Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
—Psalm 119:9
Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. Use the following definitions to help with the understanding of this verse:
Wherewithal means “how”
Young man means “from the age of infancy to adolescence; a girl or boy”
Cleanse means “to be transparent; clear; pure; innocent; to cleanse oneself”
Taking heed means “to guard; generally to protect or attend (keep the mind on) to; to regard; to preserve”
From this verse one can understand that the only way to keep one’s life pure and innocent, pleasing God, is to keep one’s heart and mind on God’s Word, living according to what is written within.
Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus is the One promised from the beginning of time, and His life is revealed in the Bible. Christians must recognize the importance of knowing about all of God’s Word for it teaches each Christian how to live.
Lesson Summary: This lesson will be a review over the whole New Testament. First remember the divisions we have learned. If you are teaching a class, instead of you, as the teacher, trying to teach the entire New Testament in one lesson, have your students tell you what they remember about the different divisions, and then about the different books. We must understand the importance of remembering just who Jesus is, and what He did for mankind. Also recognize the new Christians’ perseverance as they faithfully spread the Gospel message – even while suffering persecution. Remember the great leader Peter was as he helped establish the church among the Jews, and Paul as he dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel message to the Gentile nations on his missionary journeys. Even when Paul suffered great persecutions and imprisonments, he still took the time to not only continually tell people about Jesus, but he wrote many letters that now make up much of our New Testament. The most important thing we can and must recognize: all of Scripture is important for Christians to know in order to live that life God requires Christians to live. Without knowing the Scriptures, one can never fully please God with his life. Be encouraged to desire to not only read, but also to know God’s Word.
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
—Philippians 2:7
Key Verse Thought: Read the Key Verse. We have just completed a look at the life of Jesus here on earth. In this lesson, we will learn of two witnesses who told others about Jesus. One of the witnesses reminded the people that Jesus was the Promised King. The other witness told that Jesus was God’s Promised Servant. In this lesson’s Key Verse, we understand that Jesus came not proclaiming that He was the king, but becoming God’s Servant made in the likeness of men. Because of that obedience, He was revealed as God’s Promised King.
Emphasis: We are to understand that Jesus was the promised King, yet He was God’s Servant. Because Jesus came, fulfilling God’s plan, people have the opportunity to become Christians. It should then be their goal to want to know Jesus better – just as the witnesses, Matthew and Mark, did and were able to become God’s servants by telling others about Jesus. That is what Christians today are to do – become God’s servants telling others about Jesus.
Lesson Summary: Read what Paul understood about Jesus in the following verses. “7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:7-11). Paul did not believe in Jesus while He was alive on the earth. It was not until much later – after many witnesses had spread the gospel of Jesus that Paul became a Believer. The previous verses Paul recorded sums up what we will learn about in this lesson.
Matthew understood that God had sent Jesus as the Promised King, and He was a witness to the Jewish people of that fact. We will learn many ways Jesus lived, and taught, as the Promised King.
Mark revealed that Jesus was God’s Servant. Mark wrote primarily to the Romans – people who did not know or understand the promises of God to His people. In the book of Mark, we will learn just the kind of servant Jesus was – constantly on the move ministering to the people.
Most importantly, we are to learn that Jesus will be with witnesses of the gospel, even today.
“And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.”
Luke 6:13
John the Baptist taught repentance and introduced people to Jesus the Lamb of God. From John’s teachings, many learned they were to follow Jesus. Andrew, Peter (Simon), Philip, Nathanael, James, John, and Matthew were some of the first that Jesus called to follow Him, listening to His teachings. This was an important first step in understanding just who Jesus is.
There were many others who followed Jesus because they wanted to hear His teachings – so many that they crowded Him. Jesus saw the empty ships (for the fishermen had just come in after fishing all night), and asked Simon to thrust the ship out a little from the shore. Jesus taught the people from the ship (see Luke 5:1-3). Jesus finished teaching from the ship. “4. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon,Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.5. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink” (Luke 5:4-7). After finishing teaching, Jesus told Simon (Peter) to go out to the deep water and throw out their nets again to fish. Remember that Andrew was Peter’s brother, and he was most likely the other one on this ship. Notice that Simon (Peter) initially objected – but then he obeyed Jesus. Draught means “a catch of fish.” They caught so many fish that their nets broke, and then both ships began to sink because of the number of fish caught. It was at this point that Peter began to recognize who he was before Jesus (see Luke 5:8-9). However, Peter was not the only one affected by this. “10. And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.11. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:10-11). (Read how Matthew phrased it: “19. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” Matthew 4:19). It was at this point that these four men forsook their old occupation as fishermen of fish, and followed Jesus as fishers of men. If you notice, it said, “they forsook all.” In Matthew chapter four it tells us that James and John were working with their father. They left him, too. They went from wanting to hear Jesus’ teachings and following Him some of the time, to becoming true disciples of Jesus’ who left all (their boats and nets) to follow Jesus. Disciple means “a pupil or learner; more in that it is one who adheres to and accepts the instruction given to him and makes it his rule of conduct.” Jesus called many to follow Him. Each one had to choose to follow or not.
It is after this time that Jesus calls out twelve men out of his many disciples, to become His Apostles. “12. And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles” (Luke 6:12-13). Apostle means “an ambassador; it indicates the distinctive relation of the 12 men Jesus chose to be His witnesses of Him before the world.” Read the names of the 12 Apostles: “14. Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15. Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, 16. And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor” (Luke 6:14-16).
Notice something interesting:
There was a general call after they recognized who Jesus was where each man had to make a decision to follow Jesus.
Next, each one of them had to choose to forsake their old life and commit to a daily walk with Jesus.
Finally, we recognize that Jesus called these men to be His ambassadors to the world.
Recognize that these are the same callings given to each individual when he or she hears the Gospel message:
First, one must make a decision to follow Jesus be giving their heart and life to Him (see Romans 10:9: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Next, one must forsake their old life and commit to a daily walk with Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Finally, remember that we are called to be Jesus’ ambassadors in this world: (see 2 Corinthians 5:20: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” Christians are to tell the world about Jesus so that they, too, can become His disciple (see Matthew 28:19-20).
Have you taken these three steps to fully follow Jesus daily in your life?
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”
Matthew 7:22
Elisha sent one of the prophets to anoint a new king of Israel, Jehu, even while Jehoram was still king. When Jehu was anointed, he was also given a very grave message from God: he was to kill wicked King Ahab’s entire household. He went to Jezreel and killed King Jehoram. He continued by having Jezebel killed. Ahab had 70 sons living in Samaria, and they were also killed. Jehu did not stop there, he continued by killing every Baal worshiper in Israel. He then had all of the images burned, and they broke down the house of Baal. These acts established him as the new king of Israel.
After reading about all of the good that Jehu did, we will find an area in which he miserably failed. This is to be a lesson to us.
The following is an excerpt from The Biblical Path of Life, Year Two Quarter One – Lesson 5:
“Because Jehu obeyed God’s words in destroying the house of Ahab, Jehu’s children would sit upon the throne of Israel until the fourth generation.
“’Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Bethel, and that were in Dan‘ (2 Kings 10:29). Nevertheless, Jehu did not walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel with all of his heart. With all of the good Jehu did for the nation, he did not remove the worship of idols (the golden calves in Bethel and Dan). ‘But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin‘ (2 Kings 10:31). The words took no heed are quite important. They mean: “to not observe God’s commands; to not keep or guard or protect.”
“’In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short….‘ We notice that the kingdom was not at peace from the enemies around. ‘… And Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel …‘ (2 Kings 10:32).
“Jehu reigned over Israel for 28 years. ‘And Jehu slept with his fathers: and they buried him in Samaria. And Jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead‘ (2 Kings 10:35).
“A Deeper Path: The words took no heed are the same words as kept not we see in 1 Kings 11:10: ‘And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded.‘ Jehu’s sin was the same as King Solomon’s; not keeping that which the Lord commanded — the sin that caused the divided kingdom. Remember … ‘Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life‘ (Proverbs 4:23). Jehu did not have in his heart what needed to complete what he started. Remember back to King David. He wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant into the city of Jerusalem. Nevertheless, he did it wrong the first time, and Uzzah died. Instead of staying angry with God, David sought God to find out what he had done wrong (see 1 Chronicles 15:13). When he obeyed God’s Word, they brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, rejoicing (see 2 Samuel 6). David sought to please God with all of his heart — and the kings were compared back to him.
“We should learn something very important from Jehu’s life. In spite of all of the good he did for God in the removing of Baal worship in the land of Israel, he did not “guard” his heart. Instead of putting away all idol worship, he kept the form that had previously been established as the worship of God (the golden calves in Dan and Bethel). If he had sought God’s Word, he would have found the truth. Just look at the first two of the Ten Commandments (‘3. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing…‘ Exodus 20:3-4a). Notice that Jehu was compared back to King Jeroboam, “which led Israel to sin.”
“When we give our hearts and lives to God (ask Jesus in our hearts), we must do it completely — not keeping any part back for ourselves. We must do it as God commands, not the way we ‘think’ or the way someone tells us. We must look into God’s Word to see what is required.”
Jehu reigned for seventeen years in Israel, and “followed the sins of Jeroboam.” He continued to allow the religious system where they worshiped the golden calves at Dan and Bethel. He was not considered a good king, even with all of the good and obedience he did. He failed to implement into his heart and life what God’s Word taught in order to be pleasing to God. Remember what Jesus declared in the New Testament. “22.Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:22-23). What a warning for us today!
Do you belong to Jesus? Have you allowed Him to change you from the inside out?
“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:18
The many miracles Jesus did, and the many things Jesus taught were very
important – for many people believed upon Him, becoming His followers. However,
we can understand that not all who saw and heard believed. Jesus explained how
one must come to Him – not with an educated mind, challenging the things of God
(as the religious leaders continually did). After teaching some of the people,
children were brought to Jesus. The disciples tried to keep the children from
Jesus. However, Jesus was displeased. He called for the children to come to
Him. Jesus then explained to the people how to receive the kingdom
of God (receive means “to accept an
offer deliberately and readily”).
Understand the kingdom of God by
the following: When the Pharisees asked Jesus when it should come, read His
reply. “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees,
when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation” (Luke
17:20). Not with observation means, “you cannot see it with human eyes.” He
went on to say. “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or,
lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Within you
means “it is located in your heart and
affections; not external.” That is one reason we refer to being saved as
“asking Jesus into your heart.” You cannot see it with your eyes. Jesus wanted
the people to understand this. To children, things are simpler, less
convoluted. The gospel message is very simple – one must only believe – just as
a child. In other words, simply believe and receive without question.
“And when he was gone forth into the way,
there came one running, and kneeled to him …” (Mark 10:17a). The
placement of this event with this one that comes running to Jesus is
interesting. It follows the recording of Jesus explaining that one must come to
His kingdom as a child. Keep that thought in mind as we look at this “rich
young ruler.” He is called a “young man” in Matthew’s accounting (see Matthew 19:16-22) and a “ruler” in Luke’s accounting
(see Luke 18:18-27). He is often
called The Rich Young Ruler.
He asked Jesus, “Good Master, what shall I
do that I may inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17b). Read the events.
“18. And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that
is, God. 19. Thou knowest the commandments,
Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness,
Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have
I observed from my youth. 21. Then Jesus
beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One
thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the
poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and
follow me. 22.
And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great
possessions” (Mark 10:18-22).
In this event, the first thing we notice is that the young ruler thought
he had to “do” something to inherit eternal life (see Mark 10:17). He had already obeyed God’s Word (the Law), but
Jesus told him what was lacking (see Mark 10:20).
His faith was in his earthly possessions – not in Jesus. Jesus wanted His
disciples to understand the difference. One cannot do anything to inherit
eternal life, but believe in Jesus.
“23. And Jesus looked round about, and saith
unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that
have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24. And the disciples were
astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to
enter into the kingdom of God! 25. It is easier for a camel
to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 26. And they were
astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? 27. And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with
God all things are possible” (Mark 10:23-27).
See that Jesus called them “children.” He was talking to His disciples – those
who believed upon Him. Yet in that explanation, one can almost sense that Jesus
wanted them to remember that one must come to Him as a child – not with
anything they can bring. One must have faith just trusting and believing in
Jesus.
When Peter acknowledged that they had given their all (see Mark 10:28), Jesus explained that they would be rewarded in heaven. While they lived on the earth, man may not see Jesus’ followers as important, but in heaven, God will reward them according to their faithfulness to Him. The Rich Young Ruler chose unwisely, while Jesus’ disciples chose wisely. For one must come to Jesus, simply with the heart and mind of a child, just believing in Jesus. One has to believe in the heart – not actually having to see the “kingdom of God” with the eyes. Then one must follow Jesus.
Have you come to Jesus, simply with the heart as a child in faith, just believing in Jesus?
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” 1 John 2:16
It would be very important to understand that as soon as one acknowledges
publicly that they belong to Jesus, and they begin to be obedient to God’s
Word, the battle begins. Because Christians have made the decision to reject
the things of this world for the things of God, the Prince of this world
(Satan) wants to defeat Christians in the Christian life. “8. Be sober, be
vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about,
seeking whom he may devour: 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith …” (1
Peter 5:8-9a). Adversary means “enemy; it is applied to the devil, the
adversary of man and accuser of Christians.” Remember Job: Satan stood
before God’s throne, accused Job, and proceeded to attack him. But only with
God’s permission (see Job 1:6-12 and 2:1-7). We must watch out because Satan
desires to “devour” Christians. He wants to destroy each Christian life and
that witness for Jesus. Understand that God knows when Satan comes against
Christians, and God wants to help us to be strong – defeating Satan’s
temptations. If you recall, Satan tempted Jesus immediately after Jesus was
publicly declared as God’s Son.
In that wilderness, Jesus was tempted in three particular areas by Satan.
Later, John wrote a verse where these three areas are clearly mentioned. “15. Love not the world, neither the things that
are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not
in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the
lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the
world” (1 John 2:15-16). Notice the three areas of temptation: the
lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Keep these
thoughts in mind as we read the events of Satan tempting Jesus in the
wilderness.
Remember: Jesus had been in the wilderness for forty days and nights with
no food. “3. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son
of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall
not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of
God” (Matthew 4:3-4). God had just declared with an audible voice to
all that Jesus was His Son. Nevertheless, the first thing Satan said to Jesus
was a challenge of that very fact: “If thou be the Son of God.” Once a
person trusts in Jesus, becoming a Christian, one of the first things Satan
wants to do is to cause that new Believer to doubt their very salvation – that
they are truly a child of God – and to doubt the Word of God. However, did you
notice Jesus’ defense? “It is written.”
Jesus quoted the Bible. Did you notice the temptation Satan presented to Jesus?
Food! Recognize that Jesus defeated this temptation from the devil by quoting
God’s Word. Just as God’s Word says, “… that man doth not live by bread
only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD
doth man live” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus understood that God’s Word was more
important than earthly food. Even today, we are to use God’s Word as our
defense. Notice this was a temptation of “the lust of the flesh” (stones to
bread). Remember 1 John 2:15-16.
The second temptation was recorded in Matthew 4:5-7: “5. Then the
devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the
temple, 6. And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down:
for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their
hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a
stone. 7. Jesus said unto him, It is written again,
Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” Jesus again quoted God’s
Word as a defense against Satan’s attacks. “Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God …” (Deuteronomy 6:16a).
Notice this was a temptation of “the pride of life” (to jump from the pinnacle
of the temple). Remember 1 John 2:15-16.
The third temptation was recorded
Matthew 4:8-11: “8. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high
mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
9. And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall
down and worship me. 10. Then saith Jesus unto him,Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written,
Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.11. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold,
angels came and ministered unto him.” Jesus quoted God’s Word as a defense
against Satan’s attacks – again. “Thou
shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him …” (Deuteronomy 6:13). Notice this was a temptation of “the
lust of the eyes” (the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them). Remember 1
John 2:15-16.
The following verses help us understand why Jesus had to be tempted and be victorious in those temptations. “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). Also, see the following verse. “15. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). Jesus understands what it is like to endure temptation, and He can be an encouragement to all Christians today. Jesus will help us.
Have you hidden God’s Word in your heart to use as a defense against temptations?
