Tuesday, February 6, 2007

2-6-07 "The Father" Matthew 5:13-19

Memory Verse: Matthew 5:16: Let you light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Children of the Heavenly Father have a responsibility. They are to live so as to honor His name.

Commenting on this text, Dr. John R. Rice has written: "A light under a bushel measure would do no good; so a Christian who gives no testimony for Christ would do no good. The candle should be 'on a candlestick' (vs. 15), so a Christian ought to be in a church. The candlestick stands for a local church in Revelation 1:20. Christians should let their lights shine by a public profession of faith, baptism, public testimony, soul winning, preaching of the Gospel and good works.

"A Christian life ought not to be kept secret. Do not believe Satan's lie that men can live just as good outside the church as in it, or please God just as well without public testimonies. Compare this with Matthew 10:32, 33; Romans 10:9,10; Hebrews 10:25. A Christian's good deeds ought not to be just for show, yet his good life and works out to shine before men (vs16) so that they will glorify God."

Our Heavenly Father cares about all living things on earth. Even a sparrow that falls is the object of His concern. And Jesus taught that we are of more value than many sparrows.

The old hymn said it well:

"God understands your heartache,
He sees the falling tear;
And whispers 'I am with thee;
The falter not nor fear.' "

Since He cares about our earthly needs, we ought to care about His will and be careful to live in a manner that pleases Him.

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