DELIGHTING in the LORD

Transcription

1 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 1: John The Baptist Beheaded Matthew 14: Our Compassionate King Throughout this chapter of Matthew, you will see Jesus as a compassionate and loving King who desires to teach us, feed us and lead us. We will see the human side of Jesus as his loved messenger is killed. We will see Jesus put aside his needs and desires to feed hungry people in a miraculous way and we will see him lead his disciples through stormy waters ultimately revealing more of his character and heart to each of them. In the end, His disciples will declare Jesus to be the Son of God. From the beginning of the chapter to the end we will see their faith tried and tested coming through refined and strengthened. This week you only have 4 days of soulwork, but two of the days are a little longer. Linger in these verses as you linger in the heart of Jesus and His love and compassion for each of us. As we open Matthew 14, we have the story of Herod and the beheading of John the Baptist. Matthew gives us some details, but Mark paints a much more vivid picture. Today we will be looking to both accounts for a full understanding of why John was beheaded, the motive and sin behind his beheading and then the consequences of that sin in the lives of Herod, his wife and her daughter. Warren Wiersbe said, Herod is remembered as a weak ruler whose only concern was his own pleasure and position. He did not serve the people, he served himself. He has the dubious honor of being the man who killed the greatest prophet ever sent to proclaim God s Word. R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 13:1-58 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 13:1-23 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. In verse 1, who is the king at this time? What do you know of this king? 2. Who does the king think Jesus might be and why? Matthew Chapter 14 Day 1

2 3. What does this tell you about Jesus? Why did so many people have trouble receiving Him? 4. We learned back in Matthew 4:12, that John had been put in prison. Why? What do we learn in verses 3 & 4 about John and how he angered Herod? 5. Read Mark 6: We get a deeper glimpse into the story. Who else was deeply angered and embittered toward John? Why? How did these emotions negatively impact others? List the relationships affected? 6. In verse 5 and Mark 6:20, why didn t Herod kill John at that time instead of putting him in prison? Matthew Chapter 14 Day 1

3 7. In verses 6-11 and Mark 6:19-25, what happened at Herod s birthday party that resulted in John s death? What deep seeded emotions fueled this plan? 8. As a woman, what can we learn from Herodias example? 9. In verse 9, what was Herod s reaction to this request? Why did he grant the request? 10. What happened in verse 12? 11. Look up the following verses on anger and note what you learn. Ecclesiastes 7:9 Proverbs 20:2 Ephesians 4:26,31 Proverbs 15:18 Psalm 37:8 Matthew Chapter 14 Day 1

4 A ACTING on God s Word Anger demands. Anger destroys. Anger denies personal responsibility. Anger is like a disease that spreads throughout your heart and into other relationships. If left to fester, it will multiply and permeate your attitudes, emotions, behaviors and responses. What is at the core of anger? Are you a woman who deals with anger in any area of your life? How has anger permeated your life and that of others around you? What has been the result? What is the Godly prescription for anger? What is God asking you to do today regarding anger? These verses today show us the power we, as woman, possess over our husbands and children. This power can either be used for building up or tearing down. It can be used to bring godliness into relationships, or ungodliness? Give examples of power that builds up and power that tears down? Give examples of active power and passive power through manipulation to get what you want. God tells us as woman to be meek. Remember Matthew 5:5. What is meekness? How does meekness produce Godliness? Matthew Chapter 14 Day 1

5 D in God s Word Thank you, Lord, that in You is power over all things, even anger. Thank you for revealing the sin in my heart and setting me free from anger and bitterness. Meditate on Psalm 37:11, But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Close in prayer NOTES Matthew Chapter 14 Day 1

6 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 2: Jesus Feed the Multitudes Matthew 14: Our Compassionate King As we move into these next verses, we are once again going to see Jesus as our compassionate King. The needs of the people always moves the heart of Jesus with compassion. He sees the needs of His people and not only meets them, but often exceeds them. We ll see today, that He often does this in unexpected ways. This is the only miracle that was recorded in all 4 Gospels. If you want to dig a little deeper into God s Word, you can get the full scope of the details by reading about this miracle through the eyes of not only Matthew, but Luke, Mark and John. It is an important story with many lessons. It is a story that once again shows us the miraculous power of Jesus. He says bring what you have to me and I ll multiply it. But it isn t so much what we do have, but what God wants to do with it that counts! R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 14:1-36 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 14:13-21 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. In verse 13, what did Jesus do upon hearing of John s death? What does this tell you about Jesus and the grief He was undoubtedly experiencing? 2. Throughout these verses, Jesus is continually trying to be alone. Give possible reasons why you think He was doing this? Was he able to be alone? Why or why not? 3. According to verse 14 & 16, how did Jesus respond to the people? How long did they stay with Jesus? Matthew Chapter 14 Day 2

7 4. Define compassion. 5. Were Jesus disciples compassionate toward the people? Support your answer. 6. Jesus tells His disciples to feed the people gathered. How was this a test? What was being tested? What did He want them to see and understand? 7. Read John 6:9 and tell where the disciples got the food for the multitudes gathered. How much did they have? 8. In verse 18, what does Jesus say to the disciples? What is He about to teach them? Matthew Chapter 14 Day 2

8 9. In verse 19, what example do you see in Jesus that we should follow? 10. According to verses 20 & 21, what does Jesus do? 11. Was anyone hungry when He was done? How many were fed? Was anything wasted? 12. Some say the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 was a sermon in action. What do you think was the message Jesus was making through this sermon? 13. What do you think the disciples learned from this miracle? What did you learn about Jesus from this miracle? What did you learn about how Jesus desires us to respond to the needs of hurting people? 14. Read 1 Corinthians 3:6-8, how does this apply to today s lesson? Matthew Chapter 14 Day 2

9 A ACTING on God s Word D in God s Word David Guzik says, No one knew where this bread actually came from. Jesus showed us that God can provide out of resources that we cannot see or perceive in any way. It is easier to have faith when we think we know how God might provide, but God often provides in unexpected and undiscoverable ways. Have you ever seen this to be true in your own life? If so, reflect back on that time by writing of God s faithfulness below. How does this encourage you today? Is there an area in your life where you are in need and the resources are not visible? Do you trust God with what may seem impossible in your eyes? Trust in God and trust in His loving provision. As He multiplied the fishes and loaves to meet every need, so too, He can multiply for your needs. Philippians 4:19 says, And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:20 says, Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us...to Him be glory. Commit these verses to memory this week and praise Him for not only supplying all your needs, but doing more than you could even imagine. Close in Prayer Matthew Chapter 14 Day 2

10 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 3: Faith or Fear? Jesus Walks on Water: Part 1 Matthew 14: Our Compassionate King Warren Wiersbe says, Faith and fear cannot live in the same heart, for fear always blinds the eyes to the presence of the Lord. Throughout Matthew, we have looked at faith and fear on a few different occasions and learned back in Matthew 8, that fear is sin and ultimately unbelief in God and his power and promises. We will begin today, looking into fear and faith through Peter and his example as a storm comes across the Sea of Galilee. Jesus desires us to respond by faith and shows us that an active faith can actually walk on the water, above the turbulence and uncertainty. An active faith is always looking for Jesus and recognizes His mighty hand. R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 14:1-36 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 14:22-27 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. As we enter into verses 22 & 23, where do we find Jesus and where do we find His disciples? What are they each doing? 2. Jesus is our ultimate example. What can we learn from Him from these verses? Matthew Chapter 14 Day 3

11 3. The fourth watch of the night would have been between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Verse 23 and 24 tell us that when evening had come the boat was in the middle of the sea being tossed by the waves. John tells us that the disciples had been rowing for 3-4 miles. Jesus didn t come to them until early morning. Why do you think He allowed this time to elapse? Think about your response from Jesus perspective and also what may have been going on with the disciples. 4. How did the disciples respond when they saw Jesus? How did He come to them? 5. Why do you think they responded that way? 6. In verse 27, how did Jesus respond to them? There are three parts to His response. What are they and what do they reveal about how we should respond in uncertain circumstances? Fill in the chart on the following page by answering each question regarding Jesus response to the disciples. Matthew Chapter 14 Day 3

12 1st Response (NKJV) Be of good cheer take courage (NIV) How can we take courage in the Lord? What does this mean? What can you learn from this? What are the lies the enemy tries to make us believe regarding courage? 2nd Response It is I Why does Jesus reveal His identity? What can you learn from this? What are the lies the enemy tries to make us believe regarding God s presence with us? 3rd Response Do not be afraid How is it possible to not be afraid in uncertainty? What can you learn from this? What are the lies the enemy tries to make us believe regarding faith? For many of the disciples, the Sea of Galilee should have been a comfortable & familiar place for them. As many of them were fisherman, they spent many hours in boats on that very sea, but this time the sea became a place of fear. It was dark and turbulent and they must have felt alone knowing that Jesus was on the mountain praying and not in the boat with them. Often fear grips us in places of uncertainty, doubt, and difficulty. But God says in Isaiah 41:10, Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. That is all it takes with God, the lift of His hand. Often the very thing that we fear, God uses as a path for us to come to Him that His power would be made known and that dark place turned into a place of blessing where our faith is strengthened. Matthew Chapter 14 Day 3

13 A ACTING on God s Word What things in your life cause you fear? What is at the very root of fear? As Jesus spoke these words to the disciples and walked on the water to them, casting light upon their fears, so too, He does this with you and me. He comes to us. What does God want you to do with these fears? List each one of your fears and apply Jesus 3 part response to each one. Fear does not have to rule your life. Remember, Jesus is your King and He wants to rule and reign in every area. Through Him we have power and victory over fear. When Jesus comes to your boat (boat of life) when you are caught in a storm, what can Jesus bring? When your faith responds to Jesus and trusts in Jesus, what is possible in the midst of the storm? A in God s Word Lord, I delight that you see my fears and you come to me in the middle of those fears, just as you walked on the water to the disciples. Thank you for you love for me. Thank you for showing me that in you there is no fear! For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 Close in Prayer Matthew Chapter 14 Day 3

14 The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord s perfections and meditating in his temple. Psalm 27:4 DAY 4: Faith or Fear? Peter Sinks: Part 2 Matthew 14: Our Compassionate King Jesus always wants to reveal more of himself to us so that we may know Him in an intimate and personal way. Often this reveal happens through times of testing. These times of testing will also reveal our faith to be no faith, little faith or great faith. Let s look at Peter and see what we can learn from him as he stepped out of the boat toward Jesus and the faith that Jesus desires. R RECEIVING God s Word Open in Prayer Read Matthew 14:1-36 Today s Scripture Focus: Matthew 14:28-36 E EXPERIENCING God s Word 1. In verse 27 we heard Jesus speak. In verse 28, Peter responds to Jesus with a question. What is his question and why do you think he asked that question? 2. We see Jesus enter into Peter s question, just like He enters into our questions. Jesus desires to see our faith increase, our belief strengthened and our confidence in Him steadfast. He desires to manifest His power in and through us. How does He enter into Peter s question? What do you learn about Jesus from His response? Matthew Chapter 14 Day 4

15 3. In verses 29 & 30, Peter does three things. What are they? How does each action exhibit either fear or faith and the power of Jesus? 4. In verse 31 & 32, how and when did Jesus respond to Peter s cry for help? 5. Jesus doesn t tell Peter he has no faith. He tells Peter he has little faith. What is the difference between no faith, little faith and great faith? Can you give an example and explanation of each from someone in the Bible? 6. Were Peter s doubts and fears reasonable and acceptable to Jesus? Why or why not? In the end, should Peter have doubted? Why or why not? Doubt is literally to be divided into two. True faith is single-minded focus on Jesus. (France: Guzik commentary on Matthew) Matthew Chapter 14 Day 4

16 7. In verse 32, we see Jesus and Peter walking together back into the boat. What is this a picture of? 8. How does fear respond in uncertain situations? How does faith respond? 9. Overall, what do you think Jesus was trying to teach Peter in these verse? What do you think He was trying to teach His disciples? What did they learn for future wind and wave circumstances? 10. In verse 33, we see the disciples response to the power of Jesus displayed. Explain how worship and faith are tied together? 11. We end the chapter with Jesus and His disciples entering Gennesaret and many coming to Jesus and touching the hem of his garment for healing. How is this an example of great and active faith? Matthew Chapter 14 Day 4

17 A ACTING on God s Word There is so much to learn from both Peter and Jesus in this story. One of the first things we can look at, is that Peter got out of the boat. As the darkness surrounded him and the storm prevailed, He looked in to the eyes of Jesus and stepped into stormy waters. The moment his foot lifted, he was acting on his faith and trusting Jesus for all things. What boat is Jesus asking you to step out of? Is your faith responding with yes Lord or no Lord? Why? Fear and faith cannot coexist. How has God strengthened your faith this week so that you can take that step of faith that Jesus is calling for you to take? God often uses storms as testing ground for our faith. What was your last storm? Would you say you walked on water with Jesus or you sank for much of that storm? What did you learn today that will help you when the next storm comes into your life? Do we need to fear the storms? Why? As Peter began to sink, he called out to Jesus. We learned that Jesus reached down and pulled him up and onto solid ground. The turbulent waves became solid ground with Jesus. Amazing isn t it! And Peter didn t wait until he was drowning, he called to Jesus the moment he began sinking. He recognized his faith waivering. When a storm comes into your life, who do you call first or who/what do you go to first? What are signs that your faith is waivering and what did you learn today to help you in the future? Matthew Chapter 14 Day 4

18 D in God s Word Isaiah 43:2 tells us that when you pass through the waters, I will be with you. Praise God that He never leaves us or forsakes us. Even when He wasn t in the boat with his disciples, He was on the mountain praying for them to the Father. He was with them! Memorize Isaiah 43:2 this week so when the next storm comes, your heart will be encouraged and your faith steadfast in Jesus! Close in Prayer NOTES Matthew Chapter 14 Day 4