Purity of Heart

Purity of heart is obtained by degrees as we resist old patterns and grow in Christlikeness.

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, July 2020.

Service

“Service”, from the In Touch devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley, June 4, 2020.

Following His Lead

-John 14:15-31-  To follow His example requires a heart that desires to please Him, a will that is bent toward obedience, and a mind that consistently seeks direction from Him.  Develop the habit of asking yourself two questions:  What does obedience to God look like in this situation? and What can I do to obey God more fully?

Commentary and quote from Charles Stanley, In Touch Devotional, March 9, 2020.

A Test?

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil may have been given that title because it was a test of obedience by which our first parents were tried, whether they would obey God or disobey His command.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Genesis 2:9.

Walk worthy

To ‘walk worthy’ is a key New Testament concept which calls the believer to live in a way that is consistent with his identification with the Lord who saved him.  Being ‘fruitful in every good work’ refers to spiritual fruit, which is the byproduct of a righteous life.  The Bible identifies spiritual fruit as leading people to Christ (1 Cor. 16:15), praising God (Heb. 13:15), giving money (Rom. 15:26-28), living a godly life (Heb. 12:11), and displaying holy attitudes (Gal. 5:22,23).  Increasing in the knowledge of God – spiritual growth cannot occur apart from this knowledge (1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18).  The evidences of spiritual growth include a deeper love for God’s Word (Ps. 119:97), a more perfect obedience (1 John 2:3-5), a strong doctrinal foundation (1 John 2:12-14), an expanding faith (2 Thess. 1:3), and a greater love for others (Phil. 1:9).

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Colossians 1:10.

Redeeming Time

Those “outside” refers to unbelievers.  Believers are called to so live that they establish the credibility of the Christian faith and that they make the most of every evangelistic opportunity.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Colossians 4:5.

Promised comfort

In verses 14:15-31 of John, Jesus promises believers comfort from 5 supernatural blessings that the world does not enjoy: 1) a supernatural Helper (vv. 15-17); 2) a supernatural life (vv. 18,19); 3) a supernatural union (vv. 20-25); 4) a supernatural Teacher (v. 26); and 5) a supernatural peace (vv. 27-31).  The key to all of this is John 14:15 which relates that these supernatural promises are for those who love Jesus Christ, whose love is evidenced by obedience.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, summary notes for John 14:15-31.

He built upon the rock

The house represents a religious life; the rain represents divine judgement.  Only the one built on the foundation of obedience to God’s Word stands, which calls for repentance, rejection of salvation by works, and trust in God’s grace to save through His merciful provision.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Matthew 7:24-27.