God's Word Speaks To Our Condition

God's Word Speaks To Our Condition

Introduction:

The apostle Paul declared, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). If we are to grow as God's childern, it is essential that we read God’s Word. God will speak to our condition if we will read his Word with a prayerful, responsive attitude.

Someone has said, “An apple a day will keep the doctor away, and my grandmother always said a chapter a day will keep the devil away.” This proverb is probably an oversimplification of both our health and spiritual needs. However, there is truth in this proverb that commands serious thought.

A prayerful reading of God’s Word enhances the listening side of the prayer experience, for God does speak through his Word to those who have an inclination to listen. A thoughtful, careful, prayerful reading of a chapter a day, each day through the new year, will bring untold blessings into the life of each reader.

So this this morning let us let God speak to us through His unfaliable inerrant word. Turn your copy of God's word to the NT to Matthew 2. As He speaks to our Condition.

*** STAND *** READ *** PRAY ***

There are four things in Matthew chapter 2 I want us to see this morning.The first thing is:

I.) Wise men sought the Savior (Matt. 2:1-10)

Students of the stars, Called the Magi came seeking the Savior from the East. From whence did these wise men come? How far had they traveled? How much did they know about the Messiah’s star? It is impossible for us to answer these and many other questions.

The important thing is that they came seeking the Savior.

We use the highest wisdom that humans can exercise when we seek a deeper knowledge and a more intimate acquaintance with the Savior who came to die for our sins. He alone can deliver us from the tyranny of evil. He alone can lead us into abundant life. He alone can give us victory over death. He alone can lead us into the eternal home of God.

Let each of us seek him with the same diligence that these wise men sought him.

II.) The wise men worshiped the Savior (Matt. 2:11-12)

When the wise men found the baby Jesus, they fell on their knees before him in worship. They gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

A.) Gold is an appropriate gift for a king. Jesus was born to be a king. He wants to rule not by force but through love. He reigns in the hearts of those who love him. We all need to crown him King of our hearts.

B.) Frankincense is the gift for a priest. In temple worship at the time of sacrifices, the sweet perfume of frankincense was used. Jesus was to be our High Priest. It is he who has given us access into the very presence of the holy God.

C.) Myrrh is a gift for one who is to die. It was used to embalm the bodies of the dead. Christ came into the world to die for our sins.

As the wise men gave of their best, we would be wise to give our very best for the service of Christ.

III.) Piety does not guarantee immunity from trouble (Matt. 2:13-18)

Why the innocent suffer and the righteous experience trouble has always been a mystery to me. We will never have a satisfactory answer to this question as long as we walk the ways of humanity.

There is no question concerning the innocence and righteousness of Joseph and Mary. They were within the will of God. By their being in the will of God, they found themselves to be the objects of the hostility of an evil king who sought to bring about their destruction.

Much of the evil and suffering that the innocent and the righteous experience is due to no fault or sin on their part. The devil is responsible for much of our suffering. The wickedness and carelessness of others brings about suffering.

Should we find ourselves innocent victims of tragedy as did the parents of the children in Bethlehem, we must look to God for grace and strength to bear the agony of our misfortune.

Piety does not provide us with immunity from suffering. We must not permit ourselves to lose our faith in the goodness of God if tragedy should befall us or someone very dear to us.

IV.) The purpose of our God (Matt. 2:19-23)

Behind everything that is recorded in Matthew 2, we need to see the plan and purpose of God. Repeatedly the inspired writer refers to the fulfillment of prophecy.

God had been at work through the centuries to accomplish his redemptive purpose. In the fullness of time, he sent forth his Son to be our Savior, Lord, Teacher, and Friend.