[Practical Application Review – Week 2]
Greetings,
Thanks for making a decision to review the New Testament of the Bible (with us). The schedule for each week will include reviewing five chapters. Consider reviewing one chapter every Monday through Friday. Weekends can also be an excellent time for reviewing God’s Word.
Schedule – Week 2:
Please read Matthew 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
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 6
Passage: (vv. 24-34)
Teaching: Nobody can serve two masters. Either choose to prioritize God or stuff. Food and clothing God will provide. Seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness first.
Application: Prayerfully releasing my worries to God. Telling Him that I trust that He will always provide. Thanking Him for supplying all of my needs (and so much more).
Text #2: Matthew 7
Passage: (vv. 1-5)
Teaching: Be careful not to be judgmental, because it will return to you. Instead, start improving yourself (working on beam in your eye). Then, seeing more clearly, help other person (removing their splinter).
Application: Focusing on my own personal development (improvement) first. Also, when helping another person (providing no judgment, only love and support).
Text #3: Matthew 8
Passage: (vv. 5-13)
Teaching: Centurion requested healing for his son who was suffering. Though, he did not feel worthy to receive a personal visit from Jesus. So, he requested that Jesus release the healing from where He was.
Application: Perhaps I could prayerfully intercede more for those distant to me (overseas). Even healing can be released without me having to physically (or geographically) connect.
Text #4: Matthew 9
Passage: (vv. 36-38)
Teaching: Jesus demonstrated compassion for the people and urged His disciples to pray for more laborers to be sent to help in the work.
Application: I can and should prayerfully ask God to send others to help in this global work. At the same time, I am willing to serve. Perhaps I am the answer (solution) to certain needs in my community.
Text #5: Matthew 10
Passage: (vv. 37-38)
Teaching: Loving other people “more” than Jesus means we are “not worthy” of Him. Also, we are expected to carry our own cross and follow Jesus (daily).
Application: Love for my family and closest friends can be great, but my love for God must be even greater (devotion). Also, I am willing to follow my Lord Jesus, wherever He leads.
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