John 2:12-25

Until John, we have been using older manuscripts of Ryle's Expository Thoughts. Just recently, though, EP Publishing has put out a lightly updated version of Ryle's work, which I am now working from. If you are interested in a physical copy of the Expository Thoughts, you can find it HERE.

John 2:12-25

1. We see how much Christ disapproves of all irreverent behavior in the house of God.
2. We see how people may remember words of Christian truth long after they are spoken and may one day see a meaning in them which at first they did not see.
3. We see how perfect is our Lord Jesus Christ’s knowledge of the human heart.

"The one who brings their worldly matters with them when they profess to worship is doing that which is evidently most offensive to Christ."

"Let preachers go on preaching, teachers go on teaching, and parents go on training up children in the way they should go. Let them sow the good seed of Bible truth in faith and patience. Their labor is not in vain in the Lord."

"One thing the servant of Christ can say, when cast down by a sense of their own infirmity, or pained by the slander of a lying world. They can say, “Lord, I am a poor sinner, but I am in earnest, I am true. You know all things: You know that I love You. You know all hearts and You know that, weak as my heart is, it is a heart that is drawn to You.”

Questions:

1. Although our churches are not the temple, Ryle tells us they are places we go to worship God and the manner in which we do so is important. Do we realize that going to church requires watching our hearts? Are we seeking to understand and believe what we are singing and hearing, or do we let our minds wander? How do we come to the house of God?

2. Do we weary of teaching and speaking the truth because we do not see it bearing fruit? Does this example of the disciples remembering these words years after they are spoken not encourage us to labor on in faith?

3. This passage reminds us that Christ sees, and cares about, the heart. Ryle exhorts us that this should frighten the one who pretends, but encourage greatly the one who loves the Lord, even if weak. Do we desire the eye of Christ upon us, or does it cause us to run?