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Re: Gleanings from the "Gospels" [message #11672 is a reply to message #11670]

Fri, 17 July 2015 07:17

Marilyn Crow
Messages: 598
Registered: September 2013
Location: Australia

Senior Member

Hi james,

What a gentle man you are, & so graciously asked. God bless you bro. You have such a precious manner, especially at this time when I needed it. (Not all people on other forums are so mature, kind & gracious.)

So to your question –

`I don't want to misunderstand you, so if I may, could I ask how you see the 'Sermon on the Mount' or John 3:16, was Jesus addressing only the hearers gathered on the mount/plain and Nicodemus or are we to take this literally as unto us as followers of Christ?
I'm not seeking contention or to put you down, just wondered how you received those teachings...to 'learn lessons' from them, or to follow.`

Trevor & I have been talking regarding your question, so I`ll share what we think. Then if you have some enlightenment, we would be pleased to hear that also.

JOHN 3:16.

We looked at the whole passage & Trevor noted that Nicodemus was `a teacher of Israel,` as the Lord said. Jesus also pointed out to Nicodemus that –

`Are you a teacher in Israel, & do not know these things?` (John 3: 10)

Jesus was amazed that Nicodemus did not know about being born of the Spirit as it is in what God has told them in the Old Testament. (Ez. 36: 26 & 27, Ps. 51: 10 – 13 & others)

So, although Jesus was talking specifically to Nicodemus, Jesus was referring to teaching by God, of being born of the Spirit of God. The people of Israel & especially its teachers should have known this.

Because Jesus is talking about a doctrine, a teaching of being a born of the Spirit, then we learn from that teaching also. Then we have the greater revelation by the Spirit through the Apostle Paul as to how the Spirit of God is building & maturing us into Christ`s Body & not into the nation of Israel.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT.

Matthew 5 & 6 is about Jesus telling Israel that they couldn`t fulfil the law. They had elevated the law to their own detriment, even trying to put it above Jesus.

When we read Matthew 5 & 6 the lesson is that we also can`t fulfil the law, especially from the heart. However since Christ fulfilled the law we can now continually look to Him to change our hearts. This focuses on Christ & His wonderful work, & not upon us.

When we try & do the activities of Matt. 5 & 6 we will fall under the law. However if we grow in knowing more of Christ, His character & sacrifice for us, then we will overcome & live by the Spirit. This further revelation was given to the Apostle Paul.

When we read Matt. 5 & 6, we should be saying –

How blessed are we in Christ, because of His great sacrifice I can now become merciful...
How blessed are we in Christ, because He fulfilled the law, I can now come to Him all the time with my offerings of praise & thanksgiving. I do not have to go through man or man`s organisations to do this.
How blessed are we in Christ, because of His holy Character, I can now be changed in my heart & do not have to `cut off my right hand,` etc.

We do not elevate the law, but exalt the Lord Jesus Christ.

`Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.` (Gal. 3: 24)
`Therefore God also has highly exalted Him & given Him the name which is above every name.` (Phil. 2: 9)

Marilyn.

Marilyn C

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