[Practical Application Review – Week 3]
Greetings,
Welcome back. This week, we continue our journey in the book of Matthew. Once again, we will review five (5) chapters. Consider reviewing one chapter every Monday thru Friday, or as desired. Weekends are great for getting into God’s Word also.
Schedule – Week 3:
Please read Matthew 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Our goal is not just reading or listening to the Bible being read. We should also desire Living the Bible…
For “every” chapter:
Step 1: Select a passage of interest
Step 2: Identify area of teaching
Step 3: Consider a practical application
Now let us take a look at an example for each of these five chapters…
Text #1: Matthew 11
Passage: (vv. 28-30)
Teaching: Jesus invites all who labor and carry burdens to come to Him for rest (and take His pleasant yoke and light burden and learn from Him).
Application: Today I willfully lay all my stress, worry and anxiety at His feet. My focus instead will be on going wherever and doing whatever pleases Him.
Text #2: Matthew 12
Passage: (vv. 36-37)
Teaching: We are accountable to God for every word spoken. Our words will either justify or condemn us.
Application: I will be more careful with my choice of words. When angry, I will try to remain silent and walk away.
Text #3: Matthew 13
Passage: (vv. 18-23)
Teaching: Parable of the seed (soil) … seed sown into good soil (those who hear and understand Jesus’ word) and produce fruit (30, 60, 100 fold).
Application: Since soil can be cultivated and improved, I am focusing on me becoming “better” soil and producing “better” fruit. I am desiring a strong return on His investment in me, by sharing His love and gift of salvation (with others).
Text #4: Matthew 14
Passage: (vv. 15-21)
Teaching: 5,000 men (plus women and children) miraculously ate from only five loaves of bread and two fish. There were even leftovers. Notice that Jesus looked up to Heaven (expecting God to provide).
Application: As my needs and those who are connected to me are very real, I eagerly look to Heaven and trust God to provide all of our needs (in Jesus’ name).
Text #5: Matthew 15
Passage: (vv. 1-9)
Teaching: Jesus asked Pharisees and scribes why they disregard the commandment of God on account of their tradition. Even the prophet Isaiah spoke about people who honor God with their mouth, but their heart being far away from Him.
Application: I never want to embrace anything (traditions, etc.) that replaces God’s very best for me. Through Bible reading and prayer, I want to be continually refined and do His will more fully.
Lastly, I want to encourage you that each application presented is only a recommendation. Please feel free to adjust to your own interest, however you decide to live the wisdom of God’s Word.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo