that takes him at his word. Faith that needs a sign or miracle to believe is weaker, immature and in some cases is not faith at all.
Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:12 (ESV)
We must beware false and erroneous teaching, it is dangerous and Jesus told us to be aware of it and avoid it.
Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (ESV)
A definitive statement on who Jesus is. Pamela Suran taught us that using this full title of Jesus is very important
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
The rock is not Peter but the confession that Peter just made that Jesus is “The Christ, the Son of the living God”, our faiths core and principle doctrine. So in this sense Jesus was calling himself the rock on which the church would be built.
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 (ESV)
The amplified bible is useful here, as Gods people we confirm as bound or loosed what has already been done in heaven, this is why we have authority because we confirm the work of the kingdom. We accomplish this binding and loosing most clearly by proclaiming the Gospel and living and praying in accordance to Gods will revealed in his word.
For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Matthew 16:27 (ESV)
Payment is coming, lets work accordingly
He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” Matthew 17:5 (ESV)
The Father’s testimony and command concerning His Son, Jesus. This is further evidence of the nature of the trinity (The Modalism of Oneness Pentecostals and other who say that there is no trinity it is just God the Father changing form as Father, then as Son, then as Spirit is wrong)
However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” Matthew 17:27 (ESV)
This actually happened but is also symbolic of the supernatural provision God makes available for us.
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Ecclesiastes 5:10–11 (ESV)
We should as God to search our hearts, it is easy to get caught up in the materialism and constant dissatisfaction of our age and culture. We need a renewed understanding of enough, contentment, gratitude and generosity when it comes to money.
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