Blog Archives

Premeditated Worship (Matthew 2)

8/18/2014

If you have ever made or done something according to a plan, you might say it was, “premeditated.” In other words, you thoroughly contemplated what you would do, and made the decision well beforehand (cf. Mark 13:11). Such was the case with the wise men and with Herod at the birth of Jesus. Upon seeing “his star” (cf. Num. 24:17) the wise men made the decision to go and worship Him (Mat. 2:2). Their premeditated plan was to show deep reverence for the new King. So, when Herod learned of their intent, he sent them to Bethlehem saying, “when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also” (Mat. 2:8b). Unfortunately, Herod’s premeditation was murder (Mat. 2:16).

These attitudes are not so different from those in the world today. There are those (like the wise men) who have premeditated on God’s Word and decided they will bow down to the Almighty bringing their best to Him in faithful worship (Mat. 2:11; cf. John 4:24). On the other hand, there are some with ulterior motives who are just as hypocritical and insincere as Herod (Col. 2:23).

Premeditated Worship that Saves:

Exalts God & His Word Over Man (Acts 10:25,26; Psa. 119:161)
Follows God’s Doctrinal Pattern (Acts 2:42; Rom. 6:17)—this includes singing (Eph. 5:19), giving (1 Cor. 16:1,2), preaching (2 Tim. 4:2), partaking the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7), and praying (1 Tim. 2:1-5).
Flows From a Humble & Loving Heart (Mat. 22:37; James 4:8-10)

Premeditated Worship that Kills:

Exalts the Commandments of Men over God (Mat. 15:8,9)
Follows After Deceitful Doctrines (Eph. 4:14; 1 Tim. 4:1,2)
Flows From a Boastful and Selfish Heart (James 4:2,3; Psa. 94:4)

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:23).

A Model Husband (Matthew 1:18-25)

8/13/2014

So, you take out the trash, fold some towels, and give your wife advice on how to fix a problem she’s having all while checking out the latest news or sports scores. You might be the king of the “multi-task” but will your marriage last? God has given the husband one of the biggest responsibilities ever—to love and lead his wife as Christ loves and leads His church (Eph. 5:23-25). A man must love his wife as he loves his own body and show his love for her by nourishing and cherishing her (Eph. 5:29). This is the kind of love that Joseph had for Mary. That is why he is a husband worthy of imitating.

Righteous (Mat. 1:19): Joseph had a firm desire to do the will of God. He was virtuous and upright. Think of the difference between Joseph and the many men today who refuse to acknowledge God. Both men and women need God.

Sensitive (Mat. 1:19): Joseph was not willing to make a public example of Mary. He knew that she could be stoned if he did not divorce her secretly (Deu. 22:23,24). Even though he must have felt betrayed, he was willing to show her compassion. Husbands today must learn to never criticize their wives publicly, but lift them up.

A Good Listener (Mat. 1:20-23): Many women complain that husbands never listen. However, Joseph listened well. When the angel of the Lord explained that Mary was still a virgin and had not been unfaithful, Joseph changed his mind about divorcing Mary. Men typically do not like to be told what to do, but Joseph listened and did what the angel told him.

Loyal (Mat. 1:24,25): Joseph had an unswerving devotion to God and his wife. He supported Mary and made sure that no one could doubt her purity by abstaining from a sexual relationship until after Jesus was born. He was a family man who supported his large family by working as a carpenter and leading them to follow God (Mat. 13:55,56; Luke 2:41,42). What if every husband ministered to the needs of his wife and family like Joseph?

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD” (Pro. 18:22).

“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them” (Col. 3:19).