Examine Your Motives

January 06, 2013            Gen 13–15, Matt 5:21–37, Ps 5:1–6, Prov 1:13–14

Dwight D. Eisenhower: “To read the Bible is to take a trip to a fair land where the spirit is strengthened and faith renewed.”

One of the concerns, if that be the right word, of doing a Bible reading plan is for it to become a task rather than a joy. I pray that as we read our texts together today it strengthens us and our faith is renewed.

Genesis 13-15

Chapter 13

Abraham had been to Egypt and now it was time to go back to where God had told him to go. A good principle for us is to only go to places where you can take your testimony with you.

Hebrews 11 explains the faith of Abram. He believed God when he did not know where (v. 8), when he did not know how (v. 11), and when he did not know why (vv. 17–19). Do you walk by faith?

Do you ever have family issues? God’s people are not immune to such issues. Abraham had family issues his whole life. This family issue had to do with money and wealth. It has saddened me on several occasions when families are torn apart due to money issue.

Lot chose by his eyes and his pride. Had he chosen by the guidance of the Spirit things would have been different. How do you make decisions?

Chapter 14

Lot is taken captive and Abraham goes to his rescue. What is the value of a good friend?

Abraham was told he would be a blessing to others and in this case this was very true.

We see the Melchizedek in this text. Hebrews 7:4-10 tells us more about him. (1) the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness;” (2) he was king of Salem (“peace”); Notice there can be no peace without righteousness. (3) he was a priest of God (4) but “without mother and father,” i.e., genealogy; (5) he blessed Abram; and (6) he received the tithe from him.

Melchizedek was a foreshadowing of the coming Christ.

Chapter 15

God tells Abraham He is all he needs, he is his shield and his reward. How does this knowledge cast away fear?

Verse 6 is the first time the verb “believe” is used in the Bible. Why is this significant?

This covenant that God makes with Abraham is visualized when the animals were to be cut in two, and a path formed between the carcasses. To walk that path was to pronounce a self-malediction as if to say, May this terrible fate befall me if I fail to keep the promise I have given (see. Jer 34:18f.). How seriously does God take a covenant? How serious do we?

God also warns of the coming judgment that will result in slavery of God’s people. Why is it important for God to tell him this?

Matthew 5:21-37

The Law dealt with actions, what Jesus does is not doing away with the Law to bring about a simpler, easier system. Rather, He takes the expectations to much higher level. In this section he talks about three main areas.

First he teaches about anger. What is the danger with anger? Then He teaches about lust. What makes lust so dangerous to our souls? How can it manifest itself in ways other than adultery? Last Jesus speaks about deception. We should live such lives that what we say is believed not because of some oath we may take, but because of our integrity. Is this true with you?

Psalm 5:1–6

As David began his day his first thought was prayer. What is your first thought when you wake up?

When he prayed he looked up expecting an answer? Do you have that kind of faith with your prayers?

David writes of four types of sinners: (1) the arrogant; (2) workers of iniquity; (3) those who speak lies; and (4) men of bloodshed and deceit. David says God abhors such sins. These are very strong words. How can we maintain our integrity while living in a sinful world?

Proverbs 1:13-14

Solomon takes up where he left off yesterday. He warns of the danger of joining the wrong crowd or gang. The gang may seem to provide security, acceptance, and companionship; however, these promises are not true and will only lead to destruction. Where do you seek your security, acceptance, and companionship?

A theme with all of these texts today is to examine your motives.

Pray today for your family members, especially those you have a hard time getting along with (such as Lot).

Today is the Lord’s Day, the first day of the week. Pray for those that are serving today (preacher, Sunday school teachers, communion meditation, prayers, and worship leaders). Pray their motives are right and God works in spite of them.