Matthew 1:1-17

We learn that God always keeps His word.
We learn of the sinfulness and corruption of human nature.
We learn how great is the mercy and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Let no one think that these verses are useless. Nothing is useless in creation. The least mosses, and the smallest insects, serve some good end. Nothing is useless in the Bible."

"True Christians should remember this lesson, and take comfort. Their Father in heaven will be true to all His engagements. He has said that He will save all believers in Christ."

"Praying parents should pray night and day, that their children may be born of the Spirit."

"Our sins may have been as black and great as those of anyone who Matthew names. But they cannot shut us out of heaven, if we repent and believe the gospel."

Questions:

1. Ryle gives some rapid fire thoughts about the Bible as he begins Matthew. He encourages us to remember that these are God’s words and that we should read them as such and with thankfulness. One of the phrases he will use often is that we need to live up to our light, that is, to practice what we understand in the Scriptures. This should be our aim and heart as we open God’s book. And most importantly, we need to pray for the help of the Holy Spirit as we read. Which one of these points will you seek to apply and how?

2. Ryle points out the numerous examples of godly parents who had wicked sons. He reminds us that grace does not run in families, and more than good examples is needed. If you have children or grandchildren, do you pray day and night for their salvation?

3. Ryle has us consider God's mercy in the condescension of Jesus who took on flesh and dwelt among us. This should fill us with thankfulness as there is no one who is out of the reach of Christ's sympathy and compassion. Our sins, Ryle says, may be as black and great as any on this list, but none can shut us out of heaven if we repent and believe the gospel. Have you found this to be true?