And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Mark 10:17-31

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Mark 10:21-22

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:17-31.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction to this text and for the first (of three) division (vv17-22):

• The title for this chapter of the commentary covering the entirety of the text (vv17-31) is "What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? (Will You Leave Everything and Follow Jesus?)."
• The main idea from the commentary for the entirety of the text is "[f]ollowing Jesus may involve great personal cost, but it always results in great eternal gain."
• "This text [vv17-31] addresses the important question, Who or what should have first place in my life? Jesus demands that people give Him first place in their lives above all else and all others (Colossians 1:18)."
• "John Mark wrote the second Gospel about AD 65–68, making great use of an eyewitness, the apostle Peter. He wrote to a Roman audience facing severe persecution during the reign of Nero. He challenged them concerning true discipleship in 8:31–10:52. This section contains three passion predictions (8:31-33; 9:30-32; 10:32-34), each followed by instruction on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. In 10:13-16, Jesus says we must receive the kingdom of God like a little, helpless child. The account of the rich young ruler raises the question, Will someone with great wealth and standing receive the kingdom like a little child?"   
• The title for the first division per the commentary is: "It Is Easier Than You Think."  
• "Jesus was continuing His journey toward Jerusalem. Our Savior is engaging the disciples in teaching about true discipleship and His forthcoming crucifixion and resurrection. They are struggling students who can’t grasp what He is saying. Jesus has just told them that those who enter the kingdom of God must be like a little child (10:13-16). All must come to Jesus with nothing, in total dependence on Him. No one can earn the kingdom. The requirement is the same for all: simple, childlike reliance on Jesus. It is that easy. It is in the context of this teaching that one who is the opposite of a helpless child approaches Jesus."  
• In support of it's claim that it's "easier than you think" to receive the kingdom of God like a little child," the commentary starts with: "ask the right questions."   
• The rich young ruler asks Jesus a question. "This question is one of the most significant in the whole Bible and for all humanity: How do I get eternal life?" 
• "His question, though by no means a bad one, implies he believes eternal life is something you work for. “What must I do?” All religions of the world can be categorized under “do” or “done.” I am saved by what I do or by what another has done. Christianity is a done religion/relationship. Eternal life is not achieved; it is received as a gift (John 1:12) based on what Jesus has done for us (John 3:16). So the young ruler must have both a change of theology and a change of heart if he is to inherit eternal life."  
• One must first "go to the right person," then "get the right answers."   
• "Jesus does not return the young man’s flattering greeting as might have been expected. Jesus puts the focus of the issue where it must be: on God. The young man’s starting point was wrong because it was himself. “What must I do?” The rich young ruler was no doubt a “good man” by the standards of his day.  He saw in Jesus another good man whose insight into spiritual matters could perhaps solve some lingering questions that plagued his soul. Jesus forced him to look to God for any hope of genuine goodness and eternal life." 
• "Furthermore, Jesus implicitly confronted the young ruler with his evaluation of Jesus. To call Him good is to call Him God. Is that what he meant? If Jesus is not God, then He, like the rest of humanity, is a sinner and therefore not good in the supreme sense. On the other hand, if He is God, it would be appropriate to call Him good. It would also be appropriate to worship Him, follow Him, and obey Him. He challenges the young ruler to think clearly and choose his words carefully, a challenge each one of us should accept."  
• After Jesus asks him whether he has kept the commandments, "[t]he young man responds, “Teacher, I have kept all these from my youth.” The young man had conducted his life according to the law of God. He had honored it and obeyed all of it! In an external sense what he said was probably true. Like the apostle Paul he was faultless (Philippians 3:6) with respect to the outward demands of the law as taught by the religious teachers of Israel."  
• "Having addressed the last six commandments, Jesus now addresses the first (Exodus 20:3). God must be God in our lives. No one and nothing can stand between Him and us. The particular demand Jesus puts on the rich young ruler is not a general command for all persons. It was specific to him, though it could be specific to some of us too! His wealth occupied the place that only God should have in his life. It was his idol, his god."  
• "The call to discipleship is a call to radical trust and commitment to Jesus. Jesus challenges all of us to put away anything that is an obstacle to our following Him. You cannot love your wealth supremely and love Jesus supremely."  
• The final directive by Jesus is to "give the right response" (v22).  "Verse 22 records the tragic end of their encounter—“stunned.” A cloud of gloom and sorrow moved in. “He went away grieving.” Why? “Because he had many possessions.” His gold would remain his god. Jesus’ difficult demand was met with a “no.” He got the right answer to his question."

As I posted yesterday, we must first and foremost focus on the two most important commandments as the others all hang on these two per Matthew 22:34-40.  If we earnestly don't love God with all of our heart, soul and mind, then we must throw ourselves at Jesus' feet and like the father from earlier in Mark ask Jesus to "help us with our unbelief" (Mark 9:23-25).  If we do hunger and thirst for righteousness, we will be filled (satisfied) (Matthew 5:6).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and how You saved me - I know I was saved while still sinning, hostile and an enemy to You. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.

Mark 10:17-31

And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.  Mark 10:18

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 10:17-31, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God seeks love of Him above all things.  The rich young man who knelt before Jesus in v17 loved his wealth above all - wealth was his idol (v22).  God does want obedience to His commands (v19), but our love of God results in our obedience.  If we love God we will want to love others and want to please Him in all that we are and do. See also 1 John 5:3.  We cannot earn our salvation as it is completely dependent on God's will and decisive action - vv26-27.  We must put everything in life below God in terms of priorities - v29.  Those who do this will be blessed either now or in Heaven (or both) - vv29-30.  These verses vv29-30 also describe how believers will not only be blessed but also subject to persecutions - see also John 16:33. Jesus came not to be served but to serve (v45) - so we should also serve and take up a posture of humility. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People are often distracted by the world and what it offers: money, status, etc. Such distractions can lead to not just sin but eternal damnation.     
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid idols - put everything in this life below God in terms of priorities. Be humble.  Love God and love others - all of commandments hang on these two (Matthew 22:34-40). Be bold and lean on God and He will deliver through His strength - not our own.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You ARE good, Holy and perfect and You gave me faith and the Holy Spirit and You are working in me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You bless by working in me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Mark 10:13-16

Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:15-16

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:13-16.  Excerpts from the commentary's final section which explores the question of "what happens to those who die in infancy, die young, or never reach an age of moral discernment (often called the “age of accountability”)" - whether these children go to heaven:

• It is acknowledged that debate over this is not settled and often highly esteemed theologians differ including RC Sproul (negative), Charles Spurgeon (affirmative), and Billy Graham (affirmative).
• The author of my commentary - Danny Akin - offers seven points that guides him to his position which is also affirmative.  
•  "First, the grace, goodness, and mercy of God would support the position." See 1 John 4:8, 1 Timothy 2:4, and Matthew 18:14.
• "Second, when the baby boy who was born to David and Bathsheba died (2 Samuel 12:15-18), David did two significant things. He confessed his confidence that he would see the child again, and he comforted his wife Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:23-24). David must have been confident that his little son was with God." 
• "Third, in James 4:17, the Bible says, “So it is a sin for the person who knows to do what is good and doesn’t do it.” The Bible is clear that we are all born with a sin nature as a result of being in Adam (Romans 5:12), called “original sin.” However, the Scriptures make a distinction between original sin and actual sins. Infants are incapable of actual sins because they are incapable of moral discernment. Original sin is why infants die physically. Actual sins committed with knowledge and understanding are why people die spiritually and eternally if they die without Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12-13)."  
• "Fourth, Jesus affirmed that the kingdom of God belonged to little children (Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17)."  
• "Fifth, Scripture affirms that the number of saved souls is great (Revelation 7:9)."  
• "Sixth, some in Scripture are said to be chosen or sanctified from the womb (1 Samuel 1:8–2:21; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:15). This affirms the salvation of some infants and refutes the view that only baptized babies are assured of heaven. 
• "Seventh, Deuteronomy 1:35-39 is helpful. After the children of Israel rebelled against God in the wilderness, God sentenced that generation to die in the wilderness. But God specifically exempted young children and infants from this sentence and explained, '[y]our little children, whom you said would be plunder, your sons who don’t know good from evil, will enter there.' This passage bears directly on the issue of infant salvation and implies that the accomplished work of Christ has removed the stain of original sin from those who die in infancy. Knowing neither good nor evil, these children are incapable of committing sins in the body—are not yet moral agents—and die secure in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
• "Anyone who is saved is saved because of the grace of God, the saving work of Jesus Christ, and the undeserved and unmerited regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Like all who have ever lived, except for Jesus, infants need to be saved. Only Jesus can take away their sin, and if they are saved, it is because of His sovereign grace and abounding mercy....For those incapable of willful acts of sin, we can rest assured God will, indeed, do right. Precious little ones are the objects of His saving mercy and grace."

As a parent of a special needs child (17 yrs old), I am greatly comforted by the study this morning.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who saves.  Thank You for the comforting words spoken through my commentary this morning.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Mark 10:13-16

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. Mark 10:14-16

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:13-16.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv14-16):

• The title for this division per the commentary is "We Should Learn from Children About the Kingdom of God." 
• "There is something about a child that is essential for entrance into the kingdom of God. It is not their innocence, for they are not innocent! They are little sinners just like we are big sinners. Nor is it their purity or that they are sweet. Again, they are sinners with Adam and Eve’s and your and my DNA running throughout their being. Still, for some reason, Jesus says children are a better example of how to enter the kingdom than are adults. “We tell children to behave like adults, but Jesus tells the adults to model themselves after the children” (Wiersbe, Be Diligent, 99)!"   
• "Children are helpless. Their lives are in the hands of another. Yet, even at a tender age, they seem to be filled with hope and expectation. They don’t know all they need, but they know they need the help of another, and they are hopeful they will receive it."  
• "Jesus says the kingdom of God is received not earned. It is received like a little child, or it is not received at all. By their display of trust and absolute dependence on another, children point the way to entrance into God’s kingdom."  
• "Jesus picked up the children. What a picture of amazing gospel grace! He is tender and affectionate to those who bring nothing to Him but their need. He even “laid His hands on them and blessed them.”...He picked up and held these children, spoke a word of blessing over them, and attached high value to their intrinsic worth."

Children assume a posture of humility by nature.  Adults can assume this posture through humility - in my view of the greatest themes in scripture.  First and foremost we must understand that God is in control of all the details in the universe and we are in His hands, completely dependent on Him for everything....and for believers this of course includes our own salvation and faith.  Apart from God we can do nothing - see John 15:5.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that is all powerful and in control of every aspect of my life yet at the same time full of grace, mercy, and love - You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:13-16

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Mark 10:13-14

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:13-16.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction to this text and for the first (of two) division (vv13-14):

• The title for the this chapter of the commentary covering the entirety of the text (vv13-16) is "Jesus Loves the Little Children (Why I Believe Children Who Die Go to Heaven)."
• The main idea from the commentary for the entirety of the text is "Jesus loves all children, and He lovingly calls all people to become like dependent children if they are to enter His kingdom." 
• The title for the first division per the commentary is: "We Should Bring Children to Jesus."  
• "Throughout history the intrinsic value of children has often been ignored. Biblical examples of dishonoring children as image bearers include Herod’s killing of babies during Jesus’ day, mirroring the Pharaoh in Exodus. In general children were not held in high esteem by Romans. By Jesus’ time Romans had a trash heap beside many homes where people could leave unwanted children. If other people wanted the children, they would pick them up. Sometimes these kids were raised to be prostitutes, gladiators, or slaves. Unfortunately, the world is not much safer for today’s children."  
• "The only way to have a balanced view of children is to have a biblical view, to see them as God sees them: they are His gifts to parents (Psalms 127:3-5); they provide an illustration as to how we enter the kingdom of God (Mark 9:14-15)."  
• "Chapter 10 divides into five major sections: Jesus teaches on marriage in verses 1-12 and on children in verses 13-16. Then He addresses the perils of possessions (vv17-31) and the glory of sacrificial service (vv32-45). Finally, Jesus responds to the faith of a blind man (vv46-52). The concern and love our Savior has for children is crystal clear."   
• "One would have a difficult time finding in ancient literature concern for children comparable to that shown by Jesus (Edwards, Mark, 306)." 
• We are encouraged to be like those who brought the children to Jesus in v13.  Stand up and focus on children. 
• V14 "is the only time Jesus is said to be “indignant.” His righteous anger was aroused, and He publicly rebuked them. James Edwards says, “The object of a person’s indignation reveals a great deal about the person. Jesus’ displeasure here reveals his compassion and defense of the helpless, vulnerable, and powerless” (Mark, 306). Jesus is affirming that children are worth His time, and they should be worth our time!" 
• "There are several ways we can consistently and actively lead children to Christ. We can evangelize them with a gospel-saturated home. We can disciple them with a Bible-saturated home. We can pray with them in a prayer-saturated home. We can encourage them, bless them, and challenge them." 

I indeed feel blessed by children, echoing the words of Psalm 127:3-5.  I also understand the responsibilities God charges myself and Lisa with to be parents.  Father God please help us be the parents You design us to be!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that saves, loves, and blesses - including marriage and children.  Thank You!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Mark 10:13-16

But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Mark 10:14-15

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 10:13-16, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus believes that children are important - we as a community of believers should not put anything in the way of them hearing the gospel message.  Jesus also wants all of us to emulate how children are, including how they are curious and soak up their teachings, and how they possess other attributes, including dependence on others for care and provision.    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Some see children as important - see the parents and caregivers in v13. There are many people however - i.e. the disciples v13 - who often don't see children as important to God.  Yet, anyone seeking to receive the Kingdom of God must approach God with a child-like presence and unless you do, you will not experience nor enter God's Kingdom.     
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Children are an example to follow in terms of their attributes of learning and dependence, etc.  The claim to promise is the inverse of v15 where if believers do receive the Kingdom of God like a child we will enter it. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for my salvation and for meeting my every need.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

Mark 10:1-12

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. Mark 10:6-9

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:1-12.  Excerpts from the sixth and final section - the Conclusion - from the commentary provided for this text:

• "Dogmatism and certainty are not appropriate in an area where good and godly students who affirm the infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible hold differing views. Still, there are some things we can affirm based on Jesus’ words in Mark[.]"  These things include: (1) Marriage is a gift and work of God that receives its meaning and significance from Him. (2) God’s design for marriage is exclusively heterosexual and unique among all human relationships (10:6-7). (3) God’s plan from the beginning is that marriage would be permanent (10:9).  (4) Jesus acknowledges that because we live in a fallen world and have hard hearts, divorce will occur (10:3-4). However, no divorce is ever necessary, though it may be occasionally permissible to those whose divorce is on biblical grounds. (5) To divorce one’s mate (without a biblical cause?) and remarry another is to commit the sin of adultery (10:11-12)." 
•  The commentary also offers the following: (1) Where the sin of adultery and/or divorce has taken place, forgiveness is possible and available to those who repent and confess their sin (1 John 1:9). (2) If we are in an unbiblical marriage, we should not attempt to get out of it. Seek forgiveness for the sin of adultery, and then work hard to glorify God and be a blessing to the mate with whom you are married. (3) In the church we should emphasize the value and dignity of marriage while eliminating the shame and stigma of the divorced. We “mingle the call to obedience with the tears of compassion” (Storms, “Divorce and Remarriage”).  (4) We should acknowledge that divorce is a sin that is far more hurtful and destructive than many other sins.  (5) “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” No minister should perform a wedding without requiring extensive premarital counseling and the signing of a premarital wedding covenant."

The only words I can share on this subject: thank You God for my marriage to Lisa!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves. You also created marriage and my marriage to Lisa.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor my marriage.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

Mark 10:1-12

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. Mark 10:6-9

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:1-12.  Excerpts from the fourth and fifth section - titled "The Teaching of Paul on Divorce (1 Corinthians 7)" and "A Summation of Evangelical Positions on Divorce and Remarriage (After Sexually Consummated Marriage)" - from the commentary provided for this text:

• "In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, Paul says that a husband and a wife who are both Christians are not to divorce, but if they do, they are not to remarry. In verses 12-16, Paul addresses the problem of a saved spouse who is married to an unsaved spouse. If the unsaved party departs, the saved party is “not bound” in such cases. “Not bound” can mean: (1) free to divorce, (2) free to divorce and remarry, or (3) free to separate but not allowed to divorce and remarry." 
• "As a result of the above survey, several biblical positions on the subject of divorce are possible today: (1) Divorce is never permitted for any reason. (2) Divorce is permitted for adultery only, but remarriage is not allowed. (3) Divorce is permitted for adultery and desertion of an unbelieving spouse, but remarriage is not permitted. (4) Divorce is permitted for adultery or desertion of an unbelieving spouse, and remarriage to a believer is granted to the innocent party. (Those who believe the Bible allows for remarriage do so on the grounds of the exception clause in Matthew and the logic that if God grants divorce to the innocent party, by His grace He would also grant permission to remarry.) (5) Divorce is permitted in the case of an incestuous marriage. (6) Divorce is permitted in the case of the divorce taking place prior to one’s conversion and there is no possibility (2 Corinthians 5:17 as the basis for this position)."

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and guides.  You are the source of all wisdom that is good, perfect, and righteous.  Thank You for my salvation, for my marriage, and for Your Word.  I am not deserving of such blessings nor my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Mark 10:1-12

And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Mark 10:2-9

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:1-12.  Excerpts from the third section - titled "Four Major Views on Divorce and Remarriage." - from the commentary provided for this text:

• Per the commentary the four major views on divorce and marriage are Patristic (Church Fathers), Protestant-Evangelical, Betrothal, and Unlawful Marriage View. 
• Patristic: Based on Matthew 5:31-32 and 19:9-10 "Divorce is allowed for adultery only. No remarriage is allowed. Those holding this view note the lack of any expressed statement for remarriage, and the nearness of the early church fathers to the apostles." 
• Protestant-Evangelical: "Divorce is allowed for adultery and desertion by an unbelieving spouse with no possibility of reconciliation. Remarriage to a believer is permissible for the innocent party."  
• Betrothal: "Jewish betrothal was a legal contract that could only be broken by divorce or death. It was more than an engagement but not a sexually consummated marriage. This view better explains the disciples’ reaction. Divorce is allowed only for unfaithfulness during the betrothal period. If adultery was committed after the marriage, then divorce was not allowed for any reason." 
• Unlawful Marriage: "This view takes “sexual immorality” in the exception clause to refer to incestuous marriages. Divorce is allowed for those marriages within the prohibited degrees of kinship in Leviticus 18:6-18. Remarriage is usually not allowed, though there seem to be some differences of opinion. However, the technical meaning of “incest” given to “sexual immorality” does not fit the total context of the passage."

It is clear that God's view of marriage must be considered based on text from both the Old and New Testament, starting with Genesis.  The text in Mark - vv10:1-12 - is also clear that Jesus pointed the Pharisees to Moses and how God did not change His view on marriage but understood how there would be those who had hardened hearts and how these hearts would twist God's view on marriage to shape their desires vs God.  In all of this discussion, it is absolutely clear that God intends for marriage to be for a lifetime and divorce is not condoned.  See also my previous post. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You pour out Your mercies in an inexhaustible supply and fountain of grace.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation, nor the mercies or grace You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Mark 10:1-12

And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” Mark 10:11-12

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:1-12.  Excerpts from the second section - titled "Some Basic Observations About Divorce and Remarriage from a Survey of Scripture" - from the commentary provided for this text:

• "One man joined to one woman for a lifetime is God’s perfect will for every marriage (Genesis 2:18-25)."
• "God hates divorce (Malachi 2:13-16). God’s desire is that troubled marriages would always be reconciled. Divorce is never commanded or desired by God. Separation is sometimes wise (1 Corinthians 7:10-11)." 
• The commentary's author (Danny Akin) shares his view that "[he] believes divorce may be biblically permissible in the cases of sexual immorality, desertion by an unbeliever, or if the divorce was preconversion (2 Corinthians 5:17)."  
• "Where reconciliation is not possible, permission to remarry in the Lord may be allowed (though it is not expressly stated)."  
• "Divorce and remarriage are not sanctioned for reasons other than sexual immorality or desertion by an unbeliever. Some counter that it would be better to remarry than to commit sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 7:9) or to be unduly burdened and oppressed in a single state (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). However, God commends a single status (1 Corinthians 7)."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, save and blesses through the institution of marriage.  Thank You for saving me and for bringing Lisa and myself together and for the unity and love we share.  I am not deserving of any of this.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.

Mark 10:1-12

And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.” And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. Mark 10:2-5

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 10:1-12.  Excerpts from the commentary's main idea, introduction, and the first section from the commentary provided for this text:

• The main idea for this text: "[m]arriage is a sacred covenant that ideally is dissolved only by death."
• "[S]tudy [of marriage] demands our most careful and humble efforts. It is treacherous territory." 
• "Two competing rabbinic schools of thought were present in Jesus’ day: (1) The more conservative school followed Rabbi Shammai and said the only ground for divorce was adultery (sexual immorality). (2) The more liberal school followed Rabbi Hillel and said divorce could be granted for 'any indecency.'"
• "The Pharisees in that day, for the most part, followed Rabbi Hillel, made divorce easy and wanted it to stay that way. So they come to Jesus “to test Him” (v. 2). Jesus was, therefore, thrust into a debate like many of us are today. The Pharisees wanted to talk about divorce, but Jesus wanted to talk about marriage and God’s divine blueprint." 
• Key Biblical texts on divorce and remarriage per the commentary: Genesis 2:18-25, Romans 7:1-3, Ephesians 5:21-33, Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Isaiah 50:1, Jeremiah 3:1, 8-9, Ezra 10:2-3, 10-12, Malachi 2:13-16, Matthew 19:3-12, Luke 16:18, 1 Corinthians 7:8-16, 39-40.  
• "Marriage is a good gift from a great God to be enjoyed. Sex is a part of this good gift. God’s design is one man, for one woman, for a lifetime (unless separated by death; Romans 7:1-3). Marriage is the joining of two bodies, two wills, two minds, and two sets of God-given emotions."  
• Marriage is sacred because it reflects the spiritual union of Christ and His church (Ephesians 5:21-33). As Jesus would never divorce His bride, a spouse should never divorce his or her mate." 
• "Though the Bible never condones divorce, it does recognize the reality of divorce (see also Isaiah 50:1; Jeremiah 3:1,8-9). The allowance of a divorce certificate provides regulations and is a concession for the protection and welfare of an innocent victim. Remarriage to one’s former spouse after marrying another is strictly forbidden."  
• "[Ezra 10:2-3, 10-12] appears to be a unique situation. (Nowhere does God give a direct command to divorce. The text may be recording their activity but not affirming it.) Some believe polygamy was an issue, though the text does not say this. In the best light this is an exceptional act eliminating the greater of two evils: defilement through mixed marriages, which led to idolatry." 
• "Malachi wrote during the time of Ezra. God hates divorce. It is never His perfect will. (Is this perhaps a counter to the activity recorded in Ezra?)" 
• "Desertion by an unbelieving spouse permits divorce and, it seems, grants permission for remarriage (some believe the summation of verses 1 Corinthians 7:39-40 rules out remarriage)." 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You also created marriage and provided my marriage - thank You God for my salvation and for my marriage!  I am not deserving of either but You save and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

Mark 10:1-12

But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Mark 10:6-9

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 10:1-12, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God is faithful - see also 2 Corinthians 1:20 - as His promises always come true. If God is faithful and we are made in His image and believers - through sanctification - become more like Him as they grow closer to Him in their journey as believers, then believers are expected and commanded to be faithful to what He expects from them.  Of course this only happens through God and the Holy Spirit, but nonetheless God wants faithfulness from us, in our devotion to Him first and foremost, then to our spouses in our marriages.  See v5 for a wrongful interpretation of God's commands for divorce and then see vv6-9 and vv11-12 for His desire and commands for what He seeks.     
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Unbelievers seek to justify their lack of faith by using reason, often twisting scripture to bend it to their interpretation but fail to test scripture with other scripture, avoiding what John Piper shares is "isolating" one text by not seeing how it relates and is supported (and not "out of step") by text elsewhere.  We must study ALL scripture and see how it points to Jesus and how it supports the broad narrative of the gospel - the books of the Bible are not standalone works but par of this broader gospel narrative.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): If we marry, we should remain married to one spouse for a lifetime.  We should avoid twisting one text seeking our own interpretation - instead test scripture with scripture.  God is faithful so we should be faithful.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and created my marriage to Lisa - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and how You bless through marriage.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Mark 9:30-50

For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:49-50

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 9:30-50.  Excerpts from the fourth (of four) division (vv42-50):

• For the fourth division, the title is: "Fear of Hell."
• "Our Lord had the strongest possible view of judgment and hell: it is real and it lasts forever. In this context it serves as a warning and a motivation to follow Jesus in devotion and discipleship."  
• "Jesus launches three powerful hyperboles to warn us of sin’s danger to others as well as to ourselves. We know they are hyperboles—not to be taken literally—because the Bible forbids bodily mutilation (Deuteronomy 14:1; 23:1; 1 Kings 18:28; Zechariah 13:6). However, in no way does this diminish or negate the importance of what Jesus is saying. “Things we value supremely, like eyes, hands, and feet—should not stand in the way of eternal life” (Edwards, Mark, 294). Eyes, hands, and feet are all inclusive of what we see, what we do, and where we go. As important as they are, better to lose them than to let them prevent you from entering eternal life and God’s kingdom."  
• Be mindful of sinful influences! "[w]hat our Lord was advocating, therefore, [to quote John Stott], was not a literal physical self-maiming, but a ruthless moral self-denial. Not mutilation but mortification is the path of holiness he taught” (Storms, “Be Killing Sin”)." 
• "Jesus said more about hell than anyone else in the Bible. “Hell” is the New Testament word used for the place of eschatological punishment (Matthew 5:29-30; 10:28; Mark 9:43,45,47; Luke 12:5)."  
• "Picking up on the word “fire” in v. 48, Jesus affirms that “everyone will be salted with fire.” “Salt” is a preservative. Thus all will be “salted with fire” in a manner consistent with their relationship to Christ. For unbelievers it will be the perpetual fires of final judgment in hell. For the disciple it will be the preserving and refining fires of trials and suffering that mark the road to true greatness. This saying is found only in Mark’s Gospel. It must have held special significance for him and Peter." 
• "Salt is good as long as it can serve its purposes. But if it loses its purifying and preserving value then it is worthless."  
• "Be humble, and avoid stumbling or causing others to stumble. Don’t fuss and fight over positions and status. Be a reflection of the God-given peace you have received from Jesus (Romans 5:1). Pull for your brothers and sisters in Christ, not against them. After all, though we may play different positions, all who follow Jesus as Lord are on the same team."

John Piper refers to fear of God as a preservative against sin.  As long as we stay close to God, we experience His provision and protection.  John 15:1-11 is also instructive.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves.  You also protect and provide refuge.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation and how You pour out blessings for me on a daily basis.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.

Mark 9:30-50

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Mark 9:38-40

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 9:30-50.  Excerpts from the third (of four) division (vv38-41):

• For the third division, the title is: "Allegiance to Others."
• "At this point the disciples just aren’t there. Oh, they are zealous, but it is a misplaced zeal, myopic and self-centered. In fact it is downright sinful." 
• "The disciples are about to learn that God’s kingdom is bigger than their experience of it. It is so large that anyone who is for Christ is with us."  
• In response to the disciples trying to stop someone (though not a disciple) from casting out demons in Jesus' name, Jesus "responds with a strong command, “Don’t stop him.” On the contrary, stop what you are doing! Why? First, anyone doing these things in My name does so by the power of God. It is an evidence of My call on his life (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:3). No, do not try to hinder him. Help him. Don’t try to restrain him. Rejoice in and with him."  
• We are also referred to Philippians 1:15-18 that aligns with Jesus words from v40.
• V41 exhorts us to serve others as the commentary shares: "[s]ervice to others frees us. It gets our eyes off of us and onto others who need the same Christ we need. An anonymous author said, “World Missions is God’s major therapy for our sin of selfishness that eats the heart out of the local church” (source unknown)."

Believers know that the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:34-40) are to love God then love others.  This life is not about us...it's about Him and for Him to get all praise, honor and glory.  He is worthy and we exist solely for His purpose. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: You are an awesome God that loves me and who saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  I often focus on myself.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

Mark 9:30-50

And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” Mark 9:35b-37

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 9:30-50.  Excerpts from the second (of four) division (vv33-37):

• For the first division, the title is: "Service to Others."
• "In spite of what He has taught [the disciples] about self-denial, dying to self (8:34) and losing their lives for Christ and the gospel (8:35), they still aspire to be sovereigns and not servants. They remain deaf to what He has said about the road to true greatness. Serving others out of an overflow of “gospel gratitude” has still not sunk in."  
• "Jesus confronts them about what they had been talking about. They admit they had debated “with one another about who was the greatest” (v. 34). Matters of rank and recognition were important to the Jews of Jesus’ day. The nature of man and the times have not changed all that much. Pride and the cult of personality arise even among the people who follow after the lowly Jesus." 
• The commentary exhorts to deeply examine ourselves for signs of pride. 
• We are referred to Proverbs 11:2 and James 4:6 where the text urges us to avoid pride (one the most prominent and dangerous of sins) and instead to be humble. 
• "Jesus does not repudiate greatness. He redefines it. Be great in things that matter to God not man."
•  "Jesus says you will only find real and lasting happiness (joy) when you do serve someone, not because you have to but because you get to and want to." 
• "Jesus does say there is a position you should aspire to obtain: a diakonos, a waiter of tables, one who washes others’ feet (John 13:1-20) or changes their soiled undergarments. The work is not glorious in man’s eyes, but it is great in God’s! Here is a posture and position worthy of heaven!" 
• "Effectively, “Treat well those who have no standing in this world (children, lepers, AIDS victims, the mentally impaired, the physically disabled, the aged), and you will receive an audience with My Father!” Jesus points the way to true greatness: Die to self, serve others, care for those no one else cares for. Receive them in Jesus’ name, and you receive Jesus—and His Father too!"

Arrogance and pride has long been a sin of mine and God working in me has helped me, and while there is work for God to do within me to "move this along" I am grateful for what He has done.  It's no wonder that the tag cloud for my blog both directly and indirectly ranks humility and related variants as the top topic during my bible study over the years. 

 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves and saves....You came to earth as the Incarnate Son of God and to die - willingly laying down Your life - in a gruesome and violent manner - so that I could have life now to the full and for eternity in Heaven.  The greatest gift of all time.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please  forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

“The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.”

Mark 9:30-50

“The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” Mark 9:31

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 9:30-50.  Excerpts from the introduction for the entirety of the text and for the first (of four) division (vv30-32):

• For the entirety of the text, the title of this chapter of the commentary is "The Road to True Greatness."  The main idea is: "[t]he road to true greatness is found in following Jesus Christ." 
• "Before Christ redeems us and sets us free, we are like crack addicts addicted to ourselves. We are like alcoholics intoxicated with ourselves. We are not as interested in serving as in being served, in giving as in receiving, in pursuing God’s way as in getting our way, in being the least as in being the greatest."  
• "And we are certain the way to greatness is not by an obedience that leads to death (vv30-32), being last and servant of all (vv33-37), having others do what we can’t (vv38-41), and pursuing a life of serious suffering (vv42-50). Yet this is exactly what Jesus says as He lays before us the road to true greatness—greatness as defined by God!"  
• "We are in the middle of Jesus’ great discipleship discourse (Mark 8–10). Our Lord is turning upside down the value systems of this world. His teaching is radical and mind-blowing. No wonder “they did not understand.” Ours is a world where everything is about me! Jesus died to free us from such slavery. He died to free us to serve and to walk a road of true greatness, the road He Himself walked as He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45; cf. Isa 53:10-12)."
• For the first division, the title is: "Obedience to the Will of God."
• “Jesus and the Twelve passed through northeast Galilee headed south to Jerusalem where our Lord will be brutally murdered on the cross. His heart and mind are set to obey the Father’s will. He “must suffer many things” (8:31), and nothing will stop Him from fulfilling His divinely ordained destiny.”
•  “[Jesus’] goal is to prepare [the disciples] for what lies ahead.”
•  "We must not forget: God purposefully killed His Son in order that He might not kill us! The way to the crown is by way of the cross. Salvation is ours by His suffering." 
• "They did not understand, and they were afraid to ask Him. In contrast we should understand with the help of the Holy Spirit, but if we don’t, we should have no fear of asking Him anything. This Savior can be trusted. This Lord is approachable. When He speaks, we need to listen. And when we know God’s will for our lives, like Jesus we should obey because God’s will is always perfect (Romans 12:2). Obedience to the will of God marks the road to true greatness."

A sermon I can remember from probably 15 years shared how Jesus was revolutionary - He died as a suffering Savior to show us how being last helps us see how it is He who gives us strength, etc. Jesus followed His Father's will to die on the cross which for anyone but a believer is mind blowing but this is the essence of the gospel and the Good News.  That we all sin, we need a savior, Jesus is this Savior and "that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”

Mark 9:30-50

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 9:30-50, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus was not seeking attention for Himself (v30) but for His Father who sent Him. Jesus sought humility so that we could see God's power to raise His Son from the dead.  God also wants humility for His followers (v35).  Humility implies serving others much in the same way that a parent must provide for and serve a child (v37).  God wants believers to support and care for believers in the same way parents care for their children - we are all part of God's family and we are to care for one another.  We must also help other believers avoid sin (vv42, 50)and to avoid conflicts with other believers.    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People, even believers, often seek glory for themselves like the disciples did in their argument about who was the greatest among them (v34).  We must remember that as believers it is not about us - it's about Him as we exist to bring glory to the one who saved us - Jesus!  When we seek glory for ourselves, we become jealous of others that might be doing good in Jesus' name (vv38-40).  Such jealousy can lead to conflicts (v50). 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must remain humble and seek to glorify Him not ourselves.  This means we must serve as Jesus did.  Avoid pride.  Be aware of what drives our prideful behavior and seek ways to eliminate influences that drive us towards this behavior (vv43-48).

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves...You came to seek and save the lost and You willingly laid down Your life...for me and for the sin of all of humanity for all of redemptive history.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings that You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Mark 9:14-29

And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” Mark 9:28-29

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 9:14-29.  Excerpts from the second (of three) division (vv28-29):

• For the third division, the title is: "We Never Advance Beyond Our Need for Prayer."
• The commentary provides the below table that contrasts the Transfiguration with the healing of the boy in the text and suggests how it might have been instructive for the disciples to see the two events through this lens.

 

•  "Introspection is a healthy spiritual discipline when it causes us to examine our weaknesses and confront our limitations. Presumptuous self-sufficiency may be viewed as a great strength by the world, but it is deadly to our spiritual lives." 
• "The disciples failed big time. It was public, brought ridicule, cast doubt on their Master and mission, and filled them with self-doubt. So when Jesus initiated reflection and debriefing, they asked, “Why couldn’t we drive the demon out?” Their question betrays a sense of confidence in their own strengths and abilities....Failure led them to question themselves.  This is a good thing."  
• "He is not saying some demon exorcisms require prayer but others do not. He is saying that whenever we take to the spiritual battlefield, if we go in our own strength, pride, and self-sufficiency, we have lost the battle before it begins. Faith bridges the gap between divine omnipotence and human weakness, and that faith is experienced and exercised through prayer. Could this be why prayer is one of the most difficult of the spiritual disciplines?"  
• "Tim Keller observes that the prayer of the father is characterized by honesty, helplessness, hopefulness, specificity, and passion (“Mark,” 112). These character traits of believing prayer can be summed up in one word: humility. It all depends on Jesus."  
• The commentary wraps but pointing us to John 20:29 and Ephesians 6:16. 

For me prayer is definitely a weaker spiritual discipline.  For a long time, well beyond when I was saved, perhaps until 10 years ago, scripture reading was also a weaker discipline and I prayed for a stronger desire for Him and of course God gave it to me.  And I can say without a doubt that 2 Corinthians 1:20 rings true as does all scripture!  God not only gave me a desire for Him He satisfied me above all others - Matthew 5:6.  I pray this morning - similar to the father of demonic spirit filled boy healed by Jesus - that God helps me with my prayer - help me Father! 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are SO good - You save and You provide.  You are SO faithful and You hear and answer all prayers.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

 

And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

Mark 9:14-19

And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 9:14-29.  Excerpts from the second (of three) division (vv19-27):

• For the second division, the title is: "We Never Advance Beyond Our Need for Faith."
• "The author of Hebrews tells us, “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him” (11:6). But how much belief—how much faith—do we need? A lot? Must it be perfect? No. Faith the size of a tiny little mustard seed will do just fine (Matthew 17:20). The key is not the depth of our faith but the direction of our faith. What is important is not the potency of our faith but the Person our faith is in. A little faith in a great Savior gets amazing results!"  
• "Though the man’s faith is weak and small, he is at least looking in the right direction and asking the right Person for help. Unlike the leper in Mark 1:40-45, the father raised not a “would” question but a “could” question. The leper knew Jesus could help, but would He? The father believed Jesus would help, but could He? Well, he is about to find out!"  
• "Jesus responds in surprise. If He can?! “Everything is possible to the one who believes.” Divine ability is not the problem; human unbelief is. There is a reliable bridge between human weakness on the one hand and divine sufficiency and power on the other. It is called faith, trust, and dependency. Psalm 34:8 says, 'Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!'"  
• "Jesus here provides insight into the meaning of His own death and resurrection. Satanic powers bring death, but divine power brings resurrection life. This is what dependent faith can see!"

Encouraging words from the text and emphasized by the commentary: that our weakness and utter dependence on God for His provision and protection should drive us into His arms.  I am reminded of those in scripture - such as the woman bleeding for 12 years - simply wanted to touch Jesus' garment to access the His power. See this in the following gospels: Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that heals and saves.  I have seen the work of Your hand and I am grateful.  I am not deserving of such blessings as my salvation and how You pour out mercies for me daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Will You please help me with my unbelief - it continues I know in corners of my life.  Please provide wisdom and energy to Lisa and myself.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

 

So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.”

Mark 9:14-19

So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” Mark 9:18b-19

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 9:14-29.  Excerpts from the introduction for the entirety of the text and for the first (of three) division (vv14-19):

• The title for the entirety of the text is and the main idea: "Lessons Learned in the Fires of Failure," and "[w]e will fail, but God uses these failures to deepen our dependence on Him, our faith in Christ, and our discipline in prayer."
• "Failure is never fun and defeat is seldom something we take delight in. It can be painful, embarrassing, and humiliating. And our response can be life changing, altering our destiny. Failure can make us bitter, or it may make us better. We can take it as instructive and corrective and learn from it."
• "It is this last lesson the disciples need to learn and so many of us need to learn as well. But there is another truth we must hold on to as well: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I can do nothing that really matters without Him, but this drives me continually to Him for help. I need to let my weakness drive me to His strength. I need to let my impotence drive me to His omnipotence. I need to let my limitations drive me to His unlimited resources. I need to let my humility drive me to His sufficiency."  
• For the first division, the title is: "We Never Advance Beyond Our Need for Jesus."
• "Mountaintop experiences are wonderful, and we need them from time to time for spiritual nourishment and the recharging of our spiritual batteries. However, God never intended for us to stay there. He wants us “down here” preaching the gospel to and ministering among the hurting and suffering. He wants us living with and serving real people devastated by the ravages of the fall and of sin. As His agents of redemptive love, we go in His name and with the promise of His presence. To forget this is to open ourselves up to all sorts of difficulty, challenges, and even failure, as nine of His disciples discovered with pain and humiliation."  
• "No doubt the scribes were mocking the disciples over their failure to heal the boy. Probably they used the lack of success as an opportunity to question Jesus’ authority."  
• "[T]heir failure reflected badly not only on them but also on Jesus!"
• "We never sin in a vacuum. We hurt ourselves, we hurt those we love, we hurt the gospel, and we hurt the reputation of Christ! When this happens, we do not need to look to ourselves but to Christ! Criticized by our detractors for our failures, we must point them to Christ, the One who does not fail—ever! We should encourage them to follow the example of the crowd in verse 15. They saw Him, they were amazed at Him, and they ran to Him. Our detractors may accurately point out our flaws and failures. Such, however, will never be found in Jesus. Oh how we need Him when enemies are nipping at our heels, ready to devour us if they can!"  
• "Many lessons are here. (1) We see that demons are real beings, not simply mythological creatures. Jesus clearly believes in the demonic. (2) Demons desire to inflict pain and death. (3) Demons are capable of inflicting physical suffering. This boy had symptoms resembling epilepsy (Matthew 17:15). (4) In our own strength we are helpless against the supernatural powers of the demonic. (5) Spiritual victories in the past (cf. Mark 6:7-13) are no guarantee we will be victorious today, especially when we operate with faith in ourselves rather than in Christ. (6) When all human efforts have been exhausted, we can turn to Jesus. Counter to our sinfulness and weakness, He is where we should turn from the start."
• "Whenever the disciples are separated from Jesus, they get in trouble and experience a crisis. What a valuable lesson: we never advance beyond our need for Jesus!"  

We are reminded that we must remain in Jesus to bear fruit - the lesson of John 15:1-17 is key. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing.  Daily study of God's Word, prayer, are key.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who provides for all of my needs, physical, emotional, and spiritual.  You never let me down.  You are SO good!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You bless and provide.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.

Mark 9:14-29

And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Mark 9:20

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 9:14-29, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus wants us to have faith (v19) - we must be completely and utterly dependent on Him for all things and desperate for His healing power in all things like the boys father was here.  Jesus wants us to pray as a measure of our dependence - John Piper refers to this in this post as "no prayer no power." See also v29.  V25 reminds us that God has providence over all things including evil and evil spirits.  This is often a question for all people, including believers - if God is such a loving God why do bad things happen to good people.  We don't know specifically, but we do know that evil exists since The Fall and that it will remain with us until Jesus returns during end times when He defeats Satan and Sin for all of eternity.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The scribes were arguing with the disciples (those who remained and did not go up the mountain with Jesus for the Transfiguration).  While we don't know for sure the details of such an argument we can speculate that the scribes sought to be correct about their understanding of the law and how Jesus and the disciples were somehow violating the law with Jesus' ministry.  There will always be those who seek to challenge us about the Word.  We can stand on how the Gospel is true in our own life and how we have faith.  People, including the disciples - see vv18-19, 29 are described as faithless and lacking in prayer.  We can take notice how we should grow in both our faith and in our prayer/dependence on God. 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): God wants us to claim the promise to believe as all things are possible for one who believes - v23. 

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My Prayer:  Father God, You are an awesome God that heals, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  You save and You provide.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You heal and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.