The Rebuild: Matthew 5-7Sample

“Who then can be saved?” This was the question flying off the lips of Jesus’ disciples after Jesus told them “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23). We can be tempted to think this only applies to financial wealth. This is certainly a great temptation for many but ultimately, anyone who finds riches in anything apart from the glory of God, will find difficulty entering the kingdom of God.

Likewise, when Jesus teaches about lust, it also applies to anything that takes the place of God on His rightful throne in our lives. God’s word contains many warnings about the things which can take hold of our hearts and destroy our capacity to practice self-control. These warnings are often aimed at young men and in regard to self-control in the face of lust. The Puritan John Owen famously said, “be killing sin or sin will be killing you.”

One way in which we fight the temptation to look to anything other than God’s majesty, is to grow in our self-control. To this end, our hearts need to have an even greater treasure than the empty promises of the world, our flesh and sin. Hearts full of Christ's glory have little room for the fleeting pleasures of sin.

Today, ponder this: Reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life that has brought you to where you are today. Take time to reflect on why Jesus died on the cross for you and your sins. Thank Him in prayer and ask God to give you His desires over yours.