John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
This is perhaps the most well-known and well-beloved verse in the New Testament – and for good reason. This simple Gospel message is the foundation for our whole life, including our new life in Christ. This new life is characterized by thankfulness and devotion to our Father, who has provided for us so lavishly in Christ.
Matthew 4:7
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”
Jesus defeats Satan in our place – not by using His power as God but by His perfect obedience in His perfect humanity. Jesus defeats Satan – not by miracles but by quoting the Scriptures and living according to it. This should cause us great joy for two reasons. First, because we see Jesus win the victory for us. Second, because here Jesus shows us how to stand in that victory – on the Word of God alone.
Read MoreMatthew 17:8
“And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.” Jesus is enough. Moses and Elijah point to Jesus and are happy to fade into the background. With our eyes focused on Him – and Him alone – the rest of our lives come into focus. He is primary; all else is secondary. When that order is right in our lives, things truly fall into place.
Read More1 Cor. 3:7 – “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” Isn’t that the truth! It’s not just true about preachers like Paul; it’s true about all of us in the Christian life. God can do such wonderful things with our feeble efforts. This is so very true of our gifts to the Lord’s work in the church. From His generous giving to us, we learn to give generously. Then the Lord blesses this response to His grace in turn, and He uses our very giving to continue to bless us in the church where we hear of His gracious generosity to us. The cycle repeats, and the Lord gives growth!
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