[Practical Application Review – Week 1]

Greetings,

Thanks so much for your interest in the Bible, God’s Word.  The schedule for each week will include reviewing five chapters.  Consider reviewing one chapter every Monday through Friday.  Weekends are also very useful for spending quality time in the pages of God’s Word.

Schedule – Week 1:

Please read Matthew 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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 1

   Passage: (vv. 18-25)

   Teaching: Once Joseph discovered Mary to be pregnant, he was considering divorce.  The angel informed him of God’s plan and Joseph obeyed God and remained committed to Mary.

   Application: to be more open to whatever our Heavenly Father desires from you and me (even if and when not fully understood).

Text #2: Matthew 2

   Passage: (vv. 1-18)

   Teaching: When King Herod heard about a new king (Jesus) being born, his reaction caused many young boys to be killed.

   Application:  to be careful not to make any rash decisions, especially from any strong emotional connections (fear, jealousy).

Text #3: Matthew 3

   Passage: (vv. 7-12)

   Teaching: John the Baptist said those who do not produce good fruit are ready to be cut down and removed (like an old dead tree).

   Application: desire to please God by producing some level of “good” fruit.  Our lives should be all about living for Him (doing good and helping others).

Text #4: Matthew 4

   Passage: (vv. 1-11)

   Teaching: When Jesus was tempted by the devil, he said, “It is written…” (and then quoted scripture).

   Application: reading and/or listening to the Bible being read every day helps us to become more familiar with its teachings.  This way, our fight against the devil can be more productive (victorious)

Text #5: Matthew 5

   Passage: (vv. 13-16)

   Teaching: God’s people are called to be “salt” (flavorful preservative) and “light” (darkness buster).

   Application: to better represent the Christian life to all those connected to and near us.  May we learn to radiate the love of God (for others to see).

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

ThruTheNewTestament.com