I've been spending time this week reviewing my year spent studying the book of Matthew. I've been in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for 3 1/2 years now, and I like to be able to wrap each year up in a neat little package. Of course that doesn't usually work.
So, here are some things God has shown me in Matthew:
*Jesus does not rush around trying to save everyone in 3 years. He was orderly and purposeful.
*Jesus suffered when he was tempted.
-Matthew 4:1-11; Hebrews 2:18
*Jesus wants us to pray persistently and not give up.
-Luke 18: 1-8
*God will not always grant superficial desires, but He will satisfy the deep longing of your heart for spiritual growth and discernment.
*God may answer your deepest needs for Him through suffering and trouble.
*Salvation and spiritual healing do not terminate on us. We are called to serve.
-Matthew 8:14-17
*Jesus sends his disciples into a storm, but they come through proclaiming him the Son of God.
-Matthew 14:22-33
*It's really cool to watch Jesus "handle" the Pharisees.
*The wonder is not that few are chosen, but that any are.
-Matthew 22:14
*In eating the bread and drinking the cup, we proclaim the Lord's death until He returns.
-1 Corinthians 11:26
*Jesus is the ultimate authority, no matter what the world says is reasonable and good.
*Jesus was in authority throughout His arrest, trials, crucifixion, and death.
*Jesus died without clothes on His body that we might be clothed with garments of salvation.
*The angel doesn't roll away the stone to let Jesus out, but rather to let the women in.
-Matthew 28:2
*"Freely you have received; freely give." -Matthew 10:8
Okay, I think I've scratched the surface.
For more information on BSF check out:
