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 196 Rejecting Christ Leads to?
13 Plays2 days ago
“The truth of the matter is” podcast is all about providing an honest, contextual, historicized, Philosophical and Psychological view of the Bible through the use of Hermeneutics. The mission of this podcast is to get you to think and apply God’s word to everyday life. After being out for A while Johnathan decides to share a deep discovery he had with God. Please consider the roadmap he provides and then reflect and decide if you agree with his segment. Thank You so much for tuning in and He would like to hear your feedback so reach out to him by email at Speeded83@gmail.com and he will most certainly get back to you. God Bless and enjoy.
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction & Gratitude
00:00:28
Speaker
This is the truth of the matter is podcast. I'm your host Jonathan and this is episode 196. Let's begin by recognizing and appreciating of our new and consistent listeners.
00:00:44
Speaker
um
00:00:51
Speaker
We thank you all in advance for continuing to press play at your own convenience. And I pray that this podcast, regardless of the episode that you find yourself pressing play on, can and will be a blessing to you.
00:01:05
Speaker
So as
Leadership & Support Roles
00:01:06
Speaker
always here on the Truth For The Matters podcast, we will begin with a question. How has the Lord been a blessing to you?
00:01:26
Speaker
of events has been a blessing to me. Now, obviously, I've been missing in action, but I believe it is with good reason.
00:01:38
Speaker
You know, sometimes I believe in life.
00:01:44
Speaker
you have to take the lead on things and other times you have to be in a supportive role.
00:01:52
Speaker
I think there's a need to have an experience in both areas. I believe there are lessons to
Bible Study Approach
00:02:00
Speaker
learn in both experiences.
00:02:05
Speaker
I also believe there is wisdom sitting in both chairs.
00:02:11
Speaker
The blessings that I've experienced have come where I've been assisting others, supporting others in their dreams, aspirations.
00:02:25
Speaker
And it's really been an honor playing a part in their personal growth.
00:02:32
Speaker
I suppose could call this an advisement role to others.
00:02:42
Speaker
And so some of the ways that I've advised others is rather than leading Bible study, where I would introduce a topic to teach and have printouts, I've allowed members to lead and share their personal thoughts on passages and verses.
00:03:05
Speaker
I believe what makes a successful Bible study is the inclusion of everyone who has decided to attend. You know, make their voice be heard.
00:03:17
Speaker
Be comfortable enough to share how they feel about a passage, a verse.
00:03:27
Speaker
There's this wonderful
Fellowship & Group Discussions
00:03:28
Speaker
passage in Matthew. Chapter 18 verse 20 that says For where two or three Are gathered in my name There am I with them This verse in my humble opinion Has played a large part in revealing To me time and time again The beauty of fellowship When believers come together to discuss scripture I honestly believe That God could use them Any one of them
00:04:00
Speaker
that are attending to bring about deeper insight and of course, better understanding.
00:04:11
Speaker
I've
Radio Programs & Book Acknowledgment
00:04:12
Speaker
also been a producer for two programs on Super 95 radio. The first program is called the Hour of Resilience with Pastor Kenneth Drayton on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
00:04:24
Speaker
and Biblical Transformations on Wednesday nights from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
00:04:33
Speaker
I would say it's been a great experience, exposure and of course, opportunity.
00:04:40
Speaker
I've also filled in for Pastor Kenneth Drayton quite a few times.
00:04:47
Speaker
And i want to say shout out to him because I believe there is a book on the way as well. So congrats to him.
Personal Challenges & Faith
00:04:57
Speaker
Before I continue on recording this episode.
00:05:07
Speaker
with the unfortunate secret of events that has transpired with myself.
00:05:16
Speaker
I've actually had this message prepared well in advance.
00:05:23
Speaker
and things have occurred that prolonged me from sharing this message. Recently there was a flood in the New York area, specifically in Bushwick, and the car got flooded.
00:05:39
Speaker
The engine is damaged, the transmission is damaged, the computer in the car is damaged, and I'm in the process of figuring out what's gonna be next.
00:05:54
Speaker
Obviously, that means trying to fix it.
00:06:00
Speaker
And so my request is that you pray for me.
00:06:05
Speaker
However, which way you see fit.
00:06:09
Speaker
We'll really appreciate that. Of course, that doesn't stop me from sharing what I believe God has placed on my heart. I'm
Daily Reflection & Observing God's Grace
00:06:17
Speaker
still going to do that. I do apologize for the lengthy time it's taken for me to record and new episode.
00:06:27
Speaker
But I do thank you all who have decided to press play today. Truly appreciate it. And with that, I hope what I have to share with you today is a blessing.
00:06:38
Speaker
I hope that you receive it within your spirit and that you share it with others if you feel lethal. Now that I've caught you up on what I've been up to, let me bless you with something that I've been sitting on and studying.
00:06:56
Speaker
I'm always amazed at what God can reveal. no matter how much you read of the word, there's always more to unpack, to discover that could be eye-opening.
00:07:15
Speaker
And so i can't get i can't wait for you to get a load of what this discovery that I came upon. I would say this creeped up on me.
00:07:28
Speaker
But before we do that, remember that the reason why I always begin this podcast with reflection is because I believe that God is continuously blessing us each and every week.
00:07:42
Speaker
And they, in fact, I
Prayer & Thanksgiving
00:07:45
Speaker
honestly believe that God can bless the believer and the nonbeliever. I believe that God deserves the glory, the honor and the praise.
00:07:56
Speaker
And if you sit back and observe, you will see that God.
00:08:03
Speaker
Has been. Up to a lot on your behalf.
00:08:09
Speaker
What we don't do enough of is reflection. So I say reflect daily and then you would notice the presence of God with you daily. Of course, it requires you to pay close attention to the details of your life.
00:08:25
Speaker
And so if you begin reflecting.
00:08:29
Speaker
You will start to easily notice that God is blessing you and that God is, of course, looking out for you. So I say, give it a try and see his grace and mercy over your life.
00:08:43
Speaker
And the little thing. Amen. Now, of course, that leads us right into prayer. So let's pray.
00:08:51
Speaker
Oh God, in the name of Jesus.
00:08:55
Speaker
How good have you been to us? I would say well beyond what we could ever think or imagine. The love you have for your own creation, i honestly don't think we could ever put it into words.
00:09:09
Speaker
I think one of the most humbling things
00:09:14
Speaker
is that we have acknowledged that you are good and that your goodness is the time. And to show how true that is, we have also flipped the phrase around and said, with conviction and all the time you are good.
00:09:28
Speaker
Because that's in your very nature. Your essence is who you are, which means you don't have to try. You just are. I would say the same thing about your existence.
00:09:41
Speaker
You don't try to exist, you just exist. You are everywhere all knowing and all powerful.
00:09:50
Speaker
Therefore Lord help us to remember that, help us to remain grounded in a world that is governed by you. As we take a look at a passage today, please bring us to the right frame of mind to accept what is true.
00:10:10
Speaker
for your word is sharper than any double-edged sword. It is a discerning of thoughts and intentions of the heart.
00:10:23
Speaker
Open up our eyes to see, our ears to hear, our hearts to receive, and our minds to understand. We thank you for the truth, because without it,
00:10:36
Speaker
Without you, I think we can all agree that we don't know where we will be without you. And so all in agreement say, in Jesus' name we pray.
Study of Matthew 11:16-19
00:10:48
Speaker
Amen and amen.
00:10:54
Speaker
So, continuing with the Gospel of Matthew series. We're going to camp out at a passage of Matthew. chapter 11 verses 16 through 19.
00:11:07
Speaker
And we're going to read this out of the New Living Translation, to NLT.
00:11:13
Speaker
Again, passage Matthew chapter 11 verses 16 through 19 in the NLT.
Parables & Their Purpose
00:11:21
Speaker
To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in a public square. They complain to their friends. We played wedding songs and you didn't dance.
00:11:35
Speaker
So we played funeral songs and you didn't mourn. For John didn't spend his time eating and drinking and you say he's possessed by a demon. The son of man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks and you say he is a glutton and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors.
00:11:54
Speaker
And other sinners. But wisdom is shown to be right. By its results.
00:12:05
Speaker
Let's look at the question posed. In verse 16. Before we read the rest of the verse. It says. To what can I compare this generation? To what can I compare.
00:12:17
Speaker
This generation. You know the statement here by Jesus. Is in fact an interesting one. If you have ever studied Jesus as an orator, what you will find is that he spoke in parables.
00:12:34
Speaker
For those who don't know what parables are, parables are short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson. What you'll find in these stories is that he often uses human characters that are relatable and draws from everyday scenarios to illustrate deep and I believe true and profound truths.
00:12:58
Speaker
Now I will say his goal was to be understood while being precise and becoming memorable in the eyes and minds of those who listened and observed him. Jesus in my opinion understood the importance of lasting impressions.
Understanding Jesus' Teachings
00:13:19
Speaker
Think about this. Remember that Luke
00:13:24
Speaker
The writer of the Gospel of Luke was a doctor. And so when he wrote the I testimony account, he made sure to say. That he did his research.
00:13:38
Speaker
Right. As a reminder, let's revisit Luke chapter one, verses one through five, just to hit the point home.
00:13:48
Speaker
Let's look at verse one. Many have undertaken to draw up an account of things that have been fulfilled among us. Right.
00:13:59
Speaker
With this in mind, I would imagine that Jesus knew the importance of presentation and, of course, lasting impressions. Right. With so many having a desire to draw up an account, he knew I boys will be on his every move. And so he had to be perfect.
00:14:18
Speaker
And being God himself, he was. So again, what do we, what's the takeaway from verse one? Many have undertaken to draw up an account. And so there are various different accounts out there that existed in this historical time.
00:14:35
Speaker
Right. Let's look go to verse two. Just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. So let's take a look at this verse, right? This verse tells me that those who were eyewitnesses, witnesses of Jesus in many settings and were actually servants of the word, had plenty to say about what they saw, right? All of these witnesses were mentioned.
00:15:09
Speaker
They were mentioned in the Gospels, right? No. Not at all. All of these witnesses actually weren't mentioned in the Gospels. But I would say they did us a solid and pass the information down.
00:15:26
Speaker
Right. So understand what I did there. There were. Many witnesses. However.
00:15:40
Speaker
I believe all this information that was passed down couldn't it all be received. In fact, if you think about it, John said it himself.
00:15:51
Speaker
Right. And the gospel of John chapter 21, verse 25, that there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that will be written.
00:16:07
Speaker
This is what John said. In chapter 21 verse 25. Right. That everything that Jesus done. Was it written. I suppose the world itself. Could not contain the
Wickedness of the Generation
00:16:19
Speaker
books.
00:16:21
Speaker
That would be written. Which means. What Jesus did. Was so numerous.
00:16:29
Speaker
Right. So numerous that they could not possibly. Or write it down.
00:16:36
Speaker
The written accounts had to be selective, right? Focusing on what is essential for the belief that the entirety of Christ's work cannot be contained. Therefore, when we get to verses three and four, it makes sense that Luke would say this, right? Let's go to verses three and four.
00:16:59
Speaker
With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, you most excellent Theopolis, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
00:17:16
Speaker
So Jesus knew, right, that his message will be honored by some and also critiqued by others, right? We can draw that conclusion. Therefore, Jesus needed it to be clear.
00:17:29
Speaker
And so verse 16 is highlighted in his thought process so that We could pick up on his intentions, right?
00:17:45
Speaker
And so understand, what did he say in verse 16? To what can I compare this generation? He has to be clear, precise, right? So that we could pick up what his intentions would be.
00:17:59
Speaker
So, so what does Jesus do? Why did he set the conversation up this way? I believe he's searching for a comparison that would make sense of his current generation.
00:18:13
Speaker
hope everyone's following me so far.
00:18:17
Speaker
I honestly believe this was his agenda. This is a this is, of course, an educated guess. I could be wrong, but I believe this was his agenda. Now, go back to a time where you wanted to find a comparison to make a point.
00:18:32
Speaker
I believe we do this all the time, right? We tend to look at people who remind us of other people,
Dangers of Comparison
00:18:38
Speaker
someone else. A common example in sports is the game of basketball, right?
00:18:46
Speaker
Think of about Michael Jordan and his game and Kobe Bryant. They are always compared. Their styles of play get compared all the time. Another example is the playmaking of LeBron James to Magic Johnson.
00:19:02
Speaker
For whatever reason, society cannot help itself without comparisons. And so they also do this with singers, rappers, you name it. A famous quote that is often brought up is the comparison is the thief of joy.
00:19:19
Speaker
And when you think about that verse, well, when you think about the quote, it's not a verse. I believe the meaning behind that quote is powerful.
00:19:34
Speaker
It is true that constant measuring yourself against others can undermine your own happiness. I think where people may be going wrong is they don't appreciate its meaning.
00:19:49
Speaker
Towards the actual person, the individual, right? I think it's a personal message towards the individual who's actually going through it.
Rejection of Jesus' Teachings
00:19:59
Speaker
Right.
00:19:59
Speaker
Being constantly compared, not being uniquely viewed as their independent self. and So the truth of the matter is, it's not for the people in the world who are going.
00:20:16
Speaker
to compare you regardless, right? The quote is not for the people in the world because they're going to compare you regardless, right? They're not going to respect boundaries nor care about the individuals themselves, especially their mental well-being, right? Sometimes comparisons aren't on a while. i Other times it strips you away from being acknowledged as your own individual.
00:20:42
Speaker
It can be viewed as a love-hate relationship. ah So I think the verse is more for the individual to think about and consider and less for the society to consider, because in a lot of cases, it's their job to be spontaneous. It's their job to spark conversation and dialogue, to spark arguments and disagreements and debate.
00:21:04
Speaker
Right now, before we go on to verse 17, there is a question we should be asking ourselves. What was the issue with Jesus generation?
00:21:17
Speaker
What was the issue?
00:21:20
Speaker
If he plans to make a comparison, we should be critically thinking about what the problem was of his generation.
Purity of God's Nature
00:21:30
Speaker
And so if you've read, of course, Matthew,
00:21:38
Speaker
then you'll find out in Matthew 11 that Jesus said they were wicked.
00:21:44
Speaker
Jesus said that his generation was wicked. And now we have to ask ourselves, what does it mean to be wicked?
00:21:56
Speaker
I hope you see what I'm doing here. I'm actively reading while also asking myself questions to figure out where Jesus ultimately taking us. Where is he taking us?
00:22:08
Speaker
So let's define wickedness.
00:22:13
Speaker
Wickedness is fundamentally a rejection of God's holy character and his established covenant order. I repeat that again. Wickedness is fundamentally a rejection of God's holy character and his established covenant order.
00:22:31
Speaker
So what does that mean in simple terms? I'm glad you asked. God is holy. Holy means to be spiritually pure, to be without sin, to be separate, but most importantly, to be set apart.
00:22:45
Speaker
The only one who embodies that is God.
00:22:51
Speaker
Now, here's a verse that I would use to support this statement. If we go to 1 John 1, verse 5, 1 John 1, verse 5, it tells us that this is the message we have heard from him and declared to you.
00:23:07
Speaker
God is light. In him, there is no darkness at all.
00:23:13
Speaker
God is light and in him there is no darkness at all, which means God is entirely pure, good and truthful with absolutely no evil or deceit in him.
00:23:27
Speaker
The reason why John says God is light is to metaphorically signify, I believe, his moral perfection. To highlight the state of all knowing, which means nothing ever occurs to God.
00:23:45
Speaker
Right. So he doesn't have to arrive at anything. Right. He doesn't go through a process like you or And so the declaration of truth to where all truth claims will be subject and measured to him.
Human Sinfulness & Need for Grace
00:24:01
Speaker
Right. If he doesn't have to go through a process, if he doesn't have to arrive at things, then he just already knows. And that's part of his character, his nature, his essence.
00:24:13
Speaker
Now watch this, right? Let me take you for a ride to address the issues of wickedness. You know, Jesus said in John 14, six, that I am the way, the truth and the life.
00:24:28
Speaker
And so we can conclude that Jesus is the truth, right? Now, the truth, as I have stated continuously and several times in this podcast, isn't a concept, it's actually a person.
00:24:44
Speaker
In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18, verses 17 through 18, 18, 17 18, it says, A certain ruler asked him, Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus says in verse 19, Why do you call me good?
00:25:03
Speaker
Jesus answered, No one is good except God alone. No one is good except God alone.
Acknowledging Sin for Change
00:25:12
Speaker
If we go to Paul, he says in Romans 3, 23, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, which means every person, regardless of their background or actions, have sinned.
00:25:26
Speaker
And as a result, we believe God is saying that everyone is in need of his grace and, of course, is in need of a savior.
00:25:38
Speaker
So we go back to first John, right? We already read verse five and learned about the essence of God. Let's actually continue and read through verses six through ten, because that's going to tell us a lot of what we need to understand what's being said about wickedness.
00:26:01
Speaker
Right. So verse six says, if we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in a darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. Verse 7 says, but if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his son purifies us from all sin.
00:26:22
Speaker
We go to verse 8. It says, if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. We go to verse 9. It says, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us of our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
00:26:39
Speaker
And finally, verse 10 says, if we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. What is clear is when Adam, ah Adam disobeyed God, sin entered into the world.
Spirit of the Antichrist
00:26:55
Speaker
What is clear is when Adam disobeyed God, sin entered into the world.
00:27:03
Speaker
In 1 John 1, verse 8, it says, if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. So the first issue here is denial.
00:27:17
Speaker
The first issue here is denial. And so the likelihood is you're lying to yourself.
00:27:27
Speaker
You're lying to yourself.
00:27:30
Speaker
The second issue here is rejection. You're rejecting your current state. And so the truth, of course, wouldn't be in you if that's the case.
00:27:43
Speaker
Remember, in verse six, it says, if we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth, which means when you decide to walk with God and have fellowship with him, the requirement is to change.
00:27:59
Speaker
And you would only want to change if you acknowledge that there is something to change. Right. There is something wrong and you desire to help. Right. to get better to improve to not be what you once was but to be better well we go to verse 10 of first john chapter one it says if we claim we have not sinned we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us and so when you're willing to say that god is not entirely pure nor is he good in fact he's not truthful
00:28:42
Speaker
And to believe there is evil and deceit in him. Then. You will be considered an individual that is wicked. And so why am I concluding with that?
00:28:57
Speaker
I'm concluding with that. Because what we've read about who God is. In 1 John chapter verse tells us a completely different story from what it is that you believe John declares that God is light and in him is no darkness at all right God is entirely pure good truthful absolutely no evil deceit in him right but you don't think so right
00:29:33
Speaker
what is it that Jesus said to the rich young ruler Jesus said no one is good except God and God alone what did Paul say Romans 3 23 it says for all have sinned and fallen short of what glory the glory of God all right
00:29:57
Speaker
and so you have to understand
00:30:01
Speaker
That if we claim to have fellowship with him, but we walk in the darkness, then we're lying, and then we aren't living truthful. You have to understand that walking in the light as he is in the light means that you have fellowship with one another and that the blood of Jesus purifies you from all sin.
00:30:22
Speaker
You have to understand that if you claim that she didn't that you weren't born into sin, right, as Adam caused the issue of sin, then you deceiving yourselves from what the truth is.
Covenant of Redemption
00:30:39
Speaker
And then, of course, the truth will not be in you. If you're in denial that God is a God that's good and will kind well forgive us of our sins if we confess our sins to us,
00:30:54
Speaker
then you're missing the point. If you're claiming that you have never sinned or you don't sin, then you're telling God he's a liar. And of course, the truth wouldn't be in you.
00:31:08
Speaker
Right? And so you have to analyze these verses and you have to come to the conclusion of what you're saying, what you're concluding with, what you are declaring.
00:31:22
Speaker
Right. And so that's the reason why I said the first issue is that you're denial. The second issue is that you're rejecting what your current state is. And so.
00:31:35
Speaker
The truth, of course, wouldn't be in you.
00:31:44
Speaker
You have think about all those things. Now, I even take it a step further.
00:31:52
Speaker
What makes a person wicked? Is that you will be embodying the spirit of the Antichrist. Right. By rejecting his essence.
00:32:06
Speaker
Look what John says here in first John, chapter two, verses 22 through 23, it says, who is the liar?
00:32:16
Speaker
It is whoever. denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the Antichrist denying the father and the son. No one who denies the son has the father.
00:32:29
Speaker
Whoever acknowledges that the son has the father also. You got that? No one who denies the son has the father. Whoever acknowledges the son has the father also. That talks about the dynamic of the relationship that they have.
00:32:45
Speaker
So if you deny the son, You don't have the father. If you acknowledge the son, then you have the father. Right. The truth of the matter is you're wicked because you deny God's holy character.
00:32:59
Speaker
You deny that he's compassionate for you, deny that he has love for you. You deny his perfection, his justice. You deny his kindness. You reject and deny his merciful, that he's merciful, that he's patient.
00:33:15
Speaker
Right. and you deny his truthfulness.
00:33:21
Speaker
This is what it means to be wicked. Now, the second half of that definition is that you reject his established covenant order. So you have to ask yourself, well, what is the first established covenant order?
00:33:35
Speaker
And the first established covenant order is the covenant that shines light on his essence, his nature within himself, known as the covenant of redemption.
00:33:47
Speaker
is known as the covenant of redemption and so what is that covenant of redemption it really shines a light on the Trinity right it's this eternal agreement that was made among the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit before the creation of the world was established right this eternal agreement that was made among the Father Son and the Holy Spirit before the creation of the world was accomplished to address the salvation of humanity.
00:34:24
Speaker
Right. This, in fact, was the first community that ever existed, demonstrating the actions of love among the Godhead in a divine action.
Emptiness Without Christ
00:34:35
Speaker
And so the reason why God is so familiar with and knowledgeable of community, because he himself is a community. His essence, the Godhead, the Trinity is a community.
00:34:49
Speaker
How many makes a community? Three. All need is three.
00:34:56
Speaker
And so that brings us back to the full circle to the question. What was the issue with Jesus generations?
00:35:05
Speaker
And so they were wicked and unfaithful, right? They rejected his teachings and denied his identity. As the Messiah, as God in the flesh.
00:35:20
Speaker
Right. They were spiritually blind. Remember what made them spiritually blind is that the religious leaders demanded signs while rejecting the miracles that they were given. And then, of course, they refused to repent, despise witnessing God's power and presence.
00:35:38
Speaker
And so Jesus looked for a comparison. To try to encapsulate what this wicked generation was. Now.
00:35:50
Speaker
That was a mouthful. But that's what happens when you're deep in trying to understand God's word. There are scriptures that help put things into proper context and it takes time.
00:36:05
Speaker
It really does. So let's read the rest of verse 16. And let's read the verses up to 19. So what diverse 16 says to what can I compare this generation?
00:36:18
Speaker
That was the question. and It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends. We played wedding songs. You didn't dance. so We played funeral songs.
00:36:30
Speaker
You didn't mourn. For John didn't spend his time eating and drinking and you say he's possessed by a demon. The son of man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks and you say he's a glutton and a drunkard and a friend of tax collectors and other c sinners.
00:36:45
Speaker
But wisdom is shown to be right by its results. So here is where i would drive it home. The point.
00:36:53
Speaker
Wickedness will lead you to being unsatisfied, unfulfilled, loss of course, without a guide, and lastly, empty.
00:37:08
Speaker
I'll repeat that again. Wickedness will lead you to being unsatisfied, unfulfilled, loss of course, without a guide, and lastly, empty.
00:37:25
Speaker
Jesus is really speaking about people who are not whole. In fact, they're not happy. And so what happens when you are not whole, you're dissatisfied.
00:37:37
Speaker
And of course you look for reasons to complain. And so the example he he gives that illustrates this is a spirit of discontentment.
00:37:50
Speaker
Now understand what he's saying here. We are in need of a savior. And so it doesn't matter how much money you have. It doesn't matter how much friends you have.
00:38:04
Speaker
It doesn't matter any of those things.
00:38:08
Speaker
You're always going to be unsatisfied, unfulfilled. Lost needing a guide and sometimes feeling extremely empty.
Manifestation of Wickedness
00:38:21
Speaker
And so what does it mean not to be whole? It means not to be in relationship with Christ. Think about the woman with the issue of blood.
00:38:33
Speaker
What was it that Jesus said to her that allowed her to be healed? He said, your faith has made you whole. And so she had an issue.
00:38:46
Speaker
Right? Think about what she must have done to try to address that issue. But what happened once he touched Jesus? She was made whole again.
00:38:57
Speaker
And so understand what Adam's transgressions were. It created a distance between us and God.
00:39:09
Speaker
And Jesus' role is to try to bring us back together again. See the importance and the value of fellowship, relationships.
00:39:21
Speaker
Because we once were satisfied, whole, not needing anything. And now look at where we are today as a generation.
00:39:33
Speaker
And so. When Jesus was speaking about people as a whole.
00:39:42
Speaker
He's letting us know those who don't have relationship with him, who reject him and don't see the need to have relationship with him. will remain continue to see that life without it will bring about unsatisfaction, unfulfillment,
00:40:05
Speaker
loss what without a guide, and empty.
00:40:12
Speaker
An example he gives and illustrates is a spirit of discontentment. And so you might be saying, well, how did I come to that conclusion? Well, look at the example he provided.
00:40:26
Speaker
He said, what is this generation like? It's like children playing in a game in a public square that complained to their friends. We played wedding songs.
00:40:37
Speaker
You didn't dance. We played funeral songs and you did it more. And so I asked you to look at this logically for a second.
00:40:46
Speaker
Right. Children who are given an op opportunity to play. You would think normally would have fun, have a blast, in fact. And yet the example says they complained.
00:40:59
Speaker
Think about the it example, he says, music played at a wedding.
00:41:05
Speaker
Right. Normally leads to people having a good time. Either singing along or dancing. And what does the verse say?
00:41:17
Speaker
They didn't dance. Music played during a funeral, I would think, would lead to flashbacks.
00:41:27
Speaker
That produce good and bad memories. Reminiscing. Of the good times.
00:41:36
Speaker
Crying.
00:41:38
Speaker
Happily. Or sadly.
00:41:45
Speaker
And so what does the verse say?
00:41:50
Speaker
We played funeral songs and you didn't mourn. Right?
00:41:56
Speaker
Memories, whether they're good or bad, I would think would bring about a common reaction. But yet, in the example that Jesus provides, the reaction isn't commonly produced.
00:42:13
Speaker
There is no reaction at all.
00:42:18
Speaker
So what does Jesus do also about this example?
00:42:25
Speaker
Well, he speaks about the Pharisees and Sadducees, their indecisiveness.
00:42:33
Speaker
And so when you are wicked and reject the truth, which is Jesus, you're not to be trusted and or relied upon.
00:42:43
Speaker
Biblical verse that comes to mind. Remember what giant what James says in chapter 1 verse 8. He says a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
00:42:56
Speaker
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. And therefore, Jesus mentions the frame of mind of these religious leaders.
00:43:08
Speaker
And he says it in verse 18 and 19. Look at this verse 18 for John. Then spend his time eating and drinking, and you say he's possessed by a demon.
00:43:20
Speaker
The son of man, verse 19, on the other hand, feasts and drinks and you say he's a glutton and a drunkard and a friend of task collectors and other sinners.
00:43:33
Speaker
Right. That's the double mindedness that regardless. Or what was done. By John or the son of man. Your perspective on them was the quite opposite.
00:43:48
Speaker
Right.
00:43:51
Speaker
He was a man who didn't spend his time eating and drinking. But you say.
00:43:59
Speaker
He's possessed by a demon. The son of man, on the other hand, feast and drinks and you say. He's a glutton and a drunkard.
00:44:09
Speaker
See the double mindedness.
00:44:14
Speaker
Let's address the ending remarks from Jesus about.
00:44:22
Speaker
about the last point he said, he said, but wisdom is shown to be right by his results. But wisdom is shown to be right.
00:44:32
Speaker
Bice results.
00:44:41
Speaker
How can I conclude this?
00:44:45
Speaker
Well.
00:44:48
Speaker
Wisdom here is Jesus himself. How can I conclude this? It starts Proverbs chapter eight, verse 12. It says, I wisdom dwell together with prudence.
00:45:00
Speaker
Meaning Jesus is the wisdom of God. It was the apostle Paul who said that Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God in first Corinthians chapter one, verse 24.
00:45:14
Speaker
Also keep in mind that in Christ, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. are hidden and reserved for those who are in relationship with him.
00:45:28
Speaker
Amen.
Encouragement & Perseverance
00:45:29
Speaker
Therefore, when you reject Jesus, you become wicked and you embody the wickedness in your heart. Now, wickedness wickedness can be found in individuals' hearts as well.
00:45:41
Speaker
Let's be clear. This is why you have corruption in society through systematic oppression and culture of deprivating.
00:45:53
Speaker
Right. Jesus does a phenomenal dad at identifying wickedness as an evil that comes from within a person's heart. And Mark seven, verse 22.
00:46:05
Speaker
Think about it. Think about. What the acts of the flesh are Galatians.
00:46:15
Speaker
Right.
00:46:17
Speaker
I believe is Galatians chapter five.
00:46:36
Speaker
Yep. Versus 19 to 21.
00:46:43
Speaker
And look what it says here. The acts of the flesh are obvious. This is Galatians chapter five, verses 19 to 21. The acts of the flesh are obvious, sexual imor immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft.
00:46:57
Speaker
Now, these are the ones that speak about wickedness in a person's heart, hatred. Discord. Jealousy. Fits of rage.
00:47:09
Speaker
Selfish ambition. Dissensions and fashions. Envyness.
00:47:17
Speaker
Drunkenness, orgies and the like.
00:47:21
Speaker
So think about the last time when you saw hatred.
00:47:30
Speaker
The spirit of hatred. play out in someone else's behavior. I'm sure we all witnessed that. Discord. Right? In a community or group of people that you're friends with.
00:47:44
Speaker
Think about how discord happens. Jealousy. Right? Jealous of another man or another woman's resources.
00:47:54
Speaker
Things they have. Selfish Selfish ambition.
00:48:03
Speaker
Things that you only concerned about that have to do with you.
00:48:13
Speaker
And so that's how wickedness can be found in an individual's heart.
00:48:21
Speaker
Paul uses this to describe the general depravity of culture that has turned from God.
00:48:30
Speaker
Lastly, let's talk about Judas acts of betrayal towards Jesus.
00:48:37
Speaker
Right. His actual betrayal towards Jesus to the 30s described as a form of unfaithfulness. And so he was considered wicked.
00:48:48
Speaker
Second Kings, Chapter five, and let's pick up at verse 13. Naaman servant went him and said, My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you have not done it?
00:49:04
Speaker
How much more than when he tells you wash and be cleansed? So he went in that he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times. And as the man of God had told him and his flesh was restored and became clean, that of a young boy, the non man in his attendance went back to the man of God.
00:49:25
Speaker
He stood before him and said, Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept the gift from your servant. The prophet answered, as surely as the Lord lives, who I serve, I will not accept the thing.
00:49:41
Speaker
it Even though Naaman urged him, he refused. If you will not, said Naaman, please let me, your servant, be given as much earth as a pair of muscles.
00:49:58
Speaker
can carry for your servant will never again make burnt offerings and sacrifices any other God but the Lord but may the Lord forgive your servant for this one thing when my master entered the temple of Ramien to bow down and he is leaning on my arm and I have to bow there also when I bow down in the temple of Raymond may the Lord forgive your servant for this go in peace Elijah said now Naaman had traveled some distance Jezi, the servant of Elijah, the man of God, said to himself, My master was too easy on Naaman.
00:50:35
Speaker
This Aramon, by not accepting from him what he brought, as surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get some something from him. So Jeze hurried after Naaman.
00:50:49
Speaker
When Naaman saw him running towards him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. Is everything all right? He asked. Everything is all right, Gazeman answered.
00:51:01
Speaker
My master sent me to say, two young men and from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hills countries. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothes.
00:51:14
Speaker
By all means, take two talents, said Naaman. He urged Jiziai to accept them, and then tied up the two talents of silver to the bag with two sets of clothes.
00:51:26
Speaker
He gave them to the two of his servants, and they carried them ahead Jiziai. When GZI came to the hill, he took the two things from the service and put them away in the house.
00:51:37
Speaker
He sent them in a way and they left when he went and stood before the master Elijah asked him, what have you? Where have you been? Your servant didn't go anywhere, did he answer. So you already know he's lying, right?
00:51:52
Speaker
But Elijah said to him, Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes or olive groves and vineyards or flocks and herds or male and female slaves?
00:52:08
Speaker
Naaman's leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever. Did you say I went from Elijah's presence and the skin was love was lepers and it had became as white as snow.
00:52:21
Speaker
And so what's the point of the example here? The point of the example here is that he wanted him to know that there was no need to do any of that, especially in taking gifts in honor of his relationship that he had with the Lord.
00:52:40
Speaker
And so some people will take advantage of that and others won't.
00:52:45
Speaker
And so
00:52:49
Speaker
understand this.
00:52:55
Speaker
Portrayal.
00:52:59
Speaker
Unfaithfulness. You saw that Elijah's servant was unfaithful. You saw that Judas was unfaithful. That's a form of wickedness.
00:53:15
Speaker
Remember what Judas also did? He kept the money. He was in charge of the money bag and he was spending it. Right. form ah That's a form of unfaithfulness.
00:53:27
Speaker
Right. He was one Jesus' closest followers, but agreed to identify Jesus for a price. Right. Using a kiss as a sign. And so this betrayal was motivated by greed and led to Jesus crucifixion, just like Elijah's servant.
00:53:46
Speaker
Felt like Elijah was way too easy on him. And didn't take advantage of the opportunity.
00:53:54
Speaker
And so I conclude with this.
00:53:58
Speaker
What is our response as a body of Christ, knowing that people are rejecting Jesus Christ?
Conclusion & Final Prayer
00:54:05
Speaker
I would say for first. For first thing first, we need to keep praying for them.
00:54:11
Speaker
We need to keep sharing the gospel with them. We need to keep reading the words so that God can use us as he sees fit. We need to keep being on fire for God.
00:54:26
Speaker
right wherever he calls us, we have to let our light shine before others so that they can glorify our father in heaven. And so we will close with several verses with our devotion today.
00:54:43
Speaker
think it's apropos here. Galatians 6 9 says let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up and so don't give up on pouring into someone who has one foot into the world and one foot in the kingdom trust me if they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior they will look back and thank the Christ in you for doing that for them it will be part of their testimony
00:55:15
Speaker
And again, this points to God's mercy, God's love, his kindness, his compassion for those that he knows belongs to him.
00:55:29
Speaker
That brings me to the second verse, James chapter 5 verses 19 to 20. My brothers and sisters, if one you should wander from the truth and someone one should bring that person back, remember this, whoever turned a sinner from the error of their ways will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
00:55:49
Speaker
And lastly, we will finish with this passage. Isaiah 55, 11. My word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.
00:56:06
Speaker
Therefore, trust and believe that God is actively Affecting the lives of individuals all across this nation. Every single day. There are new members coming into the kingdom of God every day.
00:56:18
Speaker
Welcome them in. Be patient with them. Show them God's love.
00:56:25
Speaker
Be gracious with them. Give them time. Rome wasn't built in a day. And so being active and intentional in your faith won't happen instantly either. It takes time to prioritize God's call on your life and God's call to you to stop certain things.
00:56:51
Speaker
I hope that this message was a blessing to you as much as it was a blessing to me.
00:56:57
Speaker
Thank you everyone who finds time to press play on this podcast. I thank you. I appreciate you. I did not abandon you. Sometimes God delays me as he has put me
00:57:13
Speaker
in a place to educate those who have a desire and a thirst for the scriptures.
00:57:24
Speaker
You know, as I was putting together this message, I was going in several different directions when I started and I had no idea where I would end up.
00:57:34
Speaker
And so I promise you that I am just as surprised as you are to the conclusion that I came to.
00:57:41
Speaker
But I wouldn't have come to this conclusion if it wasn't for God's direction, provision
00:57:52
Speaker
and intention.
00:57:55
Speaker
Heavenly Father, in Jesus' name, we thank you for a patience. We thank you for love. We ask for your forgiveness of our sins. We thank you for mercy. Watch over us as we embrace a new week.
00:58:07
Speaker
Let our eyes not depart from your word, but encourage us to remain in it and make it a priority. We ask you for these things. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen and amen. And until next time, and of course,
00:58:22
Speaker
here on the Truth for the Matters podcast audience. Be careful, be vigilant, and watchful as we depart from one another, but never from the presence of the Lord. God bless, and have a good one.