Deuteronomy 5:33 - Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you

Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.

You shall walk in all the way which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess.

Deuteronomy 5:33

Commentary

God's people have three responsibilities when it comes to His commandments: hear them, learn them, and do them (v. 1). When we read the Word of God, we should hear the voice of God as the Spirit speaks to us personally. We must allow the Spirit to teach us God's truth and then empower us to obey it. The blessing comes in the living of the Word and not in the learning (James 1:21-25).

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Dt 5:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Luke 17:3-5 - "Increase our faith!"

So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.

"Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. "And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' forgive him." The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"

Luke 17:3-5

Commentary

The thought of forgiving seven times in a single day presented a difficulty, if not an impossibility to the apostles. They felt they were not sufficient for such a display of grace. And so they asked the Lord to increase their faith.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Lk 17:5). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

"Increase our faith." Lit. "Give us more faith." They felt inadequate in the face of the high standard He set for them.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Lk 17:5). Nashville: Word Pub.

Matthew 5:34-35 - Do not swear at all

But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

"But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING."

Matthew 5:34-35

Commentary

This should not be taken as a universal condemnation of oaths in all circumstances. God Himself confirmed a promise with an oath (Heb. 6:13-18; cf. Acts 2:30). Christ Himself spoke under oath (26:63, 64). And the law prescribed oaths in certain circumstances (e.g., Num. 5:19, 21; 30:2, 3). What Christ is forbidding here is the flippant, profane, or careless use of oaths in everyday speech. In that culture, such oaths were often employed for deceptive purposes. To make the person being victimized believe the truth was being told, the Jews would swear by "heaven," "earth," "Jerusalem," or their own "heads" (vv. 34-36), not by God, hoping to avoid divine judgment for their lie. But it all was in God's creation, so it drew Him in and produced guilt before Him, exactly as if the oath were made in His name. Jesus suggested that all our speech should be as if we were under an oath to tell the truth (v. 37).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Mt 5:34). Nashville: Word Pub.

James 5:12 - Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no

Above all, my brothers, do not swear-not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.

But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.

James 5:12

Commentary

Here it is not a question of profanity, or cursing, primarily. Neither is it a matter of taking an oath in a court of law. The practice forbidden is the thoughtless use of the Lord's Name or some other name to attest the truthfulness of one's speech. The Christian should not have to swear by anyone or anything, either in heaven or on earth. Those who know him should be able to depend on the fact that his "Yes" means "Yes" and his "No" means "No."

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Jas 5:12). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

do not swear / any other oath. As Jesus did before him (Matt. 5:33-36; 23:16-22), James condemned the contemporary Jewish practice of swearing false, evasive, deceptive oaths by everything other than the name of the Lord (which alone was considered binding).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jas 5:12). Nashville: Word Pub.

Proverbs 21:23 - He who guards his mouth and his tongue...

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 21:23

Commentary

The Bible speaks of keeping the tongue from evil (Ps. 34:13), of guarding the tongue (Prov. 21:23), and of bridling the tongue (James 1:26). The tongue is an indicator of a person's spirit: It reveals what is in the heart (Matt. 12:33-37; 15:18; Luke 6:43-45).

Youngblood, R. F., Bruce, F. F., Harrison, R. K., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Nelson's new illustrated Bible dictionary. Rev. ed. of: Nelson's illustrated Bible dictionary.; Includes index. Nashville: T. Nelson.

"Whoever can control his mouth saves himself from stacks of trouble."

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Pr 21:23). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

John 12:26 - My Father will honor the one who serves Me

Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

"If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him."

John 12:26

Commentary

A servant is one who accepts and acknowledges a place beneath those whom he serves, one willing to forsake the systems of social status on our human scale of values. Servants are viewed as performing the unworthy tasks considered beneath those whom they serve. But Jesus says that those who function as His servants-serving the world in His name-will be honored by the heavenly Father. Every true servant will ultimately be honored by the One whom they serve and who has promised them honor for that service! If we follow and serve our King, in that act of service we are elevated to a place of honor!

Spirit filled life study Bible. 1997, c1991 (electronic ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Mark 1:17 - "Come, follow me," Jesus said

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men."

Mark 1:17

Commentary

Evangelism was the primary purpose for which Jesus called the apostles, and it remains the central mission for His people (cf. Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Mk 1:17). Nashville: Word Pub.

Background

As He walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Simon and Andrew fishing. He had met them before; in fact, they had become disciples of His at the outset of His ministry (John 1:40, 41). Now He called them to be with Him, promising to make them fishers of men. Immediately they gave up their lucrative fishing business to follow Him. Their obedience was prompt, sacrificial, and complete.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mk 1:16). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Isaiah 66:2 - Has not My Hand made all these things?

Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.

For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

"For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD "But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.

Isaiah 66:2

Commentary

Isaiah began the final summary of his prophecy with a reminder that God is not looking for a temple of stone, since as Creator of all things, the whole universe is His dwelling place. Stephen cited this passage before the Sanhedrin to point out their error in limiting God to a temple made with hands (Acts 7:49,50). On the contrary, God is looking for a heart to dwell in, a heart that is tender and broken, not one concerned with the externalities of religion (cf. Matt. 5:3-9). God is looking to dwell in the heart of a person who takes His Word seriously (cf. 66:5; John 14:23).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Is 66:1). Nashville: Word Pub.

Proverbs 30:4 - Who has gone up to heaven and come down?

Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!

Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name or His son's name? Surely you know!

Proverbs 30:4

Commentary

These questions can be answered only by revelation from God. A man can know the "what" about creative wisdom through observation of the physical world and its inner workings, but cannot know the "who." The "who" can be known only when God reveals Himself, which He has in Scripture. This is the testimony and conclusion of Job (Job 42:1-6), Solomon (Eccl. 12:1-14), Isaiah (Is. 40:12-17; 46:8-11; 66:18, 19), and Paul (Rom. 8:18-39). His Son's name: Jesus Christ. Cf. John 1:1-18.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Pr 30:4). Nashville: Word Pub.
From this verse Old Testament believers could understand that God has a Son.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Pr 30:4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

John 14:6 - Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life."

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

John 14:6

Commentary

The Lord Jesus Christ is Himself the way to heaven. He does not merely show the way; He is the way. Salvation is in a Person. Accept that Person as your own, and you have salvation. Christianity is Christ. The Lord Jesus is not just one of many ways. He is the only Way. No one comes to the Father except through Him. The way to God is not by the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, ordinances, church membership-it is through Christ and Christ alone. Today many say that it does not matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. They say that all religions have some good in them and that they all lead to heaven at last. But Jesus said, "No one comes to the Father except through Me."

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Jn 14:6). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Psalm 32:8-9 - I will counsel you and watch over you

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, Otherwise they will not come near to you.

Psalm 32:8-9

Commentary

I will instruct (v. 8) indicates God's continued guidance in our lives, which requires a teachable spirit on our part, not like a stubborn animal.

The Open Bible : New King James Version. 1998, c1997. Includes indexes. (electronic ed.) (Ps 32:6). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Horse / Mule

Do not be like the horse, restless to move ahead without command, or like the mule, obstinately refusing to go even when directed. Both animals need the bit and bridle in order to make them submissive and obedient. The believer should be so sensitive to the Lord's leading that he does not need the harsher disciplines of life to bring him into line.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Ps 32:8). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Matthew 7:13-14 - Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."

Matthew 7:13-14

Commentary

Christ is drawing the line as clearly as possible between the way that leads to destruction and the way which leads to life. Both the narrow gate and the wide gate are assumed to provide the entrance to God's kingdom. Two ways are offered to people. The narrow gate is by faith, only through Christ, constricted and precise. It represents true salvation in God's way that leads to life eternal. The wide gate includes all religions of works and self-righteousness, with no single way (cf. Acts 4:12), but leads to hell, not heaven. 7:14 difficult is the way.
Christ continually emphasized the difficulty of following Him (10:38; 16:24, 25; John 15:18, 19; 16:1-3; cf. Acts 14:22). Salvation is by grace alone, but is not easy. It calls for knowledge of the truth, repentance, submission to Christ as Lord, and a willingness to obey His will and Word.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Mt 7:13). Nashville: Word Pub

"Popular religious contemplation imagines that almost all will eventually be saved, but Jesus suggests the opposite."

Believer's Study Bible. 1997, c1995. C1991 Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. (electronic ed.) (Mt 7:13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Proverbs 22:9 - A generous man will himself be blessed

A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor.

Proverbs 22:9

Commentary

The generous man is blessed in showing benevolence to others. By sharing his substance with the poor, he gains present happiness and future reward.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Pr 22:9). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Psalm 10:14 - O God, You are the helper of the fatherless

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.

You have seen it, for You have beheld mischief and vexation to take it into Your hand The unfortunate commits himself to You; You have been the helper of the orphan.

Psalm 10:14

Commentary

"You have seen" is the classic confession of trust in God in the psalms of lament. God does know; He does see; and He will act. God protects those like the fatherless who have no other protection (27:10).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ps 10:14-15). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Psalm 127:3 - Children are a gift of the LORD

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Psalm 127:3

Commentary

The Hebrews regarded children as a blessing from the Lord (see Gen. 13:16; Ruth 4:13-16; 1 Sam. 1:11). They are a reward and heritage, bringing joy to their parents. Rearing a child is a sacred responsibility, and parents must depend on the Lord to help them guide their children.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Ps 127:3). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

The rabbis of old declared that a child has three parents: God, his father, and his mother (cf. Gen. 20:17, 18; 30:1, 2). Parents, then, are held accountable unto God for their stewardship of parenthood.

Believer's Study Bible. 1997, c1995. C1991 Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. (electronic ed.) (Ps 127:3). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Psalm 103:13 - As a father has compassion on his children...

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:13

Commentary

God is a compassionate and tender Father toward His children (v. 13). He created us from the dust of the earth (Gen. 2:7), and He knows our make-up.

A healthy fear is reverence or respect. Today, when there is so much emphasis on God's love, grace, and mercy, is it possible that we have forgotten that God is to be feared? He takes our sin very seriously; therefore we need to take His holiness very seriously. We need not cringe in horror, as though God were a tyrant who delights in punishing us. But neither should we wink at sin.

Thomas Nelson Publishers. (2001). What does the Bible say about-- : The ultimate A to Z resource fully illustrated. Nelson's A to Z series (155). Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson.

Romans 10:13-14 - Can they call on the One they have not believed in?

for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

Romans 10:13-14

Commentary

Paul quoted Joel (2:32) to further emphasize that salvation is available for people of all nations and races. Paul's main point in this series of rhetorical questions is that a clear presentation of the gospel message must precede true saving faith. True faith always has content--the revealed Word of God. Salvation comes to those who hear and believe the facts of the gospel.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ro 10:13). Nashville: Word Pub.

"How will they hear without a preacher?" (v. 14). This does not mean we must enter public ministry to "preach" the gospel. The Greek word used here for "preacher" means "one who heralds, proclaims, or publishes." Clearly, every believer is assigned a personal "pulpit"-in the home, the community, at the office, or in school-from which to show and tell others the Good News.

Spirit filled life study Bible. 1997, c1991 (electronic ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.