Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
The Truth Of The Matter is- Episode: 159 Doing Your Due Diligence
35 Plays1 year ago
As we continue with the Gospel of Matthew series we reached a point in scripture where a Legitimate question ought to be asked: the things Jesus had to say is it for all new and upcoming disciples? Or was it just meant for the disciples who stood before him as he told these suggestions to watch out for and Embrace? When reading God’s Word why should we Examine it, study it , and allow it to transform you Thoroughly? Why does giving the Holy Spirit something to work with a long term benefit to you? The passage that was used for discussion was Matthew 10:19-20 ESV.
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction and Gratitude
00:00:02
Speaker
Welcome to the Truth of the Matters podcast. I'm your host, Jonathan, and this is episode 159. Let's begin by recognizing and appreciating all of our new and consistent listeners.
00:00:23
Speaker
We thank you all 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.
Reflecting on Material Blessings
00:00:34
Speaker
So as for last week, what did God show me that I needed to see was a blessing to me. Well, I would have to say what he showed me was something very under the radar, which is why I'm going to share with you today to begin with. He showed me that the clothes on my back is in fact a blessing. And I began to recognize this while I was doing laundry. I saw the amount of clothes that I had. And while I was taking these clothes and putting them in the machine and taking them out and put them in in the dryer and taking them out of the dryer and folding them.
00:01:19
Speaker
I was reminded of what I accumulated over time. Purchases that I made, gifts that I received, and just to have a variety of different clothes, socks, underwear. I knew immediately that was a blessing.
00:01:43
Speaker
What led me to truly appreciate this also was during a conversation that I engaged with, with a gentleman who came to this country with little to nothing, just barely having anything, but of course making it work. And I will say it's because of this encounter, I was instantly reminded that there are many people who don't have as much as I do. And therefore, I need to be thankful that I have money and that I'm able to manage it and that I'm able to put it to the towards things that i I like and I want and thereby giving myself a variety of different options. I also know that I should not take for granted that I have the ability to choose from 25 pairs of underwear instead of five.
00:02:42
Speaker
which is a huge difference because it comes down to comfort or having the ability to choose from 50 pairs of socks versus three. And I know this is a simple observation, but this led me to believe that I should be thankful and appreciative even for the little things. It's the little things we can overlook and not notice. And sometimes it's pivotal to be attentive.
Experiences of Culture and Community
00:03:11
Speaker
The second way I was blessed was the time...
00:03:15
Speaker
I had spent last week was a good one. I hung out with my best friend. We had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant in the city. We saw a Broadway show, The Wiz, where people demonstrated their gifts, talents, and abilities. That was on full display. And you know, there's nothing like seeing people express themselves in their performances. You could tell immediately that many love what they do.
00:03:45
Speaker
They love what they do because they dreamed of it, right? And with an opportunity, a potential of living out your dream and finally reaching it and seizing a moment. that individual begins to embody the character that they were playing while also entertaining the audience. And I find that it's much more meaningful to the person who's acting, who's singing, who's dancing, than it is for the individual who brought the ticket who wants to see a good show.
00:04:24
Speaker
Therefore, I must say to be there in that moment, in that space, it was a wonderful experience, a mind-blowing experience indeed.
00:04:35
Speaker
The day wasn't over. After the show, we went to the movies where we saw the Bad Boys movie, which was much more better than I anticipated. I would say it was a great Saturday. Sunday I visited the church called the Brooklyn Way. I would say it was interesting service all around in a good way. They did things a little bit different than when I'm used to, but that's okay. The most important takeaway is that they were polite and genuine. And that's a beautiful thing to experience, especially in a church that you're visiting. People welcomed me and greeted me.
00:05:19
Speaker
When I come back again, why not? I don't have a reason not to. So if you're in a tri-state area and you're looking for a church to attend, I would say give the Brooklyn wage hands. Amen, amen. Okay, so the reason why I begin with reflection like this is because time and time again, we need to be encouraged to reflect. If you do, you will notice the presence of God in it. You will notice the presence of God daily. Only if you pay close attention to the details of your life, you will start to easily notice God's blessings. You will start to see how God is looking out for you. So my suggestion is give it a try and see His grace, His mercy over your life. Of course, in the little things.
Spiritual Reflection and Prayer
00:06:14
Speaker
So before we go any further, like we do all the time, first and foremost, let's open up a prayer. Heavenly Father in Jesus name, I love you and I thank you. I love you because of who you are, much more than what you have done. I know how easy it is to get caught up and know any transfer to love. I assure you that I love you because you loved me and thought of me and died for me. Lord, you are deserving of the highest titles, Alpha and Omega beginning in the end, the creator of all things, the first and the last and the one who's still to come. Yahweh, the only one true God, the God above the heavens and there's many more that you deserve.
00:07:11
Speaker
I thank you because there are so many things that you have done and continue to do for me, for many believers, for non-believers, for a society at large who tends to ease past and not acknowledge you the way you deserve it. Lord, you deserve all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise. Father, there is no one like you in the heavens, on the earth, nor beneath it. Father God as we go to your word today I pray that we consider what you have said, that we think about it deeply and we pray about it. I hope that each and every one of us who are listening will be blessed and educated.
00:07:59
Speaker
Anything I say today, Lord, as an ambassador representative of you, that those who are listening, examine it and study it and verify it, of course, with your Holy Spirit, who is the truth. If you agree, If you don't mind, please join me as I say in Jesus name we pray. Amen. and Amen.
Jesus’ Teachings and Modern Relevance
00:08:21
Speaker
So as we continue with the gospel of Matthew series, let's pick back up with Matthew chapter 10. And today we're going to look at verses 19 through 20.
00:08:32
Speaker
Okay, we're going to look at this in English standard version. And as I've done it for the last two previous weeks, we're going to dive in deep and I'm going to unpack things and I'm going to reveal to you some scriptures that are very much comparable and can open up our eyes a little bit. Of course, when I provided and put down what I wanted to share, I believe it was a blessing to me. And I'm hoping that it will be a blessing to you. Beginning at verse 19, when they delivered you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the spirit of your father speaking through you.
00:09:30
Speaker
Now this is the message that Jesus is sharing with his disciples. And I want to begin by saying this. From an identity perspective, I believe that this message transcends time. It transcends time zones. Meaning, this isn't just for the disciples during that time. I believe it's for any disciple that is contending for the faith regardless of the date and time. The truth of the matter is this message is for us as well in 2024. I don't believe that this message was just for the believers that follow him at that point in time. I believe that every believer who picks up a Bible and comes across this passage will find it applicable for them immediately.
00:10:29
Speaker
You know, it's texts like this that blow my mind for several reasons. But to stay on par here, I want to say, you know, because, as I said last week, there's much more to his words than we think. There's much more to his words than we think. His words aren't just powerful and meaningful. They are transcending for a reason.
00:10:53
Speaker
Therefore, when we study His words, whether we're reading John, whether we're reading Mark, whether we're reading Luke, whether we're reading Matthew, when we study His words, we can see that Jesus was no ordinary man, which is why we claim Him to be God Himself, which is why the Scriptures claim Him to be God Himself. In fact, just to verify how He was no ordinary man, Let's look at a reaction. Let's look at what is said in the gospel of John chapter seven around verse 42 to 46. So I'm doing this, doing this actually, except for amiously. So forgive me. Cause I didn't write this down, but Jesus divided the people as they tried to figure out, was he a prophet or the Christ? And of course the Christ means to anointed one as a result of this encounter.
00:11:49
Speaker
Some wanted him arrested, right? Now we know up until this point that that wasn't gonna happen based upon the story. We know that it wasn't his time yet, so no one would lay the finger on him. So when the guards came back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, they asked the guards plainly, why didn't you arrest that man? And they admitted that never at any time has a man talked the way this man talks, which means they were impressed. They were shocked. They were mesmerized by what he had said. And therefore they couldn't find the means to arrest him.
00:12:32
Speaker
That's evidence, Biblically, that he was no ordinary man. Besides the miracles, right? We're looking strategically at people who heard him speak and were impressed by him. So this message that Jesus is sharing isn't just to the disciples that are in front of him during this time of him speaking. Oh no. is to every disciple of Christ then in the present and for the future. See, I believe God intentionally knew that he will partner with man and we will have the Bible and the very words would be able to be studied, talked about and we will have discussions like this in the present and in the future.
00:13:28
Speaker
And we are having it, at least the Truth of the Matters podcast is. You know, Jesus said in John 1633 that in this world or on this earth, meaning the current life that we are all living right now, there's an expectation that we are going to face troubles, trials, sorrows, tribulations. But he says we should take heart, be courageous, be filled with joy. Why? Because Jesus has overcame the world. And of course, for the believer, he is our example. So when we read verse 19, and it says, when they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say.
00:14:18
Speaker
for what you are to say will be given to you in an hour. Jesus is telling us not to worry. He is telling us not to be afraid. This is why I mentioned John 1633. As long as we are in this world, on this earth, and we are Christ ambassadors and representatives of Him, we are going to face trouble, trials, and tribulations. We were warned.
00:14:50
Speaker
Jesus told us this ahead of time so that in him we may find peace. We may have peace. And I want to make this very clear as well. If you hear this nonsensical question that atheists like to ask, unbelievers like to ask, why do bad things happen to good people? Show them John 1633. In fact, show them this additional verse as well. 1 Corinthians 10, 13, which says, no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. But with the temptation, he will also provide a way of escape that you may be able to endure.
00:15:44
Speaker
And John 16, 33. they ask that If they say that question to you, show them that. See, we are men and women who believe in God's word to be true. And when we are facing things, we don't throw popular questions out there as justification that God doesn't know who he is and what he's doing. We don't do it those sort of things. No, we go to the word of God for answers, which answers are provided. The question only and always will be, the will we read it?
00:16:17
Speaker
where we pursue truth as it is laid before us. Not ponder upon what ifs, encourage scenarios where we feel that our Lord and Savior has fallen shorted. We're not going to engage in those sort of nonsensical conversations because it does nothing for neither one of us. It does nothing for the believer. and It does nothing for the individual who wants to complain. God left this word for us so that we can look for answers and find justifications in truth, not in speculation.
00:16:51
Speaker
But what I want to do is look at a key word in John 1633, English Standard Version, is also an NIV. I want us to pay attention to the word, may, because there's still a chance that people won't trust in Jesus. There's still a chance that people won't place their faith in Jesus. And when we have decided not to trust in Jesus, nor place our faith in him, guess what? There would be no hope at all, which is why he is the only hope there is, which is why he is the only way to truth and to life and no one else.
00:17:35
Speaker
As I look at the other half of verse 19, it's important to address this, right? So I stopped at the comma for a reason. So let's revisit where I stopped. And then I'm going to read the other half. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, comma. The other half of the verse 19 after the comma says, for you are to say what will be given to you in that hour.
00:18:10
Speaker
I'll read it again. For you are to say will be given to you in that hour. Meaning I believe God will provide you with the right things to say at their appointed times. I believe that God will provide you with the right things to say at their appointed times. You might be asking, what gives you the confidence to come to that conclusion?
00:18:42
Speaker
I believe it begins with reading his word.
00:18:48
Speaker
Allowing his word to consume you, change the way you think. Allowing his word to shape the way you see the world. Basically, you are allowing his word to transform your mind. Once that happens,
00:19:08
Speaker
The Holy Spirit will have something to work with as he begins to use you in spaces that he needs you in.
00:19:24
Speaker
The reason why I'm talking about this, the way that I'm talking about it in the details of them talking about it is when I started reading God's word, I remember what it did. I remember the questions that I had as a kid. I remember the thoughts that I had. I remember the ignorance that I was in. And immediately when I started reading the scripture, I found in regardless of the book, insight, direction, on how to answer people, how to deal with people that were not believers, but were of this world, how to handle myself, how to carry myself, and there's numerous examples in the scripture.
Role of the Holy Spirit in Believers
00:20:09
Speaker
James, be quick to listen, slowly speak, slowly become angry, because human anger is not the righteousness that God our Father desires.
00:20:19
Speaker
If you're worried, I believe as in Romans 8 25, we wait patiently for it. There's so many different examples, but there's something that Jesus says in the gospel of John that I want us to look at. Let's go to the gospel of John chapter 16. We're going to look at verses 12 to 14 ESV. And it says, I still have many things to say to you. But you cannot bear them now. When the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority. But whatever he hears, he will speak, and he will declare it to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
00:21:14
Speaker
The reason why I want us to look at this passage of scripture is because the spirit of truth is a person. It's not a force. It's not a universe. Again, it's not a force and it's not the universe. And when you have placed your faith in Jesus and believe in the Father's testimony about his son, who is Jesus, you will be given the advocate, which is the Holy Spirit. We know from 1 John chapter 2 verse 23 it says, no one who denies the son has the father. Whoever acknowledges the son has the father also. We know we go to the gospel of John chapter 14.
00:22:04
Speaker
And we look at verses 15 to 31. So we're going to just move back to chapters. John 14 verses 15 to 31 ESV. This is what it says. Listen closely.
00:22:20
Speaker
If you love me, you will keep my commands and I will ask the father and he would give you another helper to be with you forever. Even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him for he dwells with you and will be with you. I would not leave you as an orphan. I will come to you yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day, you will know that I am and the father and the father is in me and I in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them, he
00:23:12
Speaker
It is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my father and I will love him and manifest myself to him. Judas, not as scary, said to him, Lord, how is it that you would manifest yourself to us and not to the world? Jesus answered him. If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my father will love him. And we will come to him or her to be transparent and make our home with him or her. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And a word that you hear is not mine, but the father's who sent me.
00:23:59
Speaker
These things I have spoken to you while I'm still with you But the Helper the Holy Spirit who the Father will send and my name He will teach you all things and bring you to your remembrance All that I have said to you Peace I lead you my peace I give to you now as the world gives it I Give it Let let your hearts be troubled. Need to let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, I am going away and I will come to you. If you love me, you will have rejoice because I am going to the Father. For the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe.
00:24:55
Speaker
I would no longer talk much with you. For the ruler of this world is coming, he has no claim on me. But I do as the father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the father. Rise, let us go from here. So my belief is, If you become film familiar with His word, verse 26 will become abundantly much more clearer. Just as a reminder, verse 26 said, the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and will bring to you remembrance all
00:25:46
Speaker
that I have said to you. Again verse 26 says, The Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to you remembrance all that I have said to you. Which is why The Holy Spirit who is God will give you the right words at the right appointed time. If you go to 1 John 2, 27, it says, but the anointing that you received from him abides in you and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and it's true,
00:26:29
Speaker
and is no lie just as it is taught you abide in him so we go to verse 20 in Matthew 10 it says for it is not you who speaks but the spirit of your father speaking through you as believers in 2024 We have it good. Everything that happened during that period of time, we get to study it, we get to examine it, we get to learn from it. At that time, they had the Torah. But when it came down to the start of the new church, the Holy Spirit, alongside with the apostles, began to establish
00:27:18
Speaker
communities and churches off of the new covenant that Jesus created by grace through faith alone, not by works. I believe the Holy Spirit had to be extremely active during this time because everything was a refresh. Everything was new. They didn't have things to write with. most of the New Testament was written by Paul.
00:27:55
Speaker
I believe the Holy Spirit had to be extremely active because it was the beginning of something new while also fulfilling what was already there. Jesus did that actually. He fulfilled everything before you went for the most part. Some things he's going to fulfill later and that has a lot to do with revelations. But if we're getting down to the nitty gritty, what we have now is the written word along with the Holy Spirit at work. And that written word, every letter in that written word is the inspired word of God.
00:28:43
Speaker
We know all all Holy, we know all scripture. We know that all scripture is Holy Spirit breathed. Think about how bold the Holy Spirit was inside of individuals. Stories like Steven in the book of Acts, Peter in the book of Acts. Just to get to a glimpse, Let's look at Peter's dialogue. What happened when he was filled with the Holy Spirit? Let's go to the book of Acts chapter four, and we're gonna look at verses eight to 13. Again, the book of Acts chapter four, verses eight to 13. Then Peter filled with the Holy Spirit said to them, rulers of the people and elders. If we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed?
00:29:38
Speaker
Let it be known to all of you, to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone, and there is salvation and no one else. For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
00:30:21
Speaker
Now, when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated but common men, they were astonished and they recognized that they have been with Jesus. So this passage is an example of verse 20 in Matthew 10. Remember what it says.
00:30:47
Speaker
For it is not you who speak, but the spirit of your father speaking through you. Without a doubt, if you read the four gospels, the disciples that follow him at times did not know exactly what he was talking about. At times they were clueless. At times they asked him questions like, what do you mean? Because they didn't understand. In fact, everything that he said was going to happen to them on the way to Damascus when he encountered them.
00:31:33
Speaker
Who he was was hidden from them because it had to be revealed. There's a reason why he told them to wait for the Holy Spirit. is because what the Holy Spirit does as the helper is the evidence of God moving and operating in an individual's life.
Engagement with Scripture and Closing Devotional
00:31:52
Speaker
And at times it becomes much more abundantly clear that that person is under the Holy Spirit and a power of the Holy Spirit. As I conclude with the unpacking of Matthew chapter 10 verse 19 through 20 today,
00:32:07
Speaker
My suggestion is to continue to read God's Word. And by doing that, do your due diligence in examining it, studying it, and allowing it to transform you thoroughly. I also say give the Holy Spirit something to work with. By doing that, you are fulfilling your due diligence as a believer, desiring to be just like Christ, one step at a time, one day at a time, one lesson at a time. And with that being said, we'll finish with devotional time. Colossians four, five through six says, conduct yourselves with wisdom and your interactions with outsiders, non-believers. Make the most of each opportunity, training treating it as something precious.
00:32:59
Speaker
Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one who questions you. Here's a short prayer for us to close out with. O God in the name of Jesus, I pray that we take being an evangelist seriously. Acts that we desire to share our faith at the right appointed times to the right people who are in fact seeking truth and desired guidance. Let us all be prepared when the opportunity presents itself because they will come. And when they do, I pray that all of us are well prepared.
00:33:46
Speaker
In Jesus' name we pray, amen. And of course, until next time, the truth of the matter is podcast audience, be be vigilant and watchful as we depart from one another, but never the presence of the Lord.