[Practical Application Review – Week 4]
Greetings,
How are you doing with this program? Does five (5) chapters each week seem like too much, too little, or just right?
The schedule recommends one chapter every Monday thru Friday, but feel free to adjust as needed. Weekends are also great times to get into God’s Word.
Schedule – Week 4:
Please read Matthew 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Our goal is not just reading or listening to the Bible being read. We should also desire living the Bible (to the best of our ability).
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 16
Passage: (vv. 21-23)
Teaching: When Jesus spoke about having to suffer, be killed and rise from the dead, Simon rebuked Him. Jesus quickly corrected Peter by pointing out that he was not focusing on God’s will but on his own.
Application: When God speaks, I desire to listen and hear, not being too quick in any attempt to change His mind.
Text #2: Matthew 17
Passage: (vv. 14-21)
Teaching: A man came to Jesus to request healing for his son, after Jesus’ disciples were not able to help. When the disciples asked why, Jesus replied that it was because of their unbelief. Then He added, this kind requires fasting and prayer.
Application: I want my faith well grounded, so I stay in God’s Word. Prayer is also a daily ritual for me. Fasting is one area I need consistency and plan to start with Daniel’s proven plan (only fruits, vegetables and water).
Text #3: Matthew 18
Passage: (vv. 1-6)
Teaching: The disciples asked Jesus who was greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus pointed to a little child and said we must change and humble ourselves to even enter into it. Also, be careful to be welcoming of the children and never mislead any of them.
Application: I have always enjoyed children’s ministry. The young minds and hearts are wide open to learning and growing. I desire to leave a part of me behind (in them), before my destiny is fulfilled (and I must depart this life).
Text #4: Matthew 19
Passage: (vv. 16-22)
Teaching: A certain man asked Jesus what he should do to have life eternal. Jesus told him to obey the commandments if he wanted to enter into life. The man feeling that he had not violated the law asked Jesus what was lacking. Jesus instructed him to sell his possessions off and give to the poor, which would provide him treasure in Heaven. Afterwards, come and follow Jesus as His disciple. Unfortunately, the man was not willing to part with his wealth.
Application: Since I desire to please God at the highest level. I choose to live my life responsibly and always look for something to give to those in need. Releasing my surplus to provide for someone else’s genuine need.
Text #5: Matthew 20
Passage: (vv. 1-16)
Teaching: Kingdom of Heaven is like vineyard owner who hired laborers to work in his vineyard. Helpers were invited and responded all through the day (at different times). When later compensated, each worker was paid the same amount. Those who worked the longest (most hours) complained. Owner of the vineyard insisted he had the right to be generous and compensate equally.
Application: I feel that it is my duty to work for the long haul, bearing the different burdens that come. Truthfully, I am glad that Father God wants us all to be able to receive eternal life (living with Him inside of His house in Heaven). Even those who only live a short time after receiving salvation and forgiveness of sin are welcome.
In closing, 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