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The Truth Of The Matter is- Episode:165 Let The Truth Set You Free Part 2
30 Plays3 months ago
As we continue with the Gospel of Matthew series this week I was reminded of episode 155 a verse will do and I remember how I spoke about the importance of how a single verse can be all you need when faced with life's trouble. Reading the Word of God is designed to give you hope but most importantly strengthen your faith. Now if you don't believe it, guess what? the significance and value of biblical passages will not disappear. Yes I know it’s important to appreciate a whole chapter but there is something about a verse that seems to get overlooked. The focus of this episode was to elaborate even more than part 1 however God had other plans Part 2 won't just cover how the truth shall see you free. The intention behind Part 2 was to dive even deeper with the meaning of Matthew 10:28 which required a whole episode to unpack and if you tune in you will understand why it took a whole episode to explain at length and in greater detail.
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Transcript
Introduction and Gratitude
00:00:00
Speaker
Welcome to the Truth of the Matterist podcast. I'm your host Jonathan and this is episode 165. Let's begin by recognizing and appreciating all of our new and consistent listeners.
00:00:22
Speaker
We thank you in advance for continuing to press play at your own convenience. I pray that this podcast, regardless of the episode you press play on, can and will be a blessing to you.
The Danger of Assumptions
00:00:34
Speaker
Now, God blessed me last week in two very interesting ways. For starters, I think when we witness things that we are not clear of at first glance, we can tend to assume and speculate incorrectly.
00:00:54
Speaker
And then there are times, other times in fact, that we can be spot on in our speculation. But in my experience, if there's anything I have learned about assumptions, is that assumptions are the lowest level of knowledge that we have as individuals. The truth of the matter is, when we build our arguments on assumptions, I believe it can be dangerous on the decision making business front.
00:01:30
Speaker
I just think for full disclosure, we have to be open to being wrong and apologizing if necessary because we're not going to always get it right all the time. And when we are wrong, I think it's important to own it instead of ducking and dodging accountability.
Lessons from Misjudgment
00:01:50
Speaker
So of course, you know a story is going to come along with this piece of advice that I'm giving you. It was Saturday morning. I was headed to the supermarket to get some yogurt. And then there was a gentleman directing me to take the bike lane up ahead on a road.
00:02:09
Speaker
Now as I got closer, I assumed that he was just in the way, potentially, begging. So I decided to pass him and ignore him. As soon as I turned the corner, I saw why he was directing me to take the bike lane. His car was stranded. He could not move it, and there was no way that I was gonna get past him.
00:02:39
Speaker
So he was doing us a favor. He was doing anyone that was a favor that was driving by him. He was directing us so that as we were heading to our destination, we won't be stopped.
00:02:56
Speaker
So I felt silly. I felt stupid in the moment. I learned that day that I was wrong and that my assumptions about him were incorrect. So in that moment, I humbled myself. I swallowed my pride and I had to back the car up.
00:03:19
Speaker
And what I did to sort of try to make up for my arrogance is that I offered him any assistance. that I could I apologize for ignoring him but I don't think he understood me because there was a language barrier but I hope after this story you see what I'm saying I think we all are guilty or for a victim to assuming in the wrong things about people based upon our own perceptions and the limited information we have of course from places like social media or articles that are published
00:03:58
Speaker
by authors with certain narratives.
Social Media's Role in Assumptions
00:04:03
Speaker
you know Nowadays, we have YouTube videos being made about clips that are in and out of context being used to make points that aren't necessarily valid. Now, of course, we can speculate about whether they are true or not, but they are out there. And the popularity of this sort of behavior and ways going about improving your channel or improving exposure exists.
00:04:40
Speaker
We are in this sort of era where we have questions, but we don't ask them right away. We ask them later. And the repercussions can be harmful when it comes to the assassination of a person's character. Now I believe we can all come up in this sort of thing. If we remind one another to be our brothers and sisters keepers.
00:05:12
Speaker
And speak to the importance of taking accountability for the things that we do. In respect to that person's space and processing, we can help bring one another up in a mature way. That was one way God blessed me. He reminded me of something so small but so important.
Blessings Through Perspective
00:05:36
Speaker
And with that, that led me to repent. The second way God has blessed me is through the process of perspective.
00:05:45
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I don't think nor do I believe that everything is a black and white thing. I believe there are some gray areas that we tend to overlook. I believe that when we look at things with perspective, you would be hard pressed not to have eyes that are not empathetic instead of sympathetic. You know, the views are different in the sense that when a person is showing sympathy, They don't come from the place of ever being in that person's shoes and therefore they feel sorry for the person. Normally the sympathetic person does not know what to say and when they go home, right, in their personal space, their environment that's familiar, their neighborhood, what tends to happen is that their neighborhood does not look like the same from which they just
00:06:44
Speaker
were involved in or visited, right? Their living conditions, their circumstances are much better than the person they were helping. As for an empathetic person, that person has more insight. It's more relatable. And the knowledge of that said person has been taken into consideration because they have made themselves much more aware of the histrionics and therefore the lens in which they are seeing things through allowed them to make decisions that are much more engaging and considerate, right?
00:07:23
Speaker
The verbiage isn't cliche. It isn't dismissive. It isn't the last conversation that you will have, but the door will be open for dialogue and revisiting. That's the difference. You know, perspective opens the door for nuance and can also stimulate education.
00:07:50
Speaker
That's the second way the Lord has blessed me, perspective. The reason why I began the podcast for reflection on how God has blessed me each and every week is because he deserves the glory, honor and praise. Another reason is that I love the reminiscing aspect. It shows me how good God is and how real He is on a daily basis. And finally, time and time again, I believe we need to be encouraged to reflect. If you decide to do this, you will notice the presence of God with you daily. And that is only if you pay close attention to the details of your life.
00:08:40
Speaker
then you will start to easily notice that God is blessing you, that God is looking out for you. So I say give it a try and see His grace and mercy over your life. In the little things, amen?
Prayer and Faith Reflection
00:08:56
Speaker
Okay, now with that said, that leads us right into prayer, so let's pray. Oh God in the name of Jesus, thank you for being so patient with us, regardless of where we are in relationship with you. There will always be some growing to do, learning to do, listening to do, trusting to do, and believing to do. Lord, as we read and unpack your word today, give us the confidence to ask the tough questions. Reveal to us the implications of your words. Let us not lean on our own understanding, but be open to correction. And of course, with a full perspective.
00:09:39
Speaker
Lord we say this in Jesus name we pray and all in agreement say Amen and Amen So continuing with the gospel of Matthew series this is part two of let the truth set you free This is part two of let the truth set you free So the passage, or should I say verse, we're going to be looking at today comes out of Matthew chapter 10 28. And yes, I know this is a single verse, but this single verse is very powerful. And I can't wait to explain to you how. So this is what the text reads. This is again, Matthew chapter 10, verse 28, if you will follow along. And for now, I'm looking at this in the English standard version. And it says,
00:10:26
Speaker
And do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
00:10:40
Speaker
I'll read it one more time. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. So the plan for today is to be critical thinkers and I will be tapping into my philosophical bag today as well. So I suggest that you hear me out and once I am done, I hope that this will be something you can take away from. in this conversation that I'm having with you today. So when you read a verse like this from Jesus, the first thing you have to realize is the perspective that he is speaking from. Remember what perspective comes understanding, reasoning, nuance, appreciation, and education that can be stimulating.
00:11:31
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What Jesus said isn't for the weak. What Jesus said isn't for the simple-minded. What Jesus said is in fact life-ch changinging is life life-changing because it's unheard of.
00:11:49
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he acts He's asking you to prioritize and recognize, which we will touch on in a second.
00:11:59
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You know, when it comes to my walk with God, if there's anything that I have picked up on, it is that God is not concerned with the details, even though he knows the details. I repeat that. When it comes to my walk with God, if there's anything that I have picked up over time, it's that God is not concerned with the details, even though in fact he knows the details of your life. Now, how did I come to this conclusion? My response would be to read his word. If you read his word and study it,
00:12:47
Speaker
you will see how there are a lot of things that transpire that God does not a address. There are a lot of things that transpire that God knows of and allows.
00:13:05
Speaker
Yep, he sees it, he knows it, he allows it. What's always been up for debate is why are certain things allowed? and why there's certain things that he address. And I can tell you that as believers, we don't have all the answers to this question. I believe this is the mystique as it relates to God's decision to address things and not to address things. A great example of this
00:13:43
Speaker
is that you should read what transpired before King Solomon took over for David on his throne. Read that story. Read what transpired. Read what occurred where you had individuals planning to take the throne but but' but weren't called to take the throne. Who died? What took place? And how God said that was absolutely nothing in that period of time. He said absolutely nothing.
00:14:20
Speaker
I will tease that thought and conclude with this. God is a big picture God, which means our understanding and responses to his statements may not come right away because of the fullness and implications of its meaning. What I mean, the word of God at times can be direct, bold, and can access the sacrifice.
00:14:53
Speaker
Yes, I know the word of God can be direct, bold, and at times access to sacrifice things. So when Jesus spoke at times, it was hard to understand. It was hard to understand because you have to take in consideration of the maturity of those who heard what he said and really understood what he said. And it wasn't that many. there were There's a reason why Jesus spoke in parables. He spoke in parables because he wanted people to understand what he said. So he used things that were relatable at the times to get his message across.
00:15:34
Speaker
So, when Jesus spoke here, it was right to the point. He wasted no time. He's not parting words. He's being very straightforward. So when you read something like this, Matthew chapter 10 verse 28, your eyes are open, including your heart immediately.
00:16:03
Speaker
You should feel the authority of him who's given us a call to action. I repeat that. When you read something like this, your eyes will be open, including your heart. And immediately you should be feeling the authority of him who has given us a call to action. You know, Jesus has provided us an outlook and a perspective which we ought to consider. In this text, Jesus is making a suggestion.
00:16:39
Speaker
Now there are two things to keep in mind when you read this verse. One, he's calling the disciple in the present as well as the disciple in the future and in the past to take their minds off of the punishment aspect and place their focus on trusting him. Two, God wants you to exercise your faith and in doing so that requires you to place your faith in him by being his disciple. What needs to come along with that for the ride is your loyalty and your commitment to him. So Matthew chapter 10 verse 28 has two sentences and we are going to unpack these two sentences thoroughly.
Faith and Worldly Authorities
00:17:27
Speaker
So far, I've discussed the seriousness and imp implications of this verse, but let's dive in a little bit more deeply into the authority of this verse. I've mentioned this numerous times that the Bible is full of patterns, principles, and precepts. Now, the first sentence begins with do not. Now, if something says do not, I would have to believe that's an order. or a warning that we should not do something. The rest of the sentence goes on to say, do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. So now it aligns the authority aspect. Jesus is saying, don't be concerned with threats from men whose power is only limited to this world.
00:18:28
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Remember as children of the light, our God is king of the whole universe. And as children of God, we know that there is not, this is not our permanent home.
00:18:44
Speaker
Again, our God is king of the whole universe. And as children of God, we know that this is not our permanent home. This is only temporary. So just like Jesus, we need to think and understand what the big picture is. In this world, there are governments, politics, religions, policies, and powers that are biased. And therefore the conclusion that we should understand is that they are corrupt. And as agents, ambassadors, and representatives of God, we are going to face a uphill climb with the world.
00:19:24
Speaker
And when we do that, what must we remember?
Groups and Jesus's Sacrifice
00:19:30
Speaker
We must remember our faith in Jesus Christ. We must remember our faith in Jesus Christ. This is a conviction, not a preference. When we think about authority, we need to think about who God is. The truth of the matter is Jesus who is God died for all people. But I'm not sure people truly understand what that means. So let's go there. You have to understand what that looks like. And by understanding what that looks like, you have to dive into the life of Jesus. What did Jesus do? He died.
00:20:10
Speaker
And he did it for three types of crowds. So philosophically, to help you understand my perspective, I'm gonna break it down to three categories. Jesus died for the absolute crowd, the never crowd, and the maybe crowd. Let me say that again. Jesus died for three crowds. The absolute crowd, the never crowd, and the maybe crowd. The absolute crowd are the people who believe in Jesus Christ. They believe God sent him as a testimony. They believe that Jesus is the Son of God. They believe that Jesus is one of the three in the Holy Trinity. They believe that Jesus is God himself. The never crowd of those who refuse to believe or accept that premise, which means they understand the idea of Jesus being God, but they reject Jesus as God.
00:21:04
Speaker
But they are willing to call him good teacher and even a prophet. But the title, God, a not a chance. In scripture, John calls such people the antichrist. If we go to 1 John chapter 2, verse 22 through 24, it reads, who is a liar, but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, he who denies the father and the son. No one who denies the son has the father, whoever confesses the son has the father also.
00:21:39
Speaker
If we stay in that book and go to chapter 4 verse 3 it says, Dear friends, do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the spirit of God. Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the end of Christ which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. That leads us to the maybe group. The maybe be group are those who have not made up their mind. Instead they are wrestling with what the truth is according to God himself who partnered with man to give us the inspired word of God.
00:22:31
Speaker
The maybe group just can't wrap their minds around the historical event called the resurrection, which is a paradox, right? For those who don't know a paradox, it's a seemingly absurd or self contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained, may prove to be well founded or true.
00:22:55
Speaker
What they may not realize is Jesus' death has given them an opportunity to choose him or reject him. You know, Jesus said, I came that you may have life and have it abundantly. So the truth of the matter is the death of Jesus Christ has given us an opportunity. This gift will remain in hopes that people will come to the truth. Eventually in due time from not mistaken scripture says, I believe in second Peter chapter three, verse nine, that the Lord is not slow in keeping this promise.
00:23:30
Speaker
as some understand slowness and steady is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. So with that being said, let's go back to the first sentence of our texts today. Matthew chapter 10, verse 28. Do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul. The only person who has rights to our soul is Jesus Christ. This is the reason I have broken all this down the way I have. Because once you know that Jesus is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, God all by himself, the creator of all things, the first and the last, the one who still would come, that Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,
00:24:25
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then having reverence for the creator should be easy. The fear should come as well.
God's Authority and Justice
00:24:35
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And since Jesus has conquered death, then he has say over who has everlasting life. I don't think John 14 verse six says,
00:24:48
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The whole idea that he is the way, the truth and the life and no one can come to the father except through him is an afterthought. I think it's a powerful proclamation that should not be overlooked.
00:25:10
Speaker
This should be easy and obvious and yet there are those who don't believe and are deceived and are blinded by darkness and lies that are told to them.
00:25:27
Speaker
What we can't ignore is in this life, based on scripture, we saw disciples of Jesus Christ be handed over to the authorities of this world, and we know what happened. Some were tortured, others were killed, And of course, our example, our perfect example, Jesus Christ himself was subject to the same things. He just happened to experience both. Before we dive even deeper, he did tell us a few things that are worth notable. In John 15, 18 through 20, he says, if the world hates you, remember that they hated me first.
00:26:17
Speaker
The world will love you as one of its own if you belong to it. But you are no longer part of the world. I choose you to come out of the world so it hates you.
00:26:31
Speaker
This should not come as a surprise to you as you live life God's ways because you're going to face challenges and it's okay because Jesus also said in John 16 33, Jesus said in John 16 33 that I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on this earth, you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart because I have overcome the world. So of course, as you live life God's ways, guess what? You're going to be ostracized, hated, envied, or because of your affiliations with Jesus Christ. The second sentence of Matthew chapter 10 verse 28 says, rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
00:27:26
Speaker
rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. When it comes to his second sentence, it has everything to do with pointing out the difference between man and God. You see, man has the ability to punish you. And we see that with Jesus, right? Pilate gave the word and he sent Jesus to be punished on the whipping pole. Ultimately, we know this punishment was for each and every one of us deserving of our own sins. And yet Jesus took our place and bore it all. Now, after they punished him and put a crown with thorns on his head and sent him before Pilate again,
00:28:17
Speaker
We are introduced to an interesting conversation between Jesus and Pilate, one that should leave you mind-blowing. If you haven't read it, I encourage you to read it. Even though Jesus was beaten senseless and really appeared to be at the mercy of Pilate, he sure didn't act like it. Instead, he spoke with authority and boldness over a situation that seemed not to be in his favor.
00:28:48
Speaker
If you read the scriptures, Jesus knew who he was and therefore regardless of his current situation that did not force him to mince words. What he had to say all led down the path of what was required for him to finish the mission. And for those who don't know this section that I'm talking about, let's go to the passage quickly. We go to John chapter 19 verse 10 that says, do you refuse to speak to me? Pilate said, don't you realize I have power either to free you or crucify you?
00:29:27
Speaker
Jesus answered, you will have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore, the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin. So there's reasons why Pilate tried to set Jesus free, right? There's reasons why Pilate was afraid because this situation was pretty much above his pay grade. There's a reason why he washes hands of this matter, or at least he did, or he thought he did. The reason why we should fear God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell, is because just as much as we take the statements of God, such as God is love is true, we should also take the statement that God is just as well.
00:30:20
Speaker
That's a true statement, right? The scripture says that God is not a man that he shall lie. So when we read about the wrath of God, that is to come against all ungodliness and wickedness in this world, we should not take it as a joke. And I'm speaking about Romans chapter one. If you haven't read Romans chapter one. You know in the gospel of John chapter eight verse 36, it says that if the sun sets you free, then you're truly freed indeed. This is a true statement, not to be taken lightly, but serious. You know who else had the opportunity to repent and is an example for us on a smaller scale? The children of Israel. I encourage you to read the book of Jeremiah, right? If you read the book of Jeremiah, you realize Jeremiah, who was a prophet, right? Ask the people to repent over and over again.
Importance of Studying God's Word
00:31:21
Speaker
This is why Jeremiah was known as the crying prophet because it almost seemed as though he repeated himself over and over again to repent, to repent. And guess what happened? The people did not listen. They turned a deaf ear to what he preached. If you don't believe me, check out this passage here. Jeremiah chapter eight, verse six. It says, I listened to their conversations and don't hear a word of truth. Is any anyone sorry for doing wrong? Does anyone say what a terrible thing I've done? No. All are running down the path of sin as swiftly as a horse galloping into a battle. So when we look at Matthew chapter 10 verse 28, the question is that you should ask yourselves is why won't this be accepted as true by the world? Why not?
00:32:21
Speaker
As a reminder, Matthew chapter 10 verse 28 says, for the last time, and do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul, rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Why would people fear those who can kill?
00:32:40
Speaker
the body and not the soul? Why would people ignore the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell? I'll repeat that. Why would people fear those who can kill the body and not the soul? Why would people ignore the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell? The truth of the matter is people have avoided the truth, who is Jesus Christ? People have rejected Jesus Christ. People have avoided the word of God and his accountability. Some have tried to hide themselves from God, not knowing that even David said something in reference to this, right? He said this in Psalms 139, seven through 10. I can never escape from your spirit.
00:33:29
Speaker
I can never get away from your presence. If I go up to heaven, you are there. If I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there, your hand will guide me and your strength will support me. Matthew chapter 10 verse 28, it won't resonate with people who can't believe because
00:33:57
Speaker
with no relationship with God, you have no clue what he is capable of. 2. When you are limited to your own thoughts and and have limited capabilities, then you cannot see the possibilities that faith and God will provide.
00:34:20
Speaker
When your mind is fixed on what you see, you miss out on what God is able to do in the unseen.
00:34:31
Speaker
I hope after that this conversation, there has been something gathered. Yes, I know we just talked about Matthew chapter 10 verse 28, but there's so much to cover. There's so much to dig deep in. And this is an example of how philosophically There is so much to pull from God's Word. It's so enriched with wisdom.
00:34:57
Speaker
Don't take it lightly. Study it intentionally and be blessed. And on that note, we will close with devotional time.
Conclusion and Devotional
00:35:06
Speaker
First John chapter four verse 18 reads, there is no fear in love, but the perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment and whoever fears has not been perfect in love. You know, John proclaims that God is love. And he who abides in love, abides in God. And of course, God abides in him. You know, perfect love is an expression of God's love for us. That perfect love is what Jesus expressed. And it is only completed or perfect when we reflect it back onto others.
00:35:52
Speaker
It has everything to do with caring for one another. It has everything to do with living by example. It has everything to do with recognizing the assistance of somebody. We've gone over these verses over and over again, but it's important to recognize that when we read these things, we must also practice them. So here's a short prayer close out for us this week. Father God, please continue to work with us. For we are all projects and not finished works. If you agree with this, please join me as I say in Jesus' name we pray. Amen and amen. And of course until next time, the Truth and the Matters podcast audience, be careful, be vigilant and watchful as we depart from one another, but never the presence of the Lord. Talk to you next time. God bless.