Podcast
Old Treasures Made New
Hosted by Shaun Martens · EN
Old Treasures Made New are short devotions that focuses on the Holy Scriptures (the ultimate old treasure) and brings voices from the past to comment on them (lesser treasure, but treasure nonetheless). Whether part of your main diet of Scripture intake or a supplement to it, these episodes are ways to set your mind on the things that are above and to be encouraged in your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Matthew 9:14-26
4d ago00:11:48Tap to summarizeMatthew 9:14-26Let us mark the gracious name by which the Lord Jesus speaks of Himself: "the bridegroom."Let us mark what a wise principle the Lord Jesus lays down for the treatment of young disciples.Let us mark what encouragement our Lord gives to the humblest faith.Let us mark in this passage our Lord's almighty power."What the bridegroom is to the bride, the Lord Jesus is to the souls of all who believe in Him. He loves them with a deep and everlasting love.""We must not be in a hurry to require a minute conformity to one rigid rule in 'things indifferent', until the first principles of repentance and faith have been thoroughly learned. To guide us in this matter, we have great need to pray for grace, and Christian common sense.""Our faith may be feeble. Our courage may be small. Our grasp of the Gospel, and its promises, may be weak and trembling. But, after all, the grand question is, do we really trust in Christ alone? Do we look to Jesus, and only to Jesus, for pardon and peace? If this be so, it is well."Questions:Jesus calls himself 'the bridegroom' and Ryle highlights what that means. As I read it again, try and pick one that stands out to you and ask why. "What the bridegroom is to the bride, the Lord Jesus is to the souls of all who believe in Him. He loves them with a deep and everlasting love. He takes them into union with Himself. They are "one with Christ and Christ in them." He pays all their debts to God. He supplies all their daily need. He sympathizes with them in all their troubles. He bears with all their infirmities, and does not reject them for a few weaknesses. He regards them as part of Himself. Those that persecute and injure them are persecuting Him. The glory that He has received from His Father they will one day share with Him, and where He is, there shall they be."We see a woman with touch the edge of Jesus' cloak and is healed because of her faith. Ryle draws great encouragement regarding the strength or weakness of our faith. He says, "Our faith may be feeble. Our courage may be small. Our grasp of the Gospel, and its promises, may be weak and trembling. But, after all, the grand question is, do we really trust in Christ alone? Do we look to Jesus, and only to Jesus, for pardon and peace? If this be so, it is well." We need to ask ourselves, do we really trust in Christ alone for pardon and peace? Am I seeking to grow in the grace of faith so that I may have more joy in this journey to heaven?
Transcribe →Matthew 9:1-13
1w ago00:10:57Tap to summarizeMatthew 9:1-13Let us notice our Lord's knowledge of men's thoughts.Let us notice the wonderful call of the apostle Matthew to be Christ's disciple.Let us observe Matthew's decision.Let us notice our Lord's precious declaration about His own mission."Surely we ought to be very humble when we consider these things. We ought to thank God daily that the blood of Christ can cleanse from all sin.""Let us never despair of any one's salvation. Let us pray on, and speak on, and work on to do good to souls, even to the souls of the worst.""The first thing needful, in order to have an interest in Christ, is to feel deeply our own corruption, and to be willing to come to Him for deliverance. We are not to keep away from Christ, as many ignorantly do, because we feel bad, and wicked, and unworthy. We are to remember that sinners are those He came into the world to save, and that if we feel ourselves such, it is well. Happy is he who really comprehends that one principal qualification for coming to Christ is a deep sense of sin!"Questions:We see that Jesus had the ability to read minds, which among other things, is evidence of His being God. Ryle would have us consider, though, that the same Jesus that could read the Pharisees hearts, knows us the same. He asks, "What do we think of, in private, when no man sees us? What do we think of, in church, when we seem so grave and serious? What are we thinking of at this moment, while these words pass under our eyes?" (or in this case, while you hear these words). What does it do to our hearts that no thought of ours is hidden from God's sight? Does it produce humility like Ryle suggests?We see Matthew, a hated tax collector, turn to Christ upon being called to follow Him. Ryle encourages us that there is no heart so hard that cannot be turned and that we should not give up praying for those we feel are impossible to be saved. Is there anyone like that in your life? Take some time to pray for them now.We see that the entire reason Jesus came was to save sinners by calling them to repent. We see that the qualification for coming to Christ is to see our need for Christ. This is completely the opposite of what many think, namely that I can only come to Christ if I get my life together or something like that. So, this is good news! The truth is that we will never get our lives together to God's standard, and so what is needful is to feel our corruption - our sin and unworthiness - and come to Jesus for deliverance. Have you been deceived in thinking that you just need to get your life together? Have you felt your need for Christ and come to Him in faith, trusting His promise for cleansing? If not, would you ask, as Psalm 51:3 says, that you would know that your transgressions and sin is ever before you? I would encourage you to read Psalm 51 and make it your prayer.
Transcribe →Matthew 8:28-34
2w ago00:08:26Tap to summarizeMatthew 8:28-34Let us settle it firmly in our minds, that there is such a being as the devil.Let us settle it firmly in our minds, that the power of the devil is limited.Let us settle it in our minds, that our Lord Jesus Christ is man's great deliverer from the power of the devil.Let us not leave this passage without observing the painful worldliness of the Gadarenes, among whom this miracle of casting out a devil was wrought."There is an unseen spirit ever near us, of mighty power, and full of endless malice against our souls.""Mighty as he is, there is one mightier still. Keenly set as his will is on doing harm in the world, he can only work by permission.""Our great remedy in all the assaults of the devil, is to cry to the Lord Jesus, and to seek His help. He can break the chains that Satan casts around us, and set us free. He can cast out every devil that plagues our hearts, as surely as in the days of old."Questions:As we read about a demon possessed man, Ryle wants us to remember that there really is such a thing as the devil and a spiritual world. He even says that there is an unseen spirit ever near us, of mighty power, and full of endless malice against our souls. It is a frightening thought. If you grew up on the West, it is likely that this comes more as a shock as we lean towards materialism and only believe what we see. If you are from an animistic culture, this won't surprise you as much. The question is: do I believe that there is a devil who hates my soul? How often do I think about this?No sooner that we should believe there is a devil, we must also believe that the devil's power is limited by one who is greater, namely the Lord Jesus Christ. Ryle says that "it would be miserable indeed to know that there is a devil ever near us, if we did not also know that Christ was "able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him." We see in this text that the demons could not even enter the pigs without Jesus' permission. Do we take comfort in the fact that we can run to Jesus and that He is greater than even a fearsome enemy like the devil? If you are not familiar with Martin Luther's hymn, A Mighty Fortress, please take some time to sing it as an encouragement as we close this time.
Transcribe →Matthew 8:16-27
2w ago00:09:35Tap to summarizeMatthew 8:16-27In the first part of these verses we see a striking example of our Lord's wisdom in dealing with those who professed a willingness to be His disciples.In the latter part of these verses we learn, that true saving faith is often mingled with much weakness and infirmity"Nothing, in fact, has done more harm to Christianity than the practice of filling the ranks of Christ's army with every volunteer who is willing to make a little profession, and talk fluently of his experience.""We never perhaps know the weakness of our faith, until we are placed in the furnace of trial and anxiety. Blessed and happy is that person who finds by experience that his faith can stand the fire, and that he can say with Job, "though he slays me, yet will I trust in him." (Job 13:15.)"Questions:We read of two people who would follow Jesus and are given replies by Jesus that are designed to have them to count the cost of what they are asking for. Jesus doesn't tell them no, nor does he give a quick yes, either. We need to learn from Jesus in these things. When you were told of Christ, were you also told of a cross you would have to carry and that hardships are on this path? When we talk to others about Christ, do we tend to talk of only the benefits (of which there are many) or also the cost? Why or why not?We then read of the disciples, who have counted the cost and are following Jesus, show weak faith as their boat floods with water. Ryle draws encouragement for us in how Jesus responds to his disciples. He says, "We have great reason to thank God that Jesus, our great High-priest, is very compassionate and tender-hearted. He knows our frame. He considers our infirmities. He does not cast off His people because of defects. He pities even those whom he reproves. The prayer even of "little faith" is heard, and gets an answer." How does that truth encourage you? And in addition to this, would you not add to your prayers "Lord, increase my faith?" so that we may stand in the days of trial more steadfastly?
Transcribe →Matthew 8:1-15
2w ago00:11:55Tap to summarizeMatthew 8:1-15Let us learn how great is the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us learn the mercifulness and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ.Let us learn what a precious thing is the grace of faith. "We are encouraged to lean on Him, to cast all our care on Him, to repose all the weight of our souls on Him. We may do so without fear. He can bear all. He is a strong rock. He is Almighty.""Our great High Priest is very gracious. He can be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities." He is never tired of doing us good. He knows that we are a weak and feeble people, in the midst of a weary and troublous world.""To be willing to come to Jesus as helpless, lost sinners, and commit our souls into His hands is a mighty privilege. Let us ever bless God if this willingness is ours, for it is His gift. Such faith is better than all other gifts and knowledge in the world."Questions:We see in these verses the power of Jesus, the Son of God, as He heals many who are sick. We also see His heart as he looks upon these afflictions, and mercy and compassion pours out. And this is the same Jesus we come to today by faith! Do we believe nothing is impossible for Him? Do we believe that he cares about even our pains and illnesses? We also learn of the value of faith as a centurion is declared to have greater faith than anyone in Israel. It is one of the few times that Jesus marvels! Ryle points out that "faith in Christ appears a small and simple thing to the children of this world" and that "they see in it nothing great or grand." And yet, faith in Christ is most precious in God's sight. Do we have this simple faith in Christ and his promises? If so, do we believe that it is the most precious gift in the world? How does this faith change how we live day-by-day?
Transcribe →Matthew 7:21-29
3w ago00:09:37Tap to summarizeMatthew 7:21-29The uselessness of a mere outward profession of Christianity. A striking picture of two classes of Christian hearers."We must make a "practice" of our Christianity as well as a "profession."""He does not content himself with listening to exhortations to repent, believe in Christ, and live a holy life. He actually repents. He actually believes. He actually ceases to do evil, learns to do well, abhors that which is sinful, and cleaves to that which is good."Questions: Jesus warns that professing his name is not the test of true Christianity, though we must add that it is not less than that (see Romans 10:9). It is those who do the will of the Father in Heaven. And so, Ryle asks if we are truly repenting, truly believing on Christ, and living holy and humble lives. To help us in this, he encourages us to think often of the great day when Jesus returns and consider if we are living in such a way to hear "well done, good and faithful servant" or "depart from me you workers of lawlessness?" How often does this shape our daily lives?Jesus tells us what makes one wise and foolish, and shows it by revealing their respective ends. The wise man hears God's Word and does it, and the foolish man hears and doesn't. The wise man, in his listening and doing, builds his house so that when the storms of life and the judgement come, his house will stand while the foolish man's will not. And so we need to ask ourselves: what kind of house am I building? Am I content to hear sermons and teaching, to read the Bible and walk away unchanged? Or is my life being transformed as I hear and respond in trust and faith to what I hear and read in God's Word? Does the truth of God's word translate into communion and prayer to God? May we be active and not just passive learners in the things of God!
Transcribe →Matthew 7:12-20
3w ago00:08:59Tap to summarizeMatthew 7:12-20He lays down a general principle for our guidance in all doubtful questions between man and man. Our Lord gives us a general caution against the way of the many in religion. The Lord Jesus gives us a general warning against false teachers in the church. "We are to deal with others as we would like others to deal with us. This is real Christianity.""We have no reason to be discouraged and cast down, if the religion we profess is not popular, and few agree with us.""Nothing supplies false prophets with followers so much as spiritual sloth under a cloak of humility."Questions:We find here what has been called the Golden Rule: "treat others the way you want to be treated." Do you have questions that the Bible doesn't answer directly? Do you wish there was a clear rule laid out to give clarity to the situations you face? Well, as Ryle says, this verse is the answer to the unspoken situations we face. How often are we applying this rule to what we do? Jesus declares to us here that there are two places that every person on the planet may be found: either on the wide or narrow path. The narrow path, as Ryle points out, is the way of repentance (turning away from sin), faith in Christ (turning toward Christ in trust), and holiness of life (growing in Christlikeness). These things, he says, have never been in style. The true flock has always been small, and despite how we feel, it is a good sign that the world would call us narrow-minded and bigoted. Where are you? Do we fit into the world, or do we stand out from the world?Jesus not only warns of a broad road but that it is also filled with false teachers, wolves in sheep's clothing. Ryle warns that there always have been, are many today, and there always will be. Pastors and teachers are gifts to you (Ephesians 4:8-11) but only to the extent that the Word of God is faithfully taught. And that, Ryle says, is the best safe-guard against false teaching: to be regularly in God's Word with prayer asking for the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Do not be fooled by seminary degrees and speaking skills, is what is said from God's Word or not? And so we must ask ourselves: do I trust my pastor or other teachers blindly? Am I able to recognize when they are off? Am I willing to ask honest and humble questions if I am unsure of something that has been said? Ryle promises that the one who reads the Bible aright will never be allowed greatly to err. May it be true of us!
Transcribe →Matthew 7:1-11
3w ago00:11:25Tap to summarizeMatthew 7:1-11Contained in this passage is the importance of exercising discretion as to the person with whom we speak on the subject of religion.Contained in this passage is the duty of prayer, and the rich encouragements there are to pray."The first portion of these verses is one of those passages of Scripture, which we must be careful not to strain beyond its proper meaning. It is frequently abused and misapplied, by the enemies of true religion. It is possible to press the words of the Bible so far that they yield not medicine, but poison.""Knowledge, not improved and well employed, will only increase our condemnation at the last day.""Do we indeed pray? Then let us pray on, and not faint. It is not lost labor. It is not useless. It will bear fruit after many days. That word never yet failed, "Everyone who asks receives.""Questions:Apparently this passage was just as misused in Ryle's day as in ours, as we hear him speak of the possibility of pressing the words of the Bible so far that they yield not medicine, but poison! Far from a text commanding Christians to not judge others, Ryle highlights that here Jesus condemns to a readiness to blame others for trifling offences, or matters of indifference, a disposition to magnify the errors and infirmities of others. Are we quick to find fault with others or do we strive to love them by assuming the best of them (that is, when offences are not clear and obvious)?Jesus talks about not giving dogs what is holy and pearls to swine. In the context, this is giving discernment as to whom we seek to help pull the speck from their eye. Ryle warns that doing this right takes great wisdom and he gives two mistakes we tend to make. The first is to be over-cautious, that is we never actually go to someone to have the hard conversation. The second is over-zeal, that is we are too eager to approach someone in sin and even delight in the opportunity! Which error do you tend towards? How will you seek to hold a holy balance to this calling?Jesus gives encouragement to pray. He promises that those who ask, seek, and knock will receive! Ryle warns that sadly, though even with such encouragements as these, that there is nothing which we are so slow to do. Do we really believe that those who pray receive? Be encouraged that prayer is not lost labor. It is not useless. It will bear fruit after many days.
Transcribe →Matthew 6:25-34
4w ago00:09:56Tap to summarizeMatthew 6:25-34He forbids us to keep up an anxious spirit about the things of this world.He sends us to the birds of the air and flowers for instruction.He suggests to us, that anxiety about the things of this world is most unworthy of a Christian."One great feature of heathenism is living for the present. Let the heathen, if he will, be anxious. He knows nothing of a Father in heaven. But let the Christian, who has clearer light and knowledge, give proof of it by his faith and contentment.""We are not to carry cares before they come. We are to attend to today's business, and leave tomorrow's anxieties until tomorrow dawns. We may die before tomorrow. We know not what may happen tomorrow. This only we may be assured of, that if tomorrow brings a cross, He who sends it, can and will send grace to bear it."Questions:1. Jesus knows we need food and clothing yet he warns against focusing on these things and calls us to focus on His kingdom and righteousness first. It is the focus of the things of this world, even needed things, that brings about much anxiety. How are our hearts in this matter? Are we anxious about many things? Do we find ourselves thinking primarily about the things that will pass away, or the things of eternity?2. Jesus commands us to “not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” So many of our worries and anxieties are about the future, of which we are not guaranteed even tomorrow. Ryle says, “This only we may be assured of, that if tomorrow brings a cross, He who sends it, can and will send grace to bear it.” What does this truth do to your anxious heart? Do you believe that all things are from a sovereign and loving God who works all things for the good of those who love him?3. Ryle, as usual, exhorts us to apply these things to our lives. He says, “Let us watch and pray against worry, and an over-anxious spirit.” He then wisely points out that to do so “deeply concerns our happiness.” How will you do this in your prayer life to increase your happiness in God?
Transcribe →Matthew 6:16-24
4w ago00:09:56Tap to summarizeMatthew 6:16-24Let us learn from our Lord's instruction about fasting, the great importance of cheerfulness in our religion. Let us learn from our Lord's caution about worldliness what immense need we all have to watch and pray against an earthly spirit.Let us learn from our Lord's words about the "single eye," the true secret of the failures, which so many Christians seem to make in their religion. "Never let us forget that there is no religion in looking melancholy and gloomy. Are we dissatisfied with Christ's wages, and Christ's service? Surely not! Then let us not look as if we were.""Oh! let us all beware that we do not sink into hell by paying excessive attention to lawful things. Open transgression of God's law slays its thousands, but worldliness its tens of thousands.""Let us be decided, thorough-going, uncompromising followers of Christ. Let our motto be that of Paul, "One thing I do." (Phil. 3:13.) Then we shall be happy Christians."Questions:These verses highlight the topics of fasting, worldliness, and singleness of purpose. In considering fasting, Ryle says that there is no command in the NT which seems to leave it upon to each person to be firmly convinced in their own mind and not to hastily condemn others. As for its purpose, Ryle declares that it is the "occasional abstinence from food in order to bring the body into subjection to the spirit." That said, have we ever considered it? If not, why not? If you have, did it help you and how? The second consideration is of worldliness, which is to find our happiness in this world that is passing away. The first question we need to consider is whether we are aware that worldliness is, as Ryle says, "a treacherous, harmful, enticing and powerful enemy" that is a rock that makes shipwreck for many for all eternity? Is this surprising to you? Are our affections on the things of earth or the things of heaven? The last consideration is on singleness of purpose, which Ryle calls the one great secret of spiritual prosperity. The opposite is trying to serve Christ and the world together, which is something Jesus says cannot be done. And so, when we try, it creates Christians who are uncomfortable, uneasy, and dissatisfied with themselves. Is this you? Are you trying to be a servant of Christ and of the world?
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