Teenside Daily Devotional
4/6/20
Read Matthew 5:17-20.
Jesus says that he did not come to “abolish the Law” but to “fulfill” It. Sometimes it’s easier to just pass over this passage and get to Jesus’ simpler teachings than to really ask: what exactly does this mean? Maybe you know some of the commands found in the books of Law, or possibly, you have read through some of the books of the Prophets. Yet, even if you have read the Law, you probably don’t reference it when making a decision, right? The Old Testament doesn’t guide your moral compass. It’s God’s Law, it was Israel’s law, but it’s not “our” law. We don’t have to follow it. Or do we?
Let’s start with an easier question first: how is Jesus fulfilling the Law? Well, the Law and the Prophets are completely about Jesus. Every single bit of it points to him in some way. Anything regarding the exploits of Israel centers around the bloodline of Jesus Christ. Recall that listed genealogy from chapter 1! There are also a number of messianic prophecies found in the books of the Prophets, every one of which Jesus fulfills. If you go back and look over the previous chapters of Matthew, Old Testament texts are referenced to show EXACTLY which prophecy that aspect of Jesus’ life fulfills. Finally, anything regarding sacrifice is simply foreshadowing to the ultimate sacrifice that had to be made. The book of Hebrews is an amazing source for understanding the sacrifice of Jesus.
Now, for that harder question. If the Law isn’t “abolished”, do we still need to follow it? Sort of. That’s a great answer, isn’t it? I’ll explain. The Old Testament as a whole is an amazing resource for learning about who God is. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but we don’t get a lot of instances in the New Testament where God does or says something directly. However, there is a lot of that in the OT. And how do you grow your relationship with God if you don’t know anything about Him? Jesus also didn’t want to abolish it because it gives us a ton of much needed context for the teachings of the NT. We would never understand the true need for Jesus’ sacrifice until we looked at how tedious the commands of the Law are. I am extremely thankful for Jesus!
So, how much of the Law do we follow then? I would say that if you believe in Christ, respect and follow his teachings, and model your life after his, you’re already following all of the Law! He lived out the Law, he FULFILLED it, so just follow him! Do what he does! And if you want some non-examples, he calls out the Pharisees quite a few times for misinterpreting the Law or using it to accumulate power, so don’t be like them. If you spend all of your energy trying to follow the Law, then you will be judged by the Law, and that would be a very blunt and harsh judgment. However, if you follow Christ, then you will be judged by Christ, and he has a bit of a soft spot for you. He died for you. So, you have nothing to worry about. Just go out and be like him!
Questions:
*Take a moment to journal these questions. Write down your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Then date your entry. One of the coolest things is being able to look back and see how God came through for you.*
Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled. Thank God for His grace that means we don’t have to live by the rules of the law, but instead, in the grace of the law. Ask God to reveal more of himself to you as you seek him with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Pray that your life would reflect the righteousness of Jesus. Ask that God would allow you to see the places that do not reflect his righteousness and redirect your path (Psalm 139:23-24).
Song: Simple Gospel-
*START YOUR WEEK OFF RIGHT: Listen to some worship music and take time to give glory to God. He is worthy of all of our praise. You can listen to our Spotify playlist or listen to your favorite worship songs. Take just a few minutes– It can change your outlook on the week.*
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/169Fs68hROYRdS362T8D9w
Read Matthew 5:17-20.
Jesus says that he did not come to “abolish the Law” but to “fulfill” It. Sometimes it’s easier to just pass over this passage and get to Jesus’ simpler teachings than to really ask: what exactly does this mean? Maybe you know some of the commands found in the books of Law, or possibly, you have read through some of the books of the Prophets. Yet, even if you have read the Law, you probably don’t reference it when making a decision, right? The Old Testament doesn’t guide your moral compass. It’s God’s Law, it was Israel’s law, but it’s not “our” law. We don’t have to follow it. Or do we?
Let’s start with an easier question first: how is Jesus fulfilling the Law? Well, the Law and the Prophets are completely about Jesus. Every single bit of it points to him in some way. Anything regarding the exploits of Israel centers around the bloodline of Jesus Christ. Recall that listed genealogy from chapter 1! There are also a number of messianic prophecies found in the books of the Prophets, every one of which Jesus fulfills. If you go back and look over the previous chapters of Matthew, Old Testament texts are referenced to show EXACTLY which prophecy that aspect of Jesus’ life fulfills. Finally, anything regarding sacrifice is simply foreshadowing to the ultimate sacrifice that had to be made. The book of Hebrews is an amazing source for understanding the sacrifice of Jesus.
Now, for that harder question. If the Law isn’t “abolished”, do we still need to follow it? Sort of. That’s a great answer, isn’t it? I’ll explain. The Old Testament as a whole is an amazing resource for learning about who God is. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but we don’t get a lot of instances in the New Testament where God does or says something directly. However, there is a lot of that in the OT. And how do you grow your relationship with God if you don’t know anything about Him? Jesus also didn’t want to abolish it because it gives us a ton of much needed context for the teachings of the NT. We would never understand the true need for Jesus’ sacrifice until we looked at how tedious the commands of the Law are. I am extremely thankful for Jesus!
So, how much of the Law do we follow then? I would say that if you believe in Christ, respect and follow his teachings, and model your life after his, you’re already following all of the Law! He lived out the Law, he FULFILLED it, so just follow him! Do what he does! And if you want some non-examples, he calls out the Pharisees quite a few times for misinterpreting the Law or using it to accumulate power, so don’t be like them. If you spend all of your energy trying to follow the Law, then you will be judged by the Law, and that would be a very blunt and harsh judgment. However, if you follow Christ, then you will be judged by Christ, and he has a bit of a soft spot for you. He died for you. So, you have nothing to worry about. Just go out and be like him!
Questions:
*Take a moment to journal these questions. Write down your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Then date your entry. One of the coolest things is being able to look back and see how God came through for you.*
- Try to list some things you know about the character of God from the Old Testament. (Find stories and scripture to associate with some of these characteristics)
- Choose one characteristic from the list you created and write about how you’ve seen it in your relationship with Him. Use a real situation from your life where you felt the (love of God, faithfulness of God, sovereignty of God, etc.).
- Jesus came and fulfilled the law with His grace. In what areas of your life are you thankful for God’s grace?
- We no longer live by the strict rules of the law but by what the law stood for (God’s righteousness– and his desire for us to walk in righteousness). In following Jesus’s example, how does your life reflect righteousness?
Prayer: Spend some time praying about the things you journaled. Thank God for His grace that means we don’t have to live by the rules of the law, but instead, in the grace of the law. Ask God to reveal more of himself to you as you seek him with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Pray that your life would reflect the righteousness of Jesus. Ask that God would allow you to see the places that do not reflect his righteousness and redirect your path (Psalm 139:23-24).
Song: Simple Gospel-
*START YOUR WEEK OFF RIGHT: Listen to some worship music and take time to give glory to God. He is worthy of all of our praise. You can listen to our Spotify playlist or listen to your favorite worship songs. Take just a few minutes– It can change your outlook on the week.*
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/169Fs68hROYRdS362T8D9w
Posted in Teenside
Recent
Archive
2021
January
Bible Reading Plan Week 2 Day 1Bible Reading Plan Week 2 Day 2Almost HomeBible Reading Plan Week 2 Day 3Bible Reading Plan Week 2 Day 4In Conjunction With OthersBible Reading Plan Week 2 Day 5Bible Reading Plan Week 3 Day 1Bible Reading Plan Week 3 Day 2A Unique CityLove Stronger Than EvilBible Reading Plan Week 3 Day 3Bible Reading Plan Week 3 Day 4Studies In PsalmsQuiet RestBible Reading Plan Week 3 Day 5Bible Reading Plan Week 4 Day 1Peace Prayer of St. FrancisBible Reading Plan Week 4 Day 2Faith and Positive Living
2020
March
St. Patrick and the Presence of GodAt Home Date NightThe Goodness of a PandemicCommuning ApartFrom the Childrens Library- The Lost LambWeekly Ministry UpdateThe Promises of God - Day OneTeenside Daily DevotionalCollegeside Care GroupsTeenside Daily DevotionalImmunity Boosting TipsThe Promises of God - Day 2Self Care ResourcesKidside Quarantine ReportBuilding a Family Mission StatementThe Promises of God - Day 3Teenside Daily DevotionalFrom The Children's Library - Good, Good FatherTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalCelebrate Recovery - HopeTeenside Daily DevotionalQuarantined TogetherTeenside Daily Devotional
April
Teenside Daily DevotionalRest and RiseReflections on the Serenity Prayer - Part 1The Promises of God - Part 4Teenside Daily DevotionalReflections on the Serenity Prayer - Part 2Teenside Daily DevotionalFrom The Children's Library - God Made You SpecialTeenside Daily DevotionalTales From The Trail: #1 Hope Springs Forth From Human HeartsTales from the Trail: #2 The Last Supper and the Banquet to ComeTeenside Daily DevotionalCelebrate Recovery - Stay ConnectedTales From The Trail: #3 Lead With The TowelTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Promises of God - Day 5Teenside Daily DevotionalTales from the Trail: #4 Lonely Night in the GardenLimit Your WorryTales from the Trail: #5 Peter, O PeterThe Promises of God - Day 6Teenside Daily DevotionalTales from the Trail: #6 The Friday We Call GoodTeenside Daily DevotionalTales from the Trail: #7 The Tomb is FullTeenside Daily DevotionalTales from the Trail: #8 So It Isn’t FinishedFrom The Children's Library - God Gave Us EasterTeenside Daily DevotionalCelebrate Recovery UpdateYour Best Night InThe Promises of GodTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalHard TimesFamily ResourcesThe Promises of God - Day 8Teenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalRestTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Promises of God - Day 9Teenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalSeeking Wisdom From GodThe Grace ChallengeApril ImpressionsTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalPicnic DatePromises of God - Day 10Kidside Focus VideosFrom The Children's Library - The Rainbow FishTeenside Daily DevotionalCelebrate Recovery - Online Meeting NightsTeenside Daily DevotionalWeekly ChallengeTeenside Daily DevotionalGuard Your HeartTeenside Daily DevotionalKidside Worship At HomeTeenside Daily Devotional
May
Teenside Daily DevotionalFrom The Children's Library - Ernie's Little LiesTeenside Daily DevotionalHeartfelt Friends UpdateKidside Children's LessonTeenside Daily DevotionalWeekly ChallengeWorry, Worry, Worry!Teenside Daily DevotionalThe Promises of God - Day 11Journey To The Battlefield Daily DevotionalRestoring Our Mind And SpiritTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 2Teenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalLetter From Allie GuinnKidside Children's LessonI Want To Hold Your HandTeenside Daily DevotionalLetter From Cameron ReedPreschool Memory Verse and Prayer - May 2020Teenside Daily DevotionalThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 3Testimony TuesdayElementary Memory Verse and Prayer - May 2020Letter From Elizabeth WillmoreBuilding On The RockTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 4Heartfelt Friends InvitationLetter From Hannah ClarkLetter From Josh BunnerMarriage In QuarantineThe Lord Heals The Broken-HeartedTeenside Daily DevotionalLetter From Rachel StokesTeenside Daily DevotionalKidside Children's LessonWe Are Weak, But He Is StrongTeenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 5Meeting Updates and Staying ConnectedThinking Out Loud On Evangelism, Part 1Teenside Daily DevotionalTeenside Daily DevotionalThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 6Teenside Daily DevotionalThinking Out Loud On Evangelism, Part 2The Path's Of GodKidside Children's LessonThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 7Strength In GodIntern IntroductionsLearning To Comfort Others
June
Kidside Children's LessonGratitude To GodOur Last HomeThe Problem of FearKidside Children's LessonMy Times In Your HandThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 8The KingThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 9The Reins In God's HandsKidside Children's LessonGod Our FatherMeeting Night Begins June 23rdLetter To The Philippians, Part 10Gone To GloryThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 11Falling Out of BedKidside Children's LessonMeeting Night Is Back!A Clean HomeFellowship 5KThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 12Standard Operations Resume July 1stFriendship In MarriageFaith Through Our FathersKidside Children's LessonGood Old DaysThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 13
July
The Ring Of SonshipHelp Lord!Kidside Children's LessonA Recipient Of GraceNew Encourager CoachThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 14Jesus Paid The PriceToo Much Stuff!Kidside Children's LessonThe Mistake of Forgetting GodIt Starts With MeWho Holds Your HandsBeing Grateful/ThankfulSeeing A SermonFriendship In MarriageA Place of Quiet RestKidside Children's LessonMinistry Update From Andrew JonesLight It Up With PraiseThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 15Respond or React?Are You Bearing Good Fruit?Special DeliveryKidside Children's LessonThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 16God's Word Survives
August
Kidside Children's LessonWhat Will Your Legacy Be?The Letter To The Philippians, Part 17Blessed AssuranceCotton Candy vs. TruthTomato: A Fruit or Vegetable?Kidside Children's LessonRepenters Must RepentSitting At The Feet Of JesusPreparing To MoveKidside Children's LessonTrappedClean Hands, Pure HeartReturn To Combined Children's Worship And FocusThe Letter To The Philippians, Part 18Spiritual VisionKidside Children's LessonOur Final HomeLeads Us In TriumphsActs: The Gospel In MotionTests For A Little WhileKidside Children's LessonThe Lord Over Fear
September
Brotherly WisdomActs: The Gospel In MotionVictory Over Peer PressureMore Than A Religious SpeakerKidside Children's LessonInstant ReplayActs: The Gospel In MotionOne of Man's Greatest FearsVictory LapSelfiesKidside Children's LessonThe Matter of DistanceBe There In Calm And ChaosActs: The Gospel In MotionBroken UnityWeekly CheckupKidside Children's LessonThe Light Of SalvationDid Jesus Really Do That?NicknamesThe Ways Of GodThe Riches of GodActs 3: The Gospel In MotionCagesWhat Do You Desire From God
October
Evidence For The BibleAccurate DirectionsKidside Children's LessonSuch Were Some Of YouMind ControlKidside Children's LessonIs Your Name Written There?Sincere PrayerThe Spirit Is HoveringKidside Children's LessonLiving WaterFaith In An Invisible GodDigging Deeper: Personal Study For ActsSpirit-Filled PreachingKidside Children's Lesson
No Comments