Matthew 23:11-12 - For whoever exalts himself will be humbled,

The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

Matthew 23:11-12

Commentary

Once again the revolutionary character of the kingdom of heaven is seen in the fact that true greatness is exactly opposite to what people suppose. True greatness stoops to serve. Pharisees who exalt themselves will be brought low. True disciples who humble themselves will be exalted in due time.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mt 23:11). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Can everyone be a servant?

Hierarchies of authority are not to be done away with in this world (1 Thess. 5:12, 13; 1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:17); however, all leadership is to be carried out humbly in a spirit of servanthood.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Mt 23:11). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

1 Peter 5:6-7 - Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Commentary

One of the evidences of lack of submission and humility is impatience with God in His work of humbling believers. God will lift up the suffering, submissive believers in His wisely appointed time. Christians are to cast all of their discontent, discouragement, despair, and suffering on the Lord, and trust Him for knowing what He's doing with their lives (cf. 1 Sam. 1:10-18). Along with submission (v. 5) and humility (vv. 5,6), trust in God is the third attitude necessary for victorious Christian living.

"under the mighty hand of God"

This is an OT symbol of the power of God working in the experience of men, always accomplishing His sovereign purpose (cf. Ex. 3:19,20; Job 30:20,21; Ezek. 20:33,37; Mic. 6:8).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Pe 5:6). Nashville: Word Pub.

James 4:6 - God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

But He gives a greater grace Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

James 4:6

Commentary

The only ray of hope in man's spiritual darkness is the sovereign grace of God, which alone can rescue man from his propensity to lust for evil things. That God gives "more grace" shows that His grace is greater than the power of sin, the flesh, the world, and Satan (cf. Rom. 5:20). The OT quote (from Prov. 3:34; cf. 1 Pet. 5:5) reveals who obtains God's grace-the humble, not the proud enemies of God. The word "humble" does not define a special class of Christians, but encompasses all believers (cf. Is. 57:15; 66:2; Matt. 18:3,4).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Jas 4:6). Nashville: Word Pub.

Isaiah 57:15 - I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit

For this is what the high and lofty One says- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

For thus says the high and exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, "I dwell on a high and holy place, And also with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of the contrite."

Isaiah 57:15

Commentary

This verse matches Ex. 34:6 as a defining passage for understanding the biblical view of God: Though God is completely unapproachable, He reaches down to lift up those who humble themselves before Him. High and Lofty may be rephrased as "Exceedingly Lofty" (2:11; 6:1; 52:13). This is one of the ways in which Isaiah describes the transcendence and holiness of God. He is above everyone-perfect and holy.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Is 57:15). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

contrite and humble spirit - Those who submit to God's law and repent under His judgment (Ps. 34:17, 18; 51:17; 1 Pet. 5:6).

Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). Reformation study Bible, the : Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture : New King James Version. Includes index. (Is 57:15). Nashville: T. Nelson.

Proverbs 28:13 - He who conceals his sins does not prosper

He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.

Proverbs 28:13

Commentary

There are two kinds of forgiveness, judicial and parental. When we trust Christ as Lord and Savior, we receive forgiveness from the penalty of sins; that is judicial forgiveness. When we, as believers, confess our sins, we receive parental forgiveness (1 Jn. 1:9); this maintains fellowship with God our Father. There is no blessing for the person who covers his sins, that is, who refuses to drag them out into the light and to confess them to God and to anyone else who has been wronged. But anyone who confesses and forsakes his sins has the assurance that God not only forgives but forgets (Heb. 10:17).

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Pr 28:13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

1 John 1:9-10 - If we claim we have not sinned, His Word has no place in our lives

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

1 John 1:9-10

Commentary

Continual confession of sin is an indication of genuine salvation. While the false teachers would not admit their sin, the genuine Christian admitted and forsook it (Ps. 32:3-5; Prov. 28:13). The term "confess" means to say the same thing about sin as God does; to acknowledge His perspective about sin. Confession of sin characterizes genuine Christians, and God continually cleanses those who are confessing (cf. v. 7). Rather than focusing on confession for every single sin as necessary, John has especially in mind here a settled recognition and acknowledgment that one is a sinner in need of cleansing and forgiveness (Eph. 4:32; Col. 2:13).

make Him a liar. (v10) - Since God has said that all people are sinners (cf. Ps. 14:3; 51:5; Is. 53:6; Jer. 17:5,6; Rom. 3:10-19,23; 6:23), to deny that fact is to blaspheme God with slander that defames His name.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Jn 1:9). Nashville: Word Pub.

1 John 1:6-7 - walk in the light, as He is in the light

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:6-7

Commentary

The first false claim is to have fellowshipwith God while failing to reflect His moral character. Walk refers to a way of life or daily practice. To walk in darkness means to live contrary to the moral character of God, to live a sinful life. To claim fellowship with God without living a moral life or practicing the truth is to live a lie, since God cannot compromise His holiness to accommodate sin.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (1 Jn 1:6). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

LIGHT- Intellectually, light is truth, and darkness is ignorance or error. Morally, light is purity; darkness, impurity. Light is also used to symbolize righteousness and holiness; light is the agent that reveals and guides in truth (Ps. 119:105).

Right living - and not merely right thinking - is the hallmark of the person who has "fellowship" with God (v 6.)

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (1 Jn 1:7). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

John 3:16-17 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

John 3:16-17

Commentary

Christ's provision for the sins of the whole world is nowhere better presented than here. God wants people to be saved, not condemned (see also 1 Tim. 1:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). However, condemnation rests on those who have not trusted Christ as their Savior. Such judgment is viewed as deserved because of the sin of unbelief. One reason some people fail to respond to Jesus as the Light is that they do not want their sin exposed. Many prefer the darkness of sin to the light of the gospel, and they even hate the light. A life lived in truth is identified with the Light, and the good deeds accomplished are credited to God who enables believers to accomplish them.

Bailey, M., Constable, T., Swindoll, C. R., & Zuck, R. B. (1999). Nelson's New Testament Survey : Discover the Background, Theology and Meaning of Every Book in the New Testament (166). Nashville: Word.

BEGOTTEN, ONLY - a New Testament phrase that describes Christ as the only, or unique, Son of His heavenly Father (John 1:14, 18; 3:16-18; 1 John 4:9, one and only, NIV). The Greek word expresses the idea of distinctiveness.

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.

John 3:18 - Whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

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.

He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:18

Commentary

Now all mankind is divided into two classes: either believers or unbelievers. Our eternal destiny is determined by the attitude we take toward the Son of God. The one who trusts the Savior is not condemned, but the one who does not trust Him is condemned already. The Lord Jesus has finished the work of salvation, and now it is up to each individual to decide whether he will accept Him or reject Him. It is a terrible thing to reject such a gift of love. If a man will not believe on the Lord Jesus, God can do nothing else but condemn him. Believing in His name is the same as believing in Him. In the Bible, the name stands for the person. If you trust His name, you trust Him.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Jn 3:18). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

1 John 2:22 - Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ

Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist--he denies the Father and the Son.

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.

1 John 2:22

Commentary

John is careful to point out that to deny the deity of the Lord Jesus is to deny the Father also. Some people like to believe that they worship God, but they do not want to have anything to do with the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle says, "He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son."

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (1 Jn 2:22). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

antichrist / the Antichrist

The term antichrist refers to anyone usurping the place of Christ or opposing Christ. But the title of the Antichrist identifies a person who emerges during the Great Tribulation to lead Satan's strategy on earth.

King James Version study Bible . 1997, c1988 (electronic ed.) (1 Jn 2:23). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Psalm 3:5 - I wake again, because the LORD sustains me

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.

Psalm 3:5

Commentary

Given the stress that David faced, it is remarkable that he was able to enjoy a night's rest. This was possible only because of God's sustaining power. God's gift of rest may be given even in the most troubling times. I will not be afraid: When God is one's protector, there is no need to fear (23:4; 27:3; 118:6).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ps 3:5-6). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?

Psalm 3 is an evening psalm that has given rise to the child's bedtime prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep" (compare Ps. 3:5).

Word in life study Bible . 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) (Ps 3:5). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Proverbs 13:13 - He who scorns instruction will pay for it

He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded.

Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.

Proverbs 13:13

Commentary

A person can either despise instruction or respond in reverence, understanding that the ultimate Giver of instruction is God. Correction is only for one's good.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Pr 13:13). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Wisdom in Proverbs 13

This chapter gives some practical counsel on how to be wise. First, listen to rebuke and instruction (v. 1) and learn to take advice (v. 10) and discipline (v. 24). Walk with the wise (v. 20) and listen to their conversation (v. 14), and you will become more like them. As you meditate on the Word of God, you walk with the wisest of the wise, so do not neglect the Scriptures (v. 13).

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (Pr 13:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Psalm 62:1-2 - My soul finds rest in God alone

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Psalm 62:1-2

Commentary

Quiet waiting enables us to reflect on the greatness of God (Ps. 46:10) and insures steadfastness (Ps. 62:2, 6; see 1:3). The psalmist's soul, his total being, waits expectantly on God as he extolled the nature of the God on whom he waited. He is "my rock," "my salvation," "my defense," "my glory," "my strength," and "my refuge" (see chart, Images of God in the Psalms). In a whirl of activity, we find it difficult to wait on God or anyone else, much less to wait alone in silence. The psalmist would remain firmly established because of his faith in God (see Ps. 1:3).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Ps 62:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Images of God in Psalms

Shield - Psalm 3:3; 28:7; 119:114
Rock - Psalm 18:2; 42:9; 95:1
King - Psalm 5:2; 44:4; 74:12
Shepherd - Psalm 23:1; 80:1
Judge - Psalm 7:11
Refuge - Psalm 46:1; 62:7
Fortress - Psalm 31:3; 71:3
Avenger - Psalm 26:1
Creator - Psalm 8:1, 6
Deliverer - Psalm 37:39, 40
Healer - Psalm 30:2
Protector - Psalm 5:11
Provider - Psalm 78:23-29
Redeemer - Psalm 107:2

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Ps 4:4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Matthew 7:24-27 - The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. "And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. "The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell--and great was its fall."

Matthew 7:24-27

Commentary

Jesus closes His sermon with a parable that drives home the importance of obedience. It is not enough to hear these sayings; we must put them into practice. The disciple who hears and does Jesus' commands is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. His house (life) has a solid foundation and, when it is battered by rain and winds, it will not fall. The wise man puts his full confidence in the Rock, Christ Jesus, as Lord and Savior. The foolish man refuses to repent and rejects Jesus as his only hope of salvation. But the interpretation of the parable actually carries us beyond salvation to its practical outworking in the Christian life.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mt 7:24). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Commentary

The image of the Lord as shepherd is a frequent one in both the Old Testament (Is. 40:11; Jer. 31:10) and the New Testament (John 10:11-16; Heb. 13:20). Believers are never pictured in Scripture as mighty lions, independent and self-sufficient; rather, they are sheep who are dependent on their Shepherd for His provision and protection.

King James Version study Bible . 1997, c1988 (electronic ed.) (Ps 23:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Rod / Staff

Ancient shepherds used the rod and staff to rescue, protect, and guide the sheep. Thus, they become symbols of the Good Shepherd's loving care over His flock. The sheep are not alone, their Shepherd is standing over them, guiding them into safety-just as the Lord stands over us and protects us.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Ps 23:4). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

John 10:11 - I AM the Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 10:11

Commentary

Jesus is the good shepherd who gives His life for the sheep (3:16; 1 John 3:16), as opposed to the wicked thief who takes their lives. While life in v. 10 refers to eternal life, life here refers to physical life. Jesus laid down His physical life in order to give us eternal life.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Jn 10:11). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Shepard / Sheep

A shepherd fed sheep, led them to water, guarded them lest they wander off and get lost, protected them from predators (usually wolves), carried them when they were sick or weak, and constantly cared for them. The job of shepherding was a tiring and dangerous one. Often the shepherd spent years with a particular herd of sheep and called each sheep by its own descriptive name. The sheep knew and followed the voice of their shepherd, but they would not respond to a stranger's voice. The shepherd went "before them" to make sure the path was safe for the sheep (v. 4). The "door" referred to the entrance of the sheepfold (v. 2). Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd, a metaphor the people of His day would have understood clearly.


Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Jn 10:2). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

John 10:9-10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

John 10:9-10

Commentary

Jesus, the shepherd, gives spiritual life and access to spiritual food. The thieves take life; the shepherd gives it. Abundant life includes salvation, nourishment, healing (v. 9), and much more. Life here refers to eternal life, God's life.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Jn 10:9-10). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Shepard / Sheep

A shepherd fed sheep, led them to water, guarded them lest they wander off and get lost, protected them from predators (usually wolves), carried them when they were sick or weak, and constantly cared for them. The job of shepherding was a tiring and dangerous one. Often the shepherd spent years with a particular herd of sheep and called each sheep by its own descriptive name. The sheep knew and followed the voice of their shepherd, but they would not respond to a stranger's voice. The shepherd went "before them" to make sure the path was safe for the sheep (v. 4). The "door" referred to the entrance of the sheepfold (v. 2). Jesus described Himself as the Good Shepherd, a metaphor the people of His day would have understood clearly.


Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Jn 10:2). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.