Bible Reading: Genesis 4 | Matthew 4 | Psalm 4
Devotional for January 6, 2025
Reading: Genesis 4 | Matthew 4 | Psalm 4
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Genesis 4
Genesis Four describes the nature and consequence of sin and is placed here in the Genesis narrative to highlight that aspect in the lives of two of Adam and Eve's children. Throughout Scripture, we are repeatedly told that the nature of sin and its wages are death. We are also told that all have sinned; each inherits a sinful nature from our parents. Due to the rebellion of our first parents, sin passes to each subsequent generation and will continue to do so until the Lord Jesus returns.
Sin will manifest itself in numerous ways throughout our lives. If we are not paying attention, we will become prey to the efforts of the Evil One. This chapter highlights what happens due to sin in the lives of God’s creatures. First, there is a hatred of God’s law. That is displayed in the life of Cain, who rejects the proper method of approaching God. We are not told how Cain knew it was wrong, but that information was likely passed on from his parents as they watched the example of it at the close of Gen. 3. Second, and as a result of the first, there is a hatred of one’s neighbor. In this case, Cain hated his brother due to jealousy. This anger is left unchecked, leading to the third issue: actual transgressions carried out. That is demonstrated through the actions of Cain in murdering his brother.
The chapter closes with Adam and Eve having another son and naming him Seth. Seth will be the godly line for the rest of the narrative. That godly line was originally Abel, and Seth is his replacement. Men's evil actions will not undo the promise of Gen. 3:15.
Applications:
1. It is essential to know and understand God's moral law and seek to love it and obey it. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Christians who love God will love his law and commands and be obedient to them.
2. The effects of sin, if left unchecked, will end in ruin. So, guard your hearts against the deception of sin and cut it off before it ruins you.
3. Be encouraged by the fact that the wicked, sinful actions of men will not deter the promises of God.
Matthew 4
Matthew four can be divided into two main sections. The first is found in 4:1-11, where we observe the onslaught of the Evil One against the Savior. The second is in 4:12-23, where Jesus begins his public ministry and calls his first disciples.
4:1-11
These verses are known to most students of the Bible as the three temptations of Christ. It is important to understand that these are merely examples of the daily onslaught of the Evil One against the Lord Jesus. His whole life was a temptation from beginning to end. There are some things to observe about this
section. First, the temptation of Christ parallels the temptation of our first parents. Note that the temptation that the Savior went through was not in paradise but in the wilderness. Second, note that the temptations all appeal to the desires of the flesh. That was one of the items used by Satan against our first parents. Third, note that the Lord Jesus counters the efforts of Satan with the Word of God.
4:12-23
Two items are worth noting in this section. First, the Lord Jesus solicits help as he seeks to begin his public ministry. As the God-man, he understood that he could not do everything alone. He understood his need for companionship and fellow laborers to help him. He also understood the need to disciple and train men who would carry the message that he preached forward to subsequent generations. Second, the Savior’s primary mission was to preach the Gospel and call men to repent. The main message of every minister of the Gospel must be the same.
Applications:
1. Temptations will come to the godliest even as it came to the Savior. To fight against it, you must know the Scriptures, filling your mind with them daily. What temptations do you face often, and what are you doing to fight against them? List those items, look up Scripture that speaks to those issues, and memorize and meditate on them.
2. Remember that the Christian life is not a lone ranger enterprise. You need other brothers and sisters in your life who will help you and encourage you. If the Lord Jesus understood the need for companionship, how much more do you need it? Who do you have in your life to talk openly and honestly about your struggles, successes, etc.? If you do not have a close, godly friend who will point you to Christ and help you on your pilgrimage, find one.
Psalm 4
Psalm four is a Psalm of David and is divided into five uneven stanzas. The background of the Psalm is unknown, but given the overall theme of distress, it is likely it was written during a period in the life of David when he was distressed by circumstances or opponents. Scholars refer to this psalm as an “evening psalm,” or an “evening prayer.” The reason for this is found in 4:8. When you consider that David is writing this Psalm during a time of distress (see 4:1), it is understandable why one would pray in the evening before sleep. Sleep is often lost when trials and tribulations of life happen.
4:1
The first thing to observe in this opening and framing verse is that David turns to the God of righteousness during a period of hardship. That ascription of God (of righteousness) contrasts with what David mentions in this Psalm (his opponents, see 4:2). The second thing to notice is that David pleads with God for help and relief in this circumstance while he reflects on the past and those times when God has rescued him. Therefore, it is a good idea to think back often and meditate on the times when God has been faithful, though the whole world seems to be against you. The third item of note is that David prays. We would do well to remember that when opposition or hardship comes, and it comes to us all, we would stop, pray, and plead with God for relief.
4:2-3
This section of the Psalm hints at the problem. Whatever the distress is, it appears to be from those “questioning his authority.” (Kidner). It may also be that they are lying about him and using their tongues for evil, slandering him. In this life, the godly will face this kind of opposition. It can come from anywhere. Sometimes, it comes from those who profess the same faith in Christ. Sometimes, it comes from those under our authority. Sometimes, it comes from family or friends. Yet, David recognizes that the godly will suffer persecution, opposition, and evil because they are determined to follow the Lord no matter what. Still, amid it, David, by his action, reminds us that life is hard, but prayer is the remedy.
4:4-5
In this section, David gives us pastoral guidance on how to respond to people who are disloyal and slanderous and question our love for God and desire to serve him. He tells us that we ought not to sin in our anger. We do not take matters into our own hands. We do not return evil for evil. Yes, we get angry at the wickedness of others, but we ought to ponder and remember that we are also sinners, and we have probably hurt and offended others in the past. He also reminds us that our trust is not in men but in the Lord. It is easy to forget that these times of distress are ordered by a loving Father who is working to teach us to trust and depend on him. The problem for us is that we dislike trials, and when they occur, we forget God’s purposes and plans to conform us to his Son’s image.
4:6-7
According to Derek Kidner, this section contrasts true joy—that which comes from without (“their grain and wine”)—and that which comes from within (“you have put more joy in my heart”). The joy of the Lord is our strength in hard times. It can be hard to remember, so prayer is essential.
4:8
The Psalm ends in peace. It started in distress. Prayer – fervent prayer in times of hardship will bring peace. It brought David peace, and he was able to sleep. The problem for most of us is that we never reach peace in our prayers because we give up too soon. We think a trite sentence or two will bring the peace we desire. In times of hardship and distress, we should stay on our knees until the God of righteousness gives us peace, and we know something of his safety. No, he may not take away the issue that causes the distress. That is what we usually ask in prayer. He may leave it for a season, but that does not change the inward joy or peace that flows from him to those of his suffering children.
Applications:
1. During times of distress and hardship, whatever that may be, turn to the God of righteousness for help and relief. Don’t delay! Pray. Pray pleadingly and fervently until you find joy and peace.
2. During times of distress, remember that as you pray, the desire for the issue to be removed may not be the best thing to pray. Instead, pray that the Lord will help, sustain, and cause you to trust him. Pray for relief, yes. But do not forget that God is concerned with your character and molding it into Christ’s character.